Croeser wins national title

FORMER Zululander Rourke Croeser claimed the 2014 Elite men’s title at the National Mountain Biking Cross-Country Championships held at Thaba Trails in Gauteng over the weekend.

The Kargo Pro MTB team rider beat James Reid in an epic battle, crossing the line in a time of 1.32.29.

Croeser and Reid were involved in a neck-and-neck tussle right from the word go, with neither giving an inch.

The two went at it hard for the first three laps, with Reid attempting to break away on the rocky climb, but Croeser remained glued to his wheel.

The epic battle continued until disaster struck in the fourth lap for Reid who suffered a puncture, which gave Croeser a three minute lead.

‘I punctured just before James did,’ said Croeser. ‘The terrain was hard on the tyres, and not even 200m later I saw James puncture.

‘I waited to make sure that my tyre sealed properly before setting off, but it seems that James’ repair did not seal that well and he stopped again.’

Croeser maintained the lead until the end of the six-lap race, admitting to riding conservatively in the last laps.

‘I did not want to risk anything and especially losing the title, so I played it safe,’ said Rourke.

Matthys Beukes crossed the line in second place with a time of 1.36.57, with Reid claiming bronze in 1.38.06.