Cyclingnews January 2014

Vol 15 No 1 JANUARY 2014

For the latest news visit www.cyclingnews.co.za

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RACE PREVIEWS• Bestmed Tour de Boland

• Tyger Valley College Mountain Bike Challenge

• Action Ford Berge en Dale Classic

BENEFITS OF GETTING HIGH ON YOUR BIKE

Altitude training

BREATHTAKING RIDE IN CYCLING PARADISE

Bestmed Tour de Boland

MTN-QHUBEKARIDERS READY TOMAKE HISTORY

First dual-suspension Dogma hits SA

UPPINGTHE ANTE

CONTENTS

01Cyclingnews January 2014

PAGE 10:

EditorWynand de Villiers [email protected]

Consulting editorGerhard Burger

ContributorsPhil Liggett, Coetzee Gouws, Andrew Mclean

PicturesPhotosport International, Michelle Cound,Frank Bodenmueller, My Picture

DesignCinnamon Graphix C.C.Chris Dawson – [email protected]

PrinterColorpress Pty (Ltd) Ryan Lotter – 011 493 8622/3/4/5

Advertising email [email protected] or phone 083 269 7659

Published by ASG Events116B, Glen Avenue, Willow Glen, Pretoria. Tel no: 012 751 4130/31/32/33Fax: 086 730 3099

REGULARS

2 From the Editor: Boland roads are simply irresistible

7 Phil’s Brew: What a good year we had! But there’s more to be done

18 Pulse pages: Benefits of getting high on your bike

20 Product Feature: First dual-suspension Dogma hits SA

22 Product Feature: It’s in the bag – saddle and all

FEATURES

10 Louis Meintjes answers 20 questions:Under-23 champ shares his feelings and ideals

15 Waylon remains determined to make a few more marks

24 MTN-Qhubeka riders ready to make history

26 Legends of the Pedal: Cycling’s Piano Man hit high notes on the track

31 Bell rings changes with MTN Series win

RACE REVIEWS

32 The story of Wines 2 Whales 2013

RACE PREVIEWS

4 Bestmed Tour de Boland: Breathtaking ride in Cycling Paradise

34 Action Ford Berge en Dale Classic: New venue for West Rand’s biggest race

36 Tyger Valley College Mountain Bike Challenge:Sheer cycling enjoyment on a fast, flowing route

20ANSWERSLOUIS MEINTJES

QUESTIONS

FROM THE EDITOR

02 Cyclingnews January 2013

Having moved to Paarl at the end of last year I’m looking forward to getting back on my road bicycle on the beautiful roads of the Boland andrekindle the love I had for the thin-wheeled machine with which I grew up.After living in Ruimsig on the West Rand for the past 15 years and presenting

the Pennypinchers Silverstar Mountain Bike Challenge for seven of those years, Imigrated to, almost exclusively, riding my mountain bike over the past three years.But in the Boland the roads are simply just too good and the scenery too

beautiful to pass over the opportunity of getting back on the road bike.The annual Bestmed Tour de Boland, which this year caters, for the first time,

for amateurs as well as pros, takes place on these roads and it’s through this eventthat I fell in love with this part of the country, so much that I decided to movehere.Coming from Ruimsig, which has become known as a hub of road cycling,

I’m looking forward to the slightly quieter roads around Paarl, Franschhoek,Wellington and Worcester.For those who have not experienced the beauty of this area, get your entry in

for the 4-stage Bestmed Tour de Boland, which takes place in the week precedingthe Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour. You won’t regret it!

Wynand de Villiers

Boland roads are simply irresistible

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SUBSCRIBEIf you’d like to join our ever-increasing sub-scriber base, there is no better time than now. Simply log onto www.asgevents.co.za and

click on the subscribe buttonThe magazine remains free of charge at

major bike shops and races throughout thecountry, but because our print run is limited weinevitably get readers that miss out on some of the issues. If you would like to ensure thatyou don’t miss an issue, a subscription chargeof R85 for ten issues will secure a copy of Cyclingnews Magazine in your postbox everymonth.

DATE4 – 7 March 2014

VENUEBoland region

ENTRY FEESR1 300 per rider

ONLINE ENTRIESwww.cycleevents.co.za

MORE INFORMATIONFor further information email [email protected] or phone 076 621 1807

BEAUTIFUL CYCLING ROADS, spectacularvalleys and breathtaking mountain passesawait riders who enter for the irresistibleBestmed Tour de Boland. The event takes place from March 4 to 7,

the week before the Cape Argus Pick ‘n PayCycle Tour. And this year it caters for all Cycling SA categories as well as riders in the open/seeded fun ride classes.The four-day experience offers a tour of

almost the entire Boland region, stretchingfrom the picturesque Stellenbosch and Franschhoek valleys, through Paarl andWellington to the Swartland, Riebeek Valleyand Tulbagh.The impressive Le Pommier Restaurant on

Helshoogte will play host to the riders andother role players, being the venue for registration, the first and second stages andprize giving.

The tour has three fully fledged roadstages. It opens with a 21km time trial andends at the top of a major pass, a spectacu-lar finish to one of South Africa’s survivingmultiday stage races for road cyclists.

The best place to ride your bikeThe Boland region offers some of the finesttarred roads in South Africa, in the mostbeautiful setting and calm traffic areas,adding up to an unequalled road-riding experience.For the Tour de Boland all traffic intersec-

tions will be marshalled by Drakenstein Traf-fic Dept, Boland Cycling and ASG marshals. On-road support will include neutral

service vehicles and medical support by Helivac Event Medical Specialists. Excellent water points along the route

will be manned by schools and charity organisations.

Bestmed Tour de Boland

Breathtaking ride in Cycling Paradise

RACE PREVIEW


Words: Wynand de Villiers • Picture: Wayne Hayward

RACE PREVIEW


Fees and other facts Entry for the event is R1 300 per rider andthe race offers:• Special Bestmed finisher’s trophies• A tog bag shuttle service on stages 2, 3and 4

• Goody bag with High 5 nutritional supplements and other rider aids

• Free Tour de Boland Fleece Jacket• Well-stocked water points and wonderfullocal hospitality

• Neutral service vehicles• Well-marshalled roads• Excellent race control• R30 000 prize money!

The routeThe route takes cyclists through Franschhoek,Paarl, Wellington, Tulbagh, Moorreesburg,Piketberg and the Riebeek Valley. Riders willtraverse some of the best-known passes inthe area, including Helshoogte, Bainskloof,Botmaskloof, Nuwekloof and Franschhoek –a true road rider’s challenge but in a cyclingparadise.

AccommodationRiders must book their own accommodation

for the duration of the event. For details ofthe options email [email protected]

Format • Cash prizes for top five overall, elite menand women, on GC.

• Cash prizes for top three overall in all licensed veteran categories.

• No cash prizes for open and seeded ridersbut those who complete the entire event in the allotted time will receive a commemorative trophy.

• Prizes for top three elite men’s teams – best four riders in a team to count and nomore than six riders per elite team to enter

• Daily elite awards presentation within tenminutes of first riders finishing.

• No daily presentations for licensed veteransand women.

• All stage winners in women’s and veteran’scategories will be honoured in the finalprize giving.

Registration• Le Pommier (on Helshoogte) – Monday March 3 from 14:00 to 18:00

• Le Pommier (on Helshoogte) – Tuesday March 4 from 09:00 to 12:00 •CN

STAGES

STAGE 1: TUESDAY MARCH 413:00 – The 21km individual time trial –Berg River Dam to the top of Helshoogte.18:00 to 20:00 – Rewards ceremony androad stages briefing at Le Pommier. This is compulsory for stage winners, team managers, all staff, officials, media, support crews and individual entrants(without managers) in the open, seededand veteran classes.

STAGE 2: WEDNESDAY MARCH 509:00 – 130km from Helshoogte to Tulbagh. Cut-off 15:00

STAGE 3: THURSDAY MARCH 609:00 – Start of 145km stage – Tulbagh to Riebeeck-Kasteel via Piketberg andPorterville. Cut-off 16:00

STAGE 4: FRIDAY MARCH 709:00 – Start of 145km stage: Riebeeck-Kasteel to the top of Franschhoek Pass.Cutt-off 16:00.15:00 – Prize giving at Le Pommier

PHIL’S BREW with Phil Liggett


IT BROUGHT ABOUT the end of the UCImanagement as we knew it, and in theseasons ahead we will continue to feel theeffects as changes are made, for the better, one hopes.But if Armstrong had never been a part

of our sport, would cycling be as wellknown round the world, or as popular as apastime? I think the answer would be aresounding “No!”

The deep hole that we had dug for ourselves began to fill up in 2013 and itshowed there is life after Lance. We enjoyed an excellent year around

the world. No one rider dominated theraces, be they Classics or Grand Tours, and this surely is a sign that drug abuse isbeing curtailed.In Africa in general, and South Africa,

where I was until mid-December, I seeplenty to celebrate, thanks to the ongoing

success of MTN-Quebeka. The team com-pleted, with distinction, their first year asthe first African UCI Continental squad.They finished second behind Europcar

on the league table and a wild-card placein a Grand Tour seems assured for thisyear.Europcar, which also have a nursery

squad in South Africa, will join the eliteWorld Tour teams, leaving MTN-Quebekatop of the table. >

What a good year we had!But there’s more to be doneWe can look back on 2013 as a progressive year after the Armstrong revelations inJanuary finally brought the sport’s biggest deception out into the open.

“I see plenty to celebrate, thanks to the ongoing success of MTN-Quebeka. The teamcompleted, with distinction, their first year as the first African UCI Continental squad.”

Words: Phill liggett • Picture: Xylon van Eyck

Daryl Impey’s first yellow jersey for Africain the Tour de France was an outstandingmilestone. I was disappointed that he wasnot nominated for the SA Sports Awards inNovember. This would be unthinkable inmost modern countries. His omission is an indication that in South

Africa there is still a long way to go beforethe people who run sport understand thescope of his achievement. Cycling South Africa, by the way, were

not to blame. They did put forward a nomination.The Momentum/94.7 Cycle Challenge

ended the season with a record entry of 31 000 and raised R10 million for the 182registered charities. It proved to be the mostsuccessful yet and proved again how much

South Africans love riding their bikes.The battle between cyclists and motor

vehicles continues, as does the fight to ensure that cyclists get at least a 1.5m clearance from passing vehicles. Much moresupport from government is needed in thisrespect. I feel the will to help is there, butpositive action has to come. Some officials are happy to hide in bushes

and trap motorists for driving a few kilome-tres over the speed limit, but what are theydoing about the examples of extremely baddriving?We expect African cycling to continue its

progress this year, but everyone should concentrate on giving riders back their con-fidence that the roads are safe for all to use.

Share the Road is an Australian slogan

that has brought about a genuine awareness. So let’s do it here too.For me, the new season began in

Australia on 1 January, when I resumed my journeys around the world, which lastyear meant flying over 200 000 km.I do it because I love meeting you all. Cycling brings people together and

nowhere is there more evidence of this thanin South Africa. Ask the happy people ofOrange Farm near Johannesburg, who nowride 15 brand new Buffalo bikes supplied byQuebeka. It’s all part of helping others tohelp themselves and to grow with a greatcountry.One last thought: One knows what you

really had only after you have lost it. Don’tlet that happen here. •CN

PHIL’S BREW with Phil Liggett


Picture: Photosport International

Daryl Impey

What was it like lining up as national U23 champion at the UCIroad world champs? Did it give youadded confidence?Louis: Yes, winning any race gives youconfidence and it’s always nice being thenational champion at worlds.

With just three riders in the SAteam, did you believe you had a realistic shot at the podium when somany countries fielded larger teams?L: It is always possible; it just makes it a bit harder and gives you a bit less control about how things are going toturn out.

What was your strategy going intothe race?L: The strategy was for me to wait forthe last two laps and for my two team-mates to help control the race upuntil then and make sure no dangerousmoves got away.

Did everything go according to planon race day, and do you consideryour silver medal a “win”?L: Yes, I think we can say it went accord-ing to plan. I think and feel silver is agood result. It was an amazing day!

As a climber, how did the course layout work for or against you?L: It was a really good course for me. Itwas definitely more for a climbing specialist. I’d had a look at the course afew weeks earlier and I really liked it,which helped my confidence going intothe race.

Did the fact that the finish was atthe Firenze Mandela Forum provideadded inspiration for you and yourSA team-mates?L: It was a bonus. They’ve named thesports stadium to honour Nelson Mandela and it was a great venue forthe race to finish.

This is the third time that you’ve com-peted in the world championships.What were your previous results?And has competing at ProConti levelthis season made a drastic differenceto your performance?L: In my first two road world champi-onships I didn’t get any noteworthy results but I really learned a lot. I’m sure ifI didn’t have that experience I wouldn'thave been able to get the result last year.Being ProConti definitely helped. I havebeen racing longer distances and at ahigher level than most of the other U23riders so I definitely think it was to my advantage.

You come from the same Toyota CycleLab Academy background as ChrisFroome and you have previously citedhim as a role model. What is it abouthis riding style or the way he ap-proaches his racing that inspires you?L: I just like the type of person he is. Itwas really easy for me to relate to him ashe started in the same place as I did. Icould see how he progressed and movedthrough the ranks to where he is now. Itshowed me there is no reason I shouldn’tbe able to become a professional.

How does racing internationally for Africa’s first ProConti team comparewith racing for the U23 Lotto-Belisolteam (in terms of standard of racing,the pressure, opportunities etc)?L: Firstly it’s a lot more fun, and easier, asthere isn’t the big culture and languagebarrier. The races are longer and harder,and the pressure is more but you get usedto it quickly and it becomes the norm.

In the aftermath of your silver medal,have you been approached by any ofthe big international teams? How hasit changed your career plans, if at all?L: Yes there was some interest but I reallylike MTN-Qhubeka and can see myselfgrowing with the team. >

louis Meintjes answers 20 questions

Under-23 champ shareshis feelings and ideals

FEATURE


Words: Coetzee Gouws • Picture: Xylon van Eyck

louis Meintjes grabbed the attention of many when he won silver at the world championships last year. Cyclingnews caught up with the SA Under-23 road championand askedhim a few questions during his well-deserved break back in South Africa.

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FEATURE


BODY COPY

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FEATURE


SubheadSubheadAre you a good or bad loser?L: Cycling is different to other sports be-cause when you don’t win a race it’s notalways seen as a loss. When I am in aposition to win a race and then don’t, Itry to learn from the experience.

What do you consider your top threeresults this season?L: Number one was my worlds silvermedal. Number two was finishing theGiro di Lombardia as the youngest riderin the race and number three was beingnational U23 champion.

What was the worst moment onyour bike this season?L: Definitely crashing out of Tour ofUtah. I had good form and it was reallya race that suited me. So mentally it washard losing that opportunity.

Where are you based and how hasyour life changed; living in Europe?L: Our team is based in Lucca, Italy. I re-ally enjoy experiencing and learning theItalian culture and way of life. Life hasn’tchanged all that much. I just miss beingable to have a dog.

How are you spending your breakback home?L: Doing as little as possible. Spendingtime with family and friends and tryingto catch up on some braais.

Complete this sentence: When I’mnot cycling, I . . .L: . . . try to switch off and recover. Ienjoy reading.

What’s your favourite comfort food?L: Italian ice cream is just amazing.

When and where does the teamstart training again for next season?L: Every rider is on a different programme. I have had some rest andstarted training again in mid-November.The team also had a training camp inpreparation for the season.

Can you remember your very firstday on a bicycle?L: Unfortunately I can’t. I’ve had manygreat memories on a bicycle since thenthough.

What are some of your personalgoals and ambitions?L: Next big goal is to start a Grand Tourand then my second goal is to finish aGrand Tour! •CN

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“In my first two road world championships I didn’tget any noteworthy results but I really learned a lot.I’m sure if I didn’t have that experience I wouldn’thave been able to get the result last year.”

louis Meintjies captured the imagination of a country when hefinished on the podium at teh World Championships last year.

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FEATURE


HE AND KLEINHANS did not win any stages,but the experienced duo clinched the overallvictory by an almost ten-minute margin.“We had a plan to win overall by racing

conservatively and consistently, and it paidoff,” says Woolcock. “The Cape Pioneer was a big focus for me

all year, along with the MTN Crater Cruise,”he says of his two recent wins. “The last timeI had such good form was at the joBerg2cand the Nedbank sani2c earlier last year.”It therefore came as a surprise when Team

RE:CM opted not to renew his contract fornext season.

He was equally surprised, “especially afterall the hard work I had put into the teamover the past three years; not to mention theresults and coverage I achieved. It’s not always about results but [about] being agood brand ambassador, which I feel I was.”But, Woolcock believes, everything hap-

pens for a reason. He is looking for a newteam or for a sponsor to create a new team.

“First prize would be to create a new one.This country needs more professional teams.”To secure title sponsorship remains an

almost insurmountable hurdle to would-bepro outfits. “It’s been rather moving to haveso many people come and offer help andadvice. It’s not easy in these tough financialtimes to get companies to invest in professional teams,” he says. >

Waylon remains determinedto make a few more marksWhen veteran road rider and mountain biker Waylon Woolcock won last year's BridgeCape Pioneer Trek alongside Erik Kleinhans, he demonstrated the approach that hadmade him a regular on the podium.

Words: Coetzee Gouws

The 31-year-old Woolcock reckons he has at least another five good years of competitive racing in the tank. “I’ve lookedafter my body pretty well over the years. So,as long as my head wants to [race] my bodyshould follow.”Woolcock, who joined his first road team,

Omega, as a 19-year-old, says the manyroad tours he completed taught him invalu-able lessons for the multi-stage events thatlater formed the backbone of his mountainbiking career.He considers winning the seven-day Tour

of Egypt by a single second, and taking therunner-up spot plus the King of the Moun-tains and Best Young Rider jerseys in theTour de Eden as his biggest road successes.

The former Bestmed Jock Cycle Classicwinner says local road racing eventually gota little boring. He crossed to mountain bik-ing in 2011. “As a non-sprinter in this coun-try, one is limited in terms of races that suityour strengths. Most of the time, I ended uphaving to be a domestique to someone whocould sprint better.“In mountain biking that isn’t the case. It

suits my strengths. It’s cool to have butterfliesin the belly when you’re on the start line andyou know you have a chance to win.”He considers his Crater Cruise, joBerg2c

and Cape Pioneer victories as the highlightsof his off-road career.Having learnt from roadies such as Gary

Beneke, Martin Saunders and coach Bosseau

Boshoff, Woolcock relished the opportunityto mentor rising mountain-bike star andRE:CM teammate Lourens Luus last year.“Lourens has all the talent a rider could

wish to have. It was just a case of harness-ing and directing it. My mentoring role mayhave gone unnoticed by some, but I getgreat satisfaction knowing I had somethingto do with the youngster’s improvement.”Woolcock still has his sights set on the

African jersey at the Cape Epic and a solidperformance at nthis year's world champi-onships. Given the chance to do it all again, he

says there is only one thing he would do dif-ferently. “I would have started mountainbiking earlier.” •CN

FEATURE


“It’s been rather moving to have so many peoplecome and offer help and advice. It’s not easy inthese tough financial times to get companies to invest in professional teams”

AlTITUDE TRAINING

BENEFITS OF GETTING HIGH ON YOUR BIKE

PULSE PAGES


Words: Wynand de Villiers • Picture: Photosport International

We have often dealt in this column with the advantages of heart-rate training. So let’s take a look at the benefits of altitude training. And in the next issue we’llcombine the two with monitoring your heart rate while training at high altitudes.

PULSE PAGES

MANY CYCLISTS FLOCK to far-off, high-altitude destinations for their annual basetraining. The benefits of this kind of training have been shown by Kenyan runners and Colombian cyclists, so it seemsa good idea to base yourself a couple ofthousand feet above sea level.The main reason for cyclists heading to a

place such as Dullstroom, for example, isthat the air at that altitude contains lessoxygen than at sea level. This forces thebody to compensate, resulting in improvedendurance.Almost immediately upon moving to high

altitude, your kidneys will start producingmore red blood cells. After about ten daysa cyclist’s red-blood cell count (RBC levels)will rise and the body’s capacity to

transport oxygen from the lungs to themuscles and tissues will increase.To raise the body’s capacity even further,

it is advisable to live at altitude but to trainat lower levels above sea level regularly. Studies have shown that living and train-

ing solely at high altitude will be beneficialfor long endurance events, but followingthe live-high-train-low principle will takeyou to even greater heights.For riders training at sea level and going

upcountry to race, the opposite is true. Cyclists from the coast who arrive on theHighveld could take up to a week to accli-matise and get their cardiovascular systemused to the decrease in oxygen levels. That is why it is not uncommon to hear

even accomplished cyclists from the coast

gasp for air in the final stages of an event.The good news is that this eventually subsides and the playing field becomes relatively even.When riders from Johannesburg partici-

pate in endurance events at sea level, theyoften feel, during their first few days at thecoast, there is an abundance of air tobreathe. Unfortunately this also evens out after a few days as the body gets usedto its new surroundings.Monitoring heart rate in these

conditions becomes an interesting exercise,which we’ll look at in detail in the nextissueHere’s wishing you happy training times

this year and miles of smiles on and off thebike. •CN

HAILED AS THE MOST innovative mountainbike at last year’s African Bike Fair, theDogma XM 9.9 feels as stiff as a road bikeand is suspended only when needed.Its rear quadrilateral Onda Curve

AsymmetricTM technology reacts only onuneven terrain, while staying firm on flatterground – without remote control.The first Dogma XM model to be released

in South Africa, it is hailed as bringing “revolutionary ideas to the full suspensionworld”.Unlike most full-suspension frames, it

does not have the standard six points of rotation with bushings.In most bikes, the sixth rotation point is

continuously active, regardless of the terrain. This creates an area of heavinessand weakness near the rear wheel or bottom bracket that requires constantcleaning and maintenance.The Dogma XM 9.9 has eliminated this

weak point, offering only five flex points.Its monocoque technology draws inspira-

tion from the rocker arms on Formula 1cars. A flexible carbon arm keeps the reartriangle rigid on smooth ground and allows precise flexion on uneven ground.The Dogma XM 9.9 frame is 100%

built in Italy, so it's no surprise that it'squite possibly the most beautiful creaturethat you'll see on the trails this year.Find your nearest stockist on

www.asgsport.co.za.


Pinarello is blazing trails with the introduction of its first dual-suspension29-inch mountain bike, the new Dogma XM 9.9.

PRODUCT FEATURE

FIRST DUAL-SUSPENSION DOGMA HITS SA

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PRODUCT FEATURE


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•

BASIC SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME

Carbon Torayca 65HM1K/Nanoalloy Technology

FORK

Fox Factory 32

FRAME WEIGHT

1 050gr (size M)

WHEEL SIZE

29 inches

SIZES

Small, Medium, Large, XLarge

PRODUCT FEATURE


THE WORLD’S leading bikebag, Aerocomfort was thefirst to introduce an integrated metal structurefor added protection fromimpact and vibration.The new version is

specifically geared to thegeometry of triathlon bikes –both time-trial and road –while taking factors such as seat postand handlebar extensions into account.Functionality and comfort go hand in

hand, allowing you to stow frames of allsizes, including ones with an integratedseat post of up to 90cm, without moving or removing the saddle.There is no need to remove the handlebar

or aerobars either. Simply slip on the aerobar protector.Double-padded inner pockets with zips

protect the tri-bike wheels. External lateralshield cups prevent damage to the storedwheel hubs, and a reinforced bottom prevents abrasions to the material.The nylon bag, with its built-in anti-shock

frame, uses Scicon ultralight technology and weighs 9.2kg.All of which makes your journey between

airport and airport so much easier.To find your nearest stockist, visit

www.asgsport.co.za.

With Ironman season in full swing, Scicon has launched the latest additionto its range of technical bike bags, the Aerocomfort Triathlon.

IT’S IN THE BAG – SADDLE AND ALL

BASIC SPECIFICATIONS

BIKE COMPATIBILITY

Triathlon bikes (TRI - TT), Road Bikes

MATERIAL

Body: Nylon 840D Ripstop PE backed Bottom: Waterproof PU Diamond Texture

WEIGHT

9,2 Kg (Antishock bike frame included)

FRAME LIMIT

One size fits all

EXTERNAL DIMENSIONS

L 132cm x D 45cm x H 90cm

FOLDED DIMENSIONS

L 112cm x D 29cm x H 24cm

TEAM PRINCIPAL Douglas Ryder reflected onthe success the team had achieved in 2013and looked to the future.“We ended 2013 as the team with the

second most victories from all professionalcontinental teams. It’s a remarkable achievement in our first year in this division. “The challenge now is to keep being in-

novative and improve our high-performanceculture in the team. We have assembled agroup of athletes that we’re very excitedabout and are building our season around agrand tour debut,” Ryder said.Members of the team have been vocal

about going to one of cycling’s grand tours

and are targeting the Giro d’Italia. Theylaunched an online campaign, #GetAfricaToTheGiro, urging supporters to help increase the team’s social medianumbers and share the team’s message.“The past few weeks have been nice; a

chance to bond with the team,” said John-Lee Augustyn, a new member. “It’s good tosee the different cultures. The launch was really enjoyable; an opportunity to get toknow some of the new sponsors and revealthe new kit. “The #GetAfricaToTheGiro campaign with

the pink hands was amazing to see. There’sso much excitement around the team.

“I’ve been in a few professional teamsand from what I have seen, this one is sodifferent; so professional.“It usually takes a year or two for a new

team to establish itself but this one had anincredible 2013. There’s no reason why wecan’t reach our goals for 2014. We’ve gotan incredible roster and I am looking forward to the next few years,” Augustynsaid.The team should know soon whether

they will receive a wildcard to compete inthe Giro d’Italia. If they do, they will makehistory because no team from African haveparticipated in a grand tour. •CN�

MTN-Qhubeka ridersready to make history

FEATURE


Words: Coetzee Gouws • Picture: Xylon van Eyck

The members of Team MTN-Qhubeka (p/b Samsung) for the 2014 season were presented to the world of cycling at the MTN Innovation Centre in Johannesburg recently.All 25 riders in the line-up were present, as well as all leading partners and supporters.

FEATURE


Adrien Niyonshuti (Rwanda)�Andreas Stauff (Germany) �Bradley Potgieter (RSA)Daniel Teklehaimanot (Eritria)Dennis van Niekerk (RSA)Ferekalsi Debesay (Eritrea)Gerald Ciolek (Germany) �Ignatas Konovalovas (Lithuania)Jaco Venter (RSA)�Jacques Janse van Rensburg (RSA)�Jani Tewelde (Eritria)�Jay Thomson (RSA)�Johann van Zyl (RSA)�

John-Lee Augustyn (RSA)Kristian Sbaragli (Italy)�Linus Gerdemann (Germany) Louis Meintjes (RSA)�Martin Reimer (Germany) �Martin Wesemann (RSA)Merhawi Kudus (Eritrea)MeronRussom (Eritrea)�Sergio Pardilla (Spain)�Songezo Jim (RSA)Tsgabu Grmay (Ethiopia)�Youcef Reguigui (Algeria)�

TEAM MTN-QHUBEKA 2014

THESE ARE ADMIRABLE words under all circumstances, but what makes them evenmore remarkable, coming from him, is thatBennie is blind.After suffering corneal nerve damage at

the age of six when, he says, the wrongeye drops were administered in hospital,Bennie’s eyesight began to deteriorate.Undeterred, he took up cycling in his

teens and rode his first 10-mile time trial as a 16-year-old in 1961, finishing third.During the next three years, his achieve-

ments included sharing Port Elizabeth’sFrans Binneman Memorial Trophy withDutch rider Rob Redeker, winning his firstsenior title in the 1 000m time trial at theSA championships, and earning nationalcolours on the track.But Bennie was gradually losing his sight.

By the time he competed at the ’64 worldtrack championships in France, he had only

20 per cent vision. He could not even readhis letter of selection.Despite this, he was an integral part of

the national squad that comprised legendssuch as Abe Jonker, Rowan Peacock, WillieMarx, Steve Viljoen, Mike Payne and thetwo Eddies, Kuhn and Kriel.On their European tour, Bennie won the

1 000m time trial against Switzerland inZurich and the same event in the first testagainst Germany.A specialist over this distance, he

had developed clever techniques to compensate for his visual problems.“I used to stay out of the bunch by

riding at the front or at the back. When Iwas at the back, I would shoot through onthe inside closer to the finish. And if I wasat the front, I would lead out.”Bennie caught the attention of the Swiss

team manager, who was a close friend of a

professor at the biggest eye hospital inSwitzerland. A quick examination wasdone only hours before the Swiss test, andafter the world championships and European tour Bennie returned for furthertesting.“We were supposed to leave straight

afterwards for the airport for the flighthome but they asked me to stay anothermonth for more tests.”The prognosis, when it came, was not

good. “They said I wouldn’t go blind all ofa sudden but my sight would gradually deteriorate. The nerves were burnt full ofholes.”Having set several SA records and having

won a number of national titles as a junior,Bennie’s time on the track was coming toan end. But with characteristic patienceand fortitude the talented cyclist acceptedthe inevitable. >

Cycling’s Piano Man hit high notes on the track

LEGENDS OF THE PEDAL



“If you do something, do it well or leave it. That’s my motto in my work, in my sport, in everything in life,” says former Springbok cyclist Bennie Dekker.



“There was no time limit to my condition.I just took it day by day.”In 1966, he and his friend Francois

Dannhauser cycled from Pretoria to Durbanso that he could get in more road mileage.“At the time, I lived in Pretoria and

worked in Joburg. I was more of a track cyclist but I had to cycle to work and back,which was about 85km a day, because Ineeded more hours on the bike.”Riding to work and back, Bennie fol-

lowed the white lines on the road andwatched to see when the cars moved, because he could not see the traffic lightschange colour.Eventually, without the option of Para-

lympic-type competition, Bennie retiredfrom competitive and social cycling in 1969.But, as it turned out, his love of sport,

combined with his failing eyesight, had

opened up a new career in an unexpectedfield. “I had gone to the school for the blindin Worcester at the end of standard 8 to geta matric so I could study physiotherapy.“Then my gymnastics coach suggested I

take the three-year piano tuning course tohave more time for my sport. I did havemore time for my sport and receivedSpringbok colours in cycling two yearslater.”Bennie admits he knew nothing about

pianos when he started, but today he is oneof the foremost piano technicians in SouthAfrica.Now completely blind, he has serviced

and voiced Unisa’s concert pianos for national and international music competitions for the past four decades.The 69-year-old father of two, and

grandfather of one, still lives and runs his

piano business in Pretoria, where he wasborn. His daughter Melissa helps with theadministration.Although he has faced many personal

setbacks, including a battle with cancer,Bennie is the embodiment of triumph overadversity. The negative notes have ultimately worked together to create a harmony.He says as much as he loved cycling,

piano tuning has become a form of therapyand it soothes his soul.Described by his fellow Legends of the

Pedal as the consummate gentleman whonever has an unkind word for anyone, Bennie was officially welcomed into theirranks at the end of last year.“That came as a big surprise to me. I

never expected something like that; it wasthe cherry on top of my career,” he says. •CN



“Although he has faced many personal setbacks,Bennie is the embodiment of triumph over adversity. The negative notes have ultimatelyworked together to create a harmony.”

Bennie Dekker with another legend in hisown right, cycling commentator Phil liggett.

FEATURE


BELL RANG THE CHANGES when he finallyclaimed the spoils in the eight-race seriesafter finishing just off the podium the previous year.“I’ve been racing ultramarathons for the

past four years, so it was a goal I set out toreach,” says Bell. “It’s our best national series, comprising some of the hardest andlongest one-day races in South Africa.”Unlike the once-off national marathon

championship, in which he finished second,the MTN series comprises eight energy-sapping events across the country. Bell competed in all eight, winning the Rooibergrace and finishing second in Sabie, Clarens,Hilton and the Crater Cruise.“The person with the best average result

wins, so you can say he is a true marathonrider and the best of the best for the currentyear,” he says.He also topped the Kia rankings, which he

says provides added rewards for riders whomay not win the big events but regularly finish at the sharp end of the field in thecountry’s top races.“Our sponsors expect us to produce

consistent results throughout the year andthe Kia ranking system gives us somethingelse to race for.”Bell added to his impressive victories when

he teamed up with his MTN series nemesis,defending champion Max Knox, for the

three-day Nedbank sani2c in May. Knowingeach other’s riding style made them unstoppable in their first stage race together,he says.“We could race without having to talk. We

both knew how the other rider was feeling,and we took advantage of every opportunityto get the leap on our competitors.”The 30-year-old’s consistent performances,

which include a third place in the Jock CycleClassic, have certainly grabbed the cyclingfraternity’s attention, culminating in the an-nouncement that he will be teaming up with

RE: CM this season.“I have been racing [in mountain-

bike events] seriously for three years

now and all the results I’ve achieved havebeen while I was working and without asalaried sponsorship,” says Bell. “This will bemy first professional opportunity.”The Mpumalanga-based rider, who lives in

Mbombela (Nelspruit), will pair up with newteammate Erik Kleinhans for long stage races such as theAbsa Cape Epic, and with young LourensLuus for the shorter events.Bell hopes his team, Westvaal-Bell’s

Cycling, will continue to give promisingyoungsters the opportunity to reach the toplevel. And he also hopes his long-time “partner” Gawie Combrinck will move to a new team in 2014. •CN

Bell rings changes with MTN Series winConsistent performances throughout the season on all types of terrain earned Nico Bell the MTN national marathon mountain-bike series title in october.


OUR BLOOD was yellow and green, like theWines 2 Whales logo. We had been eating,sleeping and drinking W2W for six months. That evening I arranged my race clothes

for the next three days. We had agreed thatwe would wear black on the Friday. Saturdaywe would be shining in red and Sunday wewould cross the finish line in our FNB raceshirts to look our best for the support teamawaiting our arrival. On Friday my alarm clock woke me at

05:00. The sound of raindrops was not whatI was hoping hear. At 06:30, Gideon and Iarrived at the Lourensford farm to get readyfor our start slot at 08:00.Enthusiastic mountain bikers were all

getting ready for the next three days; toprove their skill and dedication towards thissport that we plan our lives around. At08:00 the siren went off. This was it. Wehad one goal in mind and that was to collectmedals at Onrus on Sunday.

Just 5km into the race we were covered inmud. We had sand in our eyes and the noiseof scratchy gears accompanied us along thetough 76 km, including 1 350m of climbingon day 1. Twenty kilometres into the adventure I

had a bad fall. Blood was running down myleft leg. Then I fell again, testing the rib thatI had bruised a week earlier on a trainingride. Gideon was right at my side. He offered

some words of encouragement and off wewent; my bike with a buckled front wheel.At the water point I realise we were not theonly team taking a pounding. Everyonecommented on the rain and muddy conditions. We had some jelly babies, a glass of Coke

and a salty potato; enough to keep TeamRacing Snails motivated. We had to carryour bicycles for 3 km over the Sir Lowry’sPass portage section, adding a bit of difficulty to day 1.

After six hours, two unidentifiable mountain-biking objects, covered in mud,crossed the finish line at Oak Valley. That put us in Shute C for the next day. A complimentary cold “milky tea” shot

and the smell of Spur made me feel athome. That evening we were treated to ascrumptious dinner by Food Lover’s Market,including a caramel desert and some colddrinks. At about 21:00 the bike wash area was

still congested. I had to do some emergencyrepairs on my bike but Gideon’s was good togo. At 05:30 on the Saturday, Gideon

shouted: ‘Hey, I think we have to wake up.”I got dressed in the tent and we left

together to grab a ProNutro breakfast, yoghurt and a banana. This would be the secret of Team Racing Snails’ pre-race snackfor outstanding endurance. At 07:20 wewere ready in Shute C. The racing began with a river crossing but

no rain, although it was still very muddy. Day2 took us around the Oak Valley reserve andthrough some spectacular scenery. We hadthe opportunity to cross the three expensivebridges at the amphitheatre; bridges built bythe race organisers. This was a magnificentexperience.Towards the end we cycled through a fruit

warehouse; through two refrigerated areasand a bay area between pallets stacked 4 mhigh. It was an amazing feeling, but it tooksome concentration to maintain balance andnot to crash into the pallets. Day 2 was a tough day for me, but my

adventure partner was strong. After 5 hoursand 30 minutes, Gideon was leading TeamRacing Snails into the arena. We had done69 km and 1 300 meters of climbing. Mylegs were happy to be back at the campsite.

The story of Wines 2 Whales 2013

RACE REVIEW


Words: Hugo van der Berg

At 15:30 on the Thursday I met Gideon at the lourensford parking lot. It wasstill drizzling and we went to registration to collect our waterproof race bagsand FNB cycling shirts.

Just 5km into the race we were covered in mud.We had sand in our eyes and the noise ofscratchy gears accompanied us along the tough76 km, including 1 350m of climbing on day 1.

RACE REVIEW

Unit 1 Aviation Park, 18 Pomona Road, Pomona, Kempton Park, Gauteng, 1619

Proud logistics partner of

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

Ocean & Air

Imports & Exports

Warehousing

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Phone: (+27) 11 396 1896Fax: (+27) 11 396 2011

E-mail: [email protected]

On the Saturday, by invitation, we indulged in FNB’s private lounge buffetspread. I had not slept well the first evening,so my afternoon nap was on the woodenfloor inside the FNB lounge, without a pillow. I snored myself awake having shownno consideration to those around me. The power nap was like an injection of

new life into my beaten body. That eveningwe enjoyed another dinner in the main tent.We memorised the route profile and the

obstacles to look out for. And before turningin, I visited the medics’ tent for them toscrub the dirt out of my wounds. I held onto my chair, trying hard not to scream. At21:30 we were ready for bed. The end wasin sight.

On the Sunday morning, the spirit wassouring in the campsite. Tired cyclists werelonging for their own showers and beds. After the last day of the Wines 2 Whales

Adventure 2013, we would be rewardedwith medals of honour and we would seethe loved ones that we had learnt to appreciate in the past two days. After a full hot breakfast and coffee, we

were ready. By 07:30 we were in Shute D,waiting to take off.It was not long before Gideon mentioned

that his right knee was hurting. After a couple of kilometres, he was in serious pain.At the first water point he had his kneestrapped. I fed Gideon some water-point goodies

and off we went. Thanks to some downhilland single track we enjoyed the last day’sdry conditions. For the first time in three days, I found the

pace manageable because my partner hadto slow down. Gideon dealt with the pain in his own

way and soon we found ourselves at a magnificent viewpoint, overlooking theocean at Onrus.

The last 7 km of single track led us on tothe wooden bridge at the Onrus beachwhere we could smell victory around thecorner. Team Racing Snails finished day’s 76 km

and 1 400 m of climbing – and twostrapped knees – in 5 hours and 25 minutes. It was an amazing three days, filled with

some of the best mountain-bike routes andscenery. Team Racing Snails would like to thank

FNB, Food Lover’s Market, Spur and Newport Media for this amazing event.From November 1 to 3 you changed ourlives in many ways. •CN

DATE8 February 2014

VENUECradlestone Mall, Ruimsig

DISTANCES102km, 55km

STARTING TIMES102km: 06h00, 55km: 07h30

ENTRY FEES102km: R250, 55km: R140

ONLINE ENTRIESwww.cycleevents.co.za

MORE INFORMATIONPhone the race office on 076 621 1807 oremail [email protected]

THE WEST RAND’S biggest cycle race, the Action Ford Berge en Dale Classic, willpresent an excellent early-season test forroadies when it rolls out from the newCradlestone Mall in Krugersdorp on February 8.Presented by ASG Events, the event has

grown exponentially over the past few years.More than 3 500 riders are expected to turnout for the 2014 race.Race director Wynand de Villiers says the

change of venue from the nearby SilverstarCasino was necessitated by the race’s growing popularity.“As it happens, it has also added immense

value to the event because the 2.5km neutral drag after the finish line has beeneliminated.”The new start/finish venue is at the inter-

section of the N14 and Hendrik PotgieterRoad in Muldersdrift. Riders will now crossthe finish line and turn left into CradlestoneMall’s much larger parking area.

“The mall offers a lot to see and do oncethe cyclists have completed the race. It alsokeeps friends and families occupied whilethey wait for riders to come in.”De Villiers says the rest of the 102km route

remains relatively unchanged, starting withthe famous Hillsnacks climb, which is the first of four challenging ascents on the undulating course.Hillsnacks, 6km long and with a seven per

cent gradient, provides the first opportunityfor the strongest riders to make their mark. But despite the early examination, the race

has often come down to a final sprint to the finish. This is how Reinardt Janse van Rensburg and Herman Fouché snatched the laurels in recent years.De Villiers says the race, which also takes

in the Cradle of Humankind, is anyone’sgame, especially because some of the prosare expected to focus on the national championships, which are scheduled for the same weekend.

New venue for West Rand’s biggest race

RACE PREVIEW


Picture: shutterstock.com

RACE PREVIEW


As a premier seeding event for the CapeArgus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, Berge en Dale isideally positioned one month before the CapeTown race. It also allows would-be participantsand back markers to gauge and improve theirfitness levels ahead of South Africa’s largestevent.For those not quite ready to tackle the big

one, the organisers have thrown in a 55kmoption.With good road surfaces and assistance

from the Mogale City metro traffic officials,the event has gained a reputation as one ofthe safest races in Gauteng.De Villiers says his organising team have

concentrated on getting the basics right andnot making unnecessary changes to a winningformula. “We just strive to present a betterevent every year.”Enter at www.cyclelab.com before January

28. For more info, contact the race office on076 621 1807 or send an e-mail to [email protected]. •CN

DATE22 March 2014

VENUETyger Valley College, Pretoria East

ROUTEMildly technical, farm roads, jeep track, single track, bridges, river crossings.

ELEVATION1 400m

ASCENT670m (70 km route)

STARTING TIMES70 km: from 07:30, 40 km: from 08:20; 20 km: from 09:10

ENTRY FEESR190 (70km), R170 (40km) and R130 (20km)

ONLINE ENTRIESwww.asgevents.co.zaClosing date: 16 March 2014

MORE INFORMATIONFor further information, log on to www.asgevents.co.za, e-mail [email protected] or phone 076 621 1807

THE SIXTH Tyger Valley College MountainBike Challenge, a popular annual event, is scheduled for 22 March 2014. Tyger Valley College, centrally located off

Lynwood Road, is a wonderful mountain-biking venue; close to the urban surround-ings of Pretoria East, but adjacent to someexcellent riding terrain. The event offers three distances – 70,

40 and 20 km – so there is something foreveryone. The 70km route boasts an elevation of approximately 1 400 metreswith 670 metres of climbing. This is a truetest for mountain bikers.The route, out towards Donkerhoek and

back, has a good mix of single track andjeep track and also offers purposely builttrails and bridges.An outstanding feature is that the route

is fast and flowing. A good mountain-bikeroute is all about variety and the Tyger Valley College event offers just that, withsome fast farm roads to recover as well asexhilarating river crossings. A section of theroute runs through ASG’s riding park atRosemary Hill.Riders who enter on-line will be seeded

according to the SA seeding system. If youhave a permanent SAS board you can usethat, but you have to collect your seedingand distance stickers as well as race packsat registration.

Timing is done by Spectrum Sport. Cyclists who do not have permanentboards will be issued with temporary Spectrum Sport timing boards.

Number collection Riders must collect their distance and seed-ing stickers at one of the following points:• Thursday March 20 – Cycle Lab Fourways,10:00 to 16:00

• Friday March 21 – Bruce Reyneke Cycles,Lynwood Road, 10:00 to 16:00

Venue detailsEats and drinks will be sold at the venue,which offers ample parking and toilets. DRSA/Global ASP will provide free wi-fi

with their technology rig, which will be onsite on race day.Red Hot Products will be on hand to

wash bikes.

Directions to the venueFrom Johannesburg, take N1 to Pretoria.Exit on Lynnwood off-ramp and turn righttowards Pretoria East. Continue on Lynnwood Road, over Hans Strijdom Drive for another 3.5km. Tyger Valley College is on your left.

GPS coordinates 25 48; 06.37 S, 28 22; 11.93 E •CN

Tyger Valley College Mountain Bike Challenge

Sheer cycling enjoymenton a fast, flowing route

RACE PREVIEW


Picture: shutterstock.com

Documents

Cyclingnews January 2014