The 20th Crocodile Trophy has begun! The iconic trails of Smithfield mountain bike park, just north of Cairns, held the first stage of the Crocodile Trophy today. The mud from the World Cup in April has dried, and the course was twisty, flowing, dry, dusty – and pretty long considering it was a short stage. […]
Archives for October 2014
Australians to watch at the Crocodile Trophy
We’re on the cusp of the 20th Crocodile Trophy, and this year there are more Australians competing than ever before. From elite men and women, through to all age groups, there are strong Australian riders. Traditionally, it was easy to refer to ‘The Croc’ as a European race run for European racers. But over the […]
Scott Factory Take Bulls by the Horns
After a diabolical day in the rain and mud yesterday, the organisers extended a helping hand to the racers this morning. A 9.15am start and a stage shortened to 51km from 71km (due to trails still being exceptionally waterlogged) was welcomed by all. Leaving George under police escort kept the race in neutral before we […]
Questing the Croc
A few weeks ago, when I was wondering out loud why the hell I torture myself with so much mountain bike racing, a friend looked me straight in the face and said ‘I think you just thrive on the drama.’ She’s undeniably right, and it got me thinking that what really gets a lot of […]
Bulls reclaim the lead with stunning stage win.
Stage 4 of the 2014 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international stage race was always expected to deliver a shake-up; and it didn’t disappoint. As if the 109km with 2690m of ascent from De Rust to George wasn’t difficult enough, the riders had to conquer some exceptionally rough terrain and contend with rain and cold too. […]
Scott Factory extend lead at Cape Pioneer Trek
After a recovery drink, 4 cokes, a shower, a huge lunch, an afternoon nap, biltong, a massage and now a coffee and pancake I feel as if I’ve recovered enough to get some words out. Four days into the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek and we are we’ll and truly deep in the heart of the […]
Beukes and Buys take Queen Stage at Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek
The #swartbergshowdown lived up to its reputation today and was not without drama! The riders lined up this morning to depart Calitzdorp. With 20km of fast gravel road to start the stage, the front group stayed together until the action heated up on the first climbs. Still the group remained largely intact after it split on the […]
The Munga Postponed
Word has just spread that The Munga, the 1000km, single-stage mountain bike race has had postpone their inaugural race, set for 3 December 2014 across the Karoo in South Africa. “The Munga offers more than just a race, it’s a test against the toughest of external elements – and today we face one of the […]
Bike Check: Imogen Smith’s Bianchi Methanol 29 FS
It wouldn’t be long ago that many would say to take a hardtail to the Crocodile Trophy. That’s not to say you can’t, or shouldn’t. But for the 20th Crocodile Trophy, this mountain bike race has more trails in it than ever before. And comfortable can be fast, especially over 9 days. Although Subaru-MarathonMTB racer […]
Bulls Defend Lead Against Flying Scott
It was battle royale on the first marathon stage of the 2014 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek. There was no illusion of a more relaxed day to take in the scenery before tomorrow’s #swartbergshowdown. Speaking of scenery we passed the majestic Redstone Cliffs in the last quarter of the race in the dash towards Calitzdorp. They […]