Cyclingnews - November 2014

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VOL 15 NO 9

NOVEMBER 2014

BESTMED SATELLITE CLASSIC

HB STAKES CLAIM FOR 94.7

20 QUESTIONS

KLEINHANS LOOKS BACK ON A REALLY BIG SEASON PULSE PAGES

TIME TO STRIVE FOR MORE ENDURANCE AND STRENGTH BRIGHT FUTURE BECKONS AFTER BRILLIANT YEAR FOR ASG RIDERS

LEGEND OF THE PEDAL

IMPEY’S CYCLING LEGACY RACE PEVIEWS • BESTMED TOUR DE BOLAND WILL TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY • PAARL RESERVE OPENS TRAILS TO MOUNTAIN BIKERS

CONTENTS

Sub header

ON THE COVER The resemblance to his son is uncanny in this picture of a young Tony Impey, Daryl's dad.

REGULARS

Editor

2

From the Editor: Tour de Boland changes SA road cycling scene

Wynand de Villiers wynand@cyclingnews.co.za

5

In the Bunch: Practice makes perfect

Consulting editor

7

Legend of the pedal: Tony led the way, set the pace and built a legacy

Gerhard Burger

18

Product feature: Pinarello – The choice of champions

20

Pulse pages: Time to strive for more endurance and strength

Contributors Phil Liggett, Coetzee Gouws, Andrew Mclean

Pictures FEATURES

13

20 questions for Ariane: Kleinhans looks back on a really big season

27

Bright future beckons after brilliant year for ASG riders

30

Adventure park turns Average Joes into heroes

35

20 questions for Willie Smit: Some tips from Cycle Challenge champion

38

Bike shop feature: Cycle towards the sunrise!

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

Advertising RACE PREVIEWS

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

23

Tour de Boland will take your breath away

Published by ASG Events

33

Paarl Reserve opens trails to mountain bikers

116B, Glen Avenue, Willow Glen, Pretoria.

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

RACE REVIEWS

10

HB stakes claim for 94.7 with Satellite victory

40

Bird soars to maiden Ballito win

Cyclingnews November 2014

01

FROM THE EDITOR

Tour de Boland changes SA road cycling scene THE OVERWHELMING response that ASG has received regarding the 2015 Bestmed Tour de Boland confirmed that South Africans are still just as passionate about road cycling as they are about mountain biking.

At the time of writing only a few of the 700 slots were still available for next year’s Tour de Boland, which takes place from March 2 to 6.

The problem with many South African road events, in my view, is they have not evolved as much as mountain-bike events that present all different formats of the sport. Most SA road races are still of the traditional 100km mass-participation kind; fun rides on flattish circuits.

The Tour de Boland represents a move away from this format. It provides amateur road riders in the Western Cape an opportunity to find out what it is like to participate in a multi-day stage event, mirroring a typical European-style stage race.

In short, it makes the amateurs experience what the pros go through, and this concept has a lot of mass appeal.

ASG’s objective with the Tour is to create South Africa’s signature road stage event, giving “average” riders an opportunity to rub shoulders with the best in the sport; much like the experience the Absa Cape Epic affords mountain bikers.

To cater specifically for the amateurs, veterans and elite women, the 2015 Tour de Boland will provide a nice early start to every day.

The five-day Tour, presented by Pinarello, begins at the beautiful Solms Delta Wine Estate between Paarl and Franschhoek on March 2 and finishes at the Taal Monument on Paarl Mountain on March 6.

Three categories of riders are catered for. First off at 07:00 every day will be the veterans’ bunches, followed by the women’s, who will ride with the 50-plus veterans, and then by the open and seeded bunches.

The licensed elite bunch will comprise some world-class riders who will start at 10:00 every day. This means all other riders will be in and at the finish line to watch the cream of the crop come in.

The days can be rather hot in the Boland in March and the early start should be good news for the participants.

ASG are working on a few new concepts in road racing in the Western Cape, and a special challenge is in the offing for accomplished road riders who are looking for a new challenge in October 2015.

Watch this space.

Wynand de Villiers

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Cyclingnews November 2014

Picture: Photosport International

IN THE BUNCH WITH COETZEE GOUWS

Practice makes perfect I first laid eyes on Michal Kwiatkowski when he darted from the bunch in the run-in to the finish in one of the Classics.

HE put in an impressive effort to hold off the peloton for a bit, but was ultimately reeled in by the sprinting trains and spit out the back to finish stone last.

I remember thinking that if he had timed his effort better, he might have had a better chance. Kwiatkowski was around twenty-two at the time and I put it down to youthful exuberance.

Over the next eighteen months the young Pole’s escapades off the front of the peloton in important races continued to grab my attention and eventually I became more than a little frustrated as he turned winning positions into losing moves.

Patience was obviously a virtue that had eluded Kwiatkowski as much as those important victories.

At some point, one would’ve imagined, he would reassess his racing strategy and turn class into Classic victories.

No one doubted his class and this was underlined when the Polish federation named him team leader for the Worlds in Spain this autumn. Even more so, his team put their faith in him as they sat at the front of the bunch for much of the race to put him in position for one of his trademark attacks.

When the attack eventually came between the final two ascents – and the rest of the favourites preferred to hold their cards close to their chest – I held my breath.

After seven hours of racing, my gut told me that he was going way too early and that he was once again setting up a victory for his rivals.

But, with the advantage of hindsight, we now know that he had timed his effort to absolute perfection and rolled over the line a mere second ahead of the chasers to collect the biggest win of them all.

I was elated for his (and possibly my own) sake. He had sacrificed an awful lot of titles to get his hands on this one and I felt we had a worthy world champion.

But it wasn’t until a few weeks later – during a squash coaching session of all things – that I was able to

fully interpret and verbalise the process that Kwiatkowski had gone through to taste success.

My coach and I were busy with a drill that was designed to achieve a specific end result on my backhand. I started off rather shakily as I tried to understand the exact force and angle needed to land the ball where the coach wanted.

It was a gradual thing and several minutes into the process I eventually hit the sweet spot – and then again and again. Slowly but surely I started recognising the trajectory off the front wall and was able to adapt my shotmaking to achieve the desired result.

Even though I’m nothing more than a social squash player, I was mightily excited to have been able to tweak my mental process, resultant stroke and result due to this drill. I turned to my coach and told him how much easier I found it once I got it right the first time.

He smiled and told me that, in essence, repetition was at the basis of any training regime. For, in a match situation, you are eventually presented with a scenario that is not just close to what you’ve practised, but exactly the same.

When that moment comes, your mind does not need to compute the scenario – it already knows what to do to achieve the desired result.

Funny you say that, I told my coach.

The new world cycling champion has just used the same technique. •CN

“After seven hours of racing, my gut told me that he was going way too early and that he was once again setting up a victory for his rivals.”

Cyclingnews November 2014

05

Premier Seeding Event for the Cape Town Cycle Tour

THE WEST RAND’S

BIGGEST RACE DATE: Saturday 31 January 2015 TIME: 102km from 6:00; 55km from 7:30 START AND FINISH: Cradlestone Mall, Muldersdrift DISTANCES: 102km (R280), 55km (R150) ON-LINE ENTRIES: www.cycleevents.co.za ON-LINE ENTRIES CLOSE: 19 January 2015 TIMED BY: Race Tec

The 2015 Action Ford Berge en Dale Classic is a premier seeding event for the Cape Town Cycle Tour and takes off from the Cradlestone Mall in the West Rand on 31 January 2015. After moving to the state-of-the-art Cradlestone Shopping Mall on the R28 in 2014, the event proved to be a user-friendly experience at the venue with ample parking and lots to do once the race finishes.

The event attracted 4 000 cyclists in the 2014 edition and the 2015 race route and venue remain unchanged.

For more info, contact the race office on 076 621 1807 or e-mail eventsupport@asgworld.co.za

LEGEND OF THE PEDAL

Words: Coetzee Gouws

Tony led the way, set the pace and

built a cycling legacy When Tony Impey became one of South Africa’s first card-carrying professional cyclists back in the early eighties, he could not have believed that his son would one day become the first African to don the maillot jaune in the world’s most famous cycle race.

AT the time, sporting isolation had firmly shut South Africa’s doors to international competition and taking on the Tour de France was merely a pipe dream.

The pragmatic Impey therefore took the opportunities he had to make inroads on the domestic circuit and became a multiple national track champion.

In 1976, he won the SA 20km title in a new national record of 24:35; a mark that stood for 15 years.

That same year, he was selected for a track test series against a combined

international team. He received his Springbok blazer alongside other future legends Jack Lester, Walter Thornhill, Joe Billet, Alan Dipple and Robbie McIntosh.

Impey was SA pursuit champion for three consecutive years from 1979 and, at the 1981 SA Games, confirmed his dominance in the pursuit and 40km events.

When he turned his attention to the road, he also proved himself as a tour rider, competing alongside flamboyant stars such as Alan “The Idol” van

Heerden. From 1982 to 1989, Impey raced in the colours of various sponsors, including the TV4 and Southern Sun teams.

Foreshadowing his son’s success, he took the yellow jersey for a day in the 1982 Rapport Tour and wrote his name next to two more stage wins in the annals of the country’s most prestigious race.

“In those days, cycling was more popular and exciting than it is today but there was not enough money to be a full-time pro,” he says. >

“Tony’s eight-year pro career gave his kids more than money. It gave them a dream; especially young Daryl.”

Cyclingnews November 2014

07

LEGEND OF THE PEDAL

Holding down a nine-to-five job, he realised that his pro fees and winnings were simply a nice addition to his earnings but not enough to keep a wife and two children.

But, as it turned out, Tony’s eight-year pro career gave his kids more than money. It gave them a dream; especially young Daryl.

“Whatever sport he did, Mom and Dad supported him,” says Tony. “He wasn’t a bad footballer and tennis player and I think he tried rugby once.”

It was when Daryl discovered mountain biking and then progressed to road racing that his passion really flared. But, although cycling was clearly in his genes, it was not his interest in the sport per se that Tony encouraged but rather his son’s dedication to something he loved.

“I have never stopped encouraging him his whole life and continue to do so,” says Tony. That holds true for both his sons, Daryl and Grant, who is also a keen cyclist.

Good character was something else he did his best to instil in his boys. “I’d like 08

Cyclingnews November 2014

my kids to think of me as a role model, and themselves as role models for others.”

Both he and Daryl built solid professional and personal reputations as the good guys of what is often a dirty sport. This is why it came as such a shock when Daryl tested positive for Probenecid, forcing Orica-GreenEdge to remove him from their Tour de France line-up this year.

“We as a family were devastated and had many sleepless nights.”

The negative media coverage was embarrassing for everyone involved.

“Although Daryl was able to prove his innocence, it caused a lot of damage to his career.”

Tony believes the SA Institute for Drug-free Sport could have cleared Daryl sooner than they did, thereby limiting the ramifications.

Standing together in a time of crisis, the Impeys are a close-knit family. The youngest member is Daryl’s 17-month-old son Ayden, who is the apple of his grandfather’s eye and may one day

continue their sporting legacy.

“I just love them all to bits,” says 60-year-old Tony.

His other pride and joy is his eponymous Johannesburg-based bike shop, which he opened after retiring from pro racing in 1989.

This year, Tony Impey Cycles celebrated its 25th year of business, thanks in no small part to the owner’s enduring love for and knowledge of the sport. And the business brain of his wife, Elly.

“She makes sure everyone gets paid on time. She does not ride a bike but, when it comes to work, I don’t know where she gets her energy from.”

As for Tony himself, he enjoys both road riding and mountain biking and still puts in a full day at the office.

Incidentally, he did eventually get his chance to compete on European soil against the world’s best. In 1992, Tony raced at the veteran world championships in Vienna, Austria, where he won the road time-trial, carving yet another Impey’s name in the international record books. •CN

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RACE REVIEW

10

Cyclingnews November 2014

Words: Coetzee Gouws

RACE REVIEW

HB stakes claim for 94.7

with Satellite victory HB Kruger emerged as a dark horse for the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge when he won the Bestmed Satellite Classic with a fine all-round performance in mid-October.

KRUGER put his climbing as well as his sprinting abilities to the test as he notched up his maiden win in the 106km event, which traditionally serves as one of the toughest tests of form ahead of the Momentum 94.7.

The Bonitas rider put in a big effort on a tough climb in the closing kilometres along Hartbeeshoek Road and was first into the last turn at Saloon Route 66, going on to win in 2 hours 31 minutes and 8 seconds Costa Seibeb of the MTN-Qhubeka feeder team was second, with Sean-Nick Bester of Westvaal-BMC third.

Kruger said the Satellite Classic, which is presented by ASG, was one of the few races that suited his strengths. Most national classics tended to favour the fast men and usually came down to a bunch sprint, he explained.

Some serious tests in the final 20km, including the Hekpoort and Poeierbult ascents, gave climbers the opportunity to get away and shake up the pro field.

Kruger said his team had gone into the race without a designated leader.

“It’s more about who’s got the legs at the finish,” he said afterwards. “I told the guys I was feeling good and they brought back the last guy for me. Luckily I had the legs to pull off the win.”

The racing started at a brisk pace under cloudless skies and in perfect conditions, with the bunch quickly nullifying any early attacks. A 12-man breakaway went up the road just before the sprint prime – won by Meron Teshome of the MTN-Qhubeka feeder team – at the 40km mark.

Europcar’s Ian Pienaar bridged to Teshome and the two worked together to open up a gap of more than 30 seconds. They led the race over the next 30km until they were finally brought back on Hekpoort.

African road champion Tesfom Okbamariam conquered the 4km ascent, which has an average gradient of seven per cent, to claim the king of the mountains for MTN-Qhubeka.

The climb also resulted in the rest of the lead bunch being reeled in by the peloton, with the groups joining and splitting several times after going over the top.

A new front bunch eventually formed, with lone rider Metkel Eyob going on the attack for MTN-Qhubeka. His solo effort lasted almost 20km before he was reeled in about 2km from the finish.

With a full-strength Bonitas squad in the mix, Kruger said, they had a number of cards to play. “Herman (Fouché) was in a break right before the finish but he said he didn’t have the legs, so he and Dylan (Girdlestone) committed fully to me,” said Kruger.

“Without them I wouldn’t have been able to do it.”

The victory marked some good late-season form for the 23-year-old, who won the recent Engen Cycle in the City criterium race in his home base of Pretoria. He was also instrumental in Fouché’s victory at the Bestmed Campus2Campus SuperClassic.

“With the fast, intense racing we’ve been doing in the GoWest and Engen series, the speed is definitely picking up; not only mine, but my competitors’ as well,” he said with a laugh. “I’m just happy to have won.”

After a few top-five finishes in France a couple of months before, Kruger was feeling positive about his form. “So far I’m happy but I wouldn’t mind inching towards a few more wins and finishing the season off on a high note.”

In the 94.7 he will face strong competition from the likes of teammate Fouché and Abantu’s Nolan Hoffman, who recently registered their third victories in the Bestmed Campus2Campus SuperClassic and Amashova Durban Classic respectively.

In the Satellite Classic women’s race, Time Freight-VeloLife’s Lise Olivier took the queen of the mountains title and the overall victory in 2:53:09.

The Pretoria cyclist’s teammate and Amashova winner Kim Le Court was second, with Juanita Venter of Bestmed-ASG third.

The 94.7 is expected to be an all-out tussle between these two pro teams.

For more information, visit Facebook or follow @Satellite_Class. •CN

“I told the guys I was feeling good and they brought back the last guy for me.

Luckily I had the legs to pull off the win.”

Cyclingnews November 2014

11

FEATURE

Words: Coetzee Gouws • Pictures: Apix

20 QUESTIONS FOR AWESOME ARIANE

Kleinhans looks back on a

REALLY BIG SEASON

Having won the Cape Epic and Swiss Epic titles, Ariane Kleinhans looks back on a stellar season.

1 With you and Annika Langvad

winning both the Absa Cape Epic and the Perskindol Swiss Epic, this has been a truly “epic” season in every sense of the word?

Yes, it feels great to have accomplished our goals. Especially winning the Absa Cape Epic, where we had strong competition and a difficult start because of mechanical problems, was a big achievement.

2 What makes you and Annika a

winning combination?

Annika is a talented rider; not the marathon world champion by accident. She was probably the strongest female to ride a stage race this year. But she is also very smart and understands teamwork. We put a lot of thought into that before every stage and, with my experience from racing with Erik, I could tell her exactly how she could support me best. After all, we get along really well off the bike.

3 How did the Cape Epic and

Swiss Epic compare and differ in terms of the challenges and conditions you faced?

We did about the same amount of climbing at the Swiss Epic over half the distance of the Cape Epic. The Swiss Epic took place in the Valais region. We started close to Mont Blanc and finished at the bottom of the Matterhorn in Zermatt, two of the highest mountains in the Alps. >

Cyclingnews November 2014

13

FEATURE

In this area, climbs of 1 500m are nothing rare, but the effort is always rewarded with spectacular views and really great single-trail downhills.

Because of the massive ascents, the Swiss Epic becomes a less tactical race than the Cape Epic. In the Alps it was more about pacing yourself so you wouldn’t blow up on one of those climbs. At the Cape Epic the pace is less steady and it can be crucial to put in a big effort in certain situations just to stay with or catch a bunch and save energy over the next stretch of flat open road. For me, this aspect makes the Cape Epic more challenging than the Swiss Epic. A short, big effort is always painful and you have to know exactly when and where it’s worthwhile to put it in.

4 How good was it to be racing on

familiar turf in Switzerland?

I really love those mountains. The trails in the Valais are incredibly cool. Erik and I have been for an altitude training camp there every year and got to know the terrain better and better. Coming from South Africa, it’s been good to have practised on the steep descents and tight hairpins.

5 How did you divide your time

between Europe and South Africa this year?

It was almost half–half but I spent more time in Switzerland than I usually do. I prolonged my European trip for the Swiss Epic and after I decided not to do the Cape Pioneer I stayed another few weeks to spend some time with my family. Next year I will probably be in Switzerland for only two months.

6 You took part in a few European

races in the lead-up to the Swiss Epic. Which ones were they?

And tell us about your performance in each.

My first race after the marathon world champs was the Ironbike in Ischgl, Austria. It is a killer, with 3 800m of ascending in 79km. Coming out of an altitude training camp a little tired, I suffered immensely and finished fourth overall. But the race was good preparation for the Eiger Bike Challenge in Grindelwald, which also served as the Swiss national championship, two weeks later. It ascends more than 3 900m in 88km. I was well recovered by then but couldn’t hold the pace set by Esther Süss and Milena Landtwing up the first 1 000m climb. I was riding in third position for most of the race until the top of the last big climb. There I managed to catch Milena just before the finish line to take second behind Esther. Only a week later, the mother of all marathons awaited us: the legendary Grand Raid from Verbier to Grimentz. With 5 025m of climbing in 125km, the riders conquer a good part of the Swiss Alps in one day. Milena was meant to be my biggest competition, but a serious mechanical took her out of the race after the first descent. I managed to pace myself well over seven hours and 48 minutes to win the race ahead of Sabine Sommer and Florence Darballey. A new and different experience for Erik and me was the Skaidi Xtreme. The organisers invited us to this event in the far north of Norway, close to the North Cape, and treated us like a king and queen.

The race was only 40km but very technical and a lot of fun on my new Specialized Era dual suspension. I managed to win, ahead of Swedish champion Jennie Stenerhag.

7 With big wins in Africa and

Europe bookending your season, do you feel truly “bi-continental” now? And do you get homesick for both places?

“The Tour de Boland was just before the Cape Epic, meaning that I was in good shape by then.”

14

Cyclingnews November 2014

I did race a lot of races in Switzerland and South Africa, so I’d say I’m bi-national rather than bi-continental.

The two countries are very different and that makes it interesting. I always look forward to the change of scenery and culture. Of course, if I have a bad day in Africa I want to see the mountains and speak my mother tongue but it’s also true the other way round. When it’s miserable in Switzerland, I miss the sunny weather and the great trails in Jonkershoek.

Some days the grass just seems to be greener on the other side. But the great thing of my life is that it never takes long to be on the other side.

8 You also did well on the road in

the Bestmed Tour de Boland. Is there a lot of carry-over from mountain-bike stage races to road tours in terms of endurance and fitness?

Yes, it’s both cycling, after all. The Tour de Boland was just before the Cape Epic, meaning that I was in good shape by then. In road racing the pace varies a lot more than in marathon mountain biking and you must be able to ride at a high intensity. That was a great challenge, and the perfect training to sharpen up for the Cape Epic.

9 Will you begin 2015 with a title

defence at Tour de Boland?

I’m not sure about the date, but if it fits into my calendar I’d definitely like to race it again.

FEATURE

10 What were your highlights/top

five podiums of the season?

I had the perfect preparation leading up to the Cape Epic and was in excellent shape in March. My performances at the Tour de Boland, the national marathon in Tulbagh and the Cape Epic were personal highlights. The Cape Epic naturally stands out, as it was my main goal, and also because we had to fight back really hard after our unfortunate start. The rest of the season I never quite felt in the same form again, but

I was extremely pleased with the victory at the Grand Raid and the Swiss Epic.

11 Were there any personal or

racing lowlights this season?

Yes, the marathon world championships in Pietermaritzburg were a disappointment. Judging by how I performed in March, I went with high expectations but somehow I just didn’t get it right.

12 Erik also had a good “home

soil” win at the Karoo to Coast, which was billed as the “Argus of mountain biking”. Was this a big win for him and something he had been targeting for a while?

Erik had already collected a few podium places at the Karoo to Coast but never got on the top step.

Because it’s close to his hometown of George, he is attached to this race and that made the win very special.

Also, the way he won it was pretty impressive. Normally this race comes down to a sprint for the line but Erik attacked with 40km to go and stayed in front.

13 What are some of the

advantages of being able to train with your husband?

In the beginning I trained quite a lot with Erik because he was concerned about my safety on the South African roads. He taught me a lot of small things and constantly pushed me out of my comfort zone. But at the same time he sacrificed his training. It had to change at some point and that’s why we don’t really train together anymore. Erik often rides with Christoph Sauser when he’s in Stellenbosch, and I have my coach, Andrew Smith, and the Power2Max power meter to keep me on my toes.

14 What are some of the

disadvantages of having two pro cyclists in the family?

I don’t cope well with the pressure and stress before races, which can cause a pretty tense atmosphere.

Because Erik is doing the same races, he has to deal with that at an unpleasant time for him. To be a great athlete, you have to live for your sport and look after yourself.

Athletes therefore tend to be a littlee egoistic; obviously not a helpful attitude for a successful partnership. >

Cyclingnews November 2014

15

FEATURE

15 Cycling is a rather precarious

profession; one serious fall can alter the course of your career.

How do you two deal with that?

And is it hard to watch each other racing across often treacherous terrain?

I try not to think about it. If I did, it would just increase the chances of falling because I’d ride in fear. But when I arrived at the finish of the second stage of this year’s Nedbank sani2c and the people told me about Erik’s crash, I was really shocked. To realise that he wouldn’t be able to ride at the world champs in his own country a month later was extremely sad. But luckily everything healed well and he is back on the bike.

16 What does an average day in

the life of Ariane Kleinhans look like and, when you’re not on the bike, what do you do for fun?

I get up between 7am and 8am and while I’m having my breakfast muesli I do a bit of admin or read the news on the internet. At about 9am I leave for a two- to four-hour ride. Immediately after getting home, I have my 16

Cyclingnews November 2014

recovery shake, then wash my bike and have a shower. After lunch it’s time to rest and do a little admin.

Later I go for a run or a swim or do some strength exercises, or I at least stretch and massage my muscles.

After that I go to the shop and prepare dinner. I try to be in bed at about 10pm and to be asleep by 11pm. During the serious training phase I either train or lie on the couch watching TV. But at this time of the year, I don’t have to be as strict with my recovery. I could go free riding or do a three-day hiking trip in the mountains with friends. Those are really great days.

18 When do you start your serious

pre-season training?

The training will get more and more serious in November, and by December I hope to be in full-on training mode.

19 Where to from here? What goal

races and objectives have you pinpointed for 2015?

The Cape Epic will again be a big goal and will determine my training over the next few months. The other two objectives will be the Swiss and marathon world champs at the end of June. Also the South African national marathon series and the biggest classic in Switzerland, the Grand Raid, will be important again. And for the end of the season I will most likely focus on the Cape Pioneer.

17 Are you taking a break from

training or do you have more racing goals before the end of the year?

I took about two weeks off from training after the Swiss Epic and am now in a phase where I train, but not too specifically. In November I’ll do the Wines2Whales, the DC and the Origin of Trails, but I won’t put any pressure on myself to perform well.

20

Do you believe you’re at the top of your game or can you still go up?

I can still work on a lot of things, be it technical skills or physical and mental strength. My goal is to become the marathon world champion and I haven’t stopped trying to achieve that. •CN

PRODUCT FEATURE

Pinarello has inspired a number of athletes to world-class performances.

Miguel Indurain caught the attention when he took to the Tour de France time trial with a slanted top tube, which brought a significant aerodynamic advantage.

18

Cyclingnews November 2014

Words: Coetzee Gouws • Picture: Photosport International

PRODUCT FEATURE

The choice of

CHAMPIONS Giovanni “Nani” Pinarello had never been one for half measures.

A competitive professional cyclist in his prime, he decided that finishing in the middle of the bunch at the 1951 Giro d’Italia was unacceptable. So he promptly decided to finish last to claim the Maglia Nera, the black jersey.

This allowed Pinarello to participate in the lap of honour at the Vigorelli Velodrome alongside the race winner, Fiorenzo Magni, and climber Louison Bobet.

His name became associated with the black jersey, but following that act of defiance he started a bicycle brand that led to a legacy of many yellow jerseys and a global name long before he died in September this year.

In 1952, Pinarello was offered 100 000 lire by his team to drop out of the Giro to allow the more promising Pasquale Fornara, who had just been released by Team Bianchi and was on the market, to participate.

With the money, he started a small bicycle shop in Treviso where he focused on building high-quality, handmade machines.

Sponsorships were slowly rolled out to up-and-coming teams but the brand did not become a household name until Fausto Bertoglio won the Giro in 1975, almost a quarter of a century after Pinarello claimed his black jersey.

The manufacturer’s hot streak continued with back-to-back victories in the 1981 Vuelta ã Espa a and Giro d’Italia.

Although the marque was making a name for itself as a premium product, it was elevated into the stratosphere when Alexi Grewal claimed the gold medal in the road race at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Four years later, then 66 years old, the visionary Pinarello brought his son Fausto into the business, which had expanded into a mega operation. That same year, the brand netted its first Tour de France title, courtesy of Pedro Delgado.

During the nineties, the company produced frames that were ahead of their game and by the early 2000s the first Dogma – made from magnesium alloy – saw the light of day.

Less complex to use in the manufacturing process and at a fraction of the cost, carbon fibre later replaced the magnesium.

More recently, Pinarello has become the race machine of choice of some of the world’s top teams, most notably Team Sky, who won Tour de France titles in 2012 and 2013.

Sky also collaborated with Jaguar and Pinarello to design their dream bike for the upcoming season.

Locally, the brand supplies frames to Team Bestmed-ASG and stores are keen to stock it, despite its reputation as a high-end product.

Contact ASG Sport on 012 807 3684 to find a stockist near you. •CN

“During the nineties, the company produced frames that were ahead of their game.”

Cyclingnews November 2014

19

PULSE PAGES

Words: Wynand de Villiers • Picture: Photosport International

TIME TO STRIVE FOR MORE ENDURANCE AND STRENGTH Cyclists who enter their late base-training phases have to focus more intensely on increasing muscular endurance and strength on the bike.

THE greater your muscle endurance, the less fatigue you will experience towards the end of a long race and the more intensity you can handle while training.

Early-season base training is a good conditioning phase. It is the phase in which you should spend a lot of time in the saddle, at low intensity, to start preparing your body for the rigours of the season.

The more time you spend on base training the more racing your body will be

able to endure, without you getting too tired or ill. Previously, most cyclists moved into the endurance and anaerobic training phase without a transition period. Now many believe one should make a gentle transition.

This means one should start incorporating strength and endurance training into your upper heart-rate zones in the final few weeks of base training.

Heart rate is a great tool to monitor increased efforts during short endurance bursts, but a steady heart rate can hide increases and decreases in speed and power, resulting in a less than steady effort.

No effort is going to be perfectly steady, but with power you can limit the fluctuations.

“The more time you spend on base training the more racing your body will be able to endure. ” 20

Cyclingnews November 2014

PULSE PAGES

This allows you to target specific energy demands while placing a greater amount of aerobic stress on the muscle compared to using heart rate alone. Used in conjunction, wattage and heart rate can provide valuable information.

Incorporating more days focused on longer upper heart-rate zone efforts (zone 3 and 4) has become important, especially for professional athletes looking to kick their bodies into gear and slowly transfer themselves into their higher intensity training pre-season training period.

Zone 3 efforts are especially effective when used on long endurance rides.

Working for durations of 10 to 30 minutes allows you to place a large amount of stress on the muscles aerobically. Challenge yourself to work the upper end of the zone with both power and heart rate.

It takes greater concentration to maintain this effort but it will lead to gains in power in this range, which will represent gains in muscle endurance.

When you train outdoors, the terrain will dictate how steady you can be and for how long, so it is best to work these efforts on a continuous grade or uninterrupted flats.

Maintaining a steady wattage output is great for helping you maximise your potential for each effort, but knowing that you are working aerobically is just as important.

Feedback from your breathing, perceived exertion and heart rate is still important. Keeping a deep breath during these efforts will let you know you are still working aerobically.

If your heart rate drifts high but breathing remains deep, stick with the

power for your effort. If your heart rate does not elevate into zone 3 but you experience a high perceived exertion, then, whether or not you can hit the power ranges for the day, you may experience greater fatigue. This is when it may be wise to back off for the day and skip the efforts.

Since the efforts are not too intense, you can recover quickly from each one and you can do more of this training every day during the late base periods.

Important adaptations while working efforts in these ranges will be seen in increases in muscle glycogen storage, aerobic conversion of fast-twitch fibres and mitochondrial enzyme activity.

All these adaptations are important factors in building increased muscle endurance and strength. •CN

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RACE PREVIEW

Words: Coetzee Gouws

Tour de Boland will take your breath away

Amateur cyclists, veterans and elite women who participate in the 2015 Bestmed Tour de Boland will enjoy a nice, early start every day.

THE TOUR, presented by Pinarello, starts at the beautiful Solms Delta Wine Estate between Paarl and Franschhoek on March 2 and finishes at the Taal Monument on Paarl Mountain five days later, on 6 March.

Riders will participate in three categories. The veterans’ bunches will be off first every day, followed by the women, who will ride with the 50-and-older veterans, and then the open and seeded bunches. The first bunches will start at 07:00.

Some top-shelf international cyclists will compete in the licensed elite bunch and will start at 10:00 daily. This means all other riders can be the finish line to watch them come in.

The early start will also benefit those who won’t have to contend with the heat that is often experienced in the Boland in March.

Daily starting times (with the exception of the stage 3 time trial): • 07:00 – Veterans, 30 plus and 40 plus • 07:05 – Veterans, 50 plus, 60 plus and elite women • 07:10 – Open seeded, A bunch • 07:15 – Open seeded, B bunch • 10:00 – Licensed elite riders The number of entries, excluding the elite bunch, are limited to 700 in the open and seeded bunches. There are still some spots available.

A distance of 430 km over five stages awaits riders, including a total 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.

Emulating European cycling traditions, the 2015 Tour is again set for a scintillating

grand finale. Riders have 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 classic road tours in South Africa. The organisers aim to present a true challenge to road riders and to also show them as much as possible of the beautiful Boland region.

The roads are excellent for cycling and traffic is generally calm. Other road users are usually a lot more patient than those in elsewhere in the country.

To keep things interesting, the organisers have made changes to the route. Only one of the 2014 stages remains intact: the 138km fourth stage from Tulbagh to Riebeek-Kasteel.

The format will change every year to provide participants with a different racing experience and to take the tour to different areas. The roads in the Boland are perfect for cycling and the riders will pass through some of the area’s most historic and beautiful towns, including Franschhoek, Worcester, Ceres, Tulbagh, Riebeek-Kasteel and Paarl. >

“A distance of 430 km over five stages awaits riders, including a total ascent of 7 128 metres.”

Cyclingnews November 2014

23

RACE PREVIEW

Most open and seeded riders will aim to just finish the tour but there will be a huge battle for top honours up front.

All SA pro teams will be present, as well as a strong contingent of international riders, including world and Cape Epic champion Christoph Sauser.

Entry fees for the event are R1 850 per rider.

Route information and maps available at www.asgevents.co.za For further information email eventsupport@asgworld.co.za or phone 076 621 1807. •CN

PROGRAMME SATURDAY 29 FEBRUARY Registration at Willemse Cycles, Tyger Valley from 09:00 to 13:00 SUNDAY 1 MARCH Cocktail function from 18:00 to 20:00 at Solms Delta’s Fyndraai restaurant for media representatives, sponsors and riders. (Compulsory to GC contenders, team managers, all staff, officials, media, support crews, and individual entrants (open/seeded and veteran riders without a team manager).

MONDAY 2 MARCH: STAGE 1 Franchhoek to Worcester, via Villiersdorp Distance: 92km; total ascent: 1942m TUESDAY 3 MARCH: STAGE 2 Worcester to Op-die-Berg, via Ceres Distance: 73.8km, total ascent: 2013m WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH: STAGE 3 Individual Time Trial: Op-die-Berg to Tulbagh, via Ceres Distance: 53km, total ascent: 614m THURSDAY 5 MARCH: STAGE 4 Tulbagh to Riebeek-kasteel, via Piketberg Distance: 138km, total ascent: 1584m FRIDAY 6 MARCH: STAGE 5 Riebeek-kasteel to Paarl, via Wellington Distance: 74km, total ascent: 975m

24

Cyclingnews November 2014

Enter on-line at

www.cycleevents.co.za

On-line entries close on 30 March 2015 at 23:00

SATURDAY, 11 APRIL 2015 EMPERORS PALACE MTB CLASSIC Start: 8:00 Distances: 40km (R170), 20km (R130) Start and finish: Emperors Palace

SUNDAY, 12 APRIL 2015 EMPERORS PALACE CLASSIC ROAD RACE Distances: 102km (R290), 50km (R150) Start and finish: Emperors Palace Start: 6:00

An entire weekend of cycling activities

EMPERORS PALACE KIDS CLASSIC 2-4 year-olds, 5-8 year-olds. Emperors Palace grounds Start: 10:00

EMPERORS PALACE CIRCUIT SPECTACULAR By invitation only Venue: Emperors Palace grounds Start: 11:00

For more information, contact ASG Events on 076 621 1807 or email eventsupport@asgworld.co.za

FEATURE

Words: Coetzee Gouws

Bright future beckons after brilliant year for ASG riders

While many team sponsors are making headlines on elite podiums across the country, one company has been quietly working in the background to promote the grassroots development of the sport.

ASG Sport Solutions has been investing in the future of South African cycling for the past six years with its sponsorship of the ASG junior and U23 men’s teams, ASG Mountain Bike Academy and Bestmed-ASG women’s team.

ASG chief executive Heinrich Dannhauser says most corporate and industry sponsors prefer to invest in elite teams, where marketing benefits and coverage were generally assured.

“This makes it extremely difficult for young South African cyclists to find the support they need. As a result, it has been a major contributing factor to exciting talent disappearing after promising junior careers.

“ASG Sport Solutions is one of only a few industry players that have been prepared to sponsor significantly at junior and U23 level in addition to our contributions in the elite ranks.”

Dannhauser says it is crucial for young cyclists to be supported from an early stage and mentored through to elite level. The ASG sponsorship programme has been developed with this in mind.

“We have seen many riders come through our ASG junior team ranks, then use the U23 team structure as a ‘bridge’ to get ‘picked up’ by a professional elite team; an achievement we are extremely proud of.” >

Cyclingnews November 2014

27

FEATURE

The brand’s supportive efforts have paid off again this year with the four-man junior team maintaining its 100-percent podium record in all 11 major classics for the fourth consecutive year.

“The team rode each race with the objective to dominate and they had the depth and the talent to do so,” says team manager Pierre du Plooy. “The riders support and respect each other.

Their success is purely a team effort.”

Gustav Basson scooped the national time-trial title, making it the fourth year in a row for an ASG rider. Teammates Kent Main, who was also third on the road, and Jarrod Hattingh were fourth and fifth respectively.

Basson also claimed the green sprinter’s jersey and overall honours at the TRAC N4 Junior Cycle Tour and Hattingh was named best young rider.

By comparison, the six-strong U23 squad suffered mixed fortunes this season, says Du Plooy. “The team were constantly under pressure because of unlucky crashes and punctures, but their 28

Cyclingnews November 2014

aggressive riding in the elite bunch garnered them respect and attention.”

Two of the members, Ryan Felgate and Wesley Eslick, rode the UCI-rated Mzansi Tour as part of the SA invitational team.

Viehann du Plessis won the Mzansi Tour criterium race and Rohan du Plooy finished third in the SA time-trial championships and won the Bela Bela Classic.

“As a team, we have a lot of potential and 2015 could be our year. The possibility of having a junior and U23 national champion is definitely there,” says Du Plooy.

On the women’s side, ASG partnered with Bestmed medical scheme as co-sponsors, providing the team with equipment, including Pinarello frames, Ftech cycling clothing and Rudy Project helmets and eyewear.

“All 16 riders have been supplied with premium equipment,” says team manager Owen Botha. “Without this equipment, we would not have achieved the awesome results of this

past year.”

Botha says his U16 riders won all the national events on the track, road and in mountain biking in their age group.

“We dominated the junior women’s racing and three of our four junior riders were chosen to attend the world champs in Spain.”

On the elite side, the Bestmed-ASG women won classics such as the Powerade Lost City Cycle Classic, Rand Water Race 4 Victory and PPC Cement Kremetart Tour.

“In the vets category, Juanita Venter won the national time-trial and road titles and later also the world time-trial gold medal in Slovenia,” says Botha.

“We’re proud to have a world champion on our team but none of these victories would have been possible without top-class equipment.”

The teams will all be looking to end the season on a high note at this month’s Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge.

For more information, visit www.asgevents.co.za •CN

FEATURE

Words: Coetzee Gouws

Adventure park turns Average Joes into heroes Giving ordinary mountain bikers an opportunity to let out their inner hero is what the Hero Adventure Group is all about, says co-founder Darren Herbst.

“WE believe everyone should have a chance to become a hero, whether it is to themselves, their family and friends or the public. The Hero brand’s message is simple and clear: it’s about reaching your full potential.”

Many sports enthusiasts are seeking new ways to extend their limits and Herbst says the demand for exciting, but safe venues has spiked over the past three years.

“Because I organise so many events, I constantly get feedback from people who say they would love to train and ride more, but it’s too dangerous and unsociable in public areas.”

And so the idea of a multi-sport adventure park to cater for these people began to take shape as Herbst and his associates bounced ideas around.

30

Cyclingnews November 2014

“It was essentially the brainchild of a bunch of mates, all passionate about sport and people,” he says.

The group opened their first Hero Adventure Park at Heia Safari Ranch near the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng this year. “We started looking at a number of venues and it took the better part of a year to come across Heia Safari,” says Herbst.

“I’m not sure if it was a stroke of good luck or fate, but we started talking to the

landowners and after a few months and hundreds of meetings we finally got the go-ahead.

“Heia Safari and the owners are very special. We have an amazing relationship and worked hard as a team to ensure we deliver the best possible results.”

These include seven trails for mountain biking, trail running and walking and three courses for canoeing, kayaking and open-water swimming on the cleanest lake in Gauteng. An obstacle course and cross-fit training facilities complete the offering.

“Hero doesn’t just cater for mountain bikers,” says Herbst.

“All these activities gel to offer an outdoor lifestyle hub for families.

And for those riding solo, it’s a great place to meet like-minded people.”

FEATURE

“Heia Safari and the owners are very special.

We have an amazing relationship and worked hard as a team to ensure we deliver the best possible results.”

One of the most important aspects, he says, has been getting the balance right in terms of catering for all levels of experience, skill, fitness and technical ability.

“We’ve made sure there’s something for everyone, from the newbie to the seasoned athlete. We want beginners to feel comfortable while giving them ‘carrots’ so they keep on aspiring to achieve.

“Another exciting part is the focus on Little Heroes, including a secure kiddies’ area with party facilities, 300m pump track and obstacles.” The facility offers dedicated child minders over weekends.

Herbst says the recent mushrooming of mountain-bike parks has not necessarily been beneficial to the sport.

“A lot of people seem to have the

perception that you can just get a spade, clear some grass and, boom, you have a mountain-bike trail.”

It’s a lot more detailed than that, says Herbst. A number of legal, social, environmental, safety and other aspects must be considered.

“The list of challenges is endless. We are still learning about the day-to-day operation of the park and we take each day as a positive lesson.”

The venue is open daily from sunrise to sunset, with night races by arrangement.

“Having a venue that provides a variety of activities is exciting when it comes to hosting events. We are, however, very careful not to overexpose the venue.”

One of the more popular events is the Jozi Night Series, which takes place on

the last Friday of every month. It comprises a kiddies’ race, 5km and 10km trail runs, plus 10km and 20km mountain-bike races.

“Some of the events to look forward to in 2015 are the TriRock triathlon, two cross-fit championships and a three-day mountain bike race,” says Herbst.

The new membership option gives people unlimited access to the park’s activities and trails as well as discounts on events and kit.

Herbst says they are developing three more Hero Adventure Parks in the Johannesburg area, one in Pretoria and possibly one in Cape Town over the next 12 months.

For more information visit www.hero-adventure.com or find the venue on Facebook. •CN

Cyclingnews November 2014

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RACE PREVIEW

Paarl Reserve opens trails to mountain bikers Participants in the inaugural Bestmed Paarl MTB Classic will have a rare opportunity to ride their bikes inside the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve on Sunday November 16.

THE EVENT, presented by the City of Drakenstein, offers 60km and 30km distances. It has received a once-off concession for cyclists to traverse the huge granite rock and fynbos-shrouded hiking trails that are out of bounds at all other times.

The event promises an unrivalled experience, says race director Wynand de Villiers of ASG Events. Participants will pass picturesque vineyards, ride the renowned Rhebokskloof Estate single-track and power up to the iconic Taal Monument.

“It’s certainly worth the trip. This route is without equal anywhere in South Africa and those who miss it will miss out on an exceptional experience.”

In addition, a total of R10 000 in prizes can be won.

De Villiers says the event is the start of a brand-new partnership between the municipality and the organisers and both parties are determined to make it a signature event for the town.

“Paarl residents will also be able to share in the action as riders dice through town en route to and from the Paarl Arboretum race village.”

The feature race, with its 1 750m

Riders can also look forward to ascending through the grounds of the Taal Monument before plunging down the mountainside on flowing single track and popping out back into the streets of Paarl, says De Villiers.

“The 30km race is a much more manageable option but riders still have to get themselves up to the top of the mountain before they can enjoy the descents in the second half of the route.”

Vehicle sponsors NTT Volkswagen Paarl will provide sweep vehicles on the routes to ensure rider safety.

The event starts at 07:00 to avoid the heat of the day and CBC Brewery and Rhodes Foods will provide a beer tent and a food village at the finish. All participants will receive goodie bags and medals.

Registration takes place from 10:00 to 16:00 on the Friday at Chris Willemse Cycles in Tyger Valley and from 09:00 to 13:00 on the Saturday at the Paarl Arboretum’s southern entrance.

Late registration is from 06:00 on the morning of the race.

Enter at www.asgevents.co.za before November 11. The Cancer Association of South Africa will receive R10 from every entry fee. •CN

vertical ascent, was especially designed to give skilled mountain bikers a good challenge. “It’s a tough ride but absolutely stunning and guaranteed to leave any serious mountain biker with a real sense of accomplishment.”

The field should split early because riders start with a 12km climb to the radio tower on top of Paarl Mountain before descending over the same distance through the scintillating Rhebokskloof single track.

“This means participants will be able to play comfortably, without bottlenecks or slow-moving traffic, on what has been described as some of the best single track in the Western Cape.”

60km ROUTE PROFILE 700

Elevation (m)

600 500 400 300 200 104

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

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45

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55

Distance (km)

Cyclingnews November 2014

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FEATURE

Words: Coetzee Gouws

SOME TIPS FROM CYCLE CHALLENGE CHAMPION

20 QUESTIONS FOR WILLIE SMIT

Last year’s 94.7 Momentum Cycle Challenge champion, Willie Smit, may not defend his title on November 16, but he has some good advice for participants. Cyclingnews chatted to him about this and his personal ambitions for the upcoming season.

1 How old are you, and when and

how did you get into cycling?

I am 21. I started mountain biking with my school friends at the age of 16 and my interest in the sport grew from there.

2 Which team do you currently

ride for?

I ride for the Vini Fantini-Nippo continental team in Italy.

3 When not racing abroad, where

are you based?

I grew up in Lydenburg in Mpumalanga. When I’m home from Italy, I stay in Nelspruit as it best suits

my demand for training on all kinds of terrain.

4 You’re competing in the

Under-23 category at the world championships. Take us through your personal and team objectives.

I’ve done a few 1.1 UCI races in Italy in preparation for Worlds. I’ll do my best to support Louis Meintjes, keep him out of trouble and support him with bottles and food where I can.

5 Your most satisfying result this

season? And why?

It has really been a tough first season

in Europe for me. But winning the points jersey in the Tour of Dubai was my best moment because all ProTour teams where present, with riders such as Cavendish, Sagan and Kittel.

6 What did last year’s victory at

the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge do for your career?

Will you be defending your title?

Unfortunately, winning any number of races in South Africa won’t give you any contract in Europe. It all depends on whether I get a proper contract in Europe for next year. If I do, I might have to rest in November to build towards the 2015 season. >

Cyclingnews November 2014

35

FEATURE

7 You powered away in the last

few kilometres of the Cycle Challenge last year. Was that your pre-race plan?

Races in South Africa don’t really suit my style of riding. I planned to help Herman Fouché and Clint Hendricks, but an opportunity presented itself in a hard final stretch. It suited the team to send me up the road, which resulted in the win.

8 Will you recce the new route

beforehand?

If I do ride the 94.7 this year, I would check out the final three kilometres to see which lines to take and where the best place for an attack would be.

9 Which portion of the Cycle

Challenge do you find the toughest? And why?

Any part where there might be gutters could be very tough.

10 With around a month to go until

race day, what is your number one tip for the average rider?

It’s usually quite hot at that time of the year, so hydration throughout the race is of the utmost importance. And, if you don’t have backup, carry your own tubes as you don’t want to spend the whole day out there.

11 What are the most common

mistakes in the final weeks leading up to the event?

Training too much. Riders think they should catch up on training they have missed. And changing their diet. It can disturb the body’s balance and doesn’t give it enough time to adapt to a new diet or training.

“Always, always, always ride the day before. It activates the body and muscles. ”

36

Cyclingnews November 2014

12 The Argus has the

sub-three-hour barrier that social riders aspire to break.

Does the Cycle Challenge have an equivalent benchmark?

It’s hard to say because of the different route but if the wind doesn’t play too big a role, anything under 2 hours 30 minutes is a decent time.

13 Should riders who are going for

personal best or specific goals listen to their body or rather be guided by heart-rate monitors and other equipment? How do you do it?

Unfortunately, in races you have to try to go as fast as the group you are in, even if it means not listening to your body. The 94.7 is only once a year, so there should be no reason for not exploring your limits. But it’s always better finding a group that works well together to achieve your best time possible. A solo attempt might feel

harder but it’s not always the faster method as wind resistance plays a big role in energy expenditure. In Europe, you’re always pushing your boundaries; you go as hard as you can and if you crack before the finish you just accept it wasn’t meant to be. But, most importantly, know where your boundaries are.

14 For non-pros, would you

recommend a rest day or an easy ride the day before?

Always, always, always ride the day before. It activates the body and muscles. You don’t want to start your race numb and with stiff legs.

15 What should the ordinary rider

be eating and drinking the day before? What, when and how often?

Always eat in proportion to your body size and what you are used to.

Overeating won’t enhance your performance because your body can only use X amount of the proteins and carbs you’ve eaten. Overeating could also cause an upset stomach, which you don’t want on your big day. I keep it simple with my usual breakfast of FutureLife and eggs, some protein, like a chicken salad at noon, pasta with not too much sauce at night, followed by something sweet like fruit. This would be my typical pre-race day routine.

16 And on race day?

Anything with carbs and sugar but, most importantly, a coffee before the start. And, as mentioned before, something that your body is familiar with.

FEATURE

17 What is your top tip for riders who

start cramping?

I’ve cramped up quite a lot of times in important parts of races. The best thing to do is pedal through it. Once you stop, it’s over.

The muscle will contract even more. Also, drinking more water and less sugar on hot days can help prevent cramping.

18 How should those who have time

goals – like breaking the three or four-hour barrier – pace themselves?

Start fast, finish fast, ride a constant pace or just stay with the bunch throughout?

Someone once told me that if you think you can’t anymore, it means you can still do double what you’ve already done. I’ve kept this saying close to my heart. Give it your all from the start as you don’t want to finish the race feeling you could have done more. This will come back to haunt you for days.

19 Due to the sheer numbers, races like

the Cycle Challenge feature a lot of group riding. What are your top three bunch-riding tips?

First of all, always pay as much attention as possible to the rider in front of you and be aware of changing situations around you.

Second, if you’re just riding for a good time, there is no reason to overlap the wheel in front of you. Lastly, riding a bicycle is a lot like driving a car … always stay within your limits.

Not everyone can go through corners and gaps at the same speed. And never, ever pull too hard on the brakes.

20

The altitude may affect coastal riders.

Any tips for them?

Coastal riders should take a more strategic approach and not start too hard, as they could easily burn out quickly. •CN

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35

BIKE SHOP FEATURE

Words: Coetzee Gouws

Cycle towards the sunrise!

When Kelly Kreuger decided to make the shift from employee to entrepreneur he had no idea that the year leading up to the opening of Cycle East would be his busiest yet.

IN the space of 12 months, he got married, became a dad and emerged as a first-time business owner.

The name of the shop, which opened during the winter and is situated in Sherry Street in Harmelia, Edenvale, was inspired by its location east of Johannesburg.

“You’re cycling towards the sunrise!” he says.

With a retail background spanning more than a decade, Kreuger has extensive experience in everything from technical assistance to management.

However, while he was gaining experience in other businesses, he longed for a place of his own.

“The idea was in the back of my mind for a long time. I wanted to offer something a bit different from what I’d seen.”

He began talking to investors, and by January everything was coming together nicely. His daughter was born soon afterwards, well ahead of schedule,

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adding to the family’s rollercoaster ride of adjustments.

Kreuger is not complaining. His shop is already doing much better than he had anticipated, partly, he believes, due to its clever positioning. His decision to share his retail space with a camping store turned out to be an inspired one as the sport complements other outdoor activities, such as camping, canoeing and hiking.

“The space was available and it just made sense. We’d love to eventually offer caravan-based accommodation for stage races,” he says. “When you get off the bike, you don’t have to sleep in a hot tent. There’s aircon, cold beverages in the fridge, and a comfy bed.”

The flagship bicycle brands they stock are Momsen and Trek, but Kreuger has set his eyes on some of the brands imported by ASG, including Pinarello.

Accessories by Rudy Project and SIDI, and nutritional products from High Five,

are also available in-store. And if they do not stock an item or a brand, Kreuger goes out of his way to make sure his clients get what they want.

“I just came back from an errand. A customer wanted something I didn’t have so I popped out and found it for her.”

The shop offers the full complement of services and he ensures they have time to take proper care of each bike by limiting the number of bookings per day.

In-house mechanic Thomas Lebogang has been in the industry for almost 30 years and even did a stint as Andrew Mclean’s personal mechanic.

Kreuger is also excited about taking on community projects and is planning to assist local youngsters to follow in Lebogang’s footsteps.

Cycle East is open from 08:30 to 17:00 on weekdays and from 08:30 to 13:00 on Saturdays.

Visit www.cycle-east.com or give them a buzz on 011 974 8410. •CN

No better place to ride your bike!

5 Days... 5 Stages... 430km.

DATES: 2-6 March 2015 PROVINCE: Western Cape ON-LINE ENTRIES: www.asgevents.co.za STAGE INFORMATION: Stage 1: Monday 2 March Franschhoek (Solms Delta) to Worcester, via Villiersdorp (92km) Stage 2: Tuesday 3 March Worcester to Op-die-Berg, via Ceres (73.8km) Stage 3: Wednesday 4 March ITT Op-die-Berg to Tulbagh, via Ceres (53km) Stage 4: Thursday 5 March Tulbagh to Riebeek-kasteel, via Piketberg (138km) Stage 5: Friday 6 March Riebeek-kasteel to Paarl, via Wellington (74km)

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.

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.

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. The field will be limited to 500 riders.

For further enquiries phone the race office on 076 621 1807 or email eventsupport@asgworld.co.za

Presented by

NEW ADDITION: AMATEUR TEAM COMPETITION The 2015 Bestmed Tour de Boland will for the first time boast a team competition in die open bunches. Open/seeded riders can organise themselves in teams of 6 with daily times of the best three riders to count for the overall amateur team prizes.

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ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES We've arranged accommodation packages in all of our start/finish towns, including Paarl prior to stage one, but excluding the final day which finishes in Paarl. All accomodation is rated 3-star and up and consists of bed and breakfasts and hotels in these beautiful towns.

RACE REVIEW

Words: Coetzee Gouws

Bird soars to maiden Ballito win Kokstad-based mountain biker Tyron Bird made a daring solo escape in the final 15km to take his maiden win in the Bestmed Ballito Expedition, presented by ASG, on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast on Saturday, November 8.

THE Quattro rider held a small but determined chasing group at bay to claim victory in the 50km race in a time of 1:53:37.

Ryan Piercey followed him across the line to earn the runner-up spot in 1:54:14, with Joshua Nelson just pipping Brad Stroberg for third in 1:55:33.

Bird said the racing started slowly, as the riders gauged each other’s strength and the effects of the previous night’s rainfall.

“We were worried initially but the conditions weren’t too muddy and the trails were nice and grippy, so it was great.”

After getting away early on, the eventual top-four finishers kept the tempo up and worked together to extend their lead over the ensuing 30km.

“I was hurting a bit from the start until about the halfway mark,” said Bird.

“But I was able to sit on and conserve as much energy as possible.”

When Nelson launched a strategic attack, Bird realised that this could be the decisive move of the day.

“He wanted to put the hurt down on us and as soon as he started getting a bit

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Cyclingnews November 2014

of a gap, I decided to go across to him.

“He eased up slightly after I joined him and, as soon as he did that, I knew that this was my chance.”

Bird attacked with 17km to go but Nelson managed to stay with him for a bit.

“Then we got into a nice technical single-track section and I just kept the pace high through there.”

His tactic worked and when they emerged from the single-track, Bird had opened up a small but sufficient lead.

With a strong wind hampering his solo effort, he put his head down and gritted his teeth towards the finish at Sugar Rush Adventure Centre.

“It was like a 15km time-trial from there and I knew I had to keep going because I had three guys who were chasing me down.

“In the end, I managed to cross the line first and that’s what counts. It was nice to come down and take the win.”

In the women’s race, multiple national veteran road champion Isabel Moolman secured a convincing win in 2:23:14.

She finished more than five minutes clear of second-placed Melanie Palframan (2:28:50), with Colette Kriek third (2:29:27).

Njabulo Cele claimed the honours in the men’s 25km event in 1:02:59, while Sabine Thies took the women’s title in 1:15:05.

For more information, follow @BallitoExp or find the race on Facebook. •CN