Cyclingnews - May 2012 by ASG Events

For the latest news visit www.cyclingnews.co.za

Vol 13 No 4

May/JuNE 2012

contents

BE INsPIRED! Our June issue is sure to inspire everyone; cyclists as well as those in all other activities. Our article about Kevin Garwood and his handicapped 14-year-old son Nikki participating in the Iron Man is simply awe inspiring. This is backed up by an equally amazing story about how former Springbok prop Ollie le Roux completed his first Iron Man. Ollie may have looked a little out of place among all the racing snakes at Iron Man – he was almost double the weight of most of them – but the big man showed great determination and got himself through the arduous journey with a half hour to spare before the midnight cut-off. Watching him suffer on the run leg, but refusing to give up, was just … well, inspiring. On a personal note: I also had a taste of suffering when I rode in my first sani2c, presented by BOE. Almost 18 and a half hours of cycling brought me to the finish of the three-day, 250km off-road journey from Underberg to Scottburgh. My sense of achievement was immense, so I can just imagine what Team Garwood and Ollie must have felt running on to the Ironman red carpet on the Port Elizabeth beachfront. But that’s what life’s about – never giving up and refusing to accept there are limits to your goals and achievements. Be inspired this winter and enjoy riding your bike. Even though it will be cold, just think about how fortunate we are to be able to enjoy such a wonderful pastime. Expect great things from yourself!

Wynand de Villiers

REgulaRs

Editor

Phil’s Brew: Games cycling takes a knock

wynand de Villiers wynand@cyclingnews.co.za

In the Bunch: Eating like there is no tomorrow

consulting editor

Phil’s Brew: Robbie the serial winner rides into the sunset

Nutrition: Try a highly recommended sports drink... Milk!

Technical: Wheel may be turning for 29ers

Pulse pages: A performance enhancer that tells you everything

Bike review: Bianchi Methanol SL 29.3: Just the bike for sani2c

Gerhard Burger

contributors Phil Liggett, Wilhelm de Swardt, Teresa Harris, Chris de Beer, Rod Knight, Coetzee Gouws, Andrew Mclean

Pictures Photosport International, Michelle Cound, Frank Bodenmueller, My Picture

Printer FEaTuREs

colorpress Pty (ltd) Ryan Lotter – 011 493 8622/3/4/5

The REAL Ironman

Design

Ollie tackles Ironman

cinnamon graphix c.c. Chris Dawson – chris@cgraphix.co.za

Ralph makes epic waves

Published by asg Events

Kia drives into mountain biking

116B, Glen Avenue, Willow Glen, Pretoria. Tel no: 012 751 4130/31/32/33 Fax: 086 730 3099

RacE PREVIEws / REPoRTs 4

Tour de France preview: Stage set for a Briton to win Tour de France

sani2c: George, Evans reclaim sani2c

Paris-Roubaix: Cobblestone king: Brilliant Boonen storms to fourth victory

old Mutual joBerg2c: Communities real winners of Old Mutual joBerg2c

Bestmed Jock cycle classique: Unswerving Mervyn tackles his 21st Jock

aTKV-Eiland spa Bergfietswedren: Dié Laeveld-oord skitter

Rhodes Xtreme: High and handsome – and *!*#*! tough

asg 24-hour MTB challenge: Oh what a night!

suBscRIBE If you’d like to join our ever-increasing subscriber base, there is no better time than now. Simply log onto www.cyclingnews.co.za and click on the subscribe button. Alternatively you can contact Sonett on (011) 662 2494 or send her a mail on accounts@supacycling.co.za and she’ll do the necessary. The magazine remains free of charge at major bike shops and races throughout the country, but because our print run is limited we inevitably get readers that miss out on some of the issues. If would like to ensure that you don’t miss an issue, a subscription charge of R60 for ten issues will secure a copy of Cyclingnews Magazine in your postbox every month.

cyclingnews May/June 2012

Phil’s Brew with Phil Liggett

Picture: Photosport International

Games cycling takes a knock

we wuz robbed! BRITISH cycling, as I mentioned last month, has never had a higher profile at home. And only weeks before the start of the London Olympics, one can safely say the trend will continue well into the future. It’s so nice to be stopped in public places and asked for one’s opinions of the sport – in contrast to 30 years ago when people told me to “get a proper job”. The recent track world championships showed the UK could be on course to win four or five gold medals in London. But I wonder if the spectators will appreciate the achievement if it happens. It would mean the British riders were as successful as the team that competed in Beijing four years ago, despite not equalling the seven gold medals. But first: the world championships held in Melbourne, Australia, were the most competitive in years. And as world records tumbled, two nations stood out: Great Britain and Australia. They have taken their rivalry to a new level and the final showdown will be in London in August. I’ll have mixed feelings attending – for the 14th time as a television commentator – the Olympic Games. I’ll be working for C9 Australia while, inwardly, I will feel like shouting for... you’ll never know. Success on the big stage means success

cyclingnews May/June 2012

for the sport in years to come. Both Britain and Australia are enjoying a massive increase in participation at all levels, from racing to touring to merely riding to work. I call some of them “new-world cyclists” as you see them riding around on ill-fitting bikes and wearing shorts when the temperature is barely 5 degrees. But we all started somewhere and these cyclists will progress towards a pastime that they are unlikely to leave as they discover the pleasures from riding a bike. Now: I mentioned that the British team would be regarded as successful if they win “only” five gold medals in London. I say so because the International Cycling Union, the Union Cycliste Internationale, have taken some debatable decisions to satisfy the demands of the International Olympic Committee. They agreed to an equal number of events for women (nothing wrong with that), the loss of some iconic races, such as the individual pursuit, and only one competitor per nation in each event. It was an agreement the UCI should never have endorsed. It means many of the world’s best athletes cannot perform at these Olympics because they were born in the wrong country. We, as members of the public, have been robbed of great events, such as the pursuit and distance races. The addition of the

omnium is not seen as any consolation as the competing riders are good at everything but master of none. It is a confusing event that will leave some spectators scratching their heads. This decision has, after the recent world championships, probably also taken a medal away from South Africa. Franschhoek’s Nolan Hoffman took an exceptional silver medal in the scratch race, won by Britain’s Ben Swift. Neither can show their flare at the Games, as this is one of the dumped events. BOONEN THE LEGEND I was unable to go to Melbourne because of the clash with the Spring Classics in Europe, but I was happy to be present when Belgian Tom Boonen became a legend in his own lifetime. The Belgian, a former world road champion, won the GP E3 for a record fifth time, then joined four others as the only three-time winners of the Tour of Flanders and ended his campaign with a recordequalling fourth win in Paris-Roubaix. Boonen now stands alongside another Belgian, Roger de Vlaeminck, who was called Le Gitan (The Gypsy) and never had so much as a flat tyre when he won the famous Hell of the North Classic four times almost 40 years ago. •CN

Tour de France preview

cyclingnews May/June 2012

words: Coetzee Gouws â&#x20AC;˘ Picture: Photosport International

Tour de France preview

stage set for a Briton to win Tour de France FANS and experts are asking the same question as the start of the Tour de France approaches. Could the stage be set for the first British winner of the famous race? In 2009, Team Sky was formed with the singular objective of creating the first “British winner” of the Tour within five years. The initial expectations have been lowered to merely producing a winner, but it may just be that a plan came together for the Manchester-based outfit when the Amaury Sports Organisation, the long-time organisers, announced the 2012 route back in October. The course features more than twice the total distance of timetrialling – 96.1 against 42.5km – of the previous Tour, including a

52km solo effort on the penultimate day, designed to set the cat among the pigeons. Whether Team Sky leader Bradley Wiggins will be the outright favourite come June 30 is debatable, but it is probably safe to say that if the Brit, at the age of 32, does not win this year, he never will. Apart from the Tour of Switzerland and Critérium du Dauphiné in the weeks leading up to the Tour, the Paris-Nice (March) and Tour de Romandie (April) are the most important annual indicators of who might shine in July. Having won both the early-season events, and as defending Critérium du Dauphiné champion, Wiggins has put himself in pole position for yellow in France. He will have a hard time coming up with explanations if he fails.

cyclingnews May/June 2012

Tour de France preview

If he comes short, one would expect his Africa-born team-mate Chris Froome, who outpaced him at last year’s Vuelta to finish second overall, to take over the mantle of principal rider. Froome, a naturalised Brit, may already have the credentials (especially after coming to the fore in the race against the clock at the Vuelta) to upstage Wiggins. But keeping in mind what happened in Spain when he clearly was the stronger, he possibly has another year or so left of his apprenticeship. Defending champion Cadel Evans, who came second in the Tour’s final time-trial last year to turn a 57-second deficit into a comfortable overall winning margin over Luxembourg’s Andy Schleck, is another rider who has been given every opportunity to stand on the top step of the podium. However, at 34, the Australian – a former world champion – was already the oldest post-war winner of the Tour and, as everyone should know, time waits for no one. With Spain’s Alberto Contador serving the final part of his suspension after his retroactive exclusion from the past two Tours de France,

the young Schleck is probably the top contender among those who have a hard time in the time-trials. Schleck, who was gifted the 2010 title by the World Anti-Doping Agency as a result of Contador’s problems, has consistently been the highest-placing climber over the past few years. And he has the enviable advantage of having his brother Fränk – third last year – at his beck and call. Fränk’s inability to finish the Giro in May as a result of a crash-induced shoulder injury could still be a blessing in disguise if he can make a full recovery. These days the Giro consistently churns out leg-breaking routes and the likes of Spanish climber Joaquim Rodriguez, Canada’s Ryder Hesjedal and Italian supremo Ivan Basso, all in the twilight of their careers, will more than likely be spent forces when the 99th edition of the Tour rolls around. A resurgent Robert Gesink could be in a better position after his victory in the slightly more forgiving eight-day Tour of California in May.

mpion Cadel Evans Too old? Defending cha st tour winner of the po est old the y was alread Tour last year.

cyclingnews May/June 2012

Although he won the tour in the mountains, the Dutchman, who is notoriously bad against the clock, came third in the allimportant time-trial. This would not have gone unnoticed by anyone who considers himself a Tour contender. Of course, the interesting part is to watch and see if everything pans out as the form book suggests, and Team Sky’s bosses will probably take front-row seats. If yellow is set for British soil, why not also green? One would think that only the Alps and Pyrenees stand between world champion Mark Cavendish and the green jersey, the Tour’s second most valuable asset. However, the Tour of California has dished up another name that should have the world’s top sprinters breaking out in a cold sweat. The 22-year-old Slovak Peter Sagan won five of the eight stages. But that was not the only thing that grabbed the attention; it was also the ease with which he did it. He will find his maiden Tour a different kettle of fish but I’m looking forward to seeing him take on Britain’s finest. •CN

Tour de France preview

Andy Schleck is good in but will his climbing ski the mountains, lls outweigh the time trialling ability of Bra during the Tour's 96.1km dley Wiggens of time trials?

“one would think that only the alps and Pyrenees stand between world champion Mark cavendish and the green jersey, the Tour’s second most valuable asset.”

cyclingnews May/June 2012

In the bunch with Coetzee Gouws

Picture: Sportograf

Eating like there is no tomorrow APART from the obvious brain freeze that leads to you entering the Absa Cape Epic, this race is all about making smart choices. The first thing to get right is to select the correct partner. One who knows when to keep quiet is a good start. After that, a multitude of decisions – such as nutrition, gear and prep – riddle the long, winding and often rocky road to the starting line of the Epic. But, once you ha ve registered and collected all the sponsors’ promo items from the Waterfront in Cape Town, only five things are of any importance, really: eating, riding, eating, sleeping and eating. Therefore, I’d have to say, one of the best pre-event decisions we made was to sign up for Woolies’ top-up meal. Upon entering the Woolies hospitality area at each stage finish, every rider on the Epic receives a musette cont aining an array of delicacies. If you had been clever enough to tick the “top-up” option when entering, you are entitled to a second. Remember, on the Epic, where most clock in only towards afternoon tea, this doubles as lunch; a rather important factor in surviving the eight-day ordeal. However, I quickly found out that access to food wasn’t necessarily the issue. Getting it down was. The hospitality marqu ee was a case in point – there were those who gulped down lunch while others were simply able to stare at it. I was one of the latter and found myself watching in wonderment those who didn’t find the sight of food after six to eight hours in the saddle even slightly off-putting. My team-mate, Craig, belonged to the first group. The deli sarmies, sweets and milkshakes never even touched sides. Throughout the eight days, I’d been amazed at his efficiency in dealing with grub. I didn’t buy his explanation that “no one feels like eating” and that he too was forcing his down. You had to eat today for tomorrow he kept reminding me, usually while sorting out the contents of the second musette. But I think what he actually meant was that you had to eat like there was no tomorrow. My hunger pains started only when most of the nausea (which went hand-in-hand with many hours in the saddle and munching allsorts on the go) had relented, so Craig often had to wait for me to finish before we could leave.

cyclingnews May/June 2012

Coetzee Gouws

In the bunch

“upon entering the woolies hospitality area at each stage finish, every rider on the Epic receives a musette containing an array of delicacies. If you had been clever enough to tick the “top-up” option when entering, you are entitled to a second.”

Apart from supper and breakfast, the other meals of importance were the ones out on the road. And if I found lunch difficult to deal with, these were just plain impossible. My severe allergy to bananas – quintessential cycling food for the rest at the feeding zones – limited my options. So I would first down three to four cups of Coke and then knock back two or three Energades while gradually adding sol ids. These consisted of, in order of disappearance, Marmite sarmies, potatoes, apple slices and chewy sweets. The fact that I couldn’t get anything down was not enough reason to stop eating, for Craig’s again didn’t seem to touch sides and I didn’t want to keep him waiting (this was a race after all). The result was that I usually left these

intermediate stops looking like a hamster getting ready for hibe rnation. It took several kilometres to get the concoction down and a few more, together with a strong will, to keep it down. Even though I had been battling a cold and saddle sores from the start, it turned out that the pressure of consuming food at a rate equal to or faster than my partner, was for me the toughest part. Earlier I suggested that the Epic was all about making the right choices and that finding a compatible partner was right up there, but who would’ve thought that you had to break it down to eating habits? One last word: thanks! This adventure would definitely not have been possible without the support of family, friends, colleagues and a multitude of other

entities that took pity on us. While those who have been closest to us all our lives have been properly thanked, I would like to use this f orum to give due to the following newfound friends: Cytomax (cytosport.com) – For supplying us with energy and recovery drinks from start to finish. I want shares in Muscle Milk. pOcpac (thepocpac.com) – Now the only way, I found out, to carry your tools and phone from point A to Z. Scott (probike.co.za) – For working tirelessly on our bikes without complaining to our face. •CN Coetzee is a former journalist and full-time cycling fanatic whose PR company focuses on sports communications. Visit www.inthebunch.co.za or follow In_the_Bunch on Twitter.

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Feature

words: Coetzee Gouws

The REal Ironman THE annual Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa in Port Elizabeth is a punishing test of endurance. It pushes participants to their physical and mental limits as they take on a 3.8km ocean swim, the 180.2km cycling leg and the 42.2km run. As if these challenges are not enough, this year’s event, held on April 22, was compounded by atrocious weather that saw weary competitors drenched by downpours and battered by 80km/h gusts of wind. Imagine running that gauntlet, desperate to make the same demanding cut-off time as everyone else, while harnessed to a kayak or pushing a 15kg trike with a precious 30kg cargo on board. Then you’ll have an inkling of what it takes to be a member of Team Garwood. Father-and-son duo Kevin, 49, and Nicholas, 14, share a strong bond forged in part through a mutual love of sport and a strong competitive streak. The Garwoods are a familiar sight at endurance events but what sets them apart is that Nicholas has athetoid cerebral palsy with spasticity and is severely physically disabled. “We impose limitations on ourselves,” says Kevin. “I thought my dreams of encouraging my son through sport had been dashed because of Nikki’s disability, whereas

in reality I could do a lot more with him and achieve a lot more for myself.” When they began competing, an unfit Kevin owned neither running shoes nor a bicycle. “I didn’t even have a swimming costume.” Today he trains six days a week, two disciplines a day, while Nikki accompanies him on the long runs and cycles on the weekend. Never ones to shy away from a challenge, the Garwoods count the Dome2Dome cycling race, the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge and the Afriman duathlon among their racing credits.

od at the A delighted Team Garwo an SA. nm finish of this year’s Iro

cyclingnews May/June 2012

This year, they did the Pick n Pay Cape Argus Cycle Tour. They were doing well until the disc brakes started binding halfway through. “I rode Chapman’s Peak and Suikerbossie with the brakes on.” When asked whether they finished, Kevin says nonplussed, “Of course, we didn’t go there not to.” Team Garwood crossed the line in 5 hours 32 minutes. For the family, their quest to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges is a theme that features strongly in their daily life and in their sport. “Our whole life has been like that with Nikki – looking at something and finding an alternative purpose for it.” From their first jogger/trailer combo, which Kevin could push in the run and tow with a bike, their equipment has also been a work in progress. “I set my road bike up in a time-trial position with clip-on TT bars, so that I could sit up and push and then get down and be more aerodynamic.” That worked well in theory until their first Ironman 70.3 in East London in 2010. They missed the cycle cut-off by 90 minutes. “I was aero but Nikki’s trailer with its hood was a parachute behind me.”

Feature

This prompted Kevin to build a new, more streamlined, trailer with which they rode the 2011 event. “This time we didn’t make it by half an hour. The trailer worked well but communication from bike to trailer was a huge problem and we had to stop frequently.” Team Garwood then upgraded to a specially designed bicycle with a built-in seat upfront for Nikki. “Communication is good because our heads are close together, it’s a lot more efficient than the trailer,” says Kevin. This year, they missed the cut-off by a heart-breaking 80 seconds. “I thought we’d made it and then, to be told we didn’t... I think that was the most devastating race we’ve ridden.” However, Kevin says it made them realise what is achievable with a little more training. After their three attempts, and Kevin’s successful solo Ironman effort in 2010, the unstoppable team was ready for this year’s full event. However, the treacherous winds scuppered their plans as race director Paul Wolff was forced to call off Nikki’s participation in the cycling leg due to concerns for his safety. He was however permitted to do the swim and run. “The swim was really tough,” says Kevin. “On the second lap, I was on the verge of quitting because I thought Nikki was in distress and seasick.”

After getting blown 100m off course, he was ready to call in the NSRI to have the kayak towed back to shore. “Then Nikki said, ‘Dad, I want to do the run’. That was it. I put my head down and made up the distance.” With only 20 minutes to make it to the beach, and battling the choppy conditions, Kevin realised timing would be tight. “I thought of Nikki’s words, visualised his face and swam as if my life depended on it. I put in every bit of technique and effort to propel myself faster to make the cut-off and did it with six minutes to spare.” Almost spent, Kevin had to mount their odd-looking hammerhead bike alone without Nikki in the front seat. “I was cycling in the most unorthodox position and used my sailing skills to my advantage. I was in an upright, strong pedalling position and the wind was pushing me from behind.” On the last lap, with 30km to go and one hour left, the bike cut-off loomed large once again. “There was no question about whether I was going to make it. I put in an effort – there were guys on TT bikes in time-trial position and I was just flying past them.” Meanwhile, Kevin’s wife Cheryl and Nikki, already strapped into his new running chair, were waiting nervously in the transition area. “We create tension and specialise in cliff-hangers,” says Kevin, laughing.

Kevin Garwood tows Nikki through the surf during the 3.8km ocean swim. Photo: www.mype.co.za

“When they saw me coming in with nine minutes to spare, they were jumping up and down.” As Team Garwood started the run, it began to rain. “I got into a manageable pace and just kept going. I didn’t want to push myself too hard because I’d had a heavy swim and a hard bike at the end.” Determined to make the cut-off, they pushed on, buoyed by the crowd support and inspiring stragglers to dig deep. They finished in 15:49:11. “When I think of the total race, how hard I had to push in certain sections, I’m amazed at how resilient the human being is. I thought I was finished but I wasn’t – I could have pushed myself even harder.” Kevin says Nikki was determined to get his medal and urged him on with, “Go, Daddy, go! Faster, Daddy, faster!” “And now his latest is, ‘The faster you go, the faster you get!’” The two share the dream of one day competing at the Ironman world championships in Hawaii, but first they have unfinished business in the South African event. They also aim to finally conquer the half distance next year. “Nikki says, ‘You know Mom, I haven’t really done Ironman – I haven’t finished it, I didn’t do the bike. We’ve got to go back’.” •CN

od’s Kevin rides Team Garwo ki. ut Nik ho wit e, ycl bic ted ap ad

cyclingnews May/June 2012

Phil’s Brew with Phil Liggett

words: Phil Liggett • Picture: Photosport International

Robbie the serial winner rides into the sunset ROBBIE McEwen has ended a career in which he won more than 200 races. Among his achievements were 12 stages of both the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia, but the nearest he ever came to a world road race title was a silver medal behind Mario Cipollini in 2002. McEwen signed off after the Amgen Tour of California in the middle of May. The affable Aussie from Queensland began as a BMX rider of note. He was always fast, even as a young sprinter when he was part of the Australian development programme. In races such as the sadly missed Rapport Toer in South Africa he would win by lengths rather than centimetres. He began his professional cycling career in 1996, winning ten races in his first season. But he never benefited from modern-day racing, in which top sprinters utilise a lead-out train to get them into position for the finish. Instead, he was usually alone and barely visible until 200 metres from the finish when he suddenly appeared to rip two or three

cyclingnews May/June 2012

lengths off his rivals. I often referred to him as the Harry Potter of the peloton who wore the invisibility cloak until the line approached. Robbie’s last win was the OCBC Classic in Singapore in February, where he used his tactical skills and experience to outfox the new sprinters who will try to fill his vacant shoes. His career continued just long enough for him to race for an all-Australian set-up. He signed in January for the new OricaGreenedge team, with which he planned to end his career. “My career really started in the United States, at the Tour du Pont, when we raced against the pros in my last season as an amateur in 1995,” McEwen recalled recently. “It is a coincidence that it is ending with the Tour of California, as I just wanted a top race to finish on, and this is one of the best in the world.” McEwen will now take up his new role as sprinter advisor to the team and, in particular to Matt Goss, who hopes to beat Mark Cavendish in the Tour de France and at the

London Olympics. To start, McEwen will visit all the sprint stages of the Tour de France and then impart his vast knowledge to Goss, explaining how he should approach the finishes and get the better of the other sprinters. No current cyclist has won more races than McEwen. Alessandro Petacchi (176) is nearest to his total. Having been at the top for 17 years, twice the anticipated lifespan for a professional rider, McEwen will soon turn 40. He is ready to enjoy something new and to let his mouth take over from his legs. One man who may well follow in his tracks is Reinardt Janse van Rensburg, who started his season in South Africa with a national title and has now won 11 races, which puts him on top of the 2012 win list throughout the world. Still only 23, Reinardt has slipped under the radar so far, but with big wins in the Tour of Brittany in France, Ronde van Overijssel in Belgium and four stages and the overall in Morocco, the Tour de France awaits him. •CN

Feature

words: Coetzee Gouws • Picture: Craig Muller

ollie tackles Ironman “REAL life is much more like the Ironman than the rugby field,” says former Springbok prop Ollie le Roux. “Everyone has challenges, fears and weaknesses in life. The Ironman makes you face your demons as they surface in the race and helps you overcome them. “It’s one of the most empowering things I’ve ever done. It changes the way you see things.” The burly front-ranker may not sport the conventional physique for triathlon but his burning desire to test his own limits makes him a true Ironman at heart. “Ever since I was a boy, I dreamt of doing the Ironman world champs in Hawaii. But playing rugby professionally meant I had to shelve that idea.” However, not content to

simply hang up his boots on retirement and commit to the quiet life of a Bloemfontein chicken farmer, Le Roux went looking for a fresh challenge. “A guy really misses that feeling when the first whistle blows and the adrenalin pumps. You also crave the discipline and structure that rugby gives you. “So I decided it was time and started training for the Ironman 70.3.” After completing his first one in 2010, and a second a year later, Ollie realised he was nowhere near ready for the full version. “This endurance thing really isn’t me. I’m a power athlete – playing rugby for 80 minutes and running for eight hours is a bit different. So I had to condition

my body for it and learn to train at a lower intensity. “I just started working at it slowly but surely. Became a better biker, better swimmer.” Le Roux had little intention of becoming a better runner, however. “I really don’t enjoy the running, so I do as little of that as possible.” He now trains in each discipline twice a week and counts the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Challenge and Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon among his sporting credits. “The main thing is to do the long bike rides on the weekends – three hours on Saturday and two on Sunday.” Ironically enough, he says, his struggles with endurance training stood him in good stead when he braved howling wind and driving rain at this year’s Ironman South Africa in Port Elizabeth on April 22. “When I got to Ironman in those conditions it was like just another day for me. The great

Former Springbok Ollie le Roux successfully tackled the Ironman South Africa in Port Elizabeth on April 22.

cyclingnews May/June 2012

Feature

athletes aren’t used to having it so tough but I’m just so used to having to slog through a race that it’s not an unfamiliar place to be.” What was unfamiliar though was the absence of 14 other team-mates to share tactics and help him through. “It’s amazing to be in this dark place for 16 hours; just you and God. You learn a lot about where your strength comes from; it’s a very spiritual thing in a way.” The 39-year-old says he is used to facing psychological challenges from his rugby days. “What people don’t realise is that on the field you go through huge mental pressures and stresses, worrying about injury, your performance, the media and the public eye.” But the physical challenge of the 3.8km swim, 180km cycling and 42.2km run was another story. “The Ironman is essentially eight races in one – the two swim laps, the three bike laps and the three running laps.” Le Roux says he tackled the massive obstacle by breaking it down into smaller, achievable goals. “For me, I work in half measures. I know it sounds funny but it works. “A 40km run seems long but you’ve just got to get to 10km. Because if you get to 10km, you’re halfway to 20, which is halfway to 40.”

“It’s amazing to be in this dark place for 16 hours; just you and god. you learn a lot about where your strength comes from; it’s a very spiritual thing in a way.”

And, he says, if you’ve come more than halfway, there is no point in quitting. “In the same way, I also aim to beat the cut-off time. If I make the first one, my goal is just to make the next one.” During the race, Le Roux says he fuelled his body with protein and salts after finding during his rugby career that carbo-loading made him sluggish. “I’m not the leanest of guys, so I’ve got a lot of stored energy,” he says, laughing. “For me, it’s about putting electrolytes back in my system, so I rehydrate a lot. “I also drank a lot of protein recovery shakes and ate a lot of droëwors and mashed potatoes with chicken stock in it. That saltiness saw me through; I didn’t cramp once and I had a lot of energy towards the end.” The swim went well in the choppy conditions “. . . but I can’t tell you how

tough the bike was for me.” “When I got to the transition area, (former Springbok scrumhalf) Garth Wright was next to me. I said, ‘Garth, how do we run after eight hours on the bike?’ and he couldn’t even answer me, he just left! “So I started walking and then after two minutes I just started running and my body said, ‘Thank goodness we’re not cycling anymore . . .’” Le Roux finished in 16:31:40 and is motivated to return next year. He is even contemplating taking it to the next level with the three-day ultra-triathlon. “I want people to say, ‘If Ollie le Roux can do it, then surely I can too’. “There’s so much inherent power inside you. You don’t just want to lie on the couch watching TV. The Ironman is a healthy and constructive way to get out there and celebrate life.” •CN

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from R35 000 Depending on groupset and wheels

Frame only

Frame only R21 500 with crank’s, BB’s and seatpost

R7 999 incl. seatpost and headset

TANK T-WORKS X9 AND XT TANK T-WORKS XO

R25 999

R32 999

Come learn how to take care of all the basics on your bike and get good riding and technical advice. Come join our weekend club Rides. Shop 44, Featherbrook Village, cnr Hendrik Potgieter and Peter Road, Ruimsig

Tel: 011 958 0133 or e-mail dave@leeweescycles.co.za

Feature

words: Coetzee Gouws • Picture: Sportograf

Ralph makes epic waves FORMER Springbok swimmer Theresa Ralph is making waves in SA mountainbike racing after podium finishes in two top stage races. In April, Ralph finished second at the Absa Cape Epic alongside German partner Nina Gässler in the colours of Biogen-Britehouse. Then, in May, she teamed up with Karien van Jaarsveld as DisChem-Britehouse-MTN to place third at the sani2c, presented by BoE Private Clients. In between, she scored back-to-back victories in the MTN National MTB Series at Clarens and Mabalingwe. Ralph, whose equipment requirements are taken care of by ASG Sport, started her season as runner-up to Ariane Kleinhans in the UCI marathon World Cup opener at Sabie to gualify for October’s world championships in Ornans, France. “That’s a definite goal,” says the former World Student Games representative, who missed out on qualifying for the Olympics in the 200m backstroke by 0.1 seconds. “I think anyone with a sporting background has that drive to do well in whatever they do.” The 37-year-old has been mountain biking for only two-and-a-half years, but has already established herself at the top of her game. What makes her achievements so remarkable is that she has competed successfully at a professional level while holding a full-time job

as an IT specialist at a well-known bank. “I do stress tests on the applications, so I’m deskbound and coding most of the day,” she explains. The busy mother of two is up at 04:00 every day to ride and does cross-training in her lunch hour. “It goes like that day after day after day. It’s busy and you’ve got to have a support base, otherwise it’s impossible.” Her husband, Jonathan, and “the grannies” have been a great help with her six-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter. “All my leave is put into mountain-bike races, which is also a little hectic on the family.” The Bryanston resident says she would love to give it her all and compete as a professional, but that depended on sponsorships. Ralph was first inspired to train seriously after her brother completed the 2009 Epic. “A year later my husband got an entry. He didn’t know who he was going to partner at first and then he made up his mind it was going to be me. “So I started training six months before the event. It was my first time competing on a mountain bike and we came ninth in the mixed.” Clearly a fast learner, she went on to take the overall win in the Nissan series that same season. Late last year Ralph was approached by Biogen and Britehouse. “They phoned and said,

‘Do you want to race Epic seriously?’” The sponsors had lined up German semi-pro rider Gässler as her partner. “I said yes and trained my heart out because Nina is ranked 17th in the world.” As the 2004 world rowing champion in the lightweight single skulls, Gässler shares Ralph’s watersport background. The former is also a three-time winner of the Norwegian national marathon series. “Nina’s a lot better than me on the technical stuff. In the race, I’d climb better than her and then she’d catch me on the downhills, so we had a good system going in terms of our strengths and weaknesses. “She knew all the European girls on the start list. She said if we podiumed a few of the days and got an overall third we could be ecstatic.” The duo achieved much more than that and came second on all the stages, bar one in which they had a mechanical problem, to finish runners-up (39:23:38) behind Wheels4Life’s Esther Süss, from Switzerland, and Sally Bigham, from Britain (38:34:11). Ralph and Gässler were 32nd in the general classification in a strong international field of 700 teams. •CN

Team Biogen-Britehouse’s Theresa Ralph (left) and Nina Gässler cross the line to take second place in this year’s Absa Cape Epic.

cyclingnews May/June 2012

Nutrition

words: Teresa Harris

Try a highly recommended sports drink

Milk! LOW-FAT milk is taking a place among the most popular sports drinks – and on the top shelf, too! In recent studies low-fat milk (even low-fat chocolate milk!) was tested as an exercise recovery drink for athletes taking part in resistance and endurance activities. The results made experts sit up and take notice. Everyone knows athletes need fuel for immediate and stored energy. The body’s preferred source of fuel is carbohydrate (sugar), which is stored as glycogen in the muscles. Protein is also needed to help rebuild muscles and repair them after prolonged or strenuous exercise. Milk offers the carbs, in the form of lactose, as well as protein (whey and casein). Compared to sports drinks, low-fat milk – plain or chocolate – turned out to be equivalent to or better for fuelling, repairing and building of muscle. The results of the tests were especially impressive when milk was used as a recovery or post-exercise drink. Milk has other performance-enhancing qualities. It contains electrolytes (sodium, potassium and other minerals), which are lost through sweat and must be replenished after exercise. Milk is also rich in nutrients such as

cyclingnews May/June 2012

calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D, which are all essential for bone health. Calcium intakes are frequently insufficient in athletes’ diets and when the body falls short of the daily requirements, it starts using the calcium stored in bones. Over time, it causes the bones to weaken and become thin and brittle. This often goes unnoticed for long perioids and can result in a condition called osteoporosis. In South Africa, one in three women over the age of 50 is affected by osteoporosis, and the incidence is said to be increasing. Milk is good for muscle recovery after exercise (Consumer education project of Milk SA www.dairy.co.za) Athletes who drink fat-free or low-fat milk after exercising experience less muscle damage and seem to recover faster and then perform better in subsequent exercise. Dairy is an ideal post-exercise snack as it provides carbohydrates, protein and minerals. So how about a chilled flavoured drinking milk or yoghurt, a cheese sandwich or a homemade smoothie with fresh fruit and milk and yoghurt after your next training workout, for a change? It looks as though your muscles and bones will thank you for it! •CN

Nutrition

An adequate daily intake of calcium varies, depending on age and one’s lifecycle stage:

agE gRouP

calcIuM

Children 1 - 3 years

500mg

Children 4 – 8 years

800mg

Children 8 - 18 years

1 300mg

Adult females and males 19 – 50 years

1 000mg

Adult females and males 50 years onwards

1 200mg

Pregnant and breastfeeding women 19 – 50 years

1 000mg

Here is the approximate calcium content of a few calcium-rich foods:

FooD

QuaNTITy

Yoghurt – low-fat

1 tub (175ml)

calcIuM 320mg

Cow’s milk - low-fat (2%)

1 cup

305mg

Cheese – hard (cheddar etc)

30g

240mg

Salmon, canned, with bones

100g

213mg

With this combination of foods you could have an intake of well over 1 000mg:

FooD Milk, low-fat

500ml (2 cups)

600mg

Cheese

30g (matchbox)

200mg

Salmon/sardines/pilchards

half a can

200mg

Bread

4 slices

80mg

Broccoli

½ cup

70mg

Almonds

25g

60mg

TOTAL

1210mg

cyclingnews May/June 2012

Technical feature

words: Coetzee Gouws • Picture: Darren Goddard

wheel may be turning for 29ers WHEN former cross-country world champion Nino Schurter won the UCI World Cup opener in Pietermaritzburg on a 27.5er in March, his victory got more than just a few wheels turning. What some consider the happy medium and others regard as a meaningless compromise, proved itself on the testing Olympic course to put a new spin on the 26er-versus-29er debate. “In my opinion, it’s probably the best of both,” says Robbie Powell, product manager for Probike in Port Elizabeth. Powell says the 27.5er offers the agility and climbing ability of the 26er, combined with the stability and power of the 29er on the flats. “It’s something that should have come a long time ago.” Since its introduction in 2008, the 27.5 wheel (also known as the 650b) has kept a relatively low profile and it is not yet widely available in SA. Powell says it’s not a new concept. The founding father of mountain biking, Tom Ritchey, first mooted the possibility when he built 10 prototype 29ers back in 1983. “There was a debate about what would be best. The 650b option was also brought up but most of the guys settled on the 26-inch wheels for the cruiser bikes they used to ride; so things could have been very different.”

cyclingnews May/June 2012

Technical feature

The 29er is now becoming the norm because “it really does ride better than a 26”, but the 27.5 provides a more comfortable option for shorter riders and better handling on the shorter courses. “It’s really horses for courses. I personally think Nino would have done as well on a 26er as on a 27.5er on that specific course because of the way he is built.” In terms of the local market, Powell believes the 27.5er will not challenge the 29er, as the larger size is ideally suited to the marathon racing that dominates the local off-road scene. “That’s why South Africa is the biggest consumer of 29-inch wheels in the world.” What may happen over the next decade is that the 27.5er will replace the average, more affordable, 26ers that most fun riders are buying “just because of the convenience of it”. From a technical perspective, says Powell, although Schurter rode a hardtail version, the new size is best suited to long-travel, full-suspension bikes as it allows the frame builder to increase the leverage or suspension travel without affecting the length of the chainstay. “With a 26er, you can build a suspension bike with eight inches of travel without having to lengthen the chainstay too much. Once you put a 29-inch wheel on, you’re going to either compromise on chainstay or travel length.”

“with a 26er, you can build a suspension bike with eight inches of travel without having to lengthen the chainstay too much. once you put a 29-inch wheel on, you’re going to either compromise on chainstay or travel length.”

A longer swing arm creates a range of issues. “It doesn’t climb very well, so you can’t use it for a cross-country bike. For a downhill bike, it doesn’t descend very well because in tight, technical stuff it becomes very unwieldy because of its long wheel base. “So along comes a 27.5er and you can use the same design as for the 29er and get an extra 50 mm of travel out of it without affecting all those points.” Powell says there is no truth to the rumour that you can simply put the new size wheel on a 26-inch frame. “With full suspension, the rear wheel is designed to come as close to the frame as possible when it compresses, without actually touching it, to get as much travel and have as short a chainstay as possible for better climbing and handling.” A larger wheel would undermine that

design. “If it was a hardtail and the wheel fitted perfectly, then you’d still have to raise the bottom bracket above that crucial 30cm mark and the bike would be horrible to ride.” Powell, who represented South Africa at eight downhill racing world championships, says the Olympic Games in August will be a telling sign of what direction the manufacturers are headed. From a sales and marketing perspective, he says they may be loath to challenge the market share of their own 29ers, which have been doing so well. “By 2013, all major players will have a 27.5er available. In what guise, I’m not sure, but I know what we’re doing and I think it’ll be a surprise. “It will be interesting to see what interpretation the market has on the 650b.” •CN

Pulse pages

words: Wynand de Villiers • Picture: Photosport International

GPS-ready RCX3

a performance enhancer that tells you everything WHOEVER said there’s nothing new under the sun had no idea; no clue of the fabulous new items that would become part of life in the era of electronics. Take the GPS-ready RCX3 training computer that the Finnish company Polar released recently. It gives you instant feedback after every training session. It interprets what your heart tells you, giving you easy-to-understand guidance at every step and making you train smarter. The Polar RCX3 comes with Smart Coaching that will guide you in planning, training and analyzing your sessions in detail. It helps you train at the right intensity with personal sport zones, shows you sport-specific training data in a variety of endurance sports, and gives you instant feedback straight after your session for a quick motivational training analysis. The GPS-ready RCX3 training computer is a flexible training system. Upgraded with compatible sensors and connected to your online training diary at polarpersonaltrainer.com, it is a magnificent aid, especially for people who participate in more than one sport. It enables one to share your sessions with your friends and to see your training load to help you plan your next training sessions.

cyclingnews May/June 2012

The brand new Training Benefit feature gives you instant feedback after each session, based on your training intensity and the duration of your exercise. The summary, available right after the session, provides you with a quick overview of your training. You can then check your training file to find more detailed information on how your session went. And you can get even deeper analysis at polarpersonaltrainer.com to help you understand the benefits of your training. The RCX3 training computer has a large, user-configurable display that can show up to three rows of training data on one screen. By pressing a few buttons you can make the Sport Profiles adjust your training computer’s display settings to the sport you’re doing. Available in two slim and sleek designs, the RCX3 is perfect for men as well as women. The natural button placement makes it easy to use, and quickly too. Its ventilated wristband is light and adds comfort to your training. The RCX3 offers several options. You can record your route, with the GPS set for a later review. The run set is for those who want to improve their running technique, and the bike set guarantees you the most precise cycling speed measurement.

You can also choose the RCX3 with only the comfortable and disturbance-free textile heart-rate sensor, and upgrade it later with compatible sensors that best suit your needs. The tiny G5 GPS sensor measures speed and pace and distance extremely accurately. It allows one to see your route on a map at polarpersonaltrainer.com after your session. There you can review all your training data at any point on your route. Rechargeable via a micro USB for up to 20 hours of training, the G5 is light to wear on a GPS clip or in your pocket, making GPS easy to take with you. If running is your game, the s3+ stride sensor comes with a firm shoe attachment that guarantees highly accurate speed and pace and distance measurement. The small and lightweight sensor is shock and water resistant and can stand up to even the most demanding runs. By measuring your running cadence and average stride length, the s3+ can help you improve your running technique. The RCX3 can also calculate your running index, which scores your run, based on your speed and distance data from your stride sensor or GPS. Sitting on the saddle, you can get your cycling speed, distance and cadence measured

Pulse pages

by adding Polar cycling sensors that use W.I.N.D. technology. The Sport Profiles allow you to have different settings for two bikes, so there’s no extra hassle if you want to switch bikes. After the session, you can transfer your training files with the DataLink data transfer unit to track your progress and analyze your exercise in detail at polarpersonaltrainer.com. In addition to seeing your route on a map, you can check your cumulative training load, which cleverly tells you when you have recovered enough for your next session. The Training Load feature accurately predicts how your cumulative training load will develop, based on your training plan. You can also share your training experience with Facebook friends by using the share button on the training session overview. “What makes the RCX3 so great is the instant feedback it gives you right after your training,” says Joona Laukka, the cycling, running and multisport segment manager for Polar. “The RCX3 can tell you in detail what the

benefit of your training is, just by listening to your heart throughout the session. This will help you understand how your body reacts to training. Smart Coaching is all about interpreting what your heart says about your training.” The RCX3 is available in four product sets with different sensors. All sets include the RCX3 training computer, the WearLink®+ transmitter W.I.N.D., and a Getting Started guide. For runners, there is a product set with the s3+ stride sensor and DataLink. Cyclists can purchase a set with the CS speed sensor W.I.N.D. and universal bike mount. The multisport set comes with the G5 GPS sensor and DataLink. No matter which product set you get, you can add compatible sensors later. All sensors can be purchased separately as accessories. The RCX3 is also compatible with the older G3 GPS sensor W.I.N.D. and the s3 stride sensor W.I.N.D. So if you want to upgrade your training computer, you don’t have to buy new sensors to enjoy the sport you love. •CN

Feature

words: Wynand de Villiers

Kia drives into mountain biking KIA Motors have announced significant support of mountain biking in South Africa with sponsorship of a range of established events as well as the creation of a new ranking system that will encompass all mountain-bike events countrywide. The Walkerville Classic, South Africa’s largest winter race, as well as the challenging KZN Expedition and hugely popular Krugersdorp Game Reserve Mountain-bike Challenge have already been added to the Kia stable. Details of a new mass-participation classic in the Western Cape are expected to be announced soon. The Kia ranking system will set the benchmark for SA mountain bikers. It will enable riders to earn points in all mountain-bike events sanctioned by Cycling SA. In a grand finale in May 2013 the top riders in all categories will be able to participate in a by-invitation-only event that will offer an opportunity to share in a prize pot of more than R200 000. The final event will carry a weighted seeding in the Kia ranking system and overall age category winners will be crowned at a high-profile post-race function. Cycling SA, the final authority on all issues regarding rankings, will manage the Kia Rankings. The idea behind the rankings is to reward mountain bikers who participate throughout the year in events across the country. In this way Kia hopes to reward riders who support the sport in the biggest way. The Kia Walkerville Classic is South Africa’s

cyclingnews May/June 2012

second oldest mountain-bike race. It attracts more than 1 500 riders annually — in the middle of winter! This year, South Africa’s favourite winter mountain-bike event will be held for the 15th time and it will be an occasion to remember. The popular Kia Expedition will take place on 10 November this year and a wonderful off-road experience awaits participants. The Expedition offers an awe-inspiring route from Inanda Dam, through the Valley of a Thousand Hills to the Durban beachfront. Now in its fifth year, the event has become known for its outstanding organisation. The tough surroundings present riders with a breathtaking adventure, rivalled by few single-day MTB events in South Africa. The Kia Krugersdorp Game Reserve Mountain-Bike Challenge is scheduled for February 9, 2013. More than 1 000 riders took part in the inaugural event earlier this year. They experienced the unforgettable sight of large numbers of game roaming as close as 20 metres to the riders on some sections. All Kia events are held close to their “catchment cities”, making them easily accessible to riders. The venues have been carefully selected to provide the hub of an all-round fun experience for participants as well as friends and families who join in to support the riders. Kia Motors’ involvement in sport goes back to the company being chosen as official vehicle supplier to Fifa, an official partner of the Euro 2012 football competition and the leading sponsor of the Australian Open tennis tournament.

“Locally Kia Motors South Africa are looking to make a difference and improve on the rider and family experience in the hugely popular cycling scene with mountain biking as its focus,” says David Sieff, national marketing manager for Kia Motors. “Kia, as the title sponsors of these events, are proud to be working with ASG Events to provide South Africa’s mountain bikers with a series of memorable and exciting races”. “Our aim is to raise the overall experience for every rider within our race series and give them a sense of the Kia brand and how our cars facilitate the South African outdoors lifestyle. I look forward to seeing you on the trails!” ASG Events own and manage 26 prestigious events countrywide, including the Emperors Palace Classic, Bestmed Jacaranda Satellite Classic and the Bestmed Jock Cycle Classique. “Turning an ordinary day into a special event is exactly what we at ASG Events strive for,” says ASG’s Bruce Foulis. “With our passion for creative collaboration at our events, riders are guaranteed that the events will never fail to be an exhilarating adventure. No event is ever the same; each is distinctive, which is why we at ASG Events pride ourselves on being a bespoke Events Company where new worlds and creative dimensions are always being explored and revealed.” •CN

DaTE: 15 July 2012 VENuE: Lapeng Hotel and Conference Centre DIsTaNcEs: 40km and 60km sTaRTINg TIME: 60km: 08:30, 40km: 09:30 oN-lINE ENTRIEs: www.asgevents.co.za ENTRy FEEs: 60km (R180), 40km (R130) oN-lINE ENTRIEs closE: 10 July 2012

Custom Kia Walkerville Cycling Shirt, manufactured by Italian based company Ftech: R 00 Designed armwamers from Ftech: R2 0 On sale when you enter on-line.

coNTacT DETaIls oF ThE RacE oFFIcE: ASG Events 076-621-1807 or email eventsupport@asgworld.co.za

Bike review

words: Wynand de Villiers • Picture: Action Photos

Bianchi Methanol SL 29.3

Just the bike for sani2c PEOPLE have often asked me what the ideal bike is for sani2c, and after riding the event for the first time this year I have little doubt that the correct answer is a 29er hard tail. I had the good fortune of riding Bianchi’s flagship 29er hard tail, the Bianchi Methanol SL 29.3, and it was, quite simply, a pleasure. With the exception of the climb out of the Umkomaas Valley on stage 2, the sani2c route is not really technical. In fact, farmer Glen goes out of his way to smooth the entire course, making for almost unbelievably quick single-track riding. Of course, a dual suspension always provides a more comfortable ride, but on the course that represented the essence of sani2c, I believe the weight saving and rigidity of the hard tail stood me in good stead. My behind did not suffer too much from the combined 18 hours of riding over the three days. And, with me weighing in at 100-and-something kg for the event, my backside was bigger than most. To emphasise the fact that the bike provides a delightfully comfortable ride, I was on a saddle with which I was unfamiliar, the San Marco Concor. I’m usually on a Fizik Gobi, which I’ve always regarded as the most comfortable saddle for me. Now I have to reconsider. I’ve ridden the Methanol 29er for almost five months and I’m very impressed. With a run-of-the-mill spec, the bike weighs just over 10 kg, but with a few small adjustments this machine can easily come down to 8 kg. It would hurt though, with a price tag standard at R50 000. But for an extra R20 000 you’d have a race horse that can compete with the best in the world over most terrain. Most riders at sani2c had climbed on the dual-suspension 29er bandwagon, with good reason, of course. But I believe it is unnecessary to go the more expensive and heavier dual route. The bigger tyres on the 29er roll over most obstacles quite effortlessly, with little jarring on the saddle. At my weight, I was comfortably with the tyres at 1.7 bar, with which I could never get away on a 26er. At the pressure I use, the tyres act as built-in shock absorbers.

cyclingnews May/June 2012

The author decends down the Umkomaas Valley.

strap

BIaNchI METhaNol sl29.3 By inflating and deflating your bike’s tyres on the hard tail, you can improve the comfort of your ride vastly, and adapt the bike to deal with most conditions. Bianchi’s long-awaited entry into the 29er market has been worth the wait and I am chuffed that I chose to take the bike into sani2c. With the ride comfort that the bigger wheels and frame provide on this machine, I believe you can tackle most courses. Of course, if you’re riding on a particularly rocky, corrugated or technical course such as the Epic’s, or on those of local races such as the Silverstar Classic on the West Rand or the Magalies Monster, the dual suspension would provide a quicker ride because you can keep the wheels down.

I love down-hills and single-track sections and, courtesy of my fuller figure, I can motor on these sections. I rode the Methanol hard over many kinds of obstacles and it simply stuck to its forgiving nature. I also found my position on the bike exceptionally comfortable. Because the frame has to adapt to the wheel size, 29ers are naturally more comfortable. The seat position is on equal footing with the handlebars and it was a good feeling coming out of the event without lower-back pain, which is not uncommon after riding in a stage event on a hard tail. The Methanol comes in three spec options in South Africa. The one I rode will drop your bank balance by R44 999. The Methanol 29.1 is priced at R55 000 and the top of the range 29.0 is R65 000. The main difference is that the 29.1 is spec’d with Sram XO , the 29.0 with Sram XX and the bike I rode was kitted out with a very capable X9. •CN

SPECIFICATIONS Sprocket: Shimano SLX, 10sp 11-36T Disc brakes: Magura MT4, 180mm/F and 160mm/R Storm rotors Wheels: Fulcrum Red Power 29 XL, disc Tyres: Kenda Small Block 8, 29x2.10 Frame: Bianchi Methanol 29 SL Carbon, headset 1 1/ 8 inch to 1.5 inch, PF30, IS, TNET Tubes 26x1, 95/2,2 Fork: Rock Shox Reba RL 29 inch, 100mm travel, tapered steerer with Poploc lockout Stem: FSA Afterburner, 3D forged AL6061 Headset: FSA Orbit 1.5 ZS handlebar Fsa Afterburner Flat Wide, 670mm Shifters: Sram X9 Derailleur: Rear: Sram X9, white, medium cage carbon, 10 sp; Front: Sram X7 Seatpost: Ritchey WCS Stubby, 38.35x50 mm, 8mm seatback Saddle: Selle San Marco Concor, rail Crmo, white/black with celeste line and white rail Crankset: Sram X9 PF30 38/24T Pedals: Time ALIUM Chain: Sram PC-1051

Race report

sani2c

by presented

BoE

words: Coetzee Gouws • Picture: Jon Ivins

lients Private c

george, Evans reclaim sani2c AFTER last year’s heartbreak, Kevin Evans and David George smashed the course record to reclaim their rightful place as winners of the 2012 sani2c, presented by BoE Private Clients, in Scottburgh. The Nedbank 360Life riders took the overall lead after winning the opening stage between Underberg and McKenzie Club near Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and did not relinquish it again. On the third and final day, Evans and

cyclingnews May/June 2012

George rolled in in 2:21:08, five seconds behind stage winners and team-mates James Reid and Charles Keey, who rode in the colours of Nedbank 360Life-Blend Properties. Defending champion Max Knox and new partner Mannie Heymans of Ormin crossed the line in 2:23:59 to take third on the day. Evans, from Plettenberg Bay, and George, from Cape Town, topped the general classification with an overall time of 8:31:33. Stage victory saw Reid and Keey cement their runner-up spot overall in 8:36:25, with

Darren Lill and Brandon Stewart of FedGroupItec Connect-Bonitas rounding out the podium in 8:45:18. “For us it wasn’t important to win every stage; the overall was,” said Evans, who notched up his fifth victory in six outings, two of which were with George. “I love this race and I’ll keep coming back. The course gets better and better every year.” His near-perfect record was marred last year when they overshot a turn on the final day to lose the overall lead.

Race Report

“For us it wasn’t important to win every stage; the overall was. I love this race and I’ll keep coming back. The course gets better and better every year.”

cyclingnews May/June 2012

Race review

This year, they made no mistakes on the fast 72km final stage from Jolivet Farm near Highflats to Scottburgh High School. By the first waterpoint after 21km Evans and George, riding with Reid and Keey, had opened up a minute lead on their pursuers, which included Knox and Heymans, Stewart and Lill as well as Nico Bell and Gawie Combrinck of Bell Cycling-Columbia. Evans said he expected more of a fight from their competition as they went up the first climb. “So we took a chance pacing with our junior team, basically consolidating our lead and making sure we had no hassles coming up to the finish. “It’s great that James and Charles could win today, they’ve been riding really well and deserve it.” Evans and George have shown devastating stage racing form this season, claiming both the African jersey at the Absa Cape Epic in April and the Old Mutual joBerg2c. The two will also be likely contenders at next month’s Trans Germany stage race, which is a solo event. In the women’s race, early overall leaders Karien van Jaarsveld and Theresa Ralph of DisChem-Britehouse-MTN took their second stage win in 2:46:47, but it was not enough to secure the title after losing almost an

cyclingnews May/June 2012

hour the previous day with mechanical problems. They slumped to third on GC in 11:07:36. Overall honours belonged to stage two winners Ischen Stopforth and Catherine Williamson of bizhub-FCF, who came home in 2:54:08 for a combined time of 10:24:11. Next in were the second bizhub-FCF pairing of Leana de Jager and Nicci Grobler in 3:02:24. They also claimed the runner-up spot in the overall standings in 10:57:52. “It would have been nice to have beaten them fair and square,” said Williamson, who hails from Britain. “We put so much effort into yesterday going for the stage win because we didn’t know what the time gap was – and paid for it today.” Mixed category overall leaders Erik and Ariane Kleinhans of Contego-28E crashed 10km from the finish to gift bride-to-be Cherise Taylor and her future brother-in-law Dwane Stander stage honours in 2:45:06. The Kleinhans couple, who finished second on the day in 2:50:42, had enough of a margin to retain their title in 10:08:40. Taylor and Stander were second in 10:23:00. Ivor Jones and Bridgitte Stewart of Crusader Logistics crossed the line third in 2:52:30 to claim the same position overall in 10:47:36. •CN

REsulTs MEN 1. Kevin Evans & David George (Nedbank 360Life) 8:31:33 2. Charles Keey & James Reid (Nedbank 360Life-Blend Properties) 8:36:25 3. Darren Lill & Brandon Stewart (FedGroup-Itec Connect-Bonitas) 8:45:18 WOMEN 1. Catherine Williamson & Ischen Stopforth (bizhub-FCF 1) 10:24:11; 2. Leana de Jager & Nicci Grobler (bizhub-FCF 2) 10:57:52; 3. Karien van Jaarsveld & Theresa Ralph (DisChem-Britehouse-MTN) 11:07:36 MIXED 1. Ariane Kleinhans & Erik Kleinhans (Contego 28E) 10:08:40; 2. Cherise Taylor & Dwane Stander (Taylor-Stander) 10:23:00; 3. Ivor Jones & Bridgette Stewart (Crusader Logistics) 10:47:36

Race report

baix

Paris-Rou

words: Wynand de Villiers • Pictures: Photosport International

Brilliant Boonen storms to fourth victory

cobblestone king There is no doubt about it: Tom Boonen is a superb cyclist, and a credit to the sport and his country. He proved it, again, when he won his fourth Paris-Roubaix title after riding solo for the last 50 km of the 257.5km event. Boonen, who had also won the Paris-Roubaix in 2005, 2008 and 2009, is the only rider who has won the Ronde van Vlaanderen and Paris-Roubaix in the same season. The Belgian is also the only rider who has won all four major “cobbled” races in one season – the E3 Prijs Vlaanderen-Harelbeke, GentWevelgem, Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. His latest achievement reminded cycling enthusiasts of the way Johan Museeuw, the Lion of Flanders, had won his third Paris-Roubaix in 2001, also riding away from the field with 50km to go. “I was not really thinking about these records or victories,” Boonen

cyclingnews May/June 2012

said after his victory. “I was really working hard to be at my best... I was already happy to have reached this level and I have not had any big crashes this year. “When I started by winning Harelbeke, I knew I would be good for the others. When I look back on these two or three weeks, it’s been amazing. It’s my second double and I realise now I am the only one who has done this twice.” He could be the best rider yet on cobblestones, but he is not making big claims. “My career is not over yet.” Boonen held off a powerful chasing group of Alessandro Ballan (BMC Racing), Sebastien Turgot (Europcar), Lars Boom (Rabobank), and Mathieu Ladagnous (FDJ-Big Mat), who committed to a chase in the final 24 km after a larger group had failed to get organised. “I was not really thinking about winning or setting a record,” Boonen said. “I was just fighting myself.

Race report

cyclingnews May/June 2012

Race report

“you have a kilometre in which to bond with the people. It’s such a special race, Paris-Roubaix. There’s only one like it in the world.”

“I was taking it step by step, cobblestone by cobblestone, kilometre by kilometre. If you start thinking too far ahead it’s nearly impossible. “It is all in the mind. I was thinking only about my lead. With the gap at 30 seconds I was trying to take it second by second; not to push it to one minute; not to force myself. It was the best way to save my strength and put all of it into the last 50 km. I think it was the best option.” Boonen’s team-mate Niki Terpstra, who attacked with him from 56 km out, could not sustain the effort. He found himself in the chase group with Ballan and four others. “I was not planning this,” Boonen said of his solo win. “But when I arrived in front with Niki and he dropped off, I thought, ‘OK, I already have Flanders. Why not try to win my fourth Paris-Roubaix in a special way?’ “The wind was not really helpful, but with [a lead of] 30 seconds I thought, ‘OK, it’s also hard for everyone else.’ I was only afraid of a fresh rider coming through, like Pippo Pozzato or Ballan.” Boom tried to chase solo in the final 20 km and reduced the gap from 1 minute 14 seconds to 1:09 with 14.9 km to go. But he failed to sustain the effort and was reeled in by the Ballan group. Ladagnous suffered a puncture and dropped out of the chase and Boonen stretched the gap to more than 1:30 in the final 10 km. By then he was able to show four fingers, indicating he was winning Paris-Roubaix for the fourth time. VICTORY FOR GIRLFRIEND “I was thinking a lot about my girlfriend Lore, who is working on our house,” Boonen said later. “This victory is for her.”

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He coasted to victory through the two laps at the velodrome. Terpstra took fifth place and Turgot was second, just ahead of Ballan. The velodrome finish is the only one that offers two laps in front of all the spectators. “You have a kilometre in which to bond with the people. It’s such a special race, ParisRoubaix. There’s only one like it in the world.” Boonen’s entire Quickstep team contributed to the victory. Guillaume Van Keirsbulck was among 12 riders who broke away at 70 km but he was taken out while they were going through the Arenberg. Sylvain Chavanel did brilliant work chasing down breaks and was also in a group of four who went away with 66 km to go. However, he punctured 58.1 km from the finish and had to get his rear wheel replaced. Boonen and Terpstra attacked soon after Chavanel’s ill fortune. Gert Steegmans and Stijn Vandenbergh also worked at the front to chase down breaks. The win was the 30th in three disciplines for the Omega Pharma-QuickStep team. Boonen moved into first place in the individual World Tour standings after his Ronde van Vlaanderen victory while the team was ranked No 4. Boonen lives bike racing. “I never have problems finding motivation to train. But it has not been easy. It’s my eleventh year as a pro, and there are always ups and downs. “Paris-Roubaix is one of the hardest one-day races. Flanders and Paris-Roubaix are both difficult.” He does not think ahead, though. “The moment I start feeling tired, and not keen to train, then it’s time to stop. But during the past few years I have found more love for the bike. I’m not losing it. I think it’s getting easier [to train] as one gets older.” •CN

Race report

cyclingnews May/June 2012

al old Mutu c 2 rg joBe

words: Coetzee Gouws â&#x20AC;˘ Picture: Kelvin Trautman

Race report

communities real winners of old Mutual joBerg2c SOME of South Africa’s top professional riders vie for overall honours in the nine-day Old Mutual joBerg2c, but the communities along its 910km route are the real winners in the long run. The longest paired stage race in South Africa charts a course across more than 90 private farms from Heidelberg in Gauteng to Scottburgh on the KwaZulu-Natal coast. Along the way, various rural communities run the eight overnight stops or race villages and it is often the local schools that derive

the most benefit from the annual fundraiser. Organiser Craig Wapnick says every community organisation that works on the event is paid for its services. “It’s an especially great way for schools to raise funds.” From the first overnight stop, run by Hoërskool Wilgerivier in the Free State town of Frankfort, to the schools of southern KwaZulu-Natal hundreds of kilometres later, parents, teachers and pupils pitch tents, wash bikes and cook and serve meals for more than 500 tired bodies.

Underberg School, which play host to riders at the finish of stage six at Hazeldene Farm in KwaZulu-Natal, is one of the long-standing beneficiaries. The money raised from running the race village has allowed them to expand their facilities and pay it forward by uplifting the disadvantaged members of the community. The money has enabled the school to employ a number of non-government funded teachers to keep classes at a manageable size and ensure individual attention for learners.

cyclingnews May/June 2012

Race report

“The funds raised during the old Mutual joBerg2c are now primarily earmarked for the development of the lynford Trust Fund, which will be used to provide bursary assistance to needy families in the district.”

A remedial unit has also been opened recently with a dedicated staff of seven, including an occupational therapist, psychologist and trained remedial teachers. The team daily helps children who are battling with barriers to learning, which range from language difficulties to emotional issues and other specialised needs. The unit is not only open to learners at Underberg School but to any child in the community. Another school to benefit from the race is Lynford High, a small independent institution serving the greater Ixopo community. Lynford was founded by a group of likeminded families who saw a need to provide good, sustainable education in the area and a

cyclingnews May/June 2012

way for farming families to remain intact; an alternative to boarding schools from a young age. The funds raised during the Old Mutual joBerg2c are now primarily earmarked for the development of the Lynford Trust Fund, which will be used to provide bursary assistance to needy families in the district. A bus service has also been introduced to transport the children to and from school. And yet more underprivileged children will be helped by the stage race via the Hlanganani Ngothando organisation in nearby Bulwer. This non-governmental organisation runs a daycare centre for disabled children and a crèche for kids from poor families. It provides therapy, meals and transport.

In addition, a team of field workers goes into Bulwer and surrounding communities offering primary healthcare and lifestyle coaching to fight Aids and diabetes. They also distribute food parcels, do prison visits and offer community craft programmes for skills development. After two of the main donors withdrew funding, staff members were left to their own devices to keep the institutions afloat. Now the Old Mutual joBerg2c has thrown them a lifeline. Although completing the race is in itself a satisfying reward for participants, the journey is made even more meaningful by delivering tangible benefits to the communities through which they pass. •CN

Race preview

Jock Bestmed ssique cycle cla

words: Coetzee Gouws

unswerving Mervyn tackles his 21st Jock MERVYN Abel remembers them well. “I’ve done twenty Jocks. Straight. In a line,” he says. “On my forehead I’ve got ‘stupid’ written.” Unswerving Mervyn remains undeterred, however. He has vowed to be back to ride what is widely regarded as South Africa’s toughest one-day stage race. The 154km BESTmed Jock Cycle Classique, presented by ASG on Saturday July 21, is also one of the country’s oldest road-cycling events. This year’s is No 29. Its three stages play out on a triangular course on the rolling roads of the Mpumalanga Lowveld – from Barberton to Nelspruit (42 km), Nelspruit to Kaapmuiden (58.8 km) and back to Barberton (54 km). “The reason I do the Jock every year is that it makes me train through the winter,” says Mervyn. “I’m up at four o’clock every morning to get the legs turning before work. Obviously, I go out later on Saturdays and Sundays.” Although the climbs are challenging, he says the event is within reach of the average social rider. “But in saying that, you need to commit yourself; you need to know that you’re doing 150 km in one day and it’s going to be tough and hot.” The 60-year-old cyclist has seen the race in all its permutations; from the original three-stager to the all-in-one format. “Now it’s gone back to the three-stage situation, which is great. In one shot, it was just too hard.”

He recalls the popularity of the early events, when it was virtually impossible to get accommodation in the area. “Then times got tough, the race suffered and the numbers dwindled. “Now the situation has reversed once again

Germiston Mervyn Abel, left, and smond Hayes. De te ma mtea Wheelers

and you have to book in January to ride the race in July.” Mervyn attributes the resurgence to the new race organisers. “Since Wynand de

Villiers took over the organisation, food and support have been incredible. The race was falling apart but Wynand came along and sorted it out, big time.” As co-organiser of the Carnival City Macsteel National Classic for the past two decades, Mervyn knows what he is talking about. “I know what organisers go through in trying to keep the cyclists happy. I’m just glad that someone has got it back on track.” After all these years, the Germiston Wheelers rider vividly remembers his first outing in the Jock. “It was tough, hey. I remember telling my mates after the first stage, ‘This is me; I’m finished here, I’m getting into the car’. “They actually threw me out and said, ‘You’re going to ride this’. I rode the second stage and tried to get back in the car again. “Then I did the third stage and I was probably the last one but I finished.” In the end, he says, it is the camaraderie that pulled him through. “The serious guys are there to compete and the rest of us just aim to finish.” Last year’s winner, Dylan Girdlestone, of Team Westvaal BMC, is riding overseas, leaving the field wide open for a new champion. Pre-race registration takes place at the start venue, Coronation Park in Barberton, from 14:00 to 19:00 on the Friday. Riders can enter online at www.cyclelab.com before July 8. Visit www.cyclingnews.co.za for more information. •CN

Proud vehicle sponsor of the Bestmed Jock Cycle Classique

Cnr Crown & General Street, Barberton, 1300 • Tel: (013) 712 4214 • Visit www.nttgroup.co.za

Date: 21 July 2012 Entries Close: 8 July 2012 Venue: Coronation Park, Barberton Enter online: www.cyclelab.com Timed By: RaceTec Stage distances Stage 1: Barberton To Nelspruit Via Hilltop – 42km Stage 2: Nelspruit to Kaapmuiden via Boulders – 58.8km Stage 3: Kaapmuiden to Barberton – 54km

Entry fees 3 stage event: R490 2 stages: R300 (2 stage riders start in Nelspruit) 1 stage: R150 (1-stage riders start in Kaapmuiden)

Starting times Stage 1: 06:30 Stage 2: 08:30 Stage 3: 12:30

Rudy Project have custom designed a Sterling Titanium helmet for the Jock, which the organisation is making available exclusively to Jock entrants at a subsidised price of R1 550 Custom Jock Cycling Shirt, designed and manufactured by Italian based company Ftech – preferred supplier to a range of pro teams: R600 Ftech Jock arwarmers: R250

coNTacT DETaIls oF ThE RacE oFFIcE: ASG Events 076-621-1807 or email eventsupport@asgworld.co.za

Race preview

nd spa aTKV-Eila edren w Bergfiets

Dié laeveld-oord skitter DIE ATKV-Eiland Spa is nie verniet as die wenner van die Groot Selfsorgoord-kategorie bekroon by verlede jaar se AA Travel Guides American Expressverblyftoekennings nie. Dis híér waar jy ’n onvergeetlike vakansie saam met die hele familie (skoonouers ingesluit) kan geniet. Geleë tussen Phalaborwa en Tzaneen, aan die suidoewer van die Letabarivier, spog die ATKV-Eiland Spa met die perfekte ligging (en tropiese klimaat) vir ’n wegbreek tydens die komende skoolvakansie. Die oord is boonop geleë binne-in die Hans Merensky- natuurreservaat en net 120 km vanaf die Kruger-wildtuin se Phalaborwahek – wildkyk is definitief ’n opsie as jy hier vakansie hou. Die ATKV-Eiland Spa spog met 300 karavaanstaanplekke met kragpunte en die vyf vierster-ablusieblokke is opgeknap met splinternuwe teëls, storte, baddens, wasbakke en toilette. Een ablusieblok het selfs ’n rolstoelvriendelike badkamer. Én elke blok het sy eie wasmasjien en tuimeldroër as jy ’n tydjie gaan bly. Ander geriewe sluit in: Die “Ietsie van als”winkel; warm, koue en kinderswembaddens; tennisbane; ’n rolbalbaan (vir Oupa en Ouma); wipmatte; ’n waterglybaan én snoekerkamer. Lê weg aan die smulkos by die restaurant of drink ’n dop by die kroeg. Die ATKV-Eiland Spa spog selfs met sy eie vulstasie! Onthou om die bergfietse te laai of verken die staproetes langs die rivier en in die natuurreservaat. Jy kan ook perdry of die Tsongakraal- opelugmuseum besoek. ATKV-Eiland Spa het verlede jaar met groot trots die eerste bergfietswedren in die Hans Merensky natuurreservaat aangebied. Daar was meer as 240 bergfiets-entoesiaste wat aan die wedren deelgeneem het. Die bergfietswedren, wat vanjaar op 6 Oktober aangebied word, gaan baie gewild wees, so fietsryers moet so vroeg as moontlik hul akkomodasie vir die naweek op die oord bespreek.

cyclingnews May/June 2012

Die wedren begin in die ATKV-Eiland Spaterrein en die rit deur die natuurreservaat bied ‘n wonderlike ervaring. Jaers kan uitkyk vir verskeie wildsoorte. Die 60km-wedren vind meestal plaas op grondpaaie en tweespoor-paaie met ‘n goeie dosis klimwerk wat deel daarvan uitmaak. Die 10km –en 30km-roetes is maklik en geskik vir elke ryer met gemiddelde vernuf. Die roetes bied ‘n asemrowende uitkykpunt waar ATKV-Eiland Spa versnapperings gaan verskaf – bo en behalwe Powerade wat by al die ander waterpuntebedien sal word. Die vier waterpunte sal ook onderdele, bande en binnebande gereed hou as daar iets met ryers se fietse fout gaan. Die oord is bekend vir sy vermaak aan kinders en gesinne sal gratis toegang tot die oord kry as hulle bewys van hul inskrywing by die hek wys. Moenie verbaas wees as jy keer op keer by dié spogoord bespreek nie. Bespreek nou jou staanplek by 015 386 8000, ankias@atkv.org.za of besoek die webwerf by www.eilandspa.co.za vir meer inligting. •CN

Race preview

treme

words: Wynand de Villiers

Rhodes X

high and handsome – and *!*#*! tough BEWARE! Before you enter for the Rhodes Xtreme ask yourself if you regard yourself as one of the toughest riders in mountain biking; one who revels at the idea of suffering and prescribes to the philosophy that pain is merely weakness leaving the body. If your answer is yes, read on. The Rhodes Xtreme, presented by ASG and antonapps, is an extreme high-altitude race held in a village in the Drakensberg Highlands. Those who have “been there; done it” say one can’t call yourself a true mountain biker until you have completed this arduous event. It takes riders back to the roots of true mountain-biking: man against the elements, and against rough, rugged natural tracks and trails at extreme altitudes. It does not get any tougher – or any more satisfying! The 2012 Rhodes Xtreme will take place on September 29 and 30. The next week is in the schools holidays, presenting riders with an opportunity to stay on and enjoy the hospitality of the locals. The route, boasting crystal clear rivers and magnificent mountains, presents one of the most sublime off-road experiences anywhere in the world. For starters – on the Saturday, September 29 – there is a 15km night ride. It starts at 18:30 and provides a leg-loosening ride and an opportunity to get into the right spirit for the next day’s main course.

cyclingnews May/June 2012

The Sunday brings a gruelling 85km journey with a total ascent of 1 700 metres, at times climbing at a 30 per cent gradient to a lung-clenching 3 100 metres above sea level. To organise the Rhodes Xtreme is a tough task in testing conditions. Therefore, to help the organisers ensure the safety of riders in such extreme surroundings, entries are limited to 200 riders. Entries open on 13 June. On the Sunday, participants also have the opportunity to take on South Africa’s highest ride-able peak, Ben MacDhui, near the Tiffendel Ski Resort. It is 3 001 metres above sea level, on the boundary between South Africa and Lesotho. Halfway to the top, most riders will start finding it hard to breathe in the “thin air”. That is when they must try to stay calm, maintain a consistent pace and forget about sprinting to the top. Willem Jansen, a former organiser of the event, says the Rhodes Xtreme is one of the ‘’lucky-packet races” on the local calendar. “There are almost no words to describe the emotions and the sense of achievement when the riders reach the top and start racing down to the finish. “The weather is always a major factor,” Jansen says. “One never knows what the conditions will be. It could be cold, with snow, rain and wind, or extremely hot.” One year a gale-force wind forced riders to get off their bikes and push for long stretches at a time.

The routes for both stages are not overly technical. Only tough! Participants will ride mostly on dirt roads and jeep track offering a few technical sections, but nothing serious. Why the Rhodes Xtreme is a must-do “cult” ride The Rhodes Xtreme was first held in 1993, making this year’s event the 20th and the oldest mountain-bike classic in South Africa. Experienced riders have described it as one of the most adrenalin-filled rides in Africa – a “must do” for any mountain biker. The Rhodes Xtreme is the highest MTB race in South Africa – summiting at 2 678 metres on the boundary with Lesotho and again at 3001m on Tiffindel’s Ben MacDhui, South Africa’s highest rideable peak.

Race preview

It is ranked in Best Mountain Bike Rides in South Africa as one of the country’s top 20 rides (Struik ISBN 9781868728251). Tim Brink described it in an article, The Entry List, in Bicycling Magazine as one of 11 rides to do before you die. The 2012 racing format 1. Rhodes opener: Night-ride on the Friday, starting at 18:30. It is a 15km festival ride around the village and a fun ride only. It won’t count towards anyone’s overall time in the Saturday’s “Grandmother” event. 2. The Grandmother: It starts at 06:00 on the Saturday and consists of 85 km of extreme alpine ascents and thrilling downhill racing. Entry fee R2 500 (entries limited to 200 riders) Included in your entry • Customised special edition Rhodes Xtreme Rudy Project helmet • Rhodes Xtreme fleece jacket • Rhodes Xtreme cycling shirt • Bike light and saddle bag • Draw-string bag stocked with ample energy aides to get your through the journey • Well stocked refreshment points with eats and drinks.

• Famous Rhodes hospitality including healthy meals, clean spring water and free beer after each event • Membership of the Rhodes MTB Club for 12 months, enabling you to ride the trails and routes described on www.wetu.co.za • World-class disaster management support, including a helicopter route escort. • The satisfaction of testing your body against the elements like in no other mountain-bike event. Medical back-up Medical back-up is provided by MMC Event Medical Specialists, South Africa’s foremost event disaster management company. Advanced life support specialists and an evacuation helicopter will ensure that cyclists are well taken care of in oxygen deprived conditions. We must emphasise that this event is for very fit and well-prepared riders and not for the faint-hearted. About Rhodes Village Rhodes is a charming Victorian village in what was declared a Conservation Area in 1997. Reminiscent of a bygone era and hidden away in the Eastern Cape highlands on the southern-most tip of Lesotho, Rhodes Village exudes the timeless charm and quiet of yester-year.

Off-the-bike activities, depending on weather conditions, include snow skiing, fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding, trail running, wing shooting, rock climbing, hunting, walking, rock art cave tours, alpine flora, 4x4 trails, star gazing, buying local ceramics and textiles – and simply relaxing and absorbing the atmosphere. The village, positioned on the Freedom Trail, hosts Freedom Challenge MTB riders who stop to refuel on their mid-winter, 2 300km, 26-day cut-off epic Ride Across South Africa. It is also the final destination of the Ride to Rhodes – a 550km, six-day supported stage race in the southern and southwest Drakensberg. For accommodation options log on to www.rhodesvillage.co.za or call accommodation co-ordinator Jill Steynberg 045 974 9298 or email fred@linecasters.co.za. It is essential to book accommodation as soon as you secure your entry as the village has limited accommodation For more information about the event log on to www.rhodesxtreme.co.za For on-line entries, go to www.asgevents.co.za Race enquiries: email eventsupport@ asgworld.co.za or call 076 621 1807 •CN

Race report

our asg 24-h ge n e ll a MTB ch

oh what a night! PRETORIA’S inaugural ASG 24-hour mountain-bike challenge set the bar very high. The event was such a success that the ASG organising team are already making plans to present another one later this year. The race attracted over 200 riders, all eager to keep pedalling through the night. Fortunately, their task was made decidedly easier by the availability of excellent food and entertainment at the venue. What distinguished the ASG 24-hour from similar events was that the riders could choose between two courses to decide which one they would tackle during the daylight hours on the first day. It was soon clear which one they favoured. The result was that the “Dam Course” with its floating bridge was busy for most of the day before they set off on the compulsory “Ruins Course” for the night ride. The 24-hour racing concept is relatively untapped in South Africa and the ASG crowd did a splendid job in introducing it to Pretoria. Hot food was available at the venue throughout the night and free beer and drinks were enjoyed by the bonfire, courtesy of event sponsors SAB, Red Bull, USN and PVM. Bikes were washed and lubed continuously, and free of charge, by Red Hot products and Bruce Reyneke Cycles manned a tech station. ASG have turned Rosemary Hill farm, 15 km east of Pretoria and adjacent to the Witbank highway, into a permanent riding venue and riders can go and give it a bash on Saturday and Sunday mornings at a nominal fee. Wynand de Villiers, a member of the ASG Events organising team, says Rosemary Hill is as good as it gets for a weekend riding venue. “The route has something of everything. There

cyclingnews May/June 2012

are small drop-offs, a floating bridge ride and almost endless kilometres of fast single-track riding. “It’s backed up by a cosy restaurant and ample parking, as well as more than enough toilets. There are ample activities for the kids, including a jungle gym.” De Villiers says the track is maintained by ASG and there are three distance options that cater for all levels of riders. “We have unearthed a gem and because it’s a safe environment it really provides peace of mind.” The event was won by the ASG Mounties team. Their captain, Bruce Foulis, assured everyone there was no form of nepotism involved. The most inspiring performances came from cancer sufferer Graham Prinsloo who rode through the night to finish fourth overall in the individual category. “I just want to say thank you for all the support the organising team gave me,” an emotional Prinsloo said afterwards. “It made me push myself like I have never done before. “Without the support from crew, riders and marshals, but most off all from the main organisers, I would have given up. “My tumours where giving me pain, but I didn’t want to give up and disappoint myself and those who were supporting me. I love you guys. Thank you, I really had fun … looking forward to the next race!” Members of the Vrede Foundation, who look after young people with cancer, came out in full force, with six teams riding through the night. As a nice touch they awarded Prinsloo a prize for the most courageous rider in the event. For details on the next event check out www.asgevents.co.za •CN

DATE 7 and 8 July 2012

VENUE Sondela Nature Reserve

DISTANCES 80, 40 and 20km; kiddies’ rides (500 metres for 3 to 6-year-olds and 5km for 7 to 11-year-olds and a night ride)

ENTRY FEES 80km – R200, 40 km – R140, 20km – R100, Kiddies’ rides – R30

ONLINE ENTRIES www.asgevents.co.za Closing date: 3 July 2012

MORE INFORMATION For further info on Sondela and directions go to www.sondela.com For race enquiries email eventsupport@asgworld.co.za or phone 076 621 1807

OFFICIAL SONDELA MTB CLASSIC CYCLING JERSEY: R350 WHEN YOU ENTER ON-LINE.