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Fancy a stage race combined with a beach holiday in one of the best islands in the world? We take a look at the Mauritius Tour Beachcomber MTB race on the Indian ocean island of Mauritius. Not only do you get to ride the best trails the island has to offer but the hospitatlity will be world class at beachcombers finest hotels on the island.
This year marked the third edition of the Mauritius Tour Beachcomber (MTB) competition, a firm favourite among mountain bikers and thrill-seekers from both Mauritius and abroad. From the 17th to the 19th of May, the MTB brought together more than a hundred participants from Reunion, South Africa, the United States and Mauritius.
The event’s four races proved a draw for renowned mountain bikers including Quentin Soubadou, Gregory Maillot and Matthieu Desserprit from Reunion, and Aurélie Halbwachs and Yannick Lincoln from Mauritius. Other participants included South African Olympic athletes Mari Rabie and James Reid, the latter of whom served as the honorary patron of this year’s race.
The event was both a sporting challenge and an opportunity for competitors to have fun. Once again, the 65km, 40km, 5x4.5km and 63km races exceeded the expectations of those taking part, from the most to the least experienced. Ultimately, Yannick Lincoln won the MTB 2018 men’s championship with a time of 07 :26 :14 at the finish line. He completed the race ahead of Mathieu Desserprit and Quentin Soubadou, who finished second and third respectively. Mari Rabie finished first among the MTB’s female competitors with a time of 08 :28 :39.
On the racing tracks, at the starting and finish lines and at the feeding zones in between, the MTB’s atmosphere was part competition, part mountain biking festival. The event gave pride of place to children, who were offered a dedicated kids’ race this year. "This new feature was a great success. Those competing in the MTB signed their children up for the kids’ race, while their little ones were excited to take part," explains Arianne Devienne Bellepeau, Leisure & Events Manager at Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels. Participants and spectators alike enjoyed a great day out thanks to the atmosphere and amenities within the Games Village at the Shandrani Beachcomber.
"We were delighted with this third edition of the MTB, which delivered on everything it had promised. The event was a huge success for both its organisers and those who took part. The latter outdid themselves while cycling through some beautiful landscapes. The courses we created this year were stunning and the race’s 2018 edition had its fair share of novelty and discovery," adds Arianne.
"I would like to thank the artisans within the Head Office, Shandrani Beachcomber, Victoria Beachcomber and Beachcomber Catering, all of whom strongly contributed to the MTB’s success. I would also like to thank Sebastien Hacques and Xavier Drouin for the design of the tracks and the perfect markings as well as the many sponsors who supported the race, namely; Lucozade, Nicolas, Farmstead, McCain, Bonduelle, Nestlé, Nourish Kitchen, the MTPA, Services 2000, and Phoenix Bev," she says. Congratulations to the race’s winners and see you in 2019 for the race’s next edition, which also promises to be full of surprises!