The Imana Wild Ride re-launch set off pre-dawn as riders set off from the Great Kei River for the twenty-second racing of the tide.

The seven fifteen low tide called for a very early start to allow the riders to make the most of the best conditions on the beaches before the tide turned – which is only about three hours. It did not take long for two teams to break clear of the rest of the field with Damon Stamp and Andrew Houston setting a cracking pace on the tacky beaches, still showing signs of the damage caused by the storms and heavy rains in May.

It took little over two hours for the young farmers to arrive at Kob Inn, stopping the clock in two hours, three minutes and thirty-nine seconds for the forty-four kilometre stretch. The Cape Town pair of Craig Woods and Oli Munnik were the second team home, just on three minutes back with defending champ, Warren Price and his novice son, Seth, placing third.

In the mixed team category, first-timers Penni and Steven Hirst arrived at Kob Inn in eleventh place overall to take an early lead in this category.

The event has not taken place since 2019 due to Covid and the riders were amped to back to enjoy the unique experience of cycling on the coastline, many for the first time. Stage two takes the riders from Kob Inn to The Haven, covering a distance of about thirty-five kilometers of testing terrain.

RESULTS:

• Overall – 1. Damon Stamp & Andrew Houston 2h03.39, 2. Craig Woods & Oli Munnik 2h06.38, 3. Warren & Seth Price 2h22.34
• Mixed – 1. Penni & Steven Hirst 3h25.05, 2. Jess & Tyron Ross 3h34.54, 3. Monique Engela & Mark Olivier 3h50.19