The 2024 Glacier Storms River Traverse, held from August 9 to 11, featured some of the best weather in the race’s 14-year history. With sunshine and clear skies gracing the first two stages, the event provided ideal conditions for the 180 participants, both analogue and e-bikers, to tackle the stunning yet challenging Tsitsikamma trails. Though a cold drizzle marked the final stage on Sunday, it did little to dampen the spirits of the riders who embraced the classic muddy terrain with enthusiasm.

Victory and Joy in the Women’s Team Competition

Megan Scribante and Nicola Freitas took the top spot in the women’s team competition, with Scribante expressing her delight at the conditions: “Today was my favorite stage, because of the mud!” she said, laughing. Scribante, who was participating in her first team stage race, added, “It’s been a great event – the riding, the food, and the whole vibe – I’ve really loved it. I’d have to speak to my family, but I think we’ll be back next year, and I’d like to ride the Glacier Storms River Traverse with my father-in-law.”

Freitas, equally thrilled with their win, mentioned the possibility of bringing more family members into the fold next year. “If my mom gets an e-bike, I think we’d be able to ride it together next year,” she said. “The routes aren’t too technical, so it’s very rideable for most people, and it would be great to do it with my mom.”

Family Fun and Newcomers Shine

The 2024 edition of the Glacier Storms River Traverse was marked by the strong presence of family teams, particularly in the Mixed Category for both e-bike and traditional bike divisions. The race village buzzed with activity as young riders on balance bikes and first pedal bikes, accompanied by their parents, participated in forest hikes and outrides organized by the Storms River NPC and Dryland Event Management team.

The event’s all-inclusive spirit was also reflected in the participation of Naledi Fodo and Precious Dimba, who took part in their first stage race as a team. Dimba made her mountain bike event debut, and the duo grew in confidence over the three days, riding e-bikes for the first time. “The mechanics loosened my pedal clips a bit this morning, so I didn’t fall over every time I stopped today,” Fodo said with a grin. “We were so well looked after and were made to feel part of the family. It’s so lovely to be welcomed like old friends, despite being newbies.”

E-Bike Champion Anel Strampe Overcomes Challenges

E-bike champion Anel Strampe, a seasoned participant, once again dominated the solo women’s e-bike category. Despite running out of battery power on Stage 1 and suffering a mechanical issue on Stage 2, Strampe managed to secure victory in the general classification with the fastest overall time across the three days. In 2023, she had already made her mark by finishing first on all three days, outperforming both solo men and men’s teams.

Final Standings and Winners

The 2024 Glacier Storms River Traverse crowned several champions across various categories. In addition to Strampe’s victory in the solo women’s e-bike category, Paul Andries de Vos emerged as the fastest solo men’s e-biker. The MTB Goats, composed of Paul Serrao and Eckhard Visser, won the men’s team race, while Cobus Potgieter and Midee Buizer, of Potties, took the top spot in the Mixed Team category. Liezel van Niekerk and Herman Hattingh were the champions in the solo women’s and men’s categories, respectively, and #Sheovita’s Freitas and Scribante were crowned women’s team champions.

Full Results

Women’s Teams General Classification | After Stage 3:

1. #Sheovita: Nicola Freitas & Megan Scribante (6:53:59)
2. Swans Agrofors: Yolande & Chantel de Villiers (7:26:01)
3. Skud Skud Daai Bene: Iliska Verwey & Tanja Schutte (8:21:00)

Men’s Teams General Classification | After Stage 3:

1. MTB Goats: Paul Serrao & Eckhard Visser (7:00:17)
2. Not Here To Find Spiders: Roelof Schutte & Janos Kaszas (7:32:43)
3. Double Trouble: Jacques Steenkamp & Marais Pienaar (8:05:22)

Mixed Teams General Classification | After Stage 3:

1. Potties: Cobus Potgieter & Midee Buizer (7:30:13)
2. Chemchamp Africa: Biance Bekker & Daniel Tenner (7:53:56)
3. Invicta Mixed: Gerhard Luther Hattingh & Elizma Kock (7:58:31)

Solo Women General Classification | After Stage 3:

1. Liezel van Niekerk (8:31:02)
2. Brigitte Aubery (10:34:46)
3. Tanya Hill (11:23:50)

Solo Men General Classification | After Stage 3:

1. Herman Hattingh (6:40:40)
2. Hardus Jansen van Rensburg (6:40:57)
3. JN Smit (6:44:25)

Solo Women’s e-bike | After Stage 3:

1. Anel Strampe (5:38:28)
2. Ciske Turner (6:46:37)
3. Wendy Coetzer (9:22:55)

Solo Men’s e-bike | After Stage 3:

1. Paul Andries de Vos (5:42:22)
2. David Schalk Pienaar (7:29:29)
3. Roy Hirsch (7:46:44)

Mountain biking fans can revisit the action by following the Storms River Traverse on Facebook and Instagram, or by visiting www.stormsrivertraverse.co.za for more information and full results.