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VOL 15 NO 5
JULY 2014
RACE PREVIEWS • BESTMED JOCK CYCLE CLASSIQUE • 2015 BESTMED TOUR DE BOLAND • BESTMED POWERADE LOST CITY CYCLING FESTIVAL
RANGER MEL ALREADY PLANNING ANOTHER SONDELA WINNER COMMONWEALTH GAMES
ANRIETTE’S GAMES HAT-TRICK A LANDMARK FOR SA CYCLING PULSE PAGES
HOW EVANS WON UMKOMAAS – STAT BY STAT
THE TOUR TAKES OFF AS THE
CONTENDERS
CRASH WE REVIEW THE FIRST 10 DAYS
CONTENTS
heading heading Sub header
PAGE 9
TOUR DE FRANCE GETS UNDERWAY
REGULARS
Editor
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From the Editor: Questions raised about Impey’s test results
Wynand de Villiers wynand@cyclingnews.co.za
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In the Bunch: The search for Alejandro
Consulting editor Gerhard Burger
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Product Feature: Every pocket should have a pOcpac
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Pulse pages: How Evans won Umkomaas – stat by stat
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Bike Shop Feature: Solomon’s Cycles now also in Durban
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Legends of the pedal: Alan Dipple
FEATURES
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2014 Tour de France: Blood, sweat, tears... and big gears!
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Anriette’s Games hat-trick a landmark for SA cycling
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Ranger Mel already planning another Sondela winner
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Race to Truth
Contributors Phil Liggett, Coetzee Gouws, Andrew Mclean
Pictures Photosport International, Michelle Cound, Frank Bodenmueller, My Picture
Design Cinnamon Graphix C.C. Chris Dawson – chris@cgraphix.co.za
Printer Colorpress Pty (Ltd) Ryan Lotter – 011 493 8622/3/4/5
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Tar junkies gear up for another tough Jock
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Bestmed Tour de Boland: 2015 route unveiled as entries open
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Enjoy the Lost City experience while you cycle to fight cancer
Cyclingnews July 2014
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FROM THE EDITOR
Questions raised about Impey’s test results THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF DARYL IMPEY’S positive dope tests, together with the reaction of the Orica-GreenEDGE team leader and management, leaves a lot of questions about the validity of the test. It is well known that Orica-GreenEdge’s Simon Gerrans and Impey are good friends, but even so it was noticeable how strongly Gerrans backed his friend as Impey began fighting the doping accusations. Impey, who insists he is innocent, was forced out of their Tour de France team after he returned positive A and B samples that indicated the use of the banned substance Probenecid. Gerrans immediately came out in support of the rider. He said he really felt for Impey “in his current situation. I hope it’s something he can get sorted out quickly.” He added that the process was a long way from over and that Impey had a good chance to try to prove his innocence. Orica-GreenEdge manager Shayne Bannan defended the team’s anti-doping regime and also stood up for Impey, saying he had a clean record since joining the team and was “an honest guy”. Impey’s A sample tested positive at the South African Championships in February, but he was informed only during the week leading up to the Tour de France at the end of June. Bannan questioned the reason for the time it took for Impey to be made aware that his A test sample had been positive, saying it was one of the questions that the rider’s legal team would probably ask. The timing of the announcement could not have been worse because the 2014 Tour started the next weekend. Whether the test was conclusive or not, it will not change the fact that it had a massive impact on Impey’s career. Getting to the Tour de France start line just once in one’s career is a huge achievement and there is no guarantee that it will happen again. When Impey became the first South African to wear the Tour’s yellow jersey last year, he also became the SA flag bearer for the sport. Let’s hope there is some acceptable explanation for Impey’s predicament. He comes from a family that is synonymous with SA cycling and if the results of the tests are allowed to stand it could be the worst blow the sport has been dealt locally. Cycling is still trying to rebuild its reputation in the post-Armstrong era, and it would be tragic if a South African is regarded as proof that the sport has not eliminated the abuse of drugs.
Wynand de Villiers
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Cyclingnews July 2014
IN THE BUNCH WITH COETZEE GOUWS
Picture: Radu Razvan / Shutterstock.com
THE SEARCH FOR
ALEJANDRO
When I failed to spot Alejandro Valverde at this year's Dauphiné, conventional wisdom dictated that he would line up at the Tour of Switzerland the following week. THESE ARE AFTER ALL the two top tune-up races for the Tour de France and experts – those who do not believe in the curse of the Dauphiné – will tell you decent form here should translate into the same a few weeks later. A case in point is Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome, who notched up their maiden Tour victories off the back of winning performances at the Dauphiné. The latter has become especially enticing since the organisers of the Tour acquired it and developed a habit of mirroring key stages, like the time-trial in Wiggo’s year. A look back at this year’s Dauphiné tells us Andrew Talansky is at long last coming of age; Alberto Contador is approaching his best form since the did-he-or-did-he-not doping saga; and Chris Froome is human. Meanwhile, across the Alps, world champion Rui Costa threw his hat into the mix of favourites by winning the Tour de Suisse for an unprecedented third year in a row. The Merckxs and Ullrichs of this world – as well as Armstrong, who finished second in his comeback year before podiuming at the Tour – have chosen to
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Cyclingnews July 2014
test their form in Switzerland in the past and there can now be no doubt about Costa’s ambitions. With these races clearly giving us insight into who among the Tour favourites are sleeping well at night and who are not, I found it surprising that Valverde did not surface at either. If Movistar are sending the Spaniard to France for July instead of Nairo Quintana, they are clearly stating that he is a Tour contender. Surely?
A young Valverde announced himself at the highest level when he beat Armstrong on a mountain stage – at Courchevel – in the 2005 Tour. Although he has not been able to string together three faultless weeks in France, and possibly spent two of his best years on the sidelines after a questionable doping suspension, he has won just about every other important race on the planet, including the Dauphiné and Vuelta. In 2012, his first season back, Valverde won a mountain stage at the Tour as he eased himself back into the peloton. Last year, a mechanical problem at the worst possible time saw him losing ten minutes and, along with it, his status as the team’s protected rider. Despite this bad luck, he rode impressively as a super domestique to help an up-and-coming Quintana on to the second step of the podium while he rose from the depths of the field into the top ten. With Quintana being sent to the Giro to further his apprenticeship, this is no doubt the year in which Valverde can right the wrongs of the past. At 34, and with the Colombian obviously being
FEATURE
groomed for 2015, it might also be his only chance. It therefore begs the question: Where is Alejandro? I trawled the ‘net and came up with the answer surprisingly easily in a Velonews article headlined Valverde’s indirect road to the Tour. In it, the writer suggests the Spaniard is hoping to rewrite the script on how to approach the Tour by taking what he calls the “... back roads to the Tour de France”. These roads included the much shorter Route du Sud across the French Pyrénées, where Alejandro very interestingly placed second. And before that, while the rest of the Tour contenders were sweating on the volcanic island of Tenerife, he spent four weeks training obscurely at altitude in Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountains. Bar Froome, who missed out on some early-season races because of illness, the net result is that he will be hitting the Tour with the fewest racing days in his legs out of all the contenders. The theory is to be as fresh as possible; both mentally and physically. Or, in Alejandro’s words, “... motivated to race.” •CN
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RACE PREVIEW
BESTMED JOCK CYCLE CLASSIQUE
Tar junkies gear up for another tough Jock Roadies across the country are gearing up for South Africa’s toughest one-day cycle challenge, which is all set to roll through the mountains of the Lowveld on July 19. NOW IN ITS 31ST YEAR, the three-stage Bestmed Jock Cycle Classique will see riders cover a total of 151km on the roads around Nelspruit, White River and Sabie. According to race director Wynand de Villiers, the Mpumalanga-based stage race remains a perpetual challenge for tar junkies everywhere, with participants returning year after year. “The Jock represents the toughest day a rider can spend on his road bike. At least three-quarters of the field has ridden the Jock at least once, with some riders having completed as many as 25.” De Villiers says it is with good reason that the race motto states: “With every Jock medal worn, again a cyclist is born”.
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“I suppose this speaks for itself,” he says. Two-time winner Dylan Girdlestone will head the field as he defends his title for new team Bonitas against assaults from the top domestic pro teams. Thanks to special dispensation from the Mbombela traffic authorities, at least a thousand additional riders will be accommodated beyond the usual limit of 1 500 participants this year. De Villiers says more than 150 marshals and metro police officials will provide excellent intersection control and road patrols for safe riding. “Once out of Nelspruit, the roads are quiet and the road surfaces are very good.
“The race has a very good safety track record and the new route allows us to bring in more riders because it passes along the outskirts of Nelspruit and not through the centre of town as in the past.” The traditional Jock route, which saw riders gritting their teeth on the infamous Boulders and Hilltop climbs, was abandoned last year due to roadworks. With construction still ongoing, organisers have been forced to keep to the new course, which bypasses the original out-and-back route from picturesque Barberton via Nelspruit and Kaapmuiden. The race now starts and finishes at the world-class Mbombela Stadium on the outskirts of Nelspruit.
RACE PREVIEW
The 43km breakfast stage heads out towards White River before turning towards Sabie for the 45km lunchtime leg. In the afternoon, riders take on the 63km final stage back to Nelspruit. But, says De Villiers, as 2013 finishers will attest, participants will not be short-changed in terms of the challenge. He says riders will once again do battle against another two-headed monster in the form of the 7km Spitskop climb on stage two and the final 10km ascent up Long Tom Pass, which has a gradient of seven per cent. The 108km two-stage option, for riders disinclined to push their bodies to the limit, will still be a fierce challenge as it includes both climbs, adds De Villiers. “If you’re feeling that the winter has been a bit too long, the one and two-stage options are a safe bet and all finishers will receive medals.” As far as cut-off times are concerned, he says organisers will allow riders to continue with the next stage if they
finish the previous leg before their scheduled start time. “The average rider takes around six hours to complete all three stages. We do however enforce a cut-off of 5.30pm for the last stage due to safety reasons.” De Villiers says returning to the old route may still be a possibility once construction works are complete but the final choice will be a democratic one. “We will send out a survey to riders following this year’s race and adhere to the majority’s wishes. In other words, we’ll let the riders decide.” Registration for the event, which is presented by ASG, takes place from 10am to 4pm on the Thursday before race day at Cycle Lab Fourways, and from 2pm to 6pm on the Friday at the stadium. Late entries are available at registration venues. A portion of all entry fees will be donated to the Cancer Association of South Africa. Go to Facebook and @jockcycle for updates. •CN
“We will send out a survey to riders following this year’s race and adhere to the majority’s wishes. In other words, we’ll let the riders decide.” Cyclingnews July 2014
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Pictures: Photosport International
FEATURE
2014 TOUR DE FRANCE
BLOOD, SWEAT, TEARS...
AND BIG GEARS!
Join Cyclingnews on a wonderful pictorial journey through the first ten days of one of the most eventful Tour de France in recent history.
Cyclingnews July 2014
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FEATURE
STAGE 1 190.5km • Leeds / Harrogate Just as in 2013, Marcel Kittel won stage 1 of the Tour as he avoided all the chaos. The dream of yellow for hot favourite Mark Cavendish ended with a nasty crash 300 metres before the finish in Harrogate. The Brit took Simon Gerrans down, making the ambitions of the Australian to ride in yellow a much more complicated task. Peter Sagan's quest of the green jersey started on a high note with second place.
STAGE 2 201km • York / Sheffield The Shark of the Strait, aka Vincenzo Nibali, claimed his first Tour de France stage victory as he rode away from the main peloton with 2km to go after surviving all the climbs of West and South Yorkshire. The Italian champion became the new race leader with an advantage of two seconds over Peter Sagan who lost the stage but took the lead in the points classification, his main goal this year.
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FEATURE
STAGE 3 155km • Cambridge / London A second victory for Marcel Kittel who outsprinted Peter Sagan on The Mall in London. It was a brilliant victory as he continued to display the form that took him to victory in Harrogate on the Saturday. Vincenzo Nibali retained the yellow jersey as the Tour completed its extremely popular trip to England.
STAGE 4 163.5km • Le Touquet-Paris-Plage / Lille Métropole Another notch in Marcel Kittel's belt. The best sprinter in the world claimed his third win in four stages, but his triumph opposite Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille was much more difficult than the previous ones. The Giant-Shimano colossus failed to anticipate Alexander Kristoff's burst of raw power and had to squeeze every ounce of power he had to overtake the Norwegian, taking a Northern-flavoured stage which also saw Chris Froome take a tumble at the very beginning. >
Cyclingnews July 2014
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FEATURE
STAGE 5 152.5km ª Ypres / Arenberg Porte du Hainaut The legendary stage of the north of France, including some cobbled sections, saw the abandon of defending champion Chris Froome who crashed on two occasions, before the pavés. On a rain soaked day of racing, Lars Boom took a famous victory in Arenberg-Porte du Hainaut, Vincenzo Nibali retained and increased his lead in the overall classification while Alberto Contador lost more time to the other GC contenders.
STAGE 6 194km • Arras / Reims Germany's André Greipel claimed stage 6 in Reims – the town where the kings of France were crowned – as his compatriot Marcel Kittel was let down by a mechanical issue in the last two kilometers. Vincenzo Nibali retained the lead on another rained soaked day with echelons on the roads chosen to remember World War I.
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FEATURE
STAGE 7 234.5km • Épernay / Nancy Matteo Trentin of Omega Pharma-Quick Step scored his second stage win at the Tour, one year after taking the laurels in Lyon. He passed Peter Sagan on the line, as the green jersey holder had done everything he could by putting his Cannondale team at the front of the peloton all day. He attacked in the last climb and sprinted in a crash marred finale but had to accept another defeat.
STAGE 8 161km • Tomblaine / Gérardmer La Mauselaine Blel Kadri of AG2R-La Mondiale was the only survivor of a breakaway. He delivered the first French stage win of the 2014 Tour while the battle of the giants gave a slight advantage to Alberto Contador who moved up to the top ten on the GC. The Spaniard only regained three seconds from Vincenzo Nibali who reached a new summit: the 200th day of an Italian in the lead of the Tour. >
Cyclingnews July 2014
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FEATURE
STAGE 9 170km • Gérardmer / Mulhouse For the first time, Tony Martin won a stage other than a time trial but it looked like a time trial as he used the mid mountains stage in the Vosges to ride away, with Alessandro De Marchi for 90 kilometres, and solo for 59 kilometres! It was an enormous exploit by the time trial world champion but was not the only amazing achievement of this eventful day as Frenchman Tony Gallopin took over from Vincenzo Nibali in the overall lead.
STAGE 10 194km • Arras / Reims The speculations around an expected duel between Chris Froome and Alberto Contador have completely vanished. Five days after the defending champion, the Spaniard was forced out of the race after crashing badly before the real fight between the favourites even begun. Following the sad exit of the leader of Tinkoff-Saxo, Vincenzo Nibali caught the last attacker Joaquim Rodriguez with 1.2km till the finish and regained the yellow jersey. •CN
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Cyclingnews July 2014
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Words: Coetzee Gouws • Picture: Alex Cooper
FEATURE
Anriette’s Games hat-trick
a landmark for SA cycling When eight-time national road champion Anriette Schoeman (BESTMED-AFRICA SILKS) was selected for this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, it was a landmark moment, for her personally as well as for SA women’s cycling. “I WAS SO OVERWHELMED when I heard [of the selection] that I actually cried,” says Schoeman, who joins Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio, Cherise Stander, An-Li Kachelhoffer, Heidi Dalton and Lise Olivier in the road line-up. The seven-time Argus winner notched up another cycling record by becoming the first woman to represent South Africa at three Commonwealth Games. The first time was in Kuala Lumpur in 1998 and twelve years later she competed in Delhi. Schoeman, who rides locally in the colours of Africa Silks-Bestmed, says this year’s selection has been the high point of a tumultuous season. “The Commonwealth Games has been one of my main goals for the year but there have been a lot of ups and downs, so that has made it extra special for me.” Knowing that 2014 would probably be her last chance to compete at the Games she set her focus on producing consistent results over the past 12 months. >
Eight-time national road champion Anriette Schoeman, who rides locally in the colours of Africa Silks-Bestmed, will soon represent South Africa for the third time as a Commonwealth Games cyclist.
Cyclingnews July 2014
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FEATURE
“But after trying to defend my Argus title while I was ill, and after taking time off afterwards to recover, I thought I might not be considered any more. When I made the shortlist for selection, I was over the moon. I think my experience may have counted in my favour.” Schoeman’s other highlights of the season include a win at The Herald VW Cycle Tour in her hometown of Port Elizabeth and second-place finishes at the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Momentum Cycle Tour and Emperors Palace Classic. The five-time national track champion attributes her longevity in the sport to her levelheaded approach in dealing with the good as well as the bad times. “I’ve learned that you have to focus on being the best version of yourself, being consistent and not letting success go to your head or failure to your heart.” Schoeman is more than willing to sacrifice for her team-mates to get the best result for Team SA. “I believe this is one of the most balanced teams I have ever been part of. “We have three possibilities for sprinters in Ashleigh, Cherise and An-Li,
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and Heidi is exceptionally good in breakaways. Lise’s ability to read races well will be crucial in different scenarios during the race.” Final team dynamics will be determined closer to the event, but Stander and Olympian Moolman-Pasio, who finished fourth in Spain’s UCI 2.1-rated Emakumeen Euskal Bira race recently, will probably be their strongest contenders. “Both of them have had incredible results in overseas bunch sprints,” says Schoeman. “I think we have a very realistic chance of medalling given the calibre of talent in the team.” She believes defending champions Australia will be the team to watch. “Great Britain have strong sprinters and New Zealand are always the underdogs. We must be careful that one of their riders doesn’t slip away in a breakaway.” Schoeman was shocked to hear that South Africa won’t have a men’s team at the Games, especially with riders such as U23 world silver medallist Louis Meintjes.
“I have no doubt that the guys would have made an impact. I know our federation fought hard for them.” Meanwhile she planned to use the Knysna Cycle Tour and the Bestmed Jock Cycle Classique as her final warm-up events before leaving for Scotland. Looking further ahead, she says she has already begun working off the bike with her sponsor, Africa Silks. “I’ll eventually work with them full-time, but in the meantime I’ll still be riding my bike because it’s my passion. I will always find new goals to accomplish but I’ll find them as I go along.” After 22 years of competitive cycling, she has much to share in her capacity as brand ambassador and as mentor to the young riders in the Bestmed ASG team. “I want the younger riders to see that even though riding at top level takes a lot of sacrifice, if you love it and it’s your passion it’s not really a sacrifice after all. “Dedication and discipline can take you places you have never been; you just have to believe.” For Schoeman, those places now include Glasgow 2014. •CN
PRODUCT FEATURE
Words: Coetzee Gouws
EVERY POCKET SHOULD HAVE A POCPAC Not many things say “South African” like an outdoors accessory made to withstand extreme conditions. The pOcpac range of pocket pouches, initially designed as a convenient way to take cycling spares and mobile phones along on rides, is just that. BROTHERS ANDREW AND PANO GEORGEOU came up with the concept and have been rolling the products out to SA markets since 2010 and in the United Kingdom since 2012. It is now distributed in 30 countries. “Before pOcpac, my money and spares were in little plastic bags, which either tore easily or got lost,” says pro cyclist and pOcpac designer Adriaan Louw. “It’s great to be able to keep everything in one place.” The bags are made from durable, waterproof PVC and equipped with a zip that locks tightly, ensuring that goods stay dry. But it is also recyclable, so the old ones won’t be cluttering landfills. “We do thorough research on materials and design before we take anything to the market,” says Louw. “There’s no point in manufacturing something when the market for it is already saturated. We rather take our time developing something that is simple but indispensable and made to a high standard.” To this end, he says, the decision to manufacture locally was taken largely to ensure that the stringent quality standards are met.
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Cyclingnews July 2014
“Manufacturing in China would mean that you’re removed from your product. By keeping things local, we can keep a close eye on the quality and guarantee that consumers buy a product that will last.” Three pouch types are available to suit specific circumstances. For roadies and mountain bikers, the “Pro” and “MTB” versions offer a slightly flexible case that fits easily into a standard cycling jersey pocket to carry essentials, including CO2 canisters. The Mobi range, introduced in late 2011 to accommodate smartphones, offers three sizes. It comes with a transparent front that allows you to operate your phone while it is safely encased, including a strategically placed “window” to allow photography on the go. It comprises a separate slot for bank cards and a driver’s licence, should you need to take these along on longer or group rides. To ensure that the most popular mobile phones are catered for, pOcpac designed the Mobi 3 for iPhones, the Mobi 3X for Samsung Galaxy S4s and the Mobi Utility for the Samsung Note 2.
In keeping with their mission of presenting simple solutions to common cycling problems, they collaborated with two European companies to bring riders the eloquently named Ass Saver mudguard, which you attach to the saddle rails, and the Finn smartphone handlebar mount. “At the moment, we’re researching a lot of options for new products, but we’d rather partner with a brand that has proven itself to be reliable and successful than try rushing our own thing to market without due care and diligence,” says Louw. They are determined to give customers what they want. “We want the brand and the product to be part of people’s lives, not something that breaks and is tossed away.” Visit www.thepocpac.co.za and selected retailers to view their range of products. •CN
Words: Coetzee Gouws • Picture: Kelvin Trautman
PULSE PAGES
How Evans won Umkomaas – stat by stat
Widely regarded as one of the best days you’ll ever spend on a mountain bike, the 99km queen stage of the three-day Nedbank sani2c offers both literal and figurative highs and lows. MANY AMATEUR RIDERS may struggle to hold their line and nerve on the high-speed switchback descent into the Umkomaas River Valley, but the pros often appear to sail down the single-track and barely register the climb out on the other side. After browsing his racing data on www.strava.com, Cyclingnews sought out six-time champion Kevin Evans, who won the stage and overall race
alongside Max Knox, for his take on day two. Evans’s data reveals that he reached top speeds of 62.6 km/h and averaged 27.2 to finish the stage in a record time of 3 hours 36 minutes 58 seconds. “I felt good throughout the stage,” says the FedGroup-Itec rider, who knew what to expect after riding the same route as part of the Old Mutual joBerg2c ten days earlier. >
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PULSE PAGES
“I knew to eat and drink a lot to fuel up for the effort, as we were planning on attacking out of the Umko Valley. It was a fast start to the stage and I activated the unit only after the first kilometre.� Young cross-country specialists Rourke Croeser and Travis Walker (Kargo Pro), as well as Arno du Toit and Brendon Davids (Trek Racing), were firing on all cylinders as they led the charge into the valley, forcing Evans and Knox and the other pro teams to give chase. Descending 715m over 19.2km, Evans clocked an average speed of 30.4km/h, with a power output of 201 watts and heart-rate of 142 beats per minute. On the valley floor his heart rate dropped by around ten beats per minute before a collision with Andrew Hill (Red-E/TIB) brought them both up short at the 40km mark.
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Picture: Full Stop Communications
PULSE PAGES
“I had a bad crash behind another rider, falling heavily on to my bad shoulder and hurting my ribs. You might see on the graph where the speed obviously stops, I guess about 5km after waterpoint one,” said Evans. “It was mentally tough from there to keep my head intact while trying not to push too hard to catch the small group we were with at that stage.” Evans and Knox kept it steady on the long climb out of the valley as they chased back to close the three-minute gap between them and the leaders. At around the 55km mark, Evans’s power output spikes as he and Knox launched their planned attack on the category four climb. “We caught the lead group and put our effort in on the big climb as soon as we exited the Umko Valley. From there
we rode a very hard but steady tempo, feeling good.” Evans’s average heart rate (161 bpm) and power output (308W) reflect the push they made on the steep Nando’s Climb leading up to the second feeding station at 67km. By then Du Toit and Davids had blown, leaving just the FedGroup-Itec duo and RECM’s Erik Kleinhans and Nico Bell 40 seconds adrift of Croeser and Walker. “Unfortunately,” said Evans, “we couldn’t stop to fuel up at the second waterpoint and raced hard until the third, where we refuelled.” At that point Evans and Knox were alone with the lead pair, who could not keep up after pacing out front all day. “We had a two-minute gap over our nearest challengers but this had been chased down to twenty seconds with
10km remaining.” Little knowing that second-placed Bell and Kleinhans had suffered a severe crash on Charlie’s Catwalk that left Kleinhans with a torn shoulder joint, the champions turned on the afterburners in the closing kilometres. With power outputs peaking at over 1 100W and a heart rate spiking to 164 bpm, the two sprinted towards the finish line at Jolivet farm near Highflats. “You will see the heart-rate graph should increase again in the final 10km as we pushed hard to try extend our lead, which we managed to do and win the stage by around a minute,” says Evans. Log in to you profile and follow this link to view the full stats: www.strava.com/activities/141817114/ analysis. •CN
Words: Coetzee Gouws • Pictures: Jetline Action Photo
FEATURE
Ranger Mel already planning another
SONDELA WINNER
Former executive chef turned group operations manager Melgard “Ranger Mel” Meyer dished up another winner at this year’s Bestmed Sondela Mountain Bike Classic near Bela-Bela. MORE THAN 4 500 VISITORS turned out at the end of June for the biggest mountain biking bash in the Bushveld and enjoyed a weekend of real family entertainment and top-quality trails. “We had about 1 400 riders taking part over the two days and they brought their families and friends,” says Meyer. “Sondela sleeps 1 800 people and we were full. We had lots of day-trippers too.” >
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FEATURE
The numbers are impressive, but Meyer says the highlight for him was seeing so many families taking part in the 60km, 40km and 20km events and the kiddies’ races. “We’re a family resort and our aim is to see this sport grow among people of all ages. I get more pleasure from seeing one family – pa, ma, boetie en sussie – on bicycles than 1 400 individual cyclists in a race.” The event has come a long way since it began with 60 participants seven years ago. “At first we increased to around 300 or 400 riders. But the moment ASG Events got involved three years ago, we started growing exponentially. “Wynand de Villiers brings a huge amount of experience to event
organising. He just has a different way of looking at an event.” His career may have taken detours through various aspects of the hospitality industry, but Meyer says cycling has always been a part of his life, and a natural extension of his love for the outdoors. “Being on a bicycle is where I find myself, where I’m cut off from everything else, in my own space and time. It’s my place of dreaming. “When I came to Sondela twelve years ago, I started putting down some trails. We then decided to develop those trails and later to start some mountain biking events.” The resort now offers six events annually, two of which fall under the auspices of ASG. The others offer
“If you’re just a one-off race village, you want a route that is tactical and tough. But if you have trails that are marked 24/7 and 365 days a year, then your trail setup must look different.”
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practical training for Sondela’s event management students, with Ranger Mel keeping an ever watchful eye. “We’re not just a race village; we’re a genuine mountain-biking destination.” And that, he says, makes all the difference when it comes to setting up the trails, which include 78km of hand-cut single-track across the 4 700-hectare reserve. “If you’re just a one-off race village, you want a route that is tactical and tough. But if you have trails that are marked 24/7 and 365 days a year, then your trail setup must look different. “It must be safe and fair to everyone but serious riders must still be able to pick up speed on the single-track and get in some proper training.”
FEATURE
The students at the Sondela Academy are completely involved in all aspects of the trail development process. “One of my real passions in life, aside from food and cycling, is developing people. The academy brings all of these together,” Meyer says. “As part of our ecotourism courses, our conservation, guiding and event support, students prepare and maintain trails. The roles they play are linked to specific outcomes for each of these qualifications.” Although mountain biking is essentially an eco-friendly sport, he says it still has a significant impact on the environment, which must be planned for and mitigated. “Trails are not there forever; they can
become eroded. Game can also start using the trails, so you’re changing animal behaviour patterns. “It’s important to analyse your trails and change portions where necessary. You want to help those areas recover but you also want to take people there so that they understand their impact on nature.” Farming and conservation principles have been in his blood since the day he was born, says the 47-year-old Meyer, who grew up on a farm. As group operations manager for the past two years, he has been able to influence the direction that Sondela is taking at all levels of the business. “Mountain biking is a big part of our vision because we aim to become the
default destination for the sport. Even our executives are now on bicycles; they all ride.” The dust from this year’s Sondela Mountain Bike Classic has barely settled, but Meyer is already making plans for 2015. Aside from growing the number of participants in the feature race, he also plans to give children their own batch starts in the 20km fun ride to improve the enjoyment and safety factors. “We don’t just want to maintain our results; we want to exceed every expectation as far as we go, and just keep on making it a better experience year after year.” For more information, visit www.asgevents.co.za. •CN
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FEATURE
Picture: Photosport International
RACE TO TRUTH In her book, Race to Truth, former US Postal soigneur Emma O'Reilly reveals her version of the drugs scandal which saw Lance Armstrong fall from grace. In a startling revelation, Armstrong agreed to write the foreword to the book: WHEN EMMA ASKED ME to write the foreword of her book, I was surprised. But even more so, I was both humbled and happy to do it. Our shared history has been a very interesting one to say the least and there was a time I didn’t expect to hear from her again. Prior to my admission, I had tried to reach out and apologise but understandably didn’t hear anything back. Then months later I got a message out of the blue. My former soigneur had taken her time to consider events and wanted to talk again, which was incredible for me to hear. Before meeting Emma in Florida in January 2014, all those years later, I was thinking: ‘Shit is this going to be totally awkward?’ But within sixty seconds we were totally at ease, a testament to the friendship we’d once shared. We haven’t stopped speaking since. All credit to Emma as she’s always been a very direct no bullshit kind of girl, even if 90% of the time I cannot understand what she’s saying she speaks so fast in her thick Irish accent! She says what is right and what is wrong and for a time that worked against the lies I was telling the world. Overnight my story as sporting hero and Tour de France champion went from a lily- white picture to jet black. But, unlike many others, who have an invested interest for financial or ego reasons Emma doesn’t view it like that. She wasn’t going to sit there and say: ‘It’s black or it’s white’. She sees the cool shades of grey. From the start, when Emma spoke up to try and clean up cycling, she showed enormous courage. Without a doubt I was the brashest when it came to defending myself and the sport and I took it too far. For this, I am eternally sorry to her. My behavior was totally inexcusable. However, while others, who’d also got hurt, danced on my grave, Emma did not join in and I really respect her for that. On the US postal team, we got on very well together and it was an extraordinary thing Emma was given the role of
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soigneur in such a male dominated sport. She was a vocal, outspoken, fun person back then and we got on just great. When she left the team we didn’t keep in touch but after she spoke out about doping, the lawyers rolled in and our positions were staked out. On both sides things became aggressive and I said words no man should ever say about a woman. We’d never fallen out personally, but publicly it got nasty. Today the ‘Lance Armstrong’ story has become a cottage industry, with many books, movies and a whole lot of drama out there for people to see. And while a lot of it’s true, some of it’s been completely embellished and exaggerated. Yes, I doped but from what I can tell so did many pro-cyclists and while I’ve been banned for life, hundreds of others involved will go unpunished. The half-truths and varying accounts frustrated Emma. She was a member of our team at the time and now finally she gets to share the eye- witness account of her story. For ten years, when my image as sporting icon was that lily-white colour, nobody wanted to listen to Emma the whistleblower talking of the dark side. And now she’s staked out another position centred round forgiveness and reconciliation some don’t want to hear
this either. But Emma O’Reilly doesn’t give a shit. She just marches to the beat of her own drum and she’s fine with that. I admire her deeply, as I’ve come to appreciate just how tireless she is in the face of naysayers. Since those days of fighting for my corner and career my life has changed considerably. Not only from the outside but also from the inside. Although I am still under plenty of stress, I am beholden to nobody, no sponsors, no teams and in some ways feel happier than ever. If I could sum my life up in one word it would be ‘fearless’, not in cavalier, crazy way but it’s neat to be free. Being forgiven by people like Emma only adds to my peace and humility, something I’m hugely grateful for. Of all the characters in this saga, Emma has handled her experience very differently to most. In spite of what she went through, she took her time and came to a very mature and reasoned place. This position is one most people involved in this story will never reach. I honestly don’t know if I’d have the courage and character to do what Emma did. This won’t come as a shock to anyone but this woman is a much better person than I am or ever will be. •CN
FEATURE
“For ten years, when my image as sporting icon was that lily-white colour, nobody wanted to listen to Emma the whistleblower talking of the dark side.�
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BIKE SHOP FEATURE
Solomon’s Cycles now also in Durban The Dockrat family has been perfecting good business practices and excellent customer service for four generations.
THE EVIDENCE LIES in the fact that Solomon’s Cycles, with locations in Pretoria and Johannesburg, recently opened a fourth branch in Durban as a result of popular demand. Owner Arshad Dockrat says: “I had customers phoning me from Durban saying ‘I need someone to service my bike but I can’t travel as far as Pretoria. Can’t you make a plan?’” The cycle-shop brand started as a general dealer run by Dockrat’s great-grandfather, Suleiman. Customers who frequented the shop kept calling him Solomon, and the name stuck. In 1999 the business, which had grown into a large department store, diversified into two divisions, Solomon’s Cycles and Solomon’s Lifestyle and Fishing. The latter was headed by Arshad’s brother Rashid. At the time the cycling division stocked mainly leisure bicycles. The first Solomon’s Cycles, which became a speciality cycling store in 2000, occupied a floor space of 131 square metres. In just three years it expanded to a whopping 900 square metres. In 2009, the family opened a second shop in Woodmead, Johannesburg. The expansion, Dockrat notes, was driven by their commitment to bringing customers a wide selection of products at the best possible price. “Because of how we’re structured, we can afford to buy in bulk, and offer our customers great deals.
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“We stock everything a cyclist could need, from shoes to bikes and accessories.“ “And when you’re spending a few thousand kitting yourself out and buying a bike, the savings really add up to a significant amount.” Customers are spoilt for choice when they are comparing brands, and Arshad guesses that it is one of the reasons why they keep coming back. “We cater for everyone; from your beginner cyclist to pro.” Most cycle shops in South Africa are headed by former professionals, semi-pros and passionate amateurs, and Arshad says he would like to ride more than he is doing at the moment. But his real satisfaction lies in seeing the massive positive impact cycling has on his customers. “You’ll get someone coming into the store saying they’re thinking of getting a bike because they don’t have energy and they’re not sleeping well. After a few months of cycling they return and they’re totally different people. “They rave about how great they feel and how they’ve lost weight. For me, that’s really rewarding.” He expects cyclists are really going to enjoy his coastal venture, which will benefit from a few tweaks to his success formula. The Durban store, which opened earlier this year, places the workshop closer to
the door and more prominently in the shop. “Cycling retail is not just about selling bits and pieces anymore; it’s providing service to the client and keeping his bike in top shape.” To ensure customers receive premium service, Dockrat prides himself on finding mechanics who boast specific skills and extensive experience. “People who work for us know we’re an established family business and when you join the business, you join the family. “Most of our mechanics have well over seven years’ experience and I look for skills such as shock servicing, great wheel building and the ability to service disc brakes ptroperly. Our staff stay with us for many years.” The flagship Durban store, which has upmarket shop fittings in keeping with the high-profile brands it sells, will stock three cycling brands that are not widely available, namely Merida, Cervelo and the ASG-exclusive import, Pinarello. Customers can also look forward to meeting store manager Yusuf Kadwa, who is not only a school friend of Dockrat’s, but a keen triathlete and knowledgeable about everything from nutrition to training programmes. The Solomon’s Cycles store in Durban is open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00 and on Saturdays from 08:00 to 13:00 On the last Sunday of every month it trades from 09:00 to 13:00. •CN
Words: Coetzee Gouws
LEGENDS OF THE PEDAL
ALAN DIPPLE
He bounced with the Boks and waltzed with the Wallabies More than 30 years ago, former SA cyclist Alan Dipple achieved something few of his contemporaries even dared to dream – home-ground success on two continents. DIPPLE LEFT SOUTH AFRICA in the early eighties when he was 25 years old, having won the big two on road and track: the Rapport Tour and the Paarl Boxing Day 25-mile race. Only a few years later he became the Australian 50km point score champion on the track and the 200km road champion. “I believe I always had a good finishing sprint on both track and road,” says Dipple. “I was able to read a race well and rode good positions in a bunch.” Those are only some of the skills that saw him pip Mark Beneke by 15 seconds to win the Rapport Tour in 1979. “That was a great win for me because we had a number of international teams competing and especially since I still considered myself a track rider.” Three years later he set a Paarl Boxing Day record (55:38.9) before another Beneke brother, Gary, rewrote the record books. “At that time, it was a huge event that attracted many great riders and massive crowds,” he recalls. “Winning it was as great a feeling as winning a national title.” Dipple grew up riding his bicycle around the Johannesburg suburb where they lived. “I enjoyed this and somehow ended up joining a club. I guess the rest is history.” >
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LEGENDS OF THE PEDAL
“I was always a track cyclist but in those years there seemed to be more happening on the road, because of races such as the Rapport Tour. So I started riding on the road a little more seriously”
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LEGENDS OF THE PEDAL
1979 Rapport Tour title
That history included Springbok track colours at the age of 18 when he rode against a combined international team and touring Belgium two years later, in 1977. That is when he developed a hunger for international competition. “I was always a track cyclist but in those years there seemed to be more happening on the road, because of races such as the Rapport Tour. So I started riding on the road a little more seriously. “Seeing that South Africans were banned from competing in world tour races and world championships, there was no point in specialising in one or the other. I enjoyed both even though I still considered myself a track rider.” Dipple says one of the lowlights of his career was the frustration of sharing the stage with so many talented riders who were not allowed to compete among the world’s best. “We had riders such as Alan van Heerden, Ertjies Bezuidenhout, Robbie McIntosh, Jack Lester, Mark Beneke, Willie Engelbrecht, Chris Willemse, Butch Webber and Tony Impey, to name a few. There were others too; we had enormous talent at that time.”
1987 Australian road title
In 1982, Dipple captained the SA track team to a 3-0 test series victory over a Swiss team in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. It proved to be a decisive period for the young rider. “I don’t believe I had reached the heights of my career at that stage but I had a strong desire to compete overseas again because I had achieved as much as I could locally,” says Dipple. Emigration seemed the only way to enhance what was clearly a promising career. The opportunity came while he was racing under an assumed name in Belgium later that year. “I’d met a few Australian cyclists who invited me to come over and have a holiday in Australia that summer. This holiday became an extended stay and I eventually applied for residency, which led to citizenship.” The road to Australia was not without bumps, however. “When I arrived, I was unable to race as it had been discovered that I’d competed in Belgium under a false name and licence.” Dipple was finally given a licence but he was allowed to compete for Australian titles only once he had gained
citizenship and relinquished his SA passport. “I went on to win four national titles and numerous Victoria state titles,” he says. But then, just when he seemed ready to conquer the world, fate dealt him an unexpected blow. “By the time I was selected to represent Australia at the world championships, I found out I had thyroid cancer. I had to have an operation and by the time I started training again I’d lost all fitness. So I withdrew from the team.” However, he went on to build a happy and successful life Down Under with his Australian wife Sally and two sons, Josh and Kyle. Now 57 years old, he is a national account manager for Pilot Pens and he looks after some big-brand accounts. After 22 years off the bike, Dipple, who lives in Sydney, began riding again two years ago. “I no longer race. I try to get out most weekends to keep fit and I really enjoy my rides,” says the former Johannesburg boy who became a cycling legend on both sides of the Indian Ocean. •CN
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RACE PREVIEW
Picture: Capcha
BESTMED TOUR DE BOLAND
2015 route unveiled as entries open The route for the 2015 Bestmed Tour de Boland, presented by Pinarello from 2-6 March next year, has been unveiled. A total of 430km awaits riders over 5 stages with a total vertical ascent of 7 128 metres. THE TOUR CATERS FOR ALL CSA categories as well as open/seeded fun ride categories and presents four road stages and a 53km individual time trial. The field will be limited to 500 riders. Emulating the finest European cycling traditions, the 2015 Tour is again set for a scintillating grand finale with riders having to summit the Paarl Mountain to finish at the Taal Monument on the final day. The Tour de Boland is at the forefront of rekindling the tradition of classic road tours in South Africa. The organisers’ aim with the event is to present a true challenge to road riders while showcasing as much as possible of the Boland region. It’s such a beautiful place to ride your bike and the roads lend them to cycling.
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Traffic is generally calm and road users a lot more forgiving than in most other parts of the country. The race organisation like keeping things interesting, and hence the route changes this year with only one stage remaining from last year – the 138km 4th stage from Tulbagh to Riebeek-kasteel. The format will change every year to provide a different racing experience and also take the tour to different areas. The roads in the Boland are absolutely stunning and the Tour will pass through some of its most historic and beautiful towns, including Franschhoek, Worcester, Ceres, Tulbagh, Riebeeck-kasteel and Paarl. While finishing the event within the allotted daily time frames will be the singular focus for the open/seeded riders, up front some of the sport’s finest riders will fight it out for top honours. All of South Africa’s pro teams will be present as well as a strong contingent of international riders, including a solid line-up from multiple world and Cape Epic champion Christoph Sauser.
No better place to ride your road bike! The Boland presents some of the country’s finest tarred roads in the most beautiful setting and calm traffic areas – it all adds up to an unequalled road riding experience. 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. Fantastic water points along the route will be manned by schools and charity organisations. 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/seeded riders. Open/seeded riders will receive a commemorative trophy upon completing the entire event in the allotted time frames
RACE PREVIEW
• Prizes for top 3 elite men’s teams with best 4 riders in a team to count – not more than 6 riders per team to enter • Daily elite awards presentation 10 minutes before the start of the following stage • No daily presentations for licensed veterans categories and women’s riders • All stage winners in women’s and veteran’s categories will be honoured in the final prize giving following the tour. Entry for the event is R1 850 per rider and includes: • Tour de Boland Fleece Jacket • Cocktail function at Solms Delta Restaurant during race briefing • Special Bestmed finisher’s trophy • A tog bag shuttle service • Goody bag with High 5 nutritional supplements and other rider aids • Well stocked water points and wonderful local hospitality • Neutral service vehicles • Well marshalled roads • Excellent race control • Some of the finest cycling roads that South Africa can offer • R30 000 Prize money Accommodation All riders have to book their own accommodation for the duration of the event. For accommodation options email info@cyclingacademy.co.za For further information email eventsupport@asgworld.co.za or phone 076 621 1807 •CN
ROUTE DESCRIPTION STAGE 1: MONDAY 2 MARCH Franchhoek to Worcester, via Villiersdorp Distance: 92km; total ascent: 1942m After a fan-fare ride through Franschhoek, the killer 2014 final climb awaits – Franchhoek Pass. It’s only 7 km long, but guaranteed to split the sprinters off the back. Villiersdorp sees the first sprint prime of the Tour and, as seen in the Giro del Capo of yesteryear, the sprinters will re-join the peloton shortly before Villiersdorp – or not. The finish is in Worcester, with no climbs to worry about, but definitely some cross-winds. STAGE 2: TUESDAY 3 MARCH Worcester to Op-die-Berg, via Ceres Distance: 73.8km, total ascent: 2013m The stage starts with rolling hills and ends with two signature climbs. Some would reckon this is the killer stage, since both of the major climbs at the finish offer no respite after summiting. First Mitchells Pass, outside Ceres, and then the Gydo Pass between Prince Alfred Hamlet and Op-die-Berg.
STAGE 3: WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH Individual Time Trial: Op-die-Berg to Tulbagh, via Ceres Distance: 53km, total ascent: 614m The benefit of yesterday’s up is today’s down. Few climbs to consider and it’s a short ride to Tulbagh – but the fact that it’s an individual TT will make it a very important stage for the overall contenders. STAGE 4: THURSDAY 5 MARCH Tulbagh to Riebeek-kasteel, via Piketberg Distance: 138km, total ascent: 1584m The classic separator of the 2014 edition. There are no climbs, just rolling hills after the first 60km. The first prime is at Porterville, which usually sets the racing alight. The wind and heat play a big role in this long stage. STAGE 5: FRIDAY 6 MARCH Riebeek-kasteel to Paarl, via Wellington Distance: 74km, total ascent: 975m The finish is on the signature Tour de Boland Jan Phillips dirt circuit – pack walking shoes! The line is at the very top, at the Taal Monument!”
“The Boland presents some of the country’s finest tarred roads in the most beautiful setting and calm traffic areas – it all adds up to an unequalled road riding experience.” Cyclingnews July 2014
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MOUNTAIN-BIKING AT ITS BEST IN THE HEART OF THE WEST The Pennypinchers Silverstar Mountain-bike Challenge showcases some of the most beautiful spots and awesome riding terrain in Gauteng. The route is one of the most picturesque you’ll find anywhere in South Africa and riders truly feel a part of nature with unsurpassed views and great riding.
DATE: 6 September 2014 START AND FINISH: Silverstar Casino ON-LINE ENTRIES: www.asgevents.co.za CLOSING DATE: 31 August 2014 TIME: 40km (08h00), 20km (08h15) ENTRY FEES: 40km (R170), 20km (R130) For further information email eventsupport@asgworld.co.za or phone 076 621 1807.
RACE REVIEW
Words: Coetzee Gouws • Pictures: Jetline Action Photo
WILLIAMS WINS
at Walkerville
Two-time Momentum 94.7 Mountain Bike Challenge winner Kallen Williams showed himself to be one of South Africa’s rising young talents when he claimed his first ever win at the Bestmed Walkerville Mountain Bike Classic in Gauteng. THE FORMER TOYOTA CYCLE LAB rider slew mentor Andrew Mclean in a finishing sprint battle to take the 60km title by a single second in 2:20:20. Greg Anderson was third across the line at the Walkerville Showgrounds in 2:20:42. Williams, who is currently in his third year of optometry studies at the University of Johannesburg, said racing conditions were far milder than he had
anticipated for what was billed as Gauteng’s coldest off-road race. “That made things a lot easier on the body. Today I was feeling pretty good, so I went hard from the beginning.” The 21-year-old pushed the pace from the start, opening up a gap of at least a minute over the Platberg climb. He held the chasers at bay until the halfway mark, when he saw a breakaway group of three riders
attempting to reel him in. “The last half of the race is quite flat and windy, so to stay away by yourself is a lot harder,” said the Alberton resident, who trains regularly in the area. “So I just backed off and waited for the other three to catch up.” The four riders worked together over the remaining kilometres until Williams launched a series of attacks in the closing stretch. >
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RACE REVIEW
“I started making a couple of moves about 5km out and eventually there was just the two of us (Williams and Mclean). I’ve raced against Andrew before, so I was confident that I could take him in the sprint.” As a former roadie, Williams said he knew he could respond quickly in the sprint and that his background in competitive motocross would stand him in good stead on the speedway circuit leading up to the finish. “Overall, it’s a very technical course – lots of rocks and lots of climbing. It’s a very tough race.” While his studies remained his primary focus, Williams said the result was encouraging and he was looking forward to attempting a hat-trick at the 94.7 Momentum MTB Challenge later this year. In the women’s race, cross-triathlete Sylvia van Tromp showed her off-road mettle to take an uncontested win in 2:51:02. Runner-up Ronel van Straaten trailed her home in 2:57:21, with third-placed Jana Jonker a further seven minutes back in 3:04:15. A delighted Van Tromp said she had merely intended to ride the race as part
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of her preparations for the ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships, which take place in Zittau, Germany, next month. “I really didn’t go out intending to win today, I just wanted to see how my training was progressing and to test the legs,” said the Sasol Cross Tri Series winner. “But I rode as hard as I could and was alone for most of the race.”
The Vanderbijl resident, who also placed third at the African cross tri champs in May, said she was very excited to be representing her country internationally. “It has taken me 35 years to finally get my elite Protea colours!” For more information on the 17th edition of the event, which was presented by ASG, find the race on Facebook or follow @WalkervilleMTB. •CN
RESULTS 60km MEN 1 2 3 4 5
Kallen Williams Andrew Mclean Greg Anderson Julius Cobbett Greeff Moolman
2:20:20 2:20:21 2:20:42 2:21:04 2:21:11
60km WOMEN 1 2 3
Sylvia Van Tromp Ronel van Straaten Jana Jonker
2:51:02 2:57:21 3:04:15
30km MEN 1 2 3
Luke Ellard Joshua Windt Andrew Hill
1:25:23 1:31:30 1:35:05
RACE PREVIEW
Words: Coetzee Gouws • Picture: Wayne Hayward
Enjoy the Lost City experience while you cycle to fight cancer The 17th annual Bestmed Powerade Lost City Cycling Festival, to be held on August 16 and 17, will again offer riders an opportunity to enjoy the roads and offroad trails around Sun City. THE WEEKEND FESTIVAL of cycling is all about pedalling for a purpose. Proceeds from the event go to the North-West Province branch of the Cancer Association of South Africa, which runs screening and prevention campaigns in the area. Since its inception in 1998, the event has raised well over R3 million for the fight against the disease. More than 5 000 participants are expected to do their bit this year. The festival starts with the 115km Powerade Lost City Classic and shorter road races on the Saturday. The Bestmed Lost City MTB events bring the weekend to a close on the Sunday. The road classic, one of the premier seeding events for the Cape Argus Momentum Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, follows an undulating course on quiet roads that will be well policed by the local traffic authorities. As the first spring classic, the race draws all top SA professional teams. Last year Argus champion Nolan Hoffman took the laurels for Team Abantu in a thrilling bunch sprint. Riders get a taste of the local culture as they pass the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, as well as a traditional village and the king’s palace.
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Cyclingnews July 2014
For riders who are just emerging from their winter break, there is a less testing 66km alternative, with 12km and 1km options for little riders. Organiser Wynand de Villiers says the big news for mountain-bike riders is that the 50km feature race will return to the 25km circuit-based route that was introduced four years ago. “This means participants in the feature race will now complete two circuits of the short course but with some additional technical challenges thrown in on the second loop.” De Villiers says the organisers decided to go back to the loop-based option because the riders asked for it. “The general consensus was that this course offered an amazing experience, both from a route and scenic point of view.” Participants traverse large sections of the resort’s grounds, including a palm plantation and the renowned Gary Player and Lost City golf courses. They also go through the neighbouring Letsatsing Game Reserve. “The route is absolutely stunning,” says De Villiers. “The game rangers actually keep the elephants and rhinos to one side to allow our riders to pass through the heart of the reserve.”
But it is not all game viewing and leisurely pedalling. “This route delivers a nice sting in the tail, ending with a good technical section on the Sun City motocross track before riders hit the tar for the finish at the Sun City parking lot.” The route change means that the half-distance or single-circuit race is now also suitable for children older than 12 who want to enjoy a family ride with their parents. For the really little ones, the Sparletta 4x4 Kiddies’ Experience offers a tricycle ride, fun run and a walk over 1km, offering medals to all finishers. All participants and their families will receive free entrance to Sun City and the Valley of Waves on race day, with special accommodation packages available at the resort. Registration takes place from 09:00 to 16:00 on the Wednesday before the event at Cycle Lab Centurion, between the same hours on the Thursday at Cycle Lab in Fourways and from 11:00 to 19:30 on the Friday at the Sun City Sport Village. Entries for the kiddies’ events will be accepted on race day. For more information, visit cansalostcity.co.za. Enter online at www.cycleevents.co.za by August 5. •CN