Dirtopia Enduro 2014: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Nov 24, 2014 at 4:30
by Ewald Sadie  
It was back to Delheim, just outside Stellenbosch for the annual Dirtopia Delheim Enduro this weekend. As per usual, the race consisted of 5 fun stages, some with freshly built, loose and slippery single track added into the mix. The tree tunnels and hard packed gravel/clay surfaces on stages 2 and 3 meant full aero tucks and seriously impressive speeds, naturally favoring the DH riders. With any event this time of year in the Western Cape, the relentless heat really plays a role, but luckily we were blessed with a cool and cloudy day, perfect for racing.

With the top 5 separated by only 10 seconds over 5 stages, racing was super tight all the way. Last year's winner Matt Lombardi could only reach third this year, edged out by pro downhiller Stefan Garlicki by just 1 second! Top spot however belonged to another pro downhiller, the one and only Andrew Neethling, with a combined racing time of 11:35, only 3 seconds ahead of Stefan. Younger brother Jonty, came in 5th overall, following Darryn Stow in 4th.

Race director / trail builder Meurant Botha and his team did a stellar job of putting together a smooth and successful event. And a big thank you goes out to our prize sponsors:Ion, Delheim wines, Dirt Apparel, Giant, Falke, Brunox, drinks by Powerade/Coke & Red Bull, and of course the landowners & Greater Simonsberg Conservancy...

As a tribute to Mark Hopkins getting married soon, a special bachelors class was introduced for him and the #onelastfreeride crew. Sporting an uncomfortably tight blue power ranger suit and some #adulttoys, Mark escorted Lola safely through the 5 stages, albeit slightly less inflated... An invite only, impromptu, post race, beer induced, dual slalom was held in an open field shortly after, with Mark and his zero drag skin suit, 'easily beating the field'.

Dirtopia Enduro 2014 Stellenbosch South Africa
Dirtopia Enduro 2014 Stellenbosch South Africa
  The usual admin and final adjustments before race time.

Will Matt Lombardi be on the top step again this year
  Will Matt Lombardi be on the top step again this year?

Mark the power ranger Hopkins.
  Mark 'the power ranger' Hopkins.

Gary Barnard s serious face. Always a serious contender for the victory but a massive OTB on SS3 ruined his chances of a podium.
  Gary Barnard's serious face. Always a serious contender for the victory, but a massive OTB on SS3 ruined his chances of a podium.

Lining up for race briefing.
Lining up for race briefing.
Lining up for race briefing.
  Lining up for race briefing.

The start arch at Delheim with a world of single track in the background.
  The start arch at Delheim with a world of single track in the background.

No need for a caption.
  No need for a caption.

Race director Trail builder Meurant Botha briefing the riders.
  Race director / Trail builder Meurant Botha briefing the riders.

Maybe that s the secret. A beer before the race and you ll end up on the top spot
  Maybe that's the secret. A beer before the race and you'll end up on the top spot?

Dirtopia Enduro 2014 Stellenbosch South Africa
  Julien Louw on SS1.

Dirtopia Enduro 2014 Stellenbosch South Africa
  Dale Barnard on SS1.

Mark Hopkins aka the blue power ranger with Lola about to take it in the face. onelastfreeride isthatadildo
  Mark Hopkins aka the blue power ranger with Lola about to take it in the face. #onelastfreeride #isthatadildo.

Dirtopia Enduro 2014 Stellenbosch South Africa
  Devon Katzen charging.

Rika Olivier on SS1. Top lady as usual.
  Rika Olivier on SS1. Top lady as usual.

Dirtopia Enduro 2014 Stellenbosch South Africa
Adi van der Merwe on liaison 2.
  Adi van der Merwe on liaison 2.

Stefan Garlicki on SS2 on his way to 2nd overall.
  Stefan Garlicki on SS2 on his way to 2nd overall.

Myles Kelsey pinned as always on SS2.
  Myles Kelsey pinned as always, on SS2.

Dirtopia Enduro 2014 Stellenbosch South Africa
Andrew Haylett and Andrew Savage on liaison 4.
  Andrew Haylett and Andrew Savage on liaison 4.

Riders taking a short break at the ION water station.
  Riders taking a short break at the ION water station.

Dirtopia Enduro 2014 Stellenbosch South Africa
  Martin Zietsman flying on SS4.

Matt Lombardi racing hard and taking the inside line to finish 3rd.
  Matt Lombardi racing hard and taking the inside line to finish 3rd.

Dirtopia Enduro 2014 Stellenbosch South Africa
Needles keeping it tidy through the loose stuff to finish in top spot.
  Needles keeping it tidy through the loose stuff to finish in top spot.

Sebastian Petersen charging on SS4.
  Sebastian Petersen charging on SS4.

Nick Muzik swapping his camera for a bike today.
  Nick Muzik swapping his camera for a bike today.

From left Darryn Stow 4th Stefan Garlicki 2nd Andrew Neethling 1st Meurant Botha race director Matt Lombardi 3rd Jonty Neethling 5th
  From left, Darryn Stow (4th), Stefan Garlicki (2nd), Andrew Neethling (1st), Meurant Botha (race director), Matt Lombardi (3rd), Jonty Neethling (5th).

That impromptu post race beer induced dual slalom.
That impromptu post race beer induced dual slalom.
  Nothing beats an impromptu, post race, beer induced, dual slalom.

Dirtopia Enduro 2014 Stellenbosch South Africa


Author Info:
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Member since Dec 20, 2011
61 articles

2 Comments
  • 2 0
 It was a Super fun race and Great race report. Thanks Ewald
  • 1 0
 nice) good weather for mtb) here in my country +- 0 C







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