Cyclist Erik Kleinhans (Team RE:CM), who started his cycling career in George, held off a strong field of local and international riders to claim victory in the 66km route of this year’s Cape Argus Pick n Pay Mountain Bike Challenge.

Second place went to Japanese rider Kohei Yamamoto (Team Specialized), while Dominic Calitz secured the final podium spot.

Kleinhans, who was also in action at the three-day Nashua Grape Escape mountain bike stage race, said it was a tough race.

“It was hard work to get around the course, with some challenging sections along the way. But it was a perfect way to end off a great week of serious training for the Absa Cape Epic, which my wife Ariane and I will do as a team again.”