Into Cycling - December 2018

INTO N E W S PA P E R ISSUE #25

December 2018

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WHERE WILL YOUR BICYCLE TAKE YOU THIS HOLIDAY?

Photo: Ocean-side riding during the De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience - Photo Credit: Oakpics.com

An exiting year of action packed events in road cycling, mountain biking and multisport were showcased throughout the Western Cape and concluded with the Origin of Trails MTB Experience, and the Coronation Double Century, South Africa’s Endurance road cycling event of the year.

It is now time to relax, and enjoy the festive season with family and friends, and to have lots of fun. There are some exciting holiday mountain bike events in store for fun riders in the Garden Route as well as many trails to explore, especially the Bottelary Hills Conservancy MTB trails in Stellenbosch.

Mountain bikers are also encouraged to explore the Cross Cape Cycle Route from Plettenberg Bay to Stellenbosch, and the Cederberg Circuit which starts and ends in the citrus haven of Citrusdal.

Road cyclist can take on the Cycle Tour 364 route that starts and ends at the V&A Waterfront. The Cape Cycle Routes have been designed to put the Western Cape on the map, not just as a premier tourist destination, but as Africa’s top cycling destination.

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NEWS

MANY CHAMPIONS AND STARS PARTICIPATED IN THE CORONATION DOUBLE CENTURY 2018

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NEW DATE & VENUE FOR MEDIHELP STELLENBOSCH CYCLE TOUR

Photo: Medihelp Stellenbosch Cycle Tour - Photo Credit: Sam Clark

“We are delighted to announce that the Medihelp Stellenbosch Cycle Tour taking place on 20 January 2019 will start and finish at Val de Vie Estate,” said David Bellairs, Media, Marketing and Sponsorship director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust. The Western Cape’s second-largest road cycling event will once again act as the final premier seeding event for the 2019 Cape Town Cycle Tour.

“Partnering with Val de Vie is really exciting,” said Bellairs. “We are always looking for ways to innovate and improve our events and this world class venue will raise the stature of the Medihelp Stellenbosch Cycle Tour. We look forward to working with Ryk Neethling and his team who are all so passionate about the sport.”

“We’re thrilled to be hosting the Medihelp Stellenbosch Cycle Tour,” commented Val de Vie Marketing Director and Shareholder, Ryk Neethling.

“Our residents lead active outdoor lifestyles, embracing all 917 hectares of natural splendour that Val de Vie Estate has to offer.”

According to Neethling there are well over 100 active cyclists who live on the estate and participate in this popular event each year. “It was a natural fit,” he said.

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The men’s race was billed to be something of a three-horse affair with Active Bodies, Alfa Bodyworks/Giant and Bluff Meat Supply all lined up as possible winners. Up (and down) the Tradouw Pass it however became clear that everyone else would be chasing Active Bodies.

Marshalled by team captain Bradley Potgieter featuring various experienced South African pros, as well as current international riders, Willie Smit and Kent Main, stuck to their game plan and made it count. While most of the other contending teams lost many of their riders early on (teams start with 12 but are required to have only six together at the finish), Active Bodies kept all 12 together for most of the 202km route, losing only a few riders in the final 20kms for a truly convincing victory.

The women’s category was won by STS/Specialized who finished in a time of 06:14:53, ahead of pre-race favourites Flashie Ladies and Pure Savage Ladies in third. The Mixed division was taken out by Bluff Meat Supply Mixed, with Cape Cycle Tours in second and Pure Savage Mixed Racing rounding out the podium.

Also, in attendance this year were three all-star invitational teams from Breitling, including the likes of Vincenzo Nibali, multiple mountain bike World Cup champion, Nino Schurter, multiple IRONMAN World Champion, Daniela Ryf and Jan Frodeno, current Ironman 70.3 World Champ among others. “George Kern – the CEO who was also here today riding – is one of those types of people who make sport events happen and connects them to a good cause,” said Fordeno, who spent much of his childhood in Cape Town, after the finish.

“It is very exciting for us having Breitling here,” commented David Bellairs, Marketing, Media and Sponsorship Director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust.

“Having so many champions across such a variety of disciplines here and – for me the crowning glory – having our dear friend Vincenzo Nibali fly out for 24 hours to ride the event, says a lot,” he said. “Breitling were riding for the Qhubeka charity and tied that in with their triath-

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The composite team of Active Bodies put a master class in long-distance team-trialling to convincingly defend their Coronation Double Century title in a time of 04:32:41. Alfa Bodyworks / Giant finished in second place for the third year in a row, while Private Client Holdings Racing (in the colours of UCT) rounded out the podium.

2018/10/23 11:12:22

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lon #SquadOnAMission drive through which they raised money for various projects.”

According to Bellairs this year also saw new interest from various European media outlets as well as social media influencers from Japan. “That is great for the word getting out internationally about the event,” he concluded.

Aside from the racing element, the event – one of the largest team time trials in the world – is a favourite among fun riders.

The camaraderie, scenery and big endurance challenge is what draws them, and they are for who the race really caters. Some of the slower teams suffered in the heat out there on Saturday, but that made the post-race celebrations that much sweeter.

“The team format really is an amazing format that resonates with us; as does the long distance; the ups-and-downs…it’s all in line with our brand values of thinking long term and working very hard as a team to deliver great outcomes for clients,” commented Coronation Fund Managers portfolio manager, Neville Chester who himself once again completed the route.

The Coronation Double Century is a Pedal Power Association event organised by the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust on their behalf.

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NEWS

ORIGIN OF TRAILS CLOSES OFF ON A HIGH NOTE Stage One of the 6th annual Origin Of Trails MTB Experience, South Africa’s MTB party of the year, treated mountain biking enthusiasts of all ages to spectacular routes and magnificent scenery in Stellenboschon 24 - 25 November 2018.

Liyema Madolo from Stellenbosch made his Origin Of Trails debut by taking on the +-10km Fun Ride, while Karen Derman from Sea Point also made her debut in the +-10km Fun Ride.

The Origin Of Trails MTB Experience Short Route (+- 30km) was dominated by Luca Ruwiel from Bellville. Ruwiel completed the stage in a deserving time of 01 hour 29 minutes 27 seconds with Lachland Mundie in second, while Juan Erasmus finished third.

Michele Jennings from Milnerton was the first lady to cross the finish line in the short route (+- 30km). Polish riders, Marius Kozak, Piotr Brzozka and Wozciech Halejak made the best of the stunning Stellenbosch weather by obliterating Stage One of the Origin Of Trails MTB Experience Long Route (+-55km). Danielle Strydom crossed the finish line first in the Origin Of Trails MTB Experience Long Route (+-55km) with Mari Rabie in second, while Tarryn Povey finished third.

Dakar Rally star and Stellenbosch resident Giniel de Villiers rates the Origin Of Trails MTB Experience as an event that should not be missed. “Stellenbosch is the home of mountain biking. I take part in the Origin Of Trails MTB Experience every year because it’s practically on my doorstep and it helps with my fitness for the Dakar Rally. People don’t realize it, but it’s physical in the car. You need to concentrate when tired and choose the correct line. The same goes for mountain biking. The Origin Of Trails is a tough little race. In the long route there’s a lot of climbing and single track. It’s a great race.”

Stellenbosch was buzzing with excitement on 25 November 2018 to either take part in Stage Two of the Origin Of Trails MTB Experience or be part of the action of the inaugural Origin Of Trails Trail Run. Luca Ruwiel claimed his second consecutive stage victory in the Origin Of Trails MTB Experience Short Route (+- 30km). Ruwiel crossed the finish line in 01 hour 15 minutes 12 seconds. Juan Erasmus came in second, while Lachlan Mundie finished third.

Photo: Origin Of Trails - Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg

The women’s Short Route (+-30km) was won by Lenetia Mundie in 01 hour 39 minutes 08 seconds. Jan van Wyngaarden came in second, while Nina du Plessis finished third.

The Origin Of Trails MTB Experience Long Route (+-55km) was once again dominated by Polish riders Marius Kozak, Piotr Brzozka and Wozciech Halejak. Kozak completed the Stage Two route in 02 hours 20 minutes 10 seconds. Piotr Brzozka came in second, while Wozciech Halejak finished third.

German mountain biker Laura Stark claimed gold in the women’s race in a time of 02 hours 34 minutes 40 seconds. “I loved the route,” said a very happy Stark. Mari Rabie came in second, while Danielle Strydom finished third.

WHERE WILL YOUR BICYCLE TAKE YOU THIS HOLIDAY? (CONTINUE FROM PAGE 1) Cross Cape Cycle Route - The first cycle route, the Cross Cape Cycle Route was launched by Alan Winde, then Minister of Economic Opportunities, in Stellenbosch in 2017. The Cross Cape route is a 742km ride through the breath-taking Garden Route which travels through some of the most scenic small towns across the Western Cape. The route commences in Plettenberg Bay, winding along mainly gravel roads and forest tracks through Knysna, Rheenendal and George.

The route then crosses over the Montague Pass into the spectacular Klein Karoo, touching Herold, Oudsthoorn, Calitzdorp and Van Wyksdorp, before heading to Riversdale, Suurbraak, Swellendam and Riviersonderend to Greyton, over the Franschhoek Pass to end the ride in Stellenbosch.

Photo: Caper Town Cycle Tour - Photo Credit: Kevin Sawyer

Riders are encouraged to take it at their own pace, stopping in at the wealth of accommodation options all along the route. There is no cost to ride the route, and it is open to all throughout the year.

Cycle Tour 364 - Whereas the Cross Cape is a multi-day, gravel ride which allows riders to experience a large section of the Western Cape and visit small towns along the way, the Cycle Tour 364 is a one day ride which allow riders to explore various parts of the city of Cape Town.

The route has been named Cycle Tour 364, because cyclists are able to ride it 364 days of the year. The 365th day of the year is reserved for riders of the Cape Town Cycle Tour. The route allows visitors and locals alike to see Cape Town from the absolute best vantage point - their bicycle seat. The 123km route starts and ends at the V&A Waterfront, taking in the Atlantic Seaboard, Hout Bay and Chapman’s peak and the iconic Suikerbossie hill. The route also takes riders through Hout Bay, Simon’s Town, and Ocean View. Riders doing the route are encouraged to stop along the way, take in the sights and enjoy some of Cape Town’s hospitality.

The Cederberg Circuit - The Cederberg Circuit takes riders on a 247km journey through winding historical mountain passes, past crystal clear rivers and unique nature reserves with the start and end in Citrusdal. The ride begins with a gentle cycle along the eastern bank of the Olifants River, which is flanked by orchards. On the Cederberg Circuit riders can view the oldest orange tree in the southern hemisphere, the Cederberg mountainscape, famous for its other-worldly rock formations and fynbos floral kingdom, rock art paintings, and the Uitkyk Pass.

The views across to Middelberg Peak, Meulenskop, and the Elandkloof valley are something to behold. Take care down the fast-paced tarred road pass, which is a screamer all the way into Citrusdal and the finish point.

The routes are open year round to cyclists wishing to undertake the venture on their own programme. The launch of the Western Cape Government’s new cycle route, the Overberg Meander will take place in December 2018.

For more information visit www.capecycleroutes.co.za

021 910 1563 86 Edward Street info@tygerbergcycles.co.za Tyger Valley www.tygerbergcycles.co.za Cape Town 7530

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PAGE 3

NEWS

TEG PRO CYCLING CONTINENTAL TEAM FOR 2019 TEG is proud to announce the registration towards a continental team for 2019. Hein Badenhorst started this initiative and recently obtained the support of TEG to establish this program. Hein will act as the general manager and DS (directeur sportif) of the team. The team will consist of 10-12 South African riders who will focus their race programme on the UCI continental circuits. The vision for 2019 is to compete in 6-8 International UCI Tours emphasizing UCI Europe- and Asia Tour races.

The team has already acquired invitations to 5 European UCI Tours thanks to the race coordinator, Natalie Harrisova from the Czech Republic. The goal of the team is to create a sustainable structure to allow elite and under 23 South African riders to compete for 40-60 International UCI race days over a season. “Our goal is to have riders join our programme for 1-2 years and ultimately progress to Pro-Continental or World Tour teams.”

The team is also very excited to announce our partnership with the University of Pretoria’s High Performance Centre which will serve as the base of the team. “Our partnership with the High Performance Centre adds incredible value to our programme. Their world class facilities will provide the infrastructure for our team with an incredible support structure of physiotherapists, sport scientists and medical staff. The medical- and sport science departments will continuously monitor our riders and use their performance data for cycling specific research at the University. We are privileged to have Future Africa as our accommodation partner who will house our team on the University Campus. All our riders will also be enrolled for higher certificates at the University of Pretoria, furthering their education while they pursue their cycling careers, this is very important to me.,”- said Badenhorst.

Trevor Court has been appointed as head coach of the team for the 2019 season. As former coach of the Team Dimension Data World Tour, Trevor will bring a great amount of experience and knowledge to their programme.

Confirmed UCI Races: Team TEG will kick off the 2019 season at the Tour of Indonesia (2.1) from 21-24 January, the International Rhodes Grand Prix (1.2) and International Tour of Rhodes (2.2) in Greece during March and the Baltyk - Karkonosze Tour (UCI 2.2) during May 2019. When going into print the following riders were confirmed as part of the TEG outfit for 2019: Ryan Harris; Gustav Basson (winner of the Tour de Limpopo, Tour Durban and Tour de Maurice), and Brandon Downes (winner of the 2018 Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge).

“The 2019 season is about establishing a firm foundation and forming partnerships with races and sponsors. In 2020 and beyond our vision is to have a full team of 16 South Africans racing in Europe,”concluded Badenhorst.

PROTOUCH CONTINENTAL TEAM AMBITIONS FOR 2019 As a very successful 2018 racing season comes to an end, ProTouch is proud to announce its Continental Team ambitions for 2019. “ProTouch has had a phenomenal 2018, and now we are planning our next goal – to get South Africa back into the #1 Cycling Nation in Africa,” announced Tony Harding, ProTouch’s Directeur Sportif.

Under the stewardship of Tony Harding ProTouch plans to participate in the local South African racing calendar, as well as UCI Africa and Asia Tours in the 2019 Season. The Team has already secured invitations to five UCI Africa Tours, providing its athletes and guest riders with the opportunity to earn UCI points that will contribute to improving our ranking as a nation.

“The official 2019 Team Announcement includes some exciting new signings to join our core Team, as well as some additional U23 and Junior riders, to continue our development of young talent, and to perform at national and international levels.”

Photo Credit: Hayds Brown

ProTouch Continental Pro Cycling Team 2019: Pieter Seyffert (Captain), Reynard Butler, James Fourie, Jaydé Julius, Myles van Musschenbroek, Mitch Eliot, Songezo Jim, Rohan du Plooy and Mornay van Heerden.

CURTAIN CLOSES ON 2018 AS TEAM DIDATA LOOKS TO THE FUTURE The 2018 season for Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka formally drew to a close following a hugely successful annual training camp in Cape Town.

All 27 riders for the 2019 season were present including a host of new staff that was based at the Southern Sun, The Cullinan hotel near the V&A Waterfront. The camp included internal planning sessions, training rides and wide-ranging partner interactions with the goal to fully integrate our new team members as well as start our formal planning process for 2019.

The week also included one of the most special days in Team Dimension Data calendar as they attended a Qhubeka distribution ceremony at the Bulumka Secondary School in Khayelitsha. 75 Qhubeka bicycles were handed over on the day with the team having already surpassed their goal of funding 5000 bicycles in 2018.

Douglas Ryder, Team Principal, said: “Having raced for nearly 300 days in 2018 to have the opportunity for all of our riders, some of our staff and partners to spend time handing over Qhubeka bicycles to recipients in Khayelitsha was a deeply moving moment for all. We always say that it’s the best day in our year, and this year absolutely proved to be so once again.”

“We had an intense but hugely enjoyable camp in Cape Town and I’d like to thank each and every partner that took the time and effort to spend time with us and together determining the next step in our future. Our planning for 2019 is already at an advanced stage and we all left the camp clearly aligned in what our goals and targets are for next year. We can’t wait to get back racing.”

2019 Rider Roster: Bernhard Eisel (AUT), Mark Cavendish (GB), Louis Meintjes (RSA), Mark Renshaw (AUS), Michael Valgren (DEN), Edvald Boasson Hagen (NOR), Lars Bak (DEN), Giacomo Nizzolo (ITA), Enrico Gasparotto (ITA), Reinardt Janse van Rensburg (RSA), Jacques Janse van Rensburg (RSA), Danilo Wyss (SUI), Jay Thomson (RSA), Jaco Venter (RSA), Julien Vermote (BEL), Tom-Jelte Slagter (NED), Roman Kreuziger (CZE), Gino Mäder (SUI), Rasmus Tiller (NOR), Ryan Gibbons (RSA), Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier (ERI), Steve Cummings (GB), Ben King (USA), Nicholas Dlamini (RSA), Stefan de Bod (RSA), Scott Davies (GB) and Ben O’Connor (AUS).

PAGE 4

Photo Credit: Wayne Reiche

vida e caffè and Team Dimension Data took to the streets of Cape Town for a caffeinated cycle on Saturday, 17 November 2018. Friends of vida e caffè and notable guests including Jan Braai, Liezel van der Westhuizen, Robert Vogel from Pedal Power Association and Cape Town Cycle Tour’s CEO, Dave Bellairs had the pleasure of riding with world class cyclists such as Mark Cavendish, Bernhard Eisel, Julien Vermote and Cape Town’s very own Nicholas Dlamini. Youngsters from the HotChillee Development Rider Programme also joined in on the fun that saw the group cycling and enjoying views along the Atlantic Seaboard to the top of Chapmans Peak and back again to the newly renovated vida e caffè store in Camps Bay where everyone ended the ride with a caffè and a light Afro-Portuguese inspired breakfast.

BOTTELARY CONSERVANCY

The Best Kept Mountain Biking Secret In Close Proximity To Cape Town?

THE BOTTELARY HILLS CONSERVANCY (BHC) The Bottelary Hills Conservancy MTB trails are managed by the Bottelary Hills Conservancy.

The BHC is a registered non-profit organisation and is tasked to care of, expand and sustain the large tracts of remaining Renosterveld in its area which stretches over the 42 farms, which make up its membership. Less than 4% of the original Renosterveld in the Western Cape remains. Renosterveld, unlike Fynbos which grows in poor soils, grows in very rich fertile soils. This is why it has been replaced with vines and other commercial crops. The BHC is fortunate to have these large tracts of pristine Renosterveld in its area, which has been one of the motivators for the declaration of the area as a World’s Heritage Site by UNESCO. The bulk of the money generated by the MTB trails is spent on eradicating alien vegetation (predominantly Eucalyptus and Pine trees) from the Renosterveld.

STELLENBOSCH is one of the main, if not the main mountain biking destination in South Africa.

What is not generally known, is that one of South Africa’s most spectacular MTB trail networks is situated in the area between Stellenbosch, Kuilsriver and Koelenhof known as the Bottelary Hills, with its closest starting point less than 40km from Cape Town.

The trails are into their eighth year, multiple route options cater for various skill and fitness levels: Red (27.5km/750m climbing); Green (17km/315m climbing); Yellow (6.5km/140m climbing); Blue (9km with 7km single track); Orange (9km/150m climbing); Brown (4km/140m climbing).

These routes can be combined to present many happy hours of mountain biking with some of the most spectacular vistas in the Western Cape. As indicated on the map, the trails can be accessed from “Zevenwacht” and “Hazendal” on the Kuilsriver side, from Devonvale on the Koelenhof side and from Devon Valley, “Asara“ and “Overgaauw” on the Stellenbosch side.

Riding the trails is a special and invigorating experience. You are taken through sections of pristine Renosterveld with 360 degree views as you circle the Hills – from Table Mountain and Table Bay to the Paarl Mountains, Stellenbosch and Helderberg Mountains and False Bay.

The BHC has employed a professional wood-cutting team “Stem in die Bos” for a total of 450 working days during which they have cleared in excess of 450 hectares of Renosterveld – the battle against the aliens is in the process of being won!

When enjoying our fabulous trails, you will at the same time be making a substantial contribution to the sustainable preservation of this special irreplaceable heritage.

FAUNA AND FLORA Abundant game roam naturally in the Hills such as Caracal, Grysbok, Grey duiker, Porcupine, Bat-eared foxes, Cape foxes and otters. There are also endangered reptile species such as the Diamondback tortoise which is only to be found in Renosterveld areas.

In addition, at the last count 109 bird species were identified – they are listed on the BHC website. www.bottelaryconservancy.co.za OTHER BENEFITS The routes traverse well-known high quality producing wine farms such as Hazendal, Kaapzicht, Mooiplaas, Fort Simon, Goede Hoop, Koopmanskloof, Asara, Overgaauw, Jordan and Zevenwacht. Most of these farms offer wine-sales and highly rated restaurants.

Riding through the vines where these high quality wines are born adds a special something to the enjoyment of their wines!

Hazendal has recently launched a bike park where children can ride a 5km easy beginner singletrack, showers are available as well as a restaurant.

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE MTB ROUTES Green - The closest starting point from Cape Town is Hazendal which takes you onto Green. It takes you to the top of the Hills with spectacular views of Table Mountain and, on a clear day, across False Bay all the way to Cape Hangklip. It includes fast flowing ST’s.

Red, Blue and Yellow - The Red trails are the main trails which circle the Hills clock-wise and can be accessed from Kuilsriver (via Green), Koelenhof or Stellenbosch.

On the northern side, is a recently opened anti-clockwise trail of 9km (7km of which is ST) which begins and ends on Koopmanskloof( Blue). It provides beautiful views of the Wolfkloof/Goede Hoop valley and Table Mountain as well as of the Stellenbosch Mountains as you circle it to the South.

Yellow can be included in Red or be entered from Devon Valley on the Stellenbosch side. It takes you over dam walls and through sections of thick indigenous vegetation on carefully crafted ST’s.

LEVELS OF SKILL AND FITNESS Some sections are more challenging than others – Blue, for example, is steep and demanding in parts whereas the drop-downs on Wolfkloof call for experience.

In general however the trails can be enjoyed by all keen MTB riders who love a special outing through an exceptional part of the Stellenbosch district!

2019 PERMITS The 2019 annual permits which will be valid from that date will be launched on Monday, 3 December 2018, costing R 650 for the main member and R 550 per spouse. Permits are only available online via the BHC website.

Day permits can be purchased for R55 at the following venues: Hazendal, Zevenwacht Country Inn, Devonvale Country Hotel, The Bakery at Jordan, Asara Hotel, the 24-hour garage kiosk at Soneike and the Bottelary Hills Wine Centre.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Bottelary Hills Conservancy MTB trails in the near future.

For more information visit www.bottelaryconservancy.co.za or info@bottelaryconservancy.co.za

PAGE 5

MTB

IMBUKO BIG 5 MTB CHALLENGE - BEAT THE UNBEATABLE Imbuko Family Vintners will be hosting the “Imbuko Big Five MTB Challenge” on Saturday, 23 February 2019. In this unique challenge, riders will endure a total ascent of 3 020m over 75km, making it the ultimate one-day event to test your strength and fitness only three weeks before the 2019 ABSA Cape Epic. The Imbuko Big Five MTB Challenge aims to be the only South African race that tests riders on an international level when it comes to hill climbing. We aim to grow the Imbuko Big Five MTB Challenge in becoming the benchmark event to test skill and endurance to compete in the ABSA Cape Epic and other international mountain bike races.

The route is designed by Pieter Van Wyk, who worked on the route design team of the Absa Cape Epic for many years. Five major climbs (Imbuko ‘Big Five’) will be the main challenges in the race and will take riders through the iconic single tracks of the surrounding mountains of Wellington.

Riders can enter as solo, or teams of two riders each (male, female or mixed). There will be a substantial prize purse for the winners, and all riders will receive goody bags upon entering the event. The whole family can join at the finish line, where there will be food trucks, live music, MTB stalls and much more to keep everyone entertained.

For more information visit www.imbukobigfiveMTBchallenge.co.za

TEAM ASCENDIS HEALTH PROFESSIONAL LADIES MTB TEAM WILL COME TO AN END AFTER 2018 SEASON Team Ascendis Health Professional ladies mountain bike team has had a phenomenal 4 years under the management of Lange Sports. It is very sad however that the team will come to an end after the 2018 season.

“I have known Robyn de Groot from the days when I was still racing and it was a pleasure to have employed her to ride for Team Ascendis Health as a professional Mountain biker. Sadly there are decisions and circumstances that are out of our control,” says Malcolm Lange.

After World Championships Robyn finally got to a specialists in the Netherlands that she has been waiting for months to see. She had been experiencing a huge drop in her mountain biking performance due to burning and loss of power in her left leg for the past 20 months. The doctors diagnosed her with a “Severe blood flow problem” caused by Kinking and stenosis of the Common Illiac artery, and stenosis of the external illiac artery which affects the blood flow into her left leg. It took her a while to digest the news and also consider the options the doctors gave her - to stop cycling and to have vascular surgery.

Robyn has taken her time to work through this and eventually found the direction she would like to follow. She has a lot more high end professional mountain bike racing in her and she is not ready to stop doing the sport that she is passionate about and love.

“I’m in the process of booking my surgery in the Netherlands and then start an arduous process to get Discovery health on board to cover this highly specialized surgery that the doctors

Photo: Robyn de Groot at 2018 Momentum Health Tankwa Trek - Photo Credit: www.zcmc.co.za

and surgeons have treated with a very high success rate. My plan for 2019 is to “get fixed”, recover well and return to professional marathon and stage racing. I would like to thank Ascendis Health for their loyal support towards female cycling over the past 4 years. We have been privileged to have Jenni Stenerhag and Sabine Spitz as partners for Robyn over the past 4 years and it has been an honor working with athletes of this calibre,” says de Groot.

For De Groot, the victory at the Telkom 947 Mountain Bike Challenge in November was an emotional return to the city of her birth - her last race for some time.

Events wrap of the 2018 Wines2whales The FNB Wines2Whales events took place from 26 October - 4 November 2018 with the registration and start-line at Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West, taking riders to Oak Valley.

It was a groundbreaking decision to put the leading women’s teams in the FNB Wines2Whales Chardonnay event – the first of three races over the FNB Wines2Whales week – and start their batch first on each day.

The result was a “pure” and “fair” race which was heralded by all the women competitors as a breakthrough for women’s mountain biking.

The race concluded under clear blue skies, overlooking the azure waters of Walker Bay, at The Marine Hotel in Hermanus. The elite women’s race in the 2018 FNB Wines2Whales Chardonnay produced exciting racing with Candice Lill and Adelheid Morath becoming the inaugural winners of the women’s Chardonnay race.

Fun riders took part in the mid-week Wines2Whales Pinotage event - the least competitive of the three FNB Wines2Whales events. The weather gods frowned on the FNB Wines2Whales for nearly 16 hours, all of which followed a fire fanned by the wind which had been approaching the race village at Oak Valley.

The flames were bought under control, but strong winds had been buffeting the temporary village on the Oak Valley rugby field but as the evening approached the gusts got more powerful and it was decided to evacuate the area.

After an unprecedented race village evacuation on the Monday night it started raining before the start of stage 2 and riders had to battle with repeated showers and extremely muddy conditions through out the race.

Late on the second night the FNB Wines2Whales Shiraz organisers were instructed by emergency services in Hermanus to stay away from the town – where the race was scheduled to end – because of the protests.

PAGE 6

Photo: FNB Wines2Whales Shiraz - Photo Credit: Nick Muzik

A decision was taken to hold the stage in the Elgin/Grabouw area on an out-andback course starting and finishing at Oak Valley wine estate. The race’s route team worked through the night to plan a new course and then mark it.

The stage they came up with was 56km long and was mostly held on trails in the area that had not been used in the previous two stages. Matt Beers and Wessel Botha (NAD) won the the FNB Wines2Whales Shiraz after another drama-filled day of racing. The newly crowned Under 23 World Champion and two-time Junior World Champion, Alan Hatherly and Simon Andreassen came second on the Shiraz General Classification.

EMS CYCLING

Change The Way You Ride!

Glynn Moolman

EMS CYCLING

Boost your performance nce with EMS Cycling training programs – to target les and help you ride stronger. r r. cycling-specific muscles

WHAT IS EMS CYCLING?

WHO IS IT FOR?

EMS Cycling is an electrical muscular stimulation studio that uses the results of EMG testing to determine how activated your muscles are. This assessment determines which muscles are firing, and which ones are not, so you can improve your performance. Biokineticist Glynn Moolman will then design a cycling programme for you, based on your assessment.

EMS Cycling training programmes is for everyone who rides a bike. It helps to recruit muscles that conventional training cannot. EMS cycling improves power and cardiovascular fitness in just 20 minutes of training – it uses no cables, and can be done both in studio and out on the road. EMS is effective for road, MTB, track and BMX cyclists, and for every age group, from 10 to 70 years old – and it suits professional, serious amateur and amateur riders.

WHAT IS EMG TESTING? Electromyography (EMG) is an electro-diagnostic medicine technique for evaluating and recording electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles. An electromyograph detects the electric potential generated by muscle cells when these cells are electrically or neurologically activated. EMS (Electro Muscle Stimulation) is then used to stimulate muscles not Mus firing to balance up the cyclist’s body and recruit more fi muscle fibres. m

HOW DOES IT WORK? EMS training is performed on your own bicycle after specific muscles have been activated off the bike, in order to focus only on your weaknesses. A watt test is performed both before and after a four-week EMS Cycling training programme, to determine your improvement.

LOCATION AT N1 CITY AND TYGERVALLEY. IF YOU ARE NOT CLOSE TO THESE WE DO ONLINE TRAINING PROGRAMS

CONTACT US, AND UP YOUR PERFORMANCE TODAY!

CALL: 082 398 5066 | EMAIL: glynn@glynnmoolman.com | WEB ADDRESS: www.glynnmoolman.com IMAGE: LIGHT LOUNGE PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO

Bring alo ng this copy of IN TO CY CLING and your first sessio n is FREE!

PAGE 7

LIFESTYLE

NEDERBURG HELPS GARDENERS GET TO THE MARKET WITH QHUBEKA BICYCLES Katy Rhode (74) of Groenheuwel in Paarl East is thrilled to be feeding her friends and family freshly picked vegetables, thanks to the Impilo Household Vegetable Garden Establishment and Grey Water Harvesting Project of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Great Commission Networks (GCN) NPC. The aim of the project is to create 100 household food gardens in the Cape Winelands and Cape Metropole districts.

To reward Ms Rhode for her commitment and participation in the project, she’s receiving a bicycle as part of a Qhubeka programme to benefit 70 Cape Winelands vegetable garden project participants. The bikes will allow Ms Rhode and others like her to plant and water their gardens and make sure they get their produce to market as quickly as possible, using their own transport.

The Qhubeka distribution of 70 bicycles to Cape Winelands beneficiaries is funded by Nederburg Wines, home to Qhubeka’s bicycle assembly facility in the Western Cape where a number of previously unemployed women from the local community are trained to build bikes for countrywide distribution.

Qhubeka is a charity that changes lives with bicycles. Qhubeka’s programme participants earn bicycles in various ways, for example through learn-to-earn and work-to-earn projects. The aim in this instance is to support the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and GCN initiative, which promotes healthy eating and improved food security amongst marginalised communities.

Says Ms Rhode: “We picked the first veggies a few weeks ago, and my family and friends are loving it. I even had enough from the first crop to give to our Seniors Club. A lot of those people lack the right nourishment, so I’m glad that I am able to help them. Even my son, who lives in Darling, is so excited by this project he has started his own vegetable patch at home. This thing is catching on, I tell you!

Now, having the bike, it’s easier to collect the seeds, to transport the grey water I use and then get my produce to the market. And I’m getting so fit.”

All the project participants receive a starter kit from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture through Casidra (Cape Agency for Sustainable Integrated Development in Rural Areas). It includes a hoe, rake, watering can, grey water harvesting and irrigation system, organic compost, fertiliser, some vegetable seedlings and seeds.

GCN secretary, Mr Carl Schmidt, says they have trained the project participants in the theory and practical aspects of household vegetable farming and grey water harvesting. “They also have been given business skills training by GCN treasurer, Mrs Benita Alard, to help them turn their gardens into self-sustaining ventures. To keep the momentum going, our coordinators meet the gardeners and visit their gardens once a month. We, in conjunction with other partners, have also run a vegetable cooking demonstration and a recipe competition in the various areas, to encourage healthy eating.”

Mr Schmidt says the programme includes not only the elderly but also farmers across the age spectrum, even those in their 20s.

For more information visit www.nederburg.co.za/bicycles or www.qhubeka.org

ROLA PARTNERSHIPS PUT PEOPLE FIRST Rola Volvo Cars Somerset-West is the leading Volvo dealership in the Western Cape. It’s based in the Somerset-West area and has been part of the Rola Motor Group for the past 3 years.

Volvo’s philosophy has always been to put people first. To pioneer innovations for a safer, cleaner, more enjoyable future. It challenges convention to deliver solutions that make people’s lives easier, safer and better.

“That’s the Volvo way. That’s also the Rola Volvo way and our brand promise underlines the philosophy: Committed to You.” Rola Volvo prides itself in creating excellent experiences for customers, with cutting-edge products and services, such as the latest XC90, new Volvo XC60 and XC40.

When it comes to safety, we want to keep our customers safe, not just in a Volvo but on a bicycle as well. Volvo and cycling has been in partnership for several years and Volvo accessories have been developed with this in mind.

Volvo accessories makes life easier, since it is designed to suit every lifestyle. Be it a Tow-bar Bike Holder or a Roof Mounted Bike-Holder, you can choose from a range of accessories online or instore.

All Volvo cars come standard with a City Safety collision avoidance system. A cyclist in the same lane swerving out in front of the car, is one incident type that is addressed by the Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with full auto brake, and is standard across the Volvo range.

The Rola Motor Group endorses a safe and healthy lifestyle and has therefore also partnered with likeminded achievers who encourage, live and promote this lifestyle, such as Chad le Clos (Rola Motors Mercedes-Benz), Ariane Lüthi (Rola Volkswagen) and Liezel van der Westhuizen (Rola Group brand ambassador).

Volvo Cars South Africa has also proven to endorse this healthy lifestyle when they joined forces with global bike brand Silverback Technologies, in partnership with a cycling team for 2018. Silverback and Volvo as award-winning brands aim to create an environment for athletes to grow, as well as compete at the highest level within the sport of cycling.

“Mariske Strauss from Team Silverback, is one of South Africa’s leading Cross-Country mountain bike racers, with numerous titles behind her name. We are proud to say she has close affiliations to the Volvo and Silverback brands.”

She recently joined forces with the Swedish Silverback cyclist Jennie Stenerhag, also a top mountain biker and Absa Cape Epic winner, as Team Silverback CBC. They claimed a second place at the FNB Wines2Whales Chardonnay stage race.

The Rola brand will continue to embrace and endorse partnerships putting people first, in safety, lifestyle, cutting-edge products, services, mobility and education by serving the communities we operate in.

The Rola Motor Group will remain true to its values of living a healthy #RolaLifestyle.

Visit www.rolacars.co.za today and shop online for your next set of wheels

PAGE 8

PROFESSIONAL COACHING

Train with a professional at Pro Cycling Coaching As the sole cycling coach at Pro Cycling Coaching, Morné will provide personal coaching, and acknowledge the athlete as an individual rider. Riders will receive a weekly program based on what they are training for, as well as their needs to ensure that they reach their cycling goals. Based on weekly feedback from the trainee, Morné will be able to monitor their progress and adjust their program.

Cyclists preparing for events such as the Cape Epic and Sani2c will learn the value of proper base training - how to achieve their goals, when to commence their training, and the reason for following a training program.

Morné Bester winner of the Cape Argus in 2000

Morné Bester, professional cycling coach and owner of Pro Cycling Coaching based in Hermanus, provides cycle coaching throughout South Africa with international clients in Australia, Netherlands, United Kingdom and Namibia. He has been passionate about cycling from a very young age, whether on the bike or watching and training others to achieve their cycling goals.

Riders will also learn more about block sessions after base training and the benefits thereof. “I believe in doing quality sessions with the cyclist to ensure the cyclist obtains the required strength. Cycling training is all about getting to know your body; adapting to those days that you’re not feeling great and then changing your training program to fit your needs,” Morné continues.

Clients and their results

Background Morné has been a professional cyclist for the past 12 years and has won many races on the South Africa racing circuit, including the Junior SA Road Championships in 1994, the Jock Cycle Tour in 1995, 1997 and 2002, the South African Time Trial Championships in 1999, the Cape Argus in 2000, and the Tour de Eden in 2002. He achieved second place on the podium in the U23 South African (SA) Road Race and Time Trial Championship in 1995, the SA Road Championship as an Elite in 1997, the African Championships Road race in 2001, the 94.7 Cycle Challenge, Panorama Tour, and the Knysna Oyster Festival Road race in 2004.

Morné Bester, Douglas Ryder and Malcolm Lange

On the international stage Morné won Stage 4 of the Tour of South Island New Zealand in 1996, and the Tour of Korea in 2003. In his career he rode with the likes of Robert Hunter in the U23 National team, Douglas Rider in Microsoft, Malcolm Lange, Daryl Impey and Andrew Mclean. Although predominantly a road cyclist, Morné also took part in mountain bike events including the Cape Epic (three times), Sani2C, Wines2Whales, and achieved a top 30 in the Karoo2Coast.

“I owe my success to hours of tough training and the knowledge of the correct training methods,” says Morné.

Training with a professional cycling coach Pro Cycling Coaching is a specialist cycling coach service that aims to train cyclists how to acquire the maximum performance from their bodies. The cycling training programs on offer are in line with professionals training, but custom designed to fit clients with eight to five jobs. The programs are designed to focus on quality work and constructive cycling training.

Jeandre Ungerer

Braam Gericke from Wildekrans Wine Estate started training with Morné in 2015 for his first Cape Epic realigning his BMI. Since then Braam has completed the Cape Epic from 2015 to 2018.

Another training success story for Morné was when he trained Nelis Coetsee and Dawie Theron for the 2018 Absa Cape Epic. Their team was arguably the heaviest to have ever competed in the Absa Cape Epic with a combined weight of 260 kilograms. Apart from coaching riders for important cycling events such as the Cape Epic and Wines2Whales, Morné also provides technical training to enhance the biking skills of triathletes.

Morné is currently coaching some of the best junior mountain bikers in South Africa with many riders based in Gauteng, Western Cape, Free State as well as Port Elizabeth. Marnus Prinsloo from Grey College won the Free State School MTB League in the U16 category, Jeandre Ungerer from Durbanville won several Western Cape School MTB League U12 races, while another trainee, Ryno Gerber from Port Elizabeth achieved a podium position in the Eastern Cape School MTB League during the 2018 season.

Marnus Prinsloo

There are not many professional cyclists who offer coaching, and therefore, Morné’s clients have the advantage of getting valuable guidelines from a cyclist whose successful cycling career speaks for itself.

“I know, and can share, exactly what to do on the bike and when to do it.”

“The success of my cycling training programs is apparent in my clients’ astonishing results and the champions that were produced both on the road and in duathlons – as they get stronger there is an enormous drop in race times,” says Morné.

The cycling programs are carefully structured to ensure that the clients train in the correct manner.

Esther Patience

Morné especially concentrates on power work on the bike and heart rate training. He emphasizes that interval training and proper recovery rides are just as important, and athletes often do not train hard enough, nor carry out the their recovery rides at a slower pace.

Braam Gericke

Nelis Coetsee and Dawie Theron

With Morné’s experience and his personal involvement in a cyclist’s journey to success, he is able to take the cyclist’s riding experience to the next level. For the corporate and novice mountain biker, Pro Cycling Coaching also offers the ideal getaway trip to the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde valley near Hermanus with the most spectacular trails imaginable.

“I believe in doing quality sessions with you to ensure you get stronger,” Morné concludes.

To stay up to date with Pro Cycling Coaching follow on:

@procyclingcoach

Pro Cycling Coaching

076 585 1504 | morne.mtb@gmail.com | www.procyclingcoaching.co.za

PAGE 9

ROAD

TEST YOURSELF AT THE KILLARNEY NIGHT SERIES drops at 6pm sharp. The racing lasts a full hour plus one lap. The racing starts with two separate groups, the elite riders giving the Category 2, and ladies group a head start.

“Sharon and Midge run the show at Killarney, thus they dictate how big the handicap is! The elite group must then catch and pass the group that set off a minute or two ahead, before dicing it out for the win. First place scores you 10 points, second 9 points, all the way down to 10th earning 1 point. If the elite bunch isn’t able to catch the handicap bunch then they dice it out for the glory,” explains Max Sullivan from Team Mad Macs.

“Killarney night racing is one of the best training grounds a cyclist could ask for.

It serves as a great mid-week interval session in which riders can consistently measure their performance. It is also a great opportunity to test yourself against some of the best riders in the country, the likes of Rohan du Plooy of Team Alpha Body Works/Giant and Gregory de Vink of Team Mad Macs. Whether you are there to test yourself, up your sprinting or improve your bunch riding skills, you can be assured it is worth the R50 lollipop you will receive when signing on. I would recommend heading that way on a Thursday,” Max continues.

“The track fees have gone up quite substantially recently. It is great to see local businesses coming on board to sponsor and subsidize some of the costs with their logos visible on the leader’s jerseys, supplied by local cycling kit manufacturer, Vye Cycle Kit.”

Photo Credit: Double ST

The Killarney night series will take place at Killarney International Raceway, Killarney Gardens on selected Thursdays from 6 - 7pm. The night series has been running for a number of years, and commenced in September when the days get longer, and comes to an end in March with the Cape Town Cycle Tour.

The evening racing is hosted on Thursday evenings when riders tend to congregate in the pits of the racetrack from around 5pm to warm up before the hammer

“Many thanks must go to Sharon & Midge, for consistently giving up their time to host the racing; as well as Inspire, Trail and Tar, Nature’s Packers and Step Ahead Sports for their contributions,” Max concludes.

Stay in the loop and get regular updates via the Killarney Facebook: www.facebook.com/De-aL-CyclingKILLARNEY-nite-series-191968090815076/ or search for De-aL Cycling/KILLARNEY nite series.

ROUTE SET FOR WESTERN CAPE ROAD CHAMPS The Western Cape Road and Time Trial Championships will take place on 5-6 January 2019. Eden Cycling will host the event to take place in De Rust, near Oudtshoorn. The event will be held under UCI and Cycling SA rules.

The venue for the race will be located at the Tante Maria Padstal near the Stompdrift dam with all the routes in the direction of Uniondale and back. The road race will take place on the Saturday, 5 January and the individual Time Trial on Sunday, 6 January. This route has not been used for a road race in recent times and is undulating with 1800m accent for the 147km route which the elites will participated in.

Road Race: Elite Men and U/23 will ride a distance of 147km, while the Elite ladies, junior men, Vet 30+ (M&L), Vet 40+ men will take on the 111km route. The Vet 40+ ladies, U/15 boys, U/17 boys and girls, junior ladies, Vet 50+ (M&L) and Vet 60+ Male will ride 56km, while the U/15 girls, U/11 boys and girls, U/13 boys and girls, Vet 60+ ladies will take on the 26km distance.

Time Trial: Elite men, U/23 and junior men and elite ladies will ride the distance of 38km. U/17 boys, Vet men 30-49, junior ladies, Vet ladies 30-44 will take on the 19km route, while U/15 girls, U/13 boys, U/13 girls and U/11 boys and girls will ride the 10km individual time trial.

Each category winner in the road race and time trial will receive a floating trophy and jersey (rider to order and pay own jersey).

Manual entries for the road race will be available at registration on Friday, 4 January 2018 at Tante Maria Padstal. No late entries for the Time Trial will be accepted. Entries will close on 31 December 2018.

Enter online www.cycleevents.co.za or visit www.edencycling.co.za

BE THE CHANGE IN AN ANIMAL’S LIFE AND CYCLE THE CAPE TOWN CYCLE TOUR 2019 FOR TEAM SPCA!

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has guaranteed entries into next year’s iconic cycling event set to launch on 10th March 2019, so there’s no easier way of securing your race day!

Already entered? No problem – just give us a call and we can transfer your entry to #TEAMSPCA just like that. Racing for #TEAMSPCA means joining a truly special family of animal lovers whose incredible efforts give rescue animals a second chance at life! Bettering lives and competing in the world’s most iconic road races for the love of animals is not to be missed.

It couldn’t be easier to enter explains SPCA Challenge Fundraiser Natasha Johannes, “You simply make your pledge to raise a minimum of R1900 for the SPCA. This will cover your race entry, a high quality cycling shirt, kindly sponsored by Ultra Dog and Bayer,as well as a few exclusive extras.

Most importantly, every pedal push, hill, and all the sweat and tears will be worth the pain when you know that you’re making a difference in the lives of animals. On top of that rewarding feeling, our top fundraiser for the 2019 Cape Town Cycle Tour will WIN a Stryker Ryde, Road Bike kindly donated by Titan Racing”. Everyone wins!

So whether you’re an easy breezy biker or a Tour de France rider, the CoGH SPCA invites you to be the change in an animal’s life by taking up the challenge! We will also be exhibiting at Lifecycle Expo from the 7 - 9 March 2019 and will have exciting things on offer.

For more information contact Tyron Noemdo on 021 700 4190 or email awareness2@spca-ct.co.za

PAGE 10

REALTY

Now is the time for your Plan B in Europe!

Implementing a Plan B to protect against both political risk and economical instability is the main reason that many South Africans are looking to invest offshore.

When that investment automatically comes with either acquiring permanent residency or securing a 2nd citizenship then not only does it make financial sense, but the investment will tangibly benefit that family for generations to come.

Europe remains being the preferred geographic location for the majority of South Africans as the lifestyle on offer is appealing, the opportunities are enticing and Europe is the world’s largest trading block. Europe’s growing economy, decreasing unemployment rate and on-going political stability has cemented it as being a safe destination for our hard-earned ZAR.

Cyprus, an English-speaking, ex-British colony and full EU member, has been voted as having THE BEST 2nd citizenship and permanent residency programmes available. Both of these property investment programmes immediately benefit the investor and his/her family: 1. Securing Permanent Residency in 6 - 8 weeks on the Fast Track Residency Programme 2. Securing EU Citizenship in 6 months on the Citizenship Through Investment Programme

Some attractions that Cyprus offers are: - Euro-accredited education gives your children a distinct advantage when they enter the global job market ; - being an ex-British colony, there is no language barrier – everyone speaks English and all your documentation is in English. No need for a translator!

- The discovery of natural gas is already having a positive impact on foreign investment and infrastructural development; - low cost but high standard of living; - Europe on your doorstep: Cyprus has 2 International Airports and several marinas; - 1st world medical facilities & affordable healthcare with highly qualified doctors and specialists.

An astute offshore property investment that works for you in the short, medium and long term is the achievement of a lifetime. In Cyprus investing in the “Citizenship through Investment” or the “Fast Track residency programme” will reap financial rewards and lifelong benefits. Can you afford not to take advantage of this while both programmes are still open?

Acquiring permanent residency in Cyprus is very attractive because it gives 3 generations in the same direct family line the legal right to live in Cyprus without having to go through onerous immigration processes should they wish to make a permanent move.

All dependent children up to age 25, plus both the parents and the parents-in-law qualify for residency on the same property purchase under the main investor. The property can be used as an investment tool to earn a Euro-based income; and there is no need to live in Cyprus for the residency permits to remain valid. No other programme in Europe offers this!

Unlimited access to the EU & the UK is where Cyprus’ 2nd citizenship programme excels. All dependent children up to age 28 plus the parents of the investor qualify.

Chief benefits include travelling, living, working & studying anywhere in the European Economic Area; plus visa-free travel to more than 171 countries in the world.

In Cyprus your investment is not a donation to the government but an investment that will enjoy capital appreciation, rental income and low tax implications.

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PAGE 11

THROWBACK

THE Cape CLassic 2018 The “new” Cape Classic 380 was held in Montagu over 9-11 November 2018. Although originating some four years ago, the event has evolved and is now owned and organised

by Cape Cycle Tours, Craig Edwards’ cycle tour operation.

The founder’s ethos of the event has been retained in that it is primarily a social ride for like-minded people, with some racing sections within each day to satisfy the competitive desires of some of the event stalwarts, of whom there are a growing number.

Whilst the riding may be social, it doesn’t follow that it is an easy weekend away. Participants needed to prepare for 380kms over 3 days and 4000m of climbing, in and around spectacular scenery.

The event has become very popular with the ladies, 52% of overall entrants and almost 60% on Stage1! It is also popular with many triathletes who use the event as something a little different in their training plans for upcoming triathlons and Iron Man. Other riders use it as training for the Coronation Double Century.

Day 1 saw riders gather outside the Montagu Country Hotel in fine weather for a 100km out and back ride up the beautiful Koo Valley. Day 2 was the Queen stage, a 160km loop including a competitive climb of the Tradouw Pass to decide the overall climber’s jersey and a non-competitive but still challenging climb up the relentless Op de Tradouw. On Saturday evening, as part of the entry package, a stunning braai was held in the garden of Mimosa Lodge.

Photo: Cape Classic 2018 - Photo Credit: www.oakpics.com

Day 3 - badged as “a Cruise around the Breede” saw a more relaxed peloton knowing that a relatively flat day awaited them. Maybe it was flat, but it was spectacularly beautiful with the jacaranda trees in full flower and the canna lilies and roses in full bloom putting on a magnificent show on the outskirts of Bonnievale.

Feedback has been unanimously positive: “Awesome event…” “I don’t think that I have been on such an organised ride….”

Surval Stof En Teer Road/MTB race On 27 October 2018 Jakhals Events hosted the 4th edition of Surval Stof En Teer Road/MTB race in Oudtshoorn with the main aim of the event is to combine the Mountain Bike and Road Cycling disciplines.

This year the dynamic changed slightly, instead of the traditional 4 man team, teams consisted of 2 riders – the road cyclist covered a distance of 65km, while the mountain bikers covered 75km to the finish-line. It was the first year that a solo category was introduced, where riders had to start on the road bike, transfer to the mountain bike at Kobus se Gat, and finish the distance of 108km at the Surval Boutique Olive Estate.

The race started at Smitswinkel with road cycling teams following the route to Schoemanshoek into the Matjiesrivier valley where road cyclist will hand over to the mountain biker waiting at Kobus se Gat. The mountain bikers crossed a private nature resort at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains, turn into Latgansvlei valley and cross several working farms with ostriches, tobacco fields and onion seed production areas. After returning to the outskirts of Oudtshoorn, riders travelled on the gravel road to the finish-line in an Olive orchard at the Surval Boutique Olive Estate.

Louis Visser, rider for Team Dimension Data Continental won the 108km men’s solo race beating Marshall Hendricks and Wynand Dippenaar into second and third, while Annemie Koen won the solo women’s race. The Teams from Alfa Bodywork - Bernard Esterhuizen and Rynhardt Marais won the overall team competition, with Rohan du Plooy and Nicol Carstens in second and Theuns van der Bank and David Garrett in third. The womens team race was won by Jean-Marie and Kirstin Roelofse. Marika Vreken and Daleen Coetzer placed second.

Mario MacLeod and Yolande de Villiers won the mixed team race, with Leon Claassen and Charlissa Schultz second. The gravel bike race was won by Pieter Liebenberg, with Hans van der Veen and Willy Matthiae completing the podium.

“The highlight of the event was definitely our water points. As you may have heard we had severe heat on the day. So apart from lots of ice cold liquids at the water points we had “sink baddens” filled with ice blocks and water where the riders could wash their faces or even get into the “sink bad”. Wesbank Primary school learners where on their post with music and a great vibe, and cooling riders down with their water pistols,” said Corne Botha.

Polish pair clinch Sanlam MTB title The Polish team of Piotr Brzozka and Mariusz Kozak made the most of their trip to South Africa when they finished top of the podium in the Sanlam Investments MTB Invitational in the two-stage mountain-bike race, presented by ASG Events, at Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville.

The women’s race was won by Anneke Viljoen and Louise Ferreira, riding for Overberg MTB Events. In the mixed category, Corne Barnard and Sarita Louw (RA) took the honours.

After taking a comfortable 10-minute lead after the first stage, the JBG2 CryoSpace1 team had to fight off an early attack before crossing the line in 1:46:53 for an overall time of 3:30:51.

This placed them well ahead of Casper Pretorius and Tristan Nortje (Eden Young Guns), whose second stage of 1:55:30 gave them an overall time of 3:48:32. In third place were the second Polish team of Jacek Brzozka and Wojciech Halejak (JBG2 CryoSpace2).

Piotr Brzozka said the stage had followed a similar pattern to the opening day.

“It was a memorable experience for us, especially with the weather being so good and considering it is two degrees in Poland right now with lots of rain. I recommend coming to this region for anyone who wants to do some training and from the view of competing in races.”

Brzozka’s business involves cryotherapy (cold therapy) which is the use of low temperatures for treatment to relieve muscle pain, sprains or swelling after soft-tissue damage.“We are in discussions with our South African partners about the treatment and I do believe this can be a big help to cyclists, whether you are professional or amateur,” he said.

PAGE 12

Photo L-R: Louise Ferreira and Anneke Viljoen Sanlam Investments MTB Invitational Photo Credit: Henk Neuhoff Photography

MTB EVENT

De

Kaap

EIENDOMME | ESTATES

67 York Street George Central George, 6530 044 873 0606 | 083 281 1114 coimbracyclehouse.business.site

PAGE 13

MTB EVENT

PAGE 14

CYCLING EVENTS

RACE2NOWHERE IS BACK

DARLING HILLS MTB Darling Hills MTB have undertaken the exciting task of hosting the Swartland/ West Coast first premium mountain biking stage race, on 1 March 2019 at Doornfontein Wildlife Estate, Darling - approximately 70km north-west of Cape Town.

The Darling Hills on the Cape West Coast offers variety, fun, relaxation and spectacular views with single track, jeep track, farm roads, relaxed riding, technical sections, fast moving terrain, fun, beautiful scenery, the Darling Hills MTB Stage Race has it all.

Two weeks prior to the Cape Epic, the Darling Hills MTB Stage Race is considered a calendar sweet spot. The Darling Hills MTB Stage Race is a race over 3 days with 2 stages which includes a prologue and 2 day stages. All stages are compulsory. The race has been registered with Cycling South Africa (CSA) and Entry Ninja will be used for race registration. Race nutrition, water and isotonic carbohydrate drinks are freely available at water points throughout the route. The Chill Zone is the perfect place to unwind, enjoy a cold beer, swap race stories and mingle with supporters and fellow riders after a hard day of racing.

Photo: Race2Nowhere - Photo Credit: Craig Kolesky

Got a December race goal lined up yet? Traditionally there are a few events in the lead-up to the Absa Cape Epic that riders use as a shakeup to check where the form is at, as well as test equipment and nutrition strategies. One such event that immediately comes to mind is the Attakwas, a brutal 120km tester. In 2017 the Ride2Nowhere from out of the beautiful hamlet of McGregor joined this fold. The Ride2Nowhere Epic Challenge gave riders an opportunity to experience some of what was the first stage of the 2018 Absa Cape Epic.

On Saturday, 8 December 2018 the ultra-distance race will run again and entries are bound to sell out fast. The event offers two route options, the 112km Epic Challenge, with 2650m of climbing and a 68km Mini Epic with some 1550m ascent.

Those who rode the 2018 Epic or who have done the Ride2Nowhere will know the iconic landmarks on the route, climbs with names such as the Takkap, Skid, Bones and Skuilkrans. Essentially the one-day event is a combination of all the best bits from the three-day stage race. If it sounds like a challenge, then it sure is. But, knowing the organisers, that is far from all that this event is about.

“Most of the routes are not open to the public and traverse mostly privately-owned farm land. The Karoo terrain comprises exposed shale, sand and loose stone. It’s unashamedly rough and tough, but that’s how we like it. Because you just know the scenery will be worth the effort. And, if you don’t have the legs and lungs to go long, you’ll get the same experience on the Mini Epic.”

Both routes start and finish at the picturesque McGregor winery which plays host to the event.

“After the successful event called the Darling Corporate MTB Challenge 2015, this sanctioned 3-Day MTB Stage race in the Western Cape, will take place for the first time. By providing an exceptional race experience, our mission is to expose participants to some of the best mountain biking in the country, offer sponsors a targeted marketing and engagement opportunity, build tourism in the area and benefit local communities through select outreach programmes.”

Contributing to charity and assisting local communities is an essential component of nurturing sustainability in South Africa. The main beneficiary of the race will be Swartland/ West Coast SPCA. More than a relaxed weekend out, the ride is a necessary weekend out, with funds from the entry fee going into the SPCA’s efforts. By entering The Darling Hills MTB Stage Race, you ensure that the work of the Swartland and West Coast SPCA continues – preventing cruelty to all animals, rescuing animals from crisis and distress, giving shelter to sick, injured, abandoned and unwanted animals, and providing subsidised veterinary care to animals from less fortunate communities and educating young children about the humane treatment of animals.

For more information visit www.darlinghillsmtb.co.za

For more information visit www.race2nowhere.co.za

SPECIAL PRIZE CATEGORY FOR FAMILIES AT LOMOND TRIATHLON The second edition of the Lomond Triathlon will take place on 15 December 2018 at the beautiful Lomond Wine Estate close to Gansbaai. It is an off-road triathlon with two distances to cater for both first time triathletes as well as professionals and even families who want to enter as a team.

The swim will be in the Uilenkraal dam on Lomond, followed by a mountain bike leg through the Walker Bay Fynbos Concervancy before participants end the event with a trail run through the vineyards and fynbos of Lomond Wine Estate.

There will be two distances to choose from and participants can also choose between entering the Full event: (1.2km swim, 30km MTB, 12km Trail run) or the Sprint event: (400m swim, 15km MTB, 6km Trail run) as part of a team of 2 or 3.

Everyone is welcome to participate and there will be a special prize category for families. Friends and family are welcome to come and support with a glass of Lomond Wine in hand. Food, music and other entertainment will also be on the menu.

For more information visit www.scuttle.co.za/scuttle-events

Photo: Lomond Triathlon - Photo Credit: Vuurtoring

PAARL 6 - ULTIMATE ENDURANCE TRACK CYCLING EVENT The second edition of the PAARL 6, proudly associated with the Drakenstein Municipality and Cape Winelands Cycling will return to the Faure Stadium in Paarl on 18-23 December 2018.

The six-day track race format started in Britain and spread to many regions of the world. It made its first appearance in South Africa in December 2017 in Paarl when event organizer, Kevin Green from KG Bike Xpres launched the first Paarl 6 Track Cycling /Cultural Event.

Teams of 2 riders each compete in 6 races each day, for 6 Days, for 1 Final Podium at the end of the 6-Days. The Team whom completes the most laps over 6 Days claims Victory. If 2 or more Teams finish on the same number of laps after 6 Days, the Points accumulated over the 36 Races decides the Final Podium!

The race in 2017 featured 7 teams with the Irish Team of Felix English and Fintan Ryan claiming overall victory. Two international teams from England and Denmark have already entered the 2018 event, as well as South African teams including Alexander Parsons and Rocco King, Bernard Esterhuizen and Brandon Christians, Oupa Maluleke and Benedict Moqumo; Graeme Ockhuis and George Perrins; Jean Smith and Niel Rossouw - to name just a few.

The event will include live entertainment with prize money of about R100 000 up for grabs.

Photo: Paarl 6 - Photo Credit: Theo Bruwer

For more information contact Kevin Green on 076 391 8418

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GROOTBRAK GRABADOO - EXIT THE OLD YEAR WITH A BANG! The 16th edition of the Grootbrak Grabadoo will take place in and around the village of Great Brak River on 31 December, 2018 is an outdoors adventure with a difference.

The Grootbrak Grabadoo provides the opportunity for visitors to the Garden Route who have participated in the good life over the holidays to exit the old year with a bang and start the new year with a lot of good resolutions.

Mountain bikers can burn off those extra kilojoules gained during the lazy holidays by taking part in one of four carefully designed, safe cycle routes through pristine indigenous forests and cool green plantations.

Riders can choose between 15km, 36km, 53km and 71km distances. For those who wish to take part in a less Photo: Grootbrak Grabadoo 2017 - Photo Credit: Ruan Nieman Photography strenuous activity with the kids and pets in tow, can opt for the 4.8km fun walk or run through the picturesque village on the banks of the winding Great Brak River.

The annual Grootbrak Grabadoo is the most popular and biggest event during the holiday season in the Garden Route, with an average of 1 200 participants who enjoy the jovial atmosphere and camaraderie among participants, whether novices or veterans.

Great Brak River is a small village which benefits greatly from the exposure generated by the Grabadoo and the economic injection for the involvement and upliftment of the community, whose members enthusiastically take part as officials to ensure a safe event.

For more information Enter at Coimbra Cycle House in George or online before 30 December 2018 at www.entryrush.co.za/event/grootbrak-grabadoo

BESTMED KLEIN KAROO & MADIBAZ STREET MILE SERIES The Bestmed Eden Street Mile Series will once again take place in 2018 with Cycling also included in the program.

On 17 December 2018 the Bestmed Klein Karoo Street Mile will take place in Oudtshoorn. The first leg of the series will run along the historic Baron van Reede street in Oudtshoorn with the finish-line in front of the CP Nel Museum.

On 19 December the NMU George Campus will host the Bestmed Madibaz Street Mile which will include a Mountain Bike Eliminator and a Road Criterium cycling race where cyclists will race around the track. The scenic circular route is very popular with spectators as they can watch the race unfold against the spectacular backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains.

The cyclists can compete in the following categories: U/9, U/11 & U/13; U/15 & U/17; Elite U/19, U/23 and VET -34, VET 35+, VET -49 and VET 50+. The cycling prize money totals the sum of R20 000.

For more information visit www.edenmiles.co.za

Bring your life Somerset West Shop 6 The Hub, Somerset Triangle 021 8500 514 076 8783 832 vos@bikerack.co.za