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Last man pedalling

Last man pedalling

Date: 2016-10-14
The last man over the line on stage 1 of the 2016 Grindrod Bank Berg & Bush was Namibian visitor Otto Alfleld. His ride partner, Andrea Stier, was beaming after her first dig at the event. Otto was not.

That might have had something to do with his seven hour-plus finish time, or that his entry was a birthday present he wasn't quite expecting. The emotions on the finish line for team StierKampf were decidedly mixed, but Otto still managed the universal sign that all is not lost - a thumbs up.

"My husband Arne rode last year and he said that we absolutely have to ride in this event," said Andrea Stier. "I had a fantastic day. I think Otto maybe did not enjoy it as much, but he will recover soon enough. He started getting cramps and that just ruined his ride. The trails were awesome, though, and the single track was great fun."

The pair was last over the line with the sweeps, a funny coincidence as last year Stier's husband was also last over the line on day one, finishing with the sweeps - although mechanicals were to blame on that day. "Its good to be here," said Arne Stier. "After last year I couldn't wait to come ride again. It's a fantastic event."

All in all, the first stage was a good one for the 954 riders at the Berg & Bush Descent. The field is eclectic, featuring a stellar line-up of the best local pros to husband and wife teams. There are tall people, short people, round people, skinny people - but all people who enjoy the warm hospitality that the event has become renowned for.

With the racing and riding done for the day, participants were able to soak up the atmosphere on a specially constructed deck over the Tugela River, chugging back bottomless chocolate milk and other essential MTB refreshments.

Last man pedalling: Otto Alfleld and Andrea Stier manage a smile and a cheers after finish the first stage of the Berg & Bush as the final team, just ahead of the sweeps.