Hilma Nalupe

Hugo Hahn and Mimi Hough were crowned winners of the 2025 Nedbank Rock and Rut XC4 race, which took place at Farm Bergquell on Saturday.

This was the last race in the Nedbank Rock and Rut XC series this year.

In the men’s elite race, Hahn clocked one hour, sixteen minutes, and forty-four seconds (01:16:44), ahead of Xavier Papo, who clocked 01:24:41 in second place, and Nicolaas Swart, 01:31:49 in third place.

In the junior men’s (17 to 18) race, Roger Suren clocked 01:00:21 in first place, followed by Nathan Chase, who clocked 01:05:53 in second place, and Matti Lukaschik, who was third after crossing the line at 01:07:01.

Theodor Janse van Vuuren won the youth boys (U/16) race in a time of 00:54:50, while Dawie Greeff was second in a time of 00:58:21.

Speaking after the race, Hahn said he enjoyed racing at Farm Bergquell trails, as they are challenging to navigate.

“It was a good race. I had lots of fun on the trails, which have a good layout. I enjoyed this race more than the first one at the same venue earlier this year, where I suffered technical issues (broken chain) and had a crash. The conditions were perfect for cycling, as it had rained the previous night, so the trails were a bit moist, making it smooth for cycling.”

Hahn broke away on the first lap with Suren, and the pair kept exchanging the lead while maintaining a high tempo during the race.

In the women’s elite event, Mimi Hough was first, clocking 01:11:37 to claim first position, while Delsia Janse van Vuuren won the junior women’s event in 00:55:19. 

“The route was very pleasant and challenging, and I enjoyed cycling here. The terrain offers different challenges than what we are used to. The weather also made it a great day to cycle. As a single entrant for the elite competition, I must say I enjoyed racing against the junior women. They keep me on my toes, as they are younger than me and have more time to train,” said Hough.

Hough took part in three of the four Nedbank Rock and Rut XC series, winning two of them.

Nicole Suren won the youth girls’ event (U/16) in 1:02:16, followed by Joadri de Beer in second place with a time of 1:05:28. 

Claudia Suren won the women’s E-bike competition with a time of 00:59:09.