2013 AVIS Van Rental Paarl Downhill Challenge

The 2013 Western Province DH pre-season kicked of this weekend with the annual Avis Van Rental Paarl Downhill Challenge. Typical to this time of year, both days saw temperatures above 30 degrees celsius, which ensured a bone-dry and very quick track. As race day progressed though, the wind picked up somewhat, affecting the top rider's race runs.





The race was attended by a number of KZN riders, including Hayden Brown and Tiaan Odendaal. Among the local hero's were Andrew Neethling, Johann Potgieter and event organizer Stefan Garlicki. In the end a total of 80 riders attended the weekend, starting the year on a very positive note. As was expected, the elite men's racing was tight with the top 5 separated by just over 4 seconds. Though the first run's times were unconfirmed due to timing malfunctions, the second set of times showed the world number 17 to be on the top spot of the podium. Only 0.420 seconds behind him was Stefan Garlicki, closely followed by Johann Potgieter in third.







Top 10 overall:
1. Andrew Neethling - 01:43.980
2. Stefan Garlicki - 01:44.400
3. Johann Potgieter - 01:45.340
4. Adi van der Merwe - 01:46.580
5. Tiaan Odendaal - 01:48.300
6. Hayden Brown - 01:50.980
7. Devon Katzen - 01:52.350
8. Adriaan Smit - 01:52.360
9. Dane Olsen - 01:52.480
10. Duran Van Eeden - 01:53.160

Next stop, Nationals round 1 @ Jonkershoek.