Cyclingnews January 2014

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

Vol 15 No 1

JANUARY 2014

Bestmed Tour de Boland

BREATHTAKING RIDE IN CYCLING PARADISE Altitude training

BENEFITS OF GETTING HIGH ON YOUR BIKE MTN-QHUBEKA RIDERS READY TO MAKE HISTORY

First dual-suspension Dogma hits SA

UPPING

THE ANTE RACE PREVIEWS • Bestmed Tour de Boland • Tyger Valley College Mountain Bike Challenge • Action Ford Berge en Dale Classic

CONTENTS

PAGE 10: LOUIS MEINTJES ANSWERS

20 QUESTIONS

REGULARS

2

From the Editor: Boland roads are simply irresistible

7

Phil’s Brew: What a good year we had! But there’s more to be done

Editor Wynand de Villiers wynand@cyclingnews.co.za

Consulting editor Gerhard Burger

18

Pulse pages: Benefits of getting high on your bike

20

Product Feature: First dual-suspension Dogma hits SA

22

Product Feature: It’s in the bag – saddle and all

FEATURES

Contributors Phil Liggett, Coetzee Gouws, Andrew Mclean

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

Design

10

Louis Meintjes answers 20 questions: Under-23 champ shares his feelings and ideals

15

Waylon remains determined to make a few more marks

Printer

24

MTN-Qhubeka riders ready to make history

Colorpress Pty (Ltd) Ryan Lotter – 011 493 8622/3/4/5

26

Legends of the Pedal: Cycling’s Piano Man hit high notes on the track

Advertising

Bell rings changes with MTN Series win

email advertising@cyclingnews.co.za or phone 083 269 7659

31

RACE REVIEWS

32

The story of Wines 2 Whales 2013

Cinnamon Graphix C.C. Chris Dawson – chris@cgraphix.co.za

Published by ASG Events 116B, Glen Avenue, Willow Glen, Pretoria.

Tel no: 012 751 4130/31/32/33 Fax: 086 730 3099

RACE PREVIEWS

4

Bestmed Tour de Boland: Breathtaking ride in Cycling Paradise

34

Action Ford Berge en Dale Classic: New venue for West Rand’s biggest race

36

Tyger Valley College Mountain Bike Challenge: Sheer cycling enjoyment on a fast, flowing route

Cyclingnews January 2014

01

FROM THE EDITOR

Boland roads are simply irresistible Having moved to Paarl at the end of last year I’m looking forward to getting back on my road bicycle on the beautiful roads of the Boland and rekindle the love I had for the thin-wheeled machine with which I grew up.

After living in Ruimsig on the West Rand for the past 15 years and presenting the Pennypinchers Silverstar Mountain Bike Challenge for seven of those years, I migrated to, almost exclusively, riding my mountain bike over the past three years.

But in the Boland the roads are simply just too good and the scenery too beautiful to pass over the opportunity of getting back on the road bike.

The annual Bestmed Tour de Boland, which this year caters, for the first time, for amateurs as well as pros, takes place on these roads and it’s through this event that I fell in love with this part of the country, so much that I decided to move here.

Coming from Ruimsig, which has become known as a hub of road cycling, I’m looking forward to the slightly quieter roads around Paarl, Franschhoek, Wellington and Worcester.

For those who have not experienced the beauty of this area, get your entry in for the 4-stage Bestmed Tour de Boland, which takes place in the week preceding the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour. You won’t regret it!

Wynand de Villiers

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Cyclingnews January 2013

RACE PREVIEW

Words: Wynand de Villiers • Picture: Wayne Hayward

Bestmed Tour de Boland

Breathtaking ride in Cycling Paradise DATE 4 – 7 March 2014

VENUE Boland region

ENTRY FEES R1 300 per rider

ONLINE ENTRIES www.cycleevents.co.za

MORE INFORMATION For further information email eventsupport@asgworld.co.za or phone 076 621 1807

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Cyclingnews January 2013

BEAUTIFUL CYCLING ROADS, spectacular valleys and breathtaking mountain passes await riders who enter for the irresistible Bestmed Tour de Boland.

The event takes place from March 4 to 7, the week before the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour. And this year it caters for all Cycling SA categories as well as riders in the open/seeded fun ride classes.

The four-day experience offers a tour of almost the entire Boland region, stretching from the picturesque Stellenbosch and Franschhoek valleys, through Paarl and Wellington to the Swartland, Riebeek Valley and Tulbagh.

The impressive Le Pommier Restaurant on Helshoogte will play host to the riders and other role players, being the venue for registration, the first and second stages and prize giving.

The tour has three fully fledged road stages. It opens with a 21km time trial and ends at the top of a major pass, a spectacular finish to one of South Africa’s surviving multiday stage races for road cyclists.

The best place to ride your bike The Boland region offers some of the finest tarred roads in South Africa, in the most beautiful setting and calm traffic areas, adding up to an unequalled road-riding experience.

For the Tour de Boland all traffic intersections will be marshalled by Drakenstein Traffic Dept, Boland Cycling and ASG marshals.

On-road support will include neutral service vehicles and medical support by Helivac Event Medical Specialists.

Excellent water points along the route will be manned by schools and charity organisations.

RACE PREVIEW

Fees and other facts Entry for the event is R1 300 per rider and the race offers: • Special Bestmed finisher’s trophies • A tog bag shuttle service on stages 2, 3 and 4 • Goody bag with High 5 nutritional supplements and other rider aids • Free Tour de Boland Fleece Jacket • Well-stocked water points and wonderful local hospitality • Neutral service vehicles • Well-marshalled roads • Excellent race control • R30 000 prize money!

The route The route takes cyclists through Franschhoek, Paarl, Wellington, Tulbagh, Moorreesburg, Piketberg and the Riebeek Valley. Riders will traverse some of the best-known passes in the area, including Helshoogte, Bainskloof, Botmaskloof, Nuwekloof and Franschhoek – a true road rider’s challenge but in a cycling paradise.

Accommodation Riders must book their own accommodation

for the duration of the event. For details of the options email info@cyclingacademy.co.za Format • Cash prizes for top five overall, elite men and women, on GC. • Cash prizes for top three overall in all licensed veteran categories.

• No cash prizes for open and seeded riders but those who complete the entire event in the allotted time will receive a commemorative trophy.

• Prizes for top three elite men’s teams – best four riders in a team to count and no more than six riders per elite team to enter • Daily elite awards presentation within ten minutes of first riders finishing.

• No daily presentations for licensed veterans and women.

• All stage winners in women’s and veteran’s categories will be honoured in the final prize giving.

Registration • Le Pommier (on Helshoogte) – Monday March 3 from 14:00 to 18:00 • Le Pommier (on Helshoogte) – Tuesday March 4 from 09:00 to 12:00 •CN

STAGES STAGE 1: TUESDAY MARCH 4 13:00 – The 21km individual time trial – Berg River Dam to the top of Helshoogte.

18:00 to 20:00 – Rewards ceremony and road stages briefing at Le Pommier. This is compulsory for stage winners, team managers, all staff, officials, media, support crews and individual entrants (without managers) in the open, seeded and veteran classes.

STAGE 2: WEDNESDAY MARCH 5 09:00 – 130km from Helshoogte to Tulbagh. Cut-off 15:00 STAGE 3: THURSDAY MARCH 6 09:00 – Start of 145km stage – Tulbagh to Riebeeck-Kasteel via Piketberg and Porterville. Cut-off 16:00 STAGE 4: FRIDAY MARCH 7 09:00 – Start of 145km stage: RiebeeckKasteel to the top of Franschhoek Pass.

Cutt-off 16:00.

15:00 – Prize giving at Le Pommier

Cyclingnews January 2014

05

PHIL’S BREW with Phil Liggett

Words: Phill liggett • Picture: Xylon van Eyck

What a good year we had!

But there’s more to be done We can look back on 2013 as a progressive year after the Armstrong revelations in January finally brought the sport’s biggest deception out into the open.

IT BROUGHT ABOUT the end of the UCI management as we knew it, and in the seasons ahead we will continue to feel the effects as changes are made, for the better, one hopes.

But if Armstrong had never been a part of our sport, would cycling be as well known round the world, or as popular as a pastime? I think the answer would be a resounding “No!”

The deep hole that we had dug for ourselves began to fill up in 2013 and it showed there is life after Lance.

We enjoyed an excellent year around the world. No one rider dominated the races, be they Classics or Grand Tours, and this surely is a sign that drug abuse is being curtailed.

In Africa in general, and South Africa, where I was until mid-December, I see plenty to celebrate, thanks to the ongoing

success of MTN-Quebeka. The team completed, with distinction, their first year as the first African UCI Continental squad.

They finished second behind Europcar on the league table and a wild-card place in a Grand Tour seems assured for this year.

Europcar, which also have a nursery squad in South Africa, will join the elite World Tour teams, leaving MTN-Quebeka top of the table. >

“I see plenty to celebrate, thanks to the ongoing success of MTN-Quebeka. The team completed, with distinction, their first year as the first African UCI Continental squad.”

Cyclingnews January 2014

07

PHIL’S BREW with Phil Liggett

Daryl Impey’s first yellow jersey for Africa in the Tour de France was an outstanding milestone. I was disappointed that he was not nominated for the SA Sports Awards in November. This would be unthinkable in most modern countries.

His omission is an indication that in South Africa there is still a long way to go before the people who run sport understand the scope of his achievement.

Cycling South Africa, by the way, were not to blame. They did put forward a nomination.

The Momentum/94.7 Cycle Challenge ended the season with a record entry of 31 000 and raised R10 million for the 182 registered charities. It proved to be the most successful yet and proved again how much

Daryl Impey

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Cyclingnews January 2013

South Africans love riding their bikes.

The battle between cyclists and motor vehicles continues, as does the fight to ensure that cyclists get at least a 1.5m clearance from passing vehicles. Much more support from government is needed in this respect. I feel the will to help is there, but positive action has to come.

Some officials are happy to hide in bushes and trap motorists for driving a few kilometres over the speed limit, but what are they doing about the examples of extremely bad driving?

We expect African cycling to continue its progress this year, but everyone should concentrate on giving riders back their confidence that the roads are safe for all to use.

Share the Road is an Australian slogan

Picture: Photosport International

that has brought about a genuine awareness. So let’s do it here too.

For me, the new season began in Australia on 1 January, when I resumed my journeys around the world, which last year meant flying over 200 000 km.

I do it because I love meeting you all.

Cycling brings people together and nowhere is there more evidence of this than in South Africa. Ask the happy people of Orange Farm near Johannesburg, who now ride 15 brand new Buffalo bikes supplied by Quebeka. It’s all part of helping others to help themselves and to grow with a great country.

One last thought: One knows what you really had only after you have lost it. Don’t let that happen here. •CN

FEATURE

Words: Coetzee Gouws • Picture: Xylon van Eyck

louis Meintjes answers 20 questions

Under-23 champ shares his feelings and ideals louis Meintjes grabbed the attention of many when he won silver at the world championships last year. Cyclingnews caught up with the SA Under-23 road champion and askedhim a few questions during his well-deserved break back in South Africa.

1 What was it like lining up as

national U23 champion at the UCI road world champs? Did it give you added confidence?

Louis: Yes, winning any race gives you confidence and it’s always nice being the national champion at worlds.

2 With just three riders in the SA

team, did you believe you had a realistic shot at the podium when so many countries fielded larger teams?

L: It is always possible; it just makes it a bit harder and gives you a bit less control about how things are going to turn out.

3 What was your strategy going into

the race?

L: The strategy was for me to wait for the last two laps and for my two team-mates to help control the race up until then and make sure no dangerous moves got away.

4 Did everything go according to plan

on race day, and do you consider your silver medal a “win”?

L: Yes, I think we can say it went according to plan. I think and feel silver is a good result. It was an amazing day!

7 This is the third time that you’ve com-

peted in the world championships.

What were your previous results?

And has competing at ProConti level this season made a drastic difference to your performance?

L: In my first two road world championships I didn’t get any noteworthy results but I really learned a lot. I’m sure if I didn’t have that experience I wouldn't have been able to get the result last year.

Being ProConti definitely helped. I have been racing longer distances and at a higher level than most of the other U23 riders so I definitely think it was to my advantage.

8 You come from the same Toyota Cycle

Lab Academy background as Chris Froome and you have previously cited him as a role model. What is it about his riding style or the way he approaches his racing that inspires you?

L: I just like the type of person he is. It was really easy for me to relate to him as he started in the same place as I did. I could see how he progressed and moved through the ranks to where he is now. It showed me there is no reason I shouldn’t be able to become a professional.

9 How does racing internationally for

5 As a climber, how did the course

layout work for or against you?

L: It was a really good course for me. It was definitely more for a climbing specialist. I’d had a look at the course a few weeks earlier and I really liked it, which helped my confidence going into the race.

Africa’s first ProConti team compare with racing for the U23 Lotto-Belisol team (in terms of standard of racing, the pressure, opportunities etc)?

L: Firstly it’s a lot more fun, and easier, as there isn’t the big culture and language barrier. The races are longer and harder, and the pressure is more but you get used to it quickly and it becomes the norm.

6 Did the fact that the finish was at

the Firenze Mandela Forum provide added inspiration for you and your SA team-mates?

L: It was a bonus. They’ve named the sports stadium to honour Nelson Mandela and it was a great venue for the race to finish.

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Cyclingnews January 2013

10 In the aftermath of your silver medal,

have you been approached by any of the big international teams? How has it changed your career plans, if at all?

L: Yes there was some interest but I really like MTN-Qhubeka and can see myself growing with the team. >

FEATURE

Cyclingnews January 2014

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FEATURE

“In my first two road world championships I didn’t get any noteworthy results but I really learned a lot.

I’m sure if I didn’t have that experience I wouldn’t have been able to get the result last year.”

Subhead Subhead 11 Are you a good or bad loser?

L: Cycling is different to other sports because when you don’t win a race it’s not always seen as a loss. When I am in a position to win a race and then don’t, I try to learn from the experience.

BODY COPY

heading heading

14 Where are you based and how has

your life changed; living in Europe?

L: Our team is based in Lucca, Italy. I really enjoy experiencing and learning the Italian culture and way of life. Life hasn’t changed all that much. I just miss being able to have a dog.

12 What do you consider your top three

results this season?

L: Number one was my worlds silver medal. Number two was finishing the Giro di Lombardia as the youngest rider in the race and number three was being national U23 champion.

18 When and where does the team

start training again for next season?

L: Every rider is on a different programme. I have had some rest and started training again in mid-November.

The team also had a training camp in preparation for the season.

15 How are you spending your break

back home?

L: Doing as little as possible. Spending time with family and friends and trying to catch up on some braais.

19 Can you remember your very first

day on a bicycle?

L: Unfortunately I can’t. I’ve had many great memories on a bicycle since then though.

16 Complete this sentence: When I’m 13 What was the worst moment on

your bike this season?

L: Definitely crashing out of Tour of Utah. I had good form and it was really a race that suited me. So mentally it was hard losing that opportunity.

not cycling, I . . .

L: . . . try to switch off and recover. I enjoy reading.

17 What’s your favourite comfort food?

L: Italian ice cream is just amazing.

louis Meintjies captured the imagination of a country when he finished on the podium at teh World Championships last year.

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Cyclingnews January 2013

20 What are some of your personal

goals and ambitions?

L: Next big goal is to start a Grand Tour and then my second goal is to finish a Grand Tour! •CN

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FEATURE

Words: Coetzee Gouws

Waylon remains determined to make a few more marks When veteran road rider and mountain biker Waylon Woolcock won last year's Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek alongside Erik Kleinhans, he demonstrated the approach that had made him a regular on the podium.

HE AND KLEINHANS did not win any stages, but the experienced duo clinched the overall victory by an almost ten-minute margin.

“We had a plan to win overall by racing conservatively and consistently, and it paid off,” says Woolcock.

“The Cape Pioneer was a big focus for me all year, along with the MTN Crater Cruise,” he says of his two recent wins. “The last time I had such good form was at the joBerg2c and the Nedbank sani2c earlier last year.”

It therefore came as a surprise when Team RE:CM opted not to renew his contract for next season.

He was equally surprised, “especially after all the hard work I had put into the team over the past three years; not to mention the results and coverage I achieved. It’s not always about results but [about] being a good brand ambassador, which I feel I was.”

But, Woolcock believes, everything happens for a reason. He is looking for a new team or for a sponsor to create a new team.

“First prize would be to create a new one.

This country needs more professional teams.”

To secure title sponsorship remains an almost insurmountable hurdle to would-be pro outfits. “It’s been rather moving to have so many people come and offer help and advice. It’s not easy in these tough financial times to get companies to invest in professional teams,” he says. >

Cyclingnews January 2014

15

FEATURE

“It’s been rather moving to have so many people come and offer help and advice. It’s not easy in these tough financial times to get companies to invest in professional teams”

The 31-year-old Woolcock reckons he has at least another five good years of competitive racing in the tank. “I’ve looked after my body pretty well over the years. So, as long as my head wants to [race] my body should follow.”

Woolcock, who joined his first road team, Omega, as a 19-year-old, says the many road tours he completed taught him invaluable lessons for the multi-stage events that later formed the backbone of his mountain biking career.

He considers winning the seven-day Tour of Egypt by a single second, and taking the runner-up spot plus the King of the Mountains and Best Young Rider jerseys in the Tour de Eden as his biggest road successes.

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Cyclingnews January 2013

The former Bestmed Jock Cycle Classic winner says local road racing eventually got a little boring. He crossed to mountain biking in 2011. “As a non-sprinter in this country, one is limited in terms of races that suit your strengths. Most of the time, I ended up having to be a domestique to someone who could sprint better.

“In mountain biking that isn’t the case. It suits my strengths. It’s cool to have butterflies in the belly when you’re on the start line and you know you have a chance to win.”

He considers his Crater Cruise, joBerg2c and Cape Pioneer victories as the highlights of his off-road career.

Having learnt from roadies such as Gary Beneke, Martin Saunders and coach Bosseau

Boshoff, Woolcock relished the opportunity to mentor rising mountain-bike star and RE:CM teammate Lourens Luus last year.

“Lourens has all the talent a rider could wish to have. It was just a case of harnessing and directing it. My mentoring role may have gone unnoticed by some, but I get great satisfaction knowing I had something to do with the youngster’s improvement.”

Woolcock still has his sights set on the African jersey at the Cape Epic and a solid performance at nthis year's world championships.

Given the chance to do it all again, he says there is only one thing he would do differently. “I would have started mountain biking earlier.” •CN

PULSE PAGES

Words: Wynand de Villiers • Picture: Photosport International

AlTITUDE TRAINING

BENEFITS OF GETTING HIGH ON YOUR BIKE We have often dealt in this column with the advantages of heart-rate training.

So let’s take a look at the benefits of altitude training. And in the next issue we’ll combine the two with monitoring your heart rate while training at high altitudes.

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Cyclingnews January 2013

PULSE PAGES

MANY CYCLISTS FLOCK to far-off, highaltitude destinations for their annual base training. The benefits of this kind of training have been shown by Kenyan runners and Colombian cyclists, so it seems a good idea to base yourself a couple of thousand feet above sea level.

The main reason for cyclists heading to a place such as Dullstroom, for example, is that the air at that altitude contains less oxygen than at sea level. This forces the body to compensate, resulting in improved endurance.

Almost immediately upon moving to high altitude, your kidneys will start producing more red blood cells. After about ten days a cyclist’s red-blood cell count (RBC levels) will rise and the body’s capacity to

transport oxygen from the lungs to the muscles and tissues will increase.

To raise the body’s capacity even further, it is advisable to live at altitude but to train at lower levels above sea level regularly.

Studies have shown that living and training solely at high altitude will be beneficial for long endurance events, but following the live-high-train-low principle will take you to even greater heights.

For riders training at sea level and going upcountry to race, the opposite is true.

Cyclists from the coast who arrive on the Highveld could take up to a week to acclimatise and get their cardiovascular system used to the decrease in oxygen levels.

That is why it is not uncommon to hear even accomplished cyclists from the coast

gasp for air in the final stages of an event.

The good news is that this eventually subsides and the playing field becomes relatively even.

When riders from Johannesburg participate in endurance events at sea level, they often feel, during their first few days at the coast, there is an abundance of air to breathe. Unfortunately this also evens out after a few days as the body gets used to its new surroundings.

Monitoring heart rate in these conditions becomes an interesting exercise, which we’ll look at in detail in the next issue Here’s wishing you happy training times this year and miles of smiles on and off the bike. •CN

PRODUCT FEATURE

FIRST DUAL-SUSPENSION DOGMA HITS SA Pinarello is blazing trails with the introduction of its first dual-suspension 29-inch mountain bike, the new Dogma XM 9.9.

•

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Cyclingnews January 2013

•

HAILED AS THE MOST innovative mountain bike at last year’s African Bike Fair, the Dogma XM 9.9 feels as stiff as a road bike and is suspended only when needed.

Its rear quadrilateral Onda Curve AsymmetricTM technology reacts only on uneven terrain, while staying firm on flatter ground – without remote control.

The first Dogma XM model to be released in South Africa, it is hailed as bringing “revolutionary ideas to the full suspension world”.

Unlike most full-suspension frames, it does not have the standard six points of rotation with bushings.

In most bikes, the sixth rotation point is continuously active, regardless of the terrain. This creates an area of heaviness and weakness near the rear wheel or bottom bracket that requires constant cleaning and maintenance.

The Dogma XM 9.9 has eliminated this weak point, offering only five flex points.

Its monocoque technology draws inspiration from the rocker arms on Formula 1 cars. A flexible carbon arm keeps the rear triangle rigid on smooth ground and allows precise flexion on uneven ground.

The Dogma XM 9.9 frame is 100% built in Italy, so it's no surprise that it's quite possibly the most beautiful creature that you'll see on the trails this year.

Find your nearest stockist on www.asgsport.co.za.

PRODUCT FEATURE

BASIC SPECIFICATIONS FRAME Carbon Torayca 65HM1K/Nanoalloy Technology FORK Fox Factory 32 FRAME WEIGHT 1 050gr (size M) WHEEL SIZE 29 inches SIZES Small, Medium, Large, XLarge

• • Cyclingnews January 2014

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PRODUCT FEATURE

IT’S IN THE BAG – SADDLE AND ALL With Ironman season in full swing, Scicon has launched the latest addition to its range of technical bike bags, the Aerocomfort Triathlon.

THE WORLD’S leading bike bag, Aerocomfort was the first to introduce an integrated metal structure for added protection from impact and vibration.

The new version is specifically geared to the geometry of triathlon bikes – both time-trial and road – while taking factors such as seat post and handlebar extensions into account.

Functionality and comfort go hand in hand, allowing you to stow frames of all sizes, including ones with an integrated seat post of up to 90cm, without moving or removing the saddle.

There is no need to remove the handlebar or aerobars either. Simply slip on the aerobar protector.

Double-padded inner pockets with zips protect the tri-bike wheels. External lateral shield cups prevent damage to the stored wheel hubs, and a reinforced bottom prevents abrasions to the material.

The nylon bag, with its built-in anti-shock frame, uses Scicon ultralight technology and weighs 9.2kg.

All of which makes your journey between airport and airport so much easier.

To find your nearest stockist, visit www.asgsport.co.za.

BASIC SPECIFICATIONS BIKE COMPATIBILITY Triathlon bikes (TRI - TT), Road Bikes MATERIAL Body: Nylon 840D Ripstop PE backed Bottom: Waterproof PU Diamond Texture WEIGHT 9,2 Kg (Antishock bike frame included) FRAME LIMIT One size fits all EXTERNAL DIMENSIONS L 132cm x D 45cm x H 90cm FOLDED DIMENSIONS L 112cm x D 29cm x H 24cm

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Cyclingnews January 2013

FEATURE

Words: Coetzee Gouws • Picture: Xylon van Eyck

MTN-Qhubeka riders ready to make history The members of Team MTN-Qhubeka (p/b Samsung) for the 2014 season were presented to the world of cycling at the MTN Innovation Centre in Johannesburg recently.

All 25 riders in the line-up were present, as well as all leading partners and supporters.

TEAM PRINCIPAL Douglas Ryder reflected on the success the team had achieved in 2013 and looked to the future.

“We ended 2013 as the team with the second most victories from all professional continental teams. It’s a remarkable achievement in our first year in this division.

“The challenge now is to keep being innovative and improve our high-performance culture in the team. We have assembled a group of athletes that we’re very excited about and are building our season around a grand tour debut,” Ryder said.

Members of the team have been vocal about going to one of cycling’s grand tours

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Cyclingnews January 2013

and are targeting the Giro d’Italia. They launched an online campaign, #GetAfricaToTheGiro, urging supporters to help increase the team’s social media numbers and share the team’s message.

“The past few weeks have been nice; a chance to bond with the team,” said JohnLee Augustyn, a new member. “It’s good to see the different cultures. The launch was really enjoyable; an opportunity to get to know some of the new sponsors and reveal the new kit.

“The #GetAfricaToTheGiro campaign with the pink hands was amazing to see. There’s so much excitement around the team.

“I’ve been in a few professional teams and from what I have seen, this one is so different; so professional.

“It usually takes a year or two for a new team to establish itself but this one had an incredible 2013. There’s no reason why we can’t reach our goals for 2014. We’ve got an incredible roster and I am looking forward to the next few years,” Augustyn said.

The team should know soon whether they will receive a wildcard to compete in the Giro d’Italia. If they do, they will make history because no team from African have participated in a grand tour. •CN

FEATURE

TEAM MTN-QHUBEKA 2014 Adrien Niyonshuti (Rwanda) Andreas Stauff (Germany) Bradley Potgieter (RSA) Daniel Teklehaimanot (Eritria) Dennis van Niekerk (RSA) Ferekalsi Debesay (Eritrea) Gerald Ciolek (Germany) Ignatas Konovalovas (Lithuania) Jaco Venter (RSA) Jacques Janse van Rensburg (RSA) Jani Tewelde (Eritria) Jay Thomson (RSA) Johann van Zyl (RSA)

John-Lee Augustyn (RSA) Kristian Sbaragli (Italy) Linus Gerdemann (Germany) Louis Meintjes (RSA) Martin Reimer (Germany) Martin Wesemann (RSA) Merhawi Kudus (Eritrea) MeronRussom (Eritrea) Sergio Pardilla (Spain) Songezo Jim (RSA) Tsgabu Grmay (Ethiopia) Youcef Reguigui (Algeria)

Cyclingnews January 2014

25

LEGENDS OF THE PEDAL

Words: Coetzee Gouws

Cycling’s Piano Man hit high notes on the track “If you do something, do it well or leave it. That’s my motto in my work, in my sport, in everything in life,” says former Springbok cyclist Bennie Dekker.

THESE ARE ADMIRABLE words under all circumstances, but what makes them even more remarkable, coming from him, is that Bennie is blind.

After suffering corneal nerve damage at the age of six when, he says, the wrong eye drops were administered in hospital, Bennie’s eyesight began to deteriorate.

Undeterred, he took up cycling in his teens and rode his first 10-mile time trial as a 16-year-old in 1961, finishing third.

During the next three years, his achievements included sharing Port Elizabeth’s Frans Binneman Memorial Trophy with Dutch rider Rob Redeker, winning his first senior title in the 1 000m time trial at the SA championships, and earning national colours on the track.

But Bennie was gradually losing his sight.

By the time he competed at the ’64 world track championships in France, he had only

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Cyclingnews January 2013

20 per cent vision. He could not even read his letter of selection.

Despite this, he was an integral part of the national squad that comprised legends such as Abe Jonker, Rowan Peacock, Willie Marx, Steve Viljoen, Mike Payne and the two Eddies, Kuhn and Kriel.

On their European tour, Bennie won the 1 000m time trial against Switzerland in Zurich and the same event in the first test against Germany.

A specialist over this distance, he had developed clever techniques to compensate for his visual problems.

“I used to stay out of the bunch by riding at the front or at the back. When I was at the back, I would shoot through on the inside closer to the finish. And if I was at the front, I would lead out.”

Bennie caught the attention of the Swiss team manager, who was a close friend of a

professor at the biggest eye hospital in Switzerland. A quick examination was done only hours before the Swiss test, and after the world championships and European tour Bennie returned for further testing.

“We were supposed to leave straight afterwards for the airport for the flight home but they asked me to stay another month for more tests.”

The prognosis, when it came, was not good. “They said I wouldn’t go blind all of a sudden but my sight would gradually deteriorate. The nerves were burnt full of holes.”

Having set several SA records and having won a number of national titles as a junior, Bennie’s time on the track was coming to an end. But with characteristic patience and fortitude the talented cyclist accepted the inevitable. >

LEGENDS OF THE PEDAL

Cyclingnews January 2014

27

LEGENDS OF THE PEDAL

“Although he has faced many personal setbacks, Bennie is the embodiment of triumph over adversity. The negative notes have ultimately worked together to create a harmony.”

“There was no time limit to my condition.

I just took it day by day.”

In 1966, he and his friend Francois Dannhauser cycled from Pretoria to Durban so that he could get in more road mileage.

“At the time, I lived in Pretoria and worked in Joburg. I was more of a track cyclist but I had to cycle to work and back, which was about 85km a day, because I needed more hours on the bike.”

Riding to work and back, Bennie followed the white lines on the road and watched to see when the cars moved, because he could not see the traffic lights change colour.

Eventually, without the option of Paralympic-type competition, Bennie retired from competitive and social cycling in 1969.

But, as it turned out, his love of sport, combined with his failing eyesight, had

Bennie Dekker with another legend in his own right, cycling commentator Phil liggett.

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Cyclingnews January 2013

opened up a new career in an unexpected field. “I had gone to the school for the blind in Worcester at the end of standard 8 to get a matric so I could study physiotherapy.

“Then my gymnastics coach suggested I take the three-year piano tuning course to have more time for my sport. I did have more time for my sport and received Springbok colours in cycling two years later.”

Bennie admits he knew nothing about pianos when he started, but today he is one of the foremost piano technicians in South Africa.

Now completely blind, he has serviced and voiced Unisa’s concert pianos for national and international music competitions for the past four decades.

The 69-year-old father of two, and grandfather of one, still lives and runs his

piano business in Pretoria, where he was born. His daughter Melissa helps with the administration.

Although he has faced many personal setbacks, including a battle with cancer, Bennie is the embodiment of triumph over adversity. The negative notes have ultimately worked together to create a harmony.

He says as much as he loved cycling, piano tuning has become a form of therapy and it soothes his soul.

Described by his fellow Legends of the Pedal as the consummate gentleman who never has an unkind word for anyone, Bennie was officially welcomed into their ranks at the end of last year.

“That came as a big surprise to me. I never expected something like that; it was the cherry on top of my career,” he says. •CN

FEATURE

Words: Coetzee Gouws

Bell rings changes with MTN Series win Consistent performances throughout the season on all types of terrain earned Nico Bell the MTN national marathon mountain-bike series title in october.

BELL RANG THE CHANGES when he finally claimed the spoils in the eight-race series after finishing just off the podium the previous year.

“I’ve been racing ultramarathons for the past four years, so it was a goal I set out to reach,” says Bell. “It’s our best national series, comprising some of the hardest and longest one-day races in South Africa.”

Unlike the once-off national marathon championship, in which he finished second, the MTN series comprises eight energysapping events across the country. Bell competed in all eight, winning the Rooiberg race and finishing second in Sabie, Clarens, Hilton and the Crater Cruise.

“The person with the best average result wins, so you can say he is a true marathon rider and the best of the best for the current year,” he says.

He also topped the Kia rankings, which he says provides added rewards for riders who may not win the big events but regularly finish at the sharp end of the field in the country’s top races.

“Our sponsors expect us to produce consistent results throughout the year and the Kia ranking system gives us something else to race for.”

Bell added to his impressive victories when he teamed up with his MTN series nemesis, defending champion Max Knox, for the

three-day Nedbank sani2c in May. Knowing each other’s riding style made them unstoppable in their first stage race together, he says.

“We could race without having to talk. We both knew how the other rider was feeling, and we took advantage of every opportunity to get the leap on our competitors.”

The 30-year-old’s consistent performances, which include a third place in the Jock Cycle Classic, have certainly grabbed the cycling fraternity’s attention, culminating in the announcement that he will be teaming up with RE: CM this season.

“I have been racing [in mountainbike events] seriously for three years

now and all the results I’ve achieved have been while I was working and without a salaried sponsorship,” says Bell. “This will be my first professional opportunity.”

The Mpumalanga-based rider, who lives in Mbombela (Nelspruit), will pair up with new teammate Erik Kleinhans for long stage races such as the Absa Cape Epic, and with young Lourens Luus for the shorter events.

Bell hopes his team, Westvaal-Bell’s Cycling, will continue to give promising youngsters the opportunity to reach the top level. And he also hopes his long-time “partner” Gawie Combrinck will move to a new team in 2014. •CN

Cyclingnews January 2014

31

RACE REVIEW

Words: Hugo van der Berg

The story of Wines 2 Whales 2013 At 15:30 on the Thursday I met Gideon at the lourensford parking lot. It was still drizzling and we went to registration to collect our waterproof race bags and FNB cycling shirts.

OUR BLOOD was yellow and green, like the Wines 2 Whales logo. We had been eating, sleeping and drinking W2W for six months.

That evening I arranged my race clothes for the next three days. We had agreed that we would wear black on the Friday. Saturday we would be shining in red and Sunday we would cross the finish line in our FNB race shirts to look our best for the support team awaiting our arrival.

On Friday my alarm clock woke me at 05:00. The sound of raindrops was not what I was hoping hear. At 06:30, Gideon and I arrived at the Lourensford farm to get ready for our start slot at 08:00.

Enthusiastic mountain bikers were all getting ready for the next three days; to prove their skill and dedication towards this sport that we plan our lives around. At 08:00 the siren went off. This was it. We had one goal in mind and that was to collect medals at Onrus on Sunday.

Just 5km into the race we were covered in mud. We had sand in our eyes and the noise of scratchy gears accompanied us along the tough 76 km, including 1 350m of climbing on day 1.

Twenty kilometres into the adventure I had a bad fall. Blood was running down my left leg. Then I fell again, testing the rib that I had bruised a week earlier on a training ride.

Gideon was right at my side. He offered some words of encouragement and off we went; my bike with a buckled front wheel.

At the water point I realise we were not the only team taking a pounding. Everyone commented on the rain and muddy conditions.

We had some jelly babies, a glass of Coke and a salty potato; enough to keep Team Racing Snails motivated. We had to carry our bicycles for 3 km over the Sir Lowry’s Pass portage section, adding a bit of difficulty to day 1.

After six hours, two unidentifiable mountain-biking objects, covered in mud, crossed the finish line at Oak Valley. That put us in Shute C for the next day.

A complimentary cold “milky tea” shot and the smell of Spur made me feel at home. That evening we were treated to a scrumptious dinner by Food Lover’s Market, including a caramel desert and some cold drinks.

At about 21:00 the bike wash area was still congested. I had to do some emergency repairs on my bike but Gideon’s was good to go.

At 05:30 on the Saturday, Gideon shouted: ‘Hey, I think we have to wake up.”

I got dressed in the tent and we left together to grab a ProNutro breakfast, yoghurt and a banana. This would be the secret of Team Racing Snails’ pre-race snack for outstanding endurance. At 07:20 we were ready in Shute C. The racing began with a river crossing but no rain, although it was still very muddy. Day 2 took us around the Oak Valley reserve and through some spectacular scenery. We had the opportunity to cross the three expensive bridges at the amphitheatre; bridges built by the race organisers. This was a magnificent experience.

Towards the end we cycled through a fruit warehouse; through two refrigerated areas and a bay area between pallets stacked 4 m high. It was an amazing feeling, but it took some concentration to maintain balance and not to crash into the pallets.

Day 2 was a tough day for me, but my adventure partner was strong. After 5 hours and 30 minutes, Gideon was leading Team Racing Snails into the arena. We had done 69 km and 1 300 meters of climbing. My legs were happy to be back at the campsite.

Just 5km into the race we were covered in mud.

We had sand in our eyes and the noise of scratchy gears accompanied us along the tough 76 km, including 1 350m of climbing on day 1.

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Cyclingnews January 2013

RACE REVIEW

On the Saturday, by invitation, we indulged in FNB’s private lounge buffet spread. I had not slept well the first evening, so my afternoon nap was on the wooden floor inside the FNB lounge, without a pillow. I snored myself awake having shown no consideration to those around me.

The power nap was like an injection of new life into my beaten body. That evening we enjoyed another dinner in the main tent.

We memorised the route profile and the obstacles to look out for. And before turning in, I visited the medics’ tent for them to scrub the dirt out of my wounds. I held on to my chair, trying hard not to scream. At 21:30 we were ready for bed. The end was in sight.

On the Sunday morning, the spirit was souring in the campsite. Tired cyclists were longing for their own showers and beds.

After the last day of the Wines 2 Whales Adventure 2013, we would be rewarded with medals of honour and we would see the loved ones that we had learnt to appreciate in the past two days.

After a full hot breakfast and coffee, we were ready. By 07:30 we were in Shute D, waiting to take off.

It was not long before Gideon mentioned

that his right knee was hurting. After a couple of kilometres, he was in serious pain.

At the first water point he had his knee strapped.

I fed Gideon some water-point goodies and off we went. Thanks to some downhill and single track we enjoyed the last day’s dry conditions.

For the first time in three days, I found the pace manageable because my partner had to slow down.

Gideon dealt with the pain in his own way and soon we found ourselves at a magnificent viewpoint, overlooking the ocean at Onrus.

The last 7 km of single track led us on to the wooden bridge at the Onrus beach where we could smell victory around the corner.

Team Racing Snails finished day’s 76 km and 1 400 m of climbing – and two strapped knees – in 5 hours and 25 minutes.

It was an amazing three days, filled with some of the best mountain-bike routes and scenery.

Team Racing Snails would like to thank FNB, Food Lover’s Market, Spur and Newport Media for this amazing event.

From November 1 to 3 you changed our lives in many ways. •CN

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RACE PREVIEW

Picture: shutterstock.com

New venue for West Rand’s biggest race DATE 8 February 2014

VENUE Cradlestone Mall, Ruimsig

DISTANCES 102km, 55km

STARTING TIMES 102km: 06h00, 55km: 07h30

ENTRY FEES 102km: R250, 55km: R140

ONLINE ENTRIES www.cycleevents.co.za

MORE INFORMATION Phone the race office on 076 621 1807 or email eventsupport@asgworld.co.za

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Cyclingnews January 2013

THE WEST RAND’S biggest cycle race, the Action Ford Berge en Dale Classic, will present an excellent early-season test for roadies when it rolls out from the new Cradlestone Mall in Krugersdorp on February 8.

Presented by ASG Events, the event has grown exponentially over the past few years.

More than 3 500 riders are expected to turn out for the 2014 race.

Race director Wynand de Villiers says the change of venue from the nearby Silverstar Casino was necessitated by the race’s growing popularity.

“As it happens, it has also added immense value to the event because the 2.5km neutral drag after the finish line has been eliminated.”

The new start/finish venue is at the intersection of the N14 and Hendrik Potgieter Road in Muldersdrift. Riders will now cross the finish line and turn left into Cradlestone Mall’s much larger parking area.

“The mall offers a lot to see and do once the cyclists have completed the race. It also keeps friends and families occupied while they wait for riders to come in.”

De Villiers says the rest of the 102km route remains relatively unchanged, starting with the famous Hillsnacks climb, which is the first of four challenging ascents on the undulating course.

Hillsnacks, 6km long and with a seven per cent gradient, provides the first opportunity for the strongest riders to make their mark.

But despite the early examination, the race has often come down to a final sprint to the finish. This is how Reinardt Janse van Rensburg and Herman Fouché snatched the laurels in recent years.

De Villiers says the race, which also takes in the Cradle of Humankind, is anyone’s game, especially because some of the pros are expected to focus on the national championships, which are scheduled for the same weekend.

RACE PREVIEW

As a premier seeding event for the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, Berge en Dale is ideally positioned one month before the Cape Town race. It also allows would-be participants and back markers to gauge and improve their fitness levels ahead of South Africa’s largest event.

For those not quite ready to tackle the big one, the organisers have thrown in a 55km option.

With good road surfaces and assistance from the Mogale City metro traffic officials, the event has gained a reputation as one of the safest races in Gauteng.

De Villiers says his organising team have concentrated on getting the basics right and not making unnecessary changes to a winning formula. “We just strive to present a better event every year.”

Enter at www.cyclelab.com before January 28. For more info, contact the race office on 076 621 1807 or send an e-mail to eventsupport@asgworld.co.za. •CN

Cyclingnews January 2014

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RACE PREVIEW

Picture: shutterstock.com

Tyger Valley College Mountain Bike Challenge

Sheer cycling enjoyment on a fast, flowing route DATE 22 March 2014

VENUE Tyger Valley College, Pretoria East

ROUTE Mildly technical, farm roads, jeep track, single track, bridges, river crossings.

ELEVATION 1 400m

ASCENT 670m (70 km route)

STARTING TIMES 70 km: from 07:30, 40 km: from 08:20; 20 km: from 09:10

ENTRY FEES R190 (70km), R170 (40km) and R130 (20km)

ONLINE ENTRIES www.asgevents.co.za Closing date: 16 March 2014

MORE INFORMATION For further information, log on to www.asgevents.co.za, e-mail eventsupport@asgworld.co.za or phone 076 621 1807

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Cyclingnews January 2013

THE SIXTH Tyger Valley College Mountain Bike Challenge, a popular annual event, is scheduled for 22 March 2014.

Tyger Valley College, centrally located off Lynwood Road, is a wonderful mountainbiking venue; close to the urban surroundings of Pretoria East, but adjacent to some excellent riding terrain.

The event offers three distances – 70, 40 and 20 km – so there is something for everyone. The 70km route boasts an elevation of approximately 1 400 metres with 670 metres of climbing. This is a true test for mountain bikers.

The route, out towards Donkerhoek and back, has a good mix of single track and jeep track and also offers purposely built trails and bridges.

An outstanding feature is that the route is fast and flowing. A good mountain-bike route is all about variety and the Tyger Valley College event offers just that, with some fast farm roads to recover as well as exhilarating river crossings. A section of the route runs through ASG’s riding park at Rosemary Hill.

Riders who enter on-line will be seeded according to the SA seeding system. If you have a permanent SAS board you can use that, but you have to collect your seeding and distance stickers as well as race packs at registration.

Timing is done by Spectrum Sport.

Cyclists who do not have permanent boards will be issued with temporary Spectrum Sport timing boards.

Number collection Riders must collect their distance and seeding stickers at one of the following points: • Thursday March 20 – Cycle Lab Fourways, 10:00 to 16:00 • Friday March 21 – Bruce Reyneke Cycles, Lynwood Road, 10:00 to 16:00 Venue details Eats and drinks will be sold at the venue, which offers ample parking and toilets.

DRSA/Global ASP will provide free wi-fi with their technology rig, which will be on site on race day.

Red Hot Products will be on hand to wash bikes.

Directions to the venue From Johannesburg, take N1 to Pretoria.

Exit on Lynnwood off-ramp and turn right towards Pretoria East. Continue on Lynnwood Road, over Hans Strijdom Drive for another 3.5km. Tyger Valley College is on your left.

GPS coordinates 25 48; 06.37 S, 28 22; 11.93 E •CN