The final stage of the 2019 BUCO Dr Evil Classic concluded three fantastic days of mountain biking with a singletrack packed stage around the Cairnbrogie and Harkerville trails on Saturday, 21 September. Matthew Leppan sprinted to his second stage victory of the race, holding off Martin Schuttertt; who wrapped-up the overall title. In the solo women’s race Nicky Giliomee completed the perfect hattrick of wins to comprehensively secure general classification honours.

Matthew Leppan sprinted to stage victory, beating overall race winner Martin Schuttertt, for the second day in a row on the final stage of the BUCO Dr Evil Classic. Photo by Maryann Shaw.

Leppan, returning to the trails where he raced in the Spur School’s League event just a few weeks ago, was again too quick in the final for Schuttertt. The young rider from Plettenberg Bay led into the final singletrack; after the men’s team stage winners, Kevin Evans and Shannon Frost had done much of the work throughout the first 45 kilometres. Utilising the knowledge of the trails Leppan was able to get the jump on the rest of the lead group, which also included Neil Clarke and Johan Labuschange, and sprint unimpeded to stage victory.

The final solo women’s podium at the BUCO Dr Evil Classic was featured Nicky Giliomee (centre), Nikki Biesheuvel (second from left) and Louise Ferreira (second from right). Photo by Oakpics.com.

“Joh, I felt my legs today! It was super hard” Leppan grinned on the finish line at Cairnbrogie. The Bike Shop rider then added: “I was happy with the singletrack run into the finish. I know the trails, so I knew where I had to position myself to contest the win. It’s unbelievable to be able to take two stage wins over a rider like Martin [Schuttertt]”.

After receiving a high five in congratulations from Leppan, the overall victor at the 2019 BUCO Dr Evil Classic, Schuttertt said: “The general classification was the most important. I didn’t take any risks today. I had a safe ride and it feels great to take the victory back to the Netherlands.”

“To be honest this last stage was awesome” the KMC Mountain Bike Team manager added. “Really great trails and really great views. I really liked it!” “Overall what I enjoyed about the BUCO Dr Evil Classic is that the stages aren’t so long. You are finished quite early as a result, which gives you time to enjoy the good food and socialise with your fellow riders. Then in the afternoons you can relax and enjoy beautiful Plettenberg Bay” the well-travelled Hollander enthused.

Jean Hubert won a SCOTT Spark 930 in the BUCO Dr Evil Classic lucky-draw competition. Photo by Oakpics.com.

While the sights and riding of the BUCO Dr Evil Classic may be new to Schuttertt they are still as appealing to Knysna’s women’s race winner. She has taken part in the race before and frequently rode the Harkerville trails in particular while at school in Knysna. Now working in Stellenbosch Giliomee only returns for long weekends and holidays to her parent’s Garden Route home, but she’s remains as in love with the scenery as ever.

“It was such a beautiful race” the Seattle Coffee Co rider smiled after receiving her finishers’ medal. “In the last singletrack along the coast I completely backed off and took it all in. It was the most amazing trail I think I’ve ever ridden” she praised of the Cairnbrogie singletrack, built by Andrew Hill.

Mountain bikers who took part in the 2019 BUCO Dr Evil Classic and those who suffered extreme envy, at missing out this year, can claim one of the limited early bird entries for the 2020 event on Monday, 23 September. These entries open at 12:00 and if you did not take part in the 2019 race, to register your interest in the 2020 edition email Zandile Meneses at zandile@drevilclassic.com.

Meanwhile, to relive all the action from this year’s BUCO Dr Evil Classic mountain biking fans can follow @DrEvilClassic on Twitter or @drevilclassic on Instagram, as well as like the Dr Evil Classic Facebook page. The 2020 race will take place from the 17th to the 19th of September next year.

The final BUCO Dr Evil Classic podium featured Martin Schuttertt (second from right) and Matthew Leppan (second from left) while Zack van der Merwe (absent) moved up onto the podium after Siphe Ncapayi had a mechanical. Photo by Oakpics.com.

2019 BUCO Dr Evil Classic General Classification Results

Solo Men

  1. Martin Schuttertt (06:45:17)
  2. Matthew Leppan (06:51:36)
  3. Zack van der Merwe (07:08:57)

Solo Women

  1. Nicky Giliomee (07:43:55)
  2. Nikki Biesheuvel (08:24:53)
  3. Louise Ferreira (08:42:02)

Men’s Team

  1. S&J Hiring: Neil & Johan (06:55:45)
  2. Bike Shop: Kevin & Shannon (06:58:11)
  3. Bosman Bros: Jaco & Cecil (07:46:46)

Kim Voller and Desiree Lee take a finish line selfie after completing the 2019 BUCO Dr Evil Classic. Photo by Oakpics.com.

Women’s Teams

  1. Feather Brookies: Judith & Annelie (11:38:02)
  2. MTB App: Kim & Desiree (12:30:21)

Mixed Teams

  1. Abercrombie Fitch: Gerard & Elizma (08:49:58)
  2. Just Lose It: Greg & Jade (09:13:48)
  3. Orange House: Annamarie & Darryl (09:17:53)

eBike

  1. Greg Ritz (05:44:22)

For the full results from the BUCO Dr Evil Classic please visit www.drevilclassic.com.

The best riding was saved for last in the 2019 BUCO Dr Evil Classic. Photo by Oakpics.com.