🚴‍♂️ MTB FUN AT MERENSKY AGRICULTURAL ACADEMY 🚴‍♀️
Tzaneen – 7 May 2025

What an exhilarating day it was at Merensky Agricultural Academy as our brand-new MTB (mountain bike) course was officially put to the test! A total of 56 enthusiastic young riders, ranging from pre-primary to high school learners, tested their skills on the new track, and what a ride it was!

The Plasies were honoured to welcome professional cyclists Jan Withaar and Alan Gordon from the Insect Science Team, who added extra excitement to the day. Their presence inspired the young riders as they tackled the course’s obstacles and challenges with energy and determination.

Schools from across the region joined in the fun, creating a vibrant atmosphere of sportsmanship, teamwork, and sheer enjoyment. It was a beautiful display of community spirit, with learners of all ages and backgrounds united by their love of cycling.

🎁 Prizes were handed out to eager participants, but the biggest reward of the day was the joy and pride reflected on every young rider’s face.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to the success of this event — the learners, teachers, guests, organisers, and especially Alan Gordon, Jan Withaar, and the entire Insect Science Team for their unwavering support and enthusiasm.

Here’s to many more biking adventures on Plasie soil! 💙 

FOURTH LIMPOPO MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIP AT STANFORD LAKE
Stanford Lake College – 10 May 2025

Merensky Agricultural Academy’s mountain bikers delivered excellent performances on Saturday, 10 May, during the Limpopo Provincial Championships for XCO (Cross-Country Olympic) and XCC (Short Track Cross-Country), hosted at Stanford Lake College.

The Plasie team tackled the challenging routes with determination and technical skill, earning medals and securing top-5 positions in several divisions.

Highlights of the day include:

🔹 Sophia van Wyk impressed the crowd by claiming a golden double in the Junior Women division. She was crowned Limpopo Champion in both XCO and XCC – a remarkable achievement.

🔹 Elrick Opperman, competing in the Youth Men category, finished 5th in XCC and 4th in XCO.

🔹 Wernich Steyn secured his place among the top 5 riders in the Junior Men category with a 5th place in XCC and a 4th place in XCO.

🔹 Ziante Steyn finished 4th in both the XCC and XCO events in the Youth Women category.

Congratulations to each Plasie participant on their results – you proudly wore the blue and gold!

🟦 PLASIES SHOW THEIR METTLE AT MIAMI MAGOEBASKLOOF MTB CHALLENGE
Magoebaskloof – 21 June 2025

On Saturday, 21 June, Merensky Agricultural Academy’s mountain bikers took on the challenge of the renowned Miami Magoebaskloof MTB Challenge – a popular race that attracts participants from across the region.

The Plasies competed in various divisions over the 35 km and 50 km routes, achieving excellent results:

🔹 Altus Willemse – 35 km
• Sub-junior boys: 4th
• Overall: 4th

🔹 Roald Wentzel – 35 km
• Youth boys: 1st
• Overall: 1st

🔹 Elrick Opperman – 50 km
• Youth men: 3rd
• Overall: 9th

🔹 Joshua Robertson – 50 km
• Youth men: 2nd
• Overall: 7th

🔹 Wernich Steyn – 50 km
• Junior boys: 5th
• Overall: 5th

🔹 Ziante Steyn – 50 km
• Youth girls: 4th
• Overall: 6th

🔹 Marnu Lamprecht – 35 km
• Age group: 1st
• Overall: 5th

👏 Merensky is proud of every participant who displayed commitment and determination on the demanding mountain trails of Magoebaskloof!