Neethling Kicks Down to Scoop Grape Escape Title

After a fierce three-day battle, today marked the end of the third Nashua Grape Escape with young Olympian Candice Neethling claiming the gold medal, taking top honours after a fierce three-day battle with a very competitive field.

“There was a lot climbing in the beginning, and I knew I had to make up time, so I decided to just see how I go and try to get the stage win for today,” said Neethling, who crossed the finish line marginally ahead of Catherine Williamson.

“Ariane had some bad luck with punctures,” said Neethling, “And I realised if I ride hard to the finish, I could maybe make up the time between us to take first overall.”

The young Olympian, who only decided to take part at the last minute, says she’ll definitely be back next year. “The event was great – some hard racing with lovely trails and proper climbs and it’s given me great preparation as I head overseas.”

The men’s race’s third-placed finisher James Reid (Team Trek Privateer), who held off the rest of the six-strong Team Bulls contingent to take third place, was full of praise for Neethling, saying that the race was excellent preparation for his five-week stint abroad with Neethling. “Candice and I are now going to spend a few weeks in the trenches cutting our teeth.”