Miller beats leading SA contenders in gravel race
Mountain biking
Namibian national champion Alex Miller (Toyota Specialized) proved unbeatable on his way to a dominant win against some of South Africa’s elite riders at last Saturday’s Monumental Prince George 100 Miler gravel mountain bike race.The race of 167 kilometres from Prince Albert to Langkloof in the Western Cape province covers at least two mountain ranges and is marketed as “the most diverse one-day race you’ll ever experience”.
The challenging course starts with a 20 km climb from the northern side of the Swartberg Mountain, the highest mountain range in the Western Cape with a peak elevation of nearly 3000 metres.
Another spectacular landmark awaits during the second half of the race through the beautiful Ezeljagspoort towards the northern foothills of the Outeniqua mountains.
The 2024 edition omitted the Montague Pass due to winter rain damage.
The combined men’s and women’s field started together until the challenging Swartberg Pass, where Miller seized the initiative after 10 km attacking, claiming the King of the Mountains prize. He maintained momentum during the descent, racing into the Karoo landscape, where he was joined by a chasing Travis Stedman on the foothills.
After the first water point, riders navigated the longest stretch of tarmac in the race before turning onto some of the region’s finest gravel roads through Lategansvlei. Alex and Travis continued to push ahead over the technical gravel, with Johan trailing in third alongside Arno du Toit from Insect Science.
“OK so at this point of the race fatigue can be a real problem, but the Specialized STR rides like a Hilux drives. Effortless comfort,” Miller was quoted in bikehub.co.za’s report.
As the race progressed beyond 90 km, the gradual ascent toward Louvain took its toll. Alex and Travis collaborated effectively, thwarting any attempts at a chase from behind. The shifting landscapes from mountains to the arid Karoo were accompanied by a slight headwind/sidewind as they approached the finish line.
Utilizing a technical section, Alex distanced himself from Stedman and finished solo, claiming victory. This win boosts his confidence ahead of next weekend’s Namibian national gravel championships, the Khomas100 (https://khomas100.com.na).
Final results, elite men
1 Alex Miller (NAM, 5 hours 28 minutes 03 seconds).
2 Travis Stedman (RSA, 5:30:10).
3 Arnu du Toit (RSA, 5:37:35).
4 Johan van Zyl (RSA, 5:48:23).