Samantha Sanders Reigns Supreme at the Hell of the South

dirtyheart

Jan 21

There’s something about the Attakwas Extreme, lovingly (and fearfully) dubbed the "Hell of the South," that has us mountain bikers equally intimidated and inspired. This year’s 2025 edition was no exception, with Samantha Sanders once again proving why she’s one of the best in the game, defending her title in spectacular style despite a rocky (literally!) start to her race.

As a mountain biker who thrives on the stories behind the trails, I can’t help but marvel at the grit, determination, and camaraderie that unfolded on Saturday, 18 January. Sanders’ journey to victory wasn’t without its drama. At just 30 kilometres in, disaster struck when her SRAM AXS battery popped out on one of those infamous rocky climbs. For many, that would spell the end of the race, but not for Sam. Thanks to a fellow rider, Elrika Harmzen-Pretorius, who selflessly handed over her spare battery, Sanders was back in the game. If that’s not women supporting women at its finest, I don’t know what is!

From there, Sanders’ strategy was pure brilliance. She pushed hard to claim the Queen of the Mountain hotspot prize and decided to go full gas, leaving Hayley Preen to chase. By the time Sanders crossed the finish line at Pine Creek Resort, she had not only secured her second consecutive Attakwas victory but also shaved a massive 14 minutes off Preen, finishing in 6 hours, 8 minutes, and 23 seconds.

Behind her, Preen and Sarah Hill rode impressive races of their own. Preen’s reflections summed up the day perfectly: “It was tough, but I enjoyed it. It’s a great way to start the season.” Hill, meanwhile, stuck to her game plan, keeping her effort consistent and crossing the line 19 minutes behind Sanders but a full 18 minutes faster than her time last year. Talk about starting the year strong!

The Hell of the South has a reputation for breaking riders—mentally and physically—but it also builds something far more valuable: resilience. These women didn’t just survive the Attakwas; they owned it, carving their names into the rocky trails and inspiring all of us who dream of tackling this beast one day.

It’s not just about winning—it’s about how you show up, ride with heart, and overcome whatever the trail throws your way. Whether it’s a dropped battery or the searing heat, Sanders and her competitors remind us that every challenge is an opportunity to rise. For us at Dirtyheart MTB, that’s the kind of energy we’ll be channelling all season long.

Congratulations to Samantha Sanders, Hayley Preen, Sarah Hill, and all the incredible women who took on the Hell of the South this year. You’ve set the tone for 2025, and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes you next.

Here’s to more trails, more grit, and more epic stories from the saddle!

2025 Momentum Medical Scheme Attakwas Extreme Women’s Top 5: