Jeffreys Bay – The trails may have changed, but the spirit of the J-Bay Wind Farm MTB Classic & Trail Run remained as strong as ever on 19 July, as over 500 athletes took to the rugged beauty of the Eastern Cape.
Set against the backdrop of the iconic J-Bay Surf Festival, this 10th edition once again proved why the event remains a firm favourite on the calendar.
This year’s route was adapted to support local farming communities and safeguard livestock amid ongoing precautions around Foot and Mouth Disease.
While the course avoided direct access to the Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm, it still offered the sweeping views and natural beauty that have become synonymous with the event.
In the women’s 60km mountain bike race, Kelsey van Schoor delivered a commanding performance to secure first place — repeating her 2023 win.
Storm Semple (17) took top honours in the men’s race with an impressive time of 2 hours and 7 seconds, marking a standout performance for the young rider.
In the trail running category, Marike van Renssen and Divan du Plooy crossed the line first in the 10km women’s and men’s divisions, respectively, navigating the terrain with skill and determination.
Speaking on behalf of the event’s long-standing sponsor, Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm, Site Manager, Otto Fourie, said, “It’s always a privilege to support this event, which brings people together through sport and shared values. While we couldn’t welcome participants onto the wind farm this year, we fully support the necessary steps taken to protect the region’s agricultural livelihoods. The turnout and enthusiasm we saw on the day speak volumes about the strength and unity of this community.”
As the dust settles on another successful edition, the J-Bay Wind Farm MTB Classic & Trail Run continues to highlight what makes the region — and its people — so special: resilience, connection, and a deep appreciation for nature and community.
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