Marathon racing in other countries offers different experiences. While the name remains, the format and style can change. The Ultra Raid de la Meije lives up to the “ultra” in its name, clocking 5150m of climbing in the 112km it covers. This highlight video from 2014 should give you a taste of what to expect […]
Archives for February 2015
What’s wrong with failure?
Failure is still taboo, but if we dared talk about it a little more, maybe we’d fear it a little less. I recently posted a few comments on Facebook about a race that didn’t go so well and was really grateful for the supportive and encouraging comments from my friends, but I also felt guilty. I hadn’t quite […]
Sahm back to top form at Tankwa Trek
The final stage of the Du Toit Tankwa Trek follows a somewhat different format to that of other races; an unusually long neutral section of 25km precedes the stage proper of 61km. With a shorter stage and the GC battle not yet cast in stone, the fireworks were sure to be firing early on. And […]
Australian XCM Championships preview: Blue Derby
Related Event: Australian XCM Championships
All photos by Oliver King. The launch of the Blue Derby trails in North East Tasmania have received a lot of attention, and that is completely justified. The development of the trail network there has been made in the hope of rejuvenating the town and surrounding communities that have shrunk since mining stopped and forestry […]
Sahm solos and RECM maintain lead at Tankwa Trek
The sentiment has changed somewhat in the camp at Kaleo Guest Farm this afternoon. The sense of ‘that was easier than what we expected’ tone of yesterday had been replaced by tired bodies. Nonetheless the back of the race has been broken and the Merino Monster conquered, so there is a real sense of accomplishment […]
Reid and Kleinhans of RECM take day 1 at Tankwa Trek
With the sun creeping over the mountains we were off to an early start on day 1 of the 2015 Du Toit Tankwa Trek. The Witzenberg Valley in all her might awaited us. The day’s course was on the more technical side but overall well balanced in the offerings. There was a fair amount of […]
Robert Mennen one string in the bow for Topeak Ergon
Related Event: ABSA Cape Epic
Germany’s Robert Mennen seems destined to have an interesting relationship with the Absa Cape Epic. In 2013 he was forced out of the race when he hit what he described as “a peeg” as he descended on singletrack during Stage 1 near Citrusdal. The pig, it turned out, was a duiker (small antelope) and in […]
Counting down until the Tankwa Trek
The third edition of the famed Du Toit Tankwa Trek starts tomorrow morning in the Koue Bokkeveld region, a mere 2 hour drive from Cape Town and the terrain and scenery changes drastically. The race was used by many as a preparation race for the upcoming Cape Epic; it has now however grown in stature […]
Hermida and van Houts have eyes on Cape Epic
Related Event: ABSA Cape Epic
The Absa Cape Epic is one of the most important mountain bike races in the world. Some would say the most important. It’s a hard race for all who attend, but some people seem to be able to take it in their stride a little better. And ff there was a prize for popularity at […]
Racing Mt Stromlo: Flow like water
“Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way around or through it.” “You must be shapeless, formless, like water. When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup.” Bruce Lee I wonder if Bruce rode Mt Stromlo before […]