Cape Epic 2009

18 Dias para el epic

2009-03-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

solo quedan 18 dias para el epic y ya hemos hecho todo lo que teniamos que hacer, ya solo queda hacer un par de salidas en las proximas dos semana y descansar la semana antes.

este fin de semana pasado corrimos el sani2c, una carrera increible por etapas, 3 dias montando por los parajes mas espectaculares de sudafrica. echadle un vistazo a la web www.sani2c.co.za

la carrera el primer dia fue muy bien, tardamos 3h 39 min en hacer los 85 km, el segundo dia me dia la super pajara, creo que me desidrate al final del dia anterior. Fueron los peores 50km de mi "carrera" ciclista, tardamos en hacer los 95 km 6 horas, 2200 metros de subida y perdimos bastantes puestos en la general.
el tercer dia me recupere un poco he hicimos un decente tiempo de 3:09, aunque mis piernas estaban en llamas y cuando llegamos a la meta estaba hecho polvo. Al menos hicimos el puesto 80 de unos 500 equipos, podiamos haber estado en los top 50, pero en fin, asi es la vida, espero que esto no me pase en el epic porque si no me da un yuyu

manana de vuelta a la bici, 3 horas para calentar las piernas y el miercoles series de nuevo

saludos

32 dias para el Epic

2009-02-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Ya solo quedan 32 dias y el entrenamiento ha sido muy duro especialmente la semana pasada donde acumule 17 horas de entrenamiento!

Las ultimas carrerar fueron un exito, especialmente aquella en la que my companero de epic y yo corrimos como equipo y llegamos 3 en nuestra categoria, fueron unos 100km con mucho barro y muy trialera, tardamos casi 5 horas, la pena es que Benedikt rompio la cadena y tardamos unos minutos en arreglarla.

las proximas dos semanas van a ser claves, este sabado tenemos una carrera muy dura de 100km y unos 2.000 metros de subida y la semana siguiente la famosa sani2c, una carrera muy bonita de 3 etapas y que acaba en el mar, bastante subida especialmente el dia 2 y es por equipos, asi que ahi veremos a que nivel estamos Benedikt y yo como equipo y tambien veremos como nos sentimos despues de 3 dias corriendo al maximo nivel

estas proximas 2 semanas vamos a hacer series para mejorar la velocidad, en cuanto a resistencia, ya hemos hecho practicamente lo que teniamos que hacer

saludos

42 dias para el epic

2009-02-06T10:52:00.000-08:00

Aqui estoy en casa viendo una peli y pensando que me queda menos de un mes y medio para el epic! el pasado fin de semana tuve otras dos carreras, the berg en dale classic, 100 km en la carretera y 100km en la bici de montana el domingo. La carrera del doming fue muy bien, era en parejas como el epic y benedikt y yo hicimos un buen papel, conseguimos llegar terceros en nuestra categoria y eso que benedikt rompio su cadena y perdimos casi 15 minutos mientras la arreglamos!

la carrera del sabado en la carretera no estuvo mal, fue muy dura ya que empezo con una subida desde la linea de salida asi que el grupo de cabeza me dejo tirado casi al principio hasta que a los 20 km el grupo de atras me cogio y me agarre a ellos como pude, el resto fue bastante duro.

este fin de semana tengo otras dos carreras, manana una corta de mtb y el domingo otros 100 en la carretera.

la semana pasada el entreno fue duro, 15 horas, esta semana algo mas tranquilo pero tambien he hecho unas 12 horas. La semana que viene series el martes, 120 km el miercoles, series el jueves y 5 horas el sabado y el domingo!

saludos

otro fin de semana duro pero efectivo de carreras

2009-01-26T07:19:00.000-08:00

A falta de tan solo 53 dias y 14 horas para empezar el epic creo que estoy fisicamente y mentalmente preparado. Este pasado fin de semana corrimos en Barberton, 75km con unos 1800 metros de subida y mucho mucho barro, quede el 30 en mi categoria de un total de 450 corredores, asi que no esta nada mal. Me hubiera gustado reducir mi tiempo en unos 20 minutos, pero al principio me encontre cansado, aunque teniendo en cuenta el regime de entrenamiento tan duro que llevo no es de estranar.

El domingo hicimo la carrera que aqui llaman "the fast one", y fue de hecho bien rapido, 105 km en 2h y 32 minutos, una media de 40 km/h. En los primero 40 km mis piernas se encontraron bien pesaditas, aunque despues de esa hora me empece a sentir mucho mejor y pude correr a buen ritmo.

Esta semana que entra, mas series y salidas de 4 horas. Este fin de semana tenemos otras dos carreras, 95km el sabado por carretera y 100 km el domingo con la bici de montana, a morir!!!!!
saludos

59 dias para el absa cape epic 2009

2009-01-20T04:19:00.000-08:00

Hola a todos

ya quedan menos de dos meses para el epic y estas ultimas 2 semanas desde mi regreso de las vacaciones han sido bastante intensas en cuanto al entrenamiento se refiere. Desde el 7 de enero solo he tenido dos dias de descanso, el uno porque llovio y no pude entrenar y el segundo el pasado viernes porque me lo merecia. En resumen, en los ultimos 13 dias he entrenado 11, he recorrido 761 km y he pasado 31h y 40 minutos en la bici, no esta nada mal eh?

Lo mas interesante fue el pasado fin de semana, fuimos a dullstroom an un campamento de bici para entrenar para el epic. Para mi en una prueba de fuego para comprobar si estoy mas cerca de Benedikt, para Benedikt, otro entrenamiento mas.

El sabado recorrimos 120 km con unos 1800 metros de altura, durante 100 km me encontre muy bien y mantuve el ritmo con Benedikt, aunque en los ultimos 20 km mis fuerzas flaquearon un poco, pero es normal dadas las circumstancias y todo lo que he estado entrenando ultimamente.

el domingo recorrimos 75 km pero me encontre incluso mejor, super fuerte y recuperado, en las subidas me senti com Contador y pantani, como una maquina, aunque siempre con la sensacion de que Benedikt tenia un poco mas de potencia guardada, pero en fin que le vamos a hacer.

En definitiva, me quedan 5 semanas de entrenamiento duras, con muchas series y repeticiones y con salidas largas de 4 y 5 horas dos veces por semana para llegar al epic a tope y con muchas ganas

a entrenar!

De vuelta al tajo despues de las vacaciones - Mucho trabajo por delante

2009-01-09T06:58:00.000-08:00

Hola a Todos

el martes volvi de mis vacaciones en Durban, a partir de ahora tenemos por delante 2 meses para entrenar duro de cara al epic. Para ello vamos a hacer una serie de carreras, especialmente el sani2c (www.sani2c.co.za), carrera muy bonita, muy trialera y con bastante subida en febrero. Esta carrera es por etapas (3 etapas) y nos va a dar una buena idea de nuestra forma fisica de cara al epic.

En las proximas 4 semanas, 2 veces por semana entrenare 4-5 horas en la mtb y el resto en la bici de carrera para hacer series para incrementar la velocidad y aumentar el "lactate threshold".

Ayer fui a entrenar con Robbie en el gimnasio con la bicicleta estatica para medir los watios de potencia que tengo y el resultado fue bastante satisfactorio. Ya estoy cerca de 300 vatios de media, que el el objetivo de cara al epic (basado en una hora en la bici).

Esta manana hice 60 km en la bici de montana y bueno las piernas se encontraron un poco pesadas despues de las vacaciones pero espero que en un par de dias esten recuperadas.

Las otras carreras que vamos a hacer Benedikt y yo son Sabie Classic (100km mtb), hyper to hyper (100 km bici de carrera), Barberon Marathon Mazda Series (75km mtb), Sani2c (4 etapas, 70km dia 1, 98km dia 2 y 60 dia 3) y por fin en marzo el epic (7 etapas de unos 100 km de media al dia mas el prologo, contrareloj por equipos)

la deicision que tengo que tomar en las proximas dos semanas es que bicicleta voy a usar, hardtail(suspension delantera) o la softtail (suspension total).

un saludo

Entrenando para el cape epic 2009

2008-12-08T23:30:00.000-08:00

Hace un par de semanas anunciaron la nueva ruta para el epic del 2009, etapas un poco mas cortas (bien!) pero mas tecnicas (no tan bien!). Eso significa que el tiempo absoluto en la bici sera mas o menos el mismo. El problemas es que mas tecnico significa que tu cuerpo sufre mas, aunque tambien es cierto que mas tecnico y mas trialero es mucho mas divertido que carreteras comarcales!

Estas dos ultimas semanas despues del tour de lesotho han sido mas tranquilas, estoy un poco cansado y con bastante trabajo, aunque todavia estoy entrenando 4 o 5 veces por semana pero menos intensamente. estas tres ultimas semanas despues de lesotho he entrenado unas 20 horas, nada fuera de lo normal, pero me siento mas fuerte que nunca y escalando me siento como si fuera Pantani, como una moto (sin tomar sustancias dopantes claro esta)

Este sabado hago otro tour, esta vez de Johannesburgo a Durban en cuatro dias con una media de 180 km por dia, buen entrenamiento para el epic, en la bici de carrera.

Mi companero del epic Benedikt esta bastante fuerte, mas fuerte que yo creo, este sabado fuimos a Breedt's neck, una subida bastante buena y tuvimos buenas sensaciones, a partir de ahora tenemos que entrenar juntos mas a menudo para llegar a conocernos mucho mejor en la bici y como personas ya que en el epic no hay tiempo para ello y si no hay buen rollo estonces puede ser un desastre.

Good news about Armstrong and the tour

2008-12-02T00:30:00.001-08:00

Armstrong participará en el Tour 2009

El estadounidense Lance Armstrong, siete veces ganador del Tour, participará en la próxima edición de la ronda gala, según confirmó uno de sus portavoces.

El de Texas, de 37 años, anunció el pasado mes de septiembre su regreso a la alta competición después de abandonar el ciclismo profesional hace tres temporadas, tras conquistar su séptima 'Grande Boucle' en 2005.

Armstrong había alimentado las dudas sobre su presencia en las carreteras francesas consciente de que las sospechas y la animadversión le perseguirán, incluso desde las instituciones oficiales como la Agencia Francesa Antidopaje, que aseguró su intención de analizar la orina del ciclista congelada del Tour de 1999 poco después de que se conocieran sus intenciones.

Giro y Tour en la misma temporada

Por primera vez en su carrera, el texano tomará la salida del Giro de Italia y del Tour de Francia el mismo año, una exigencia todavía mayor, aunque uno de sus propósitos cuando anunció el regreso a la elite era el de ayudar a su equipo a lograr los mayores éxitos posible, consciente de que junto a él estará el español Alberto Contador, uno de los máximos favoritos en la salida de la próxima edición de la ronda gala.

Fuente: www. marca.es

Tour of lesotho with nick white

2008-11-30T00:43:00.000-08:00

A Big Sky Ride in Lesotho!

The 4th edition of the Big Sky Ride took place a few days ago. This was a ride across the most scenic and highest road through the mountain kingdom of Lesotho! Thirty riders accompanied Melt Swanepoel and I in this journey, and most had never ridden over such terrain before!

The adventure started with the ride up the 'hill' to Sani Top Chalet for a night at 2800m! In variable weather and light rain, we ascended the magnificent Sani Pass, glad to arrive at the Sani Top Chalet, and get warm in the Highest pub in Africa! The push up Sani Pass was worth a sunrise such as this the following day! The second day dawned in perfect conditions, and enjoying the views of the pass from above we prepared for the day's ride to black mountain and beyond. There are very few days when the wind is not blasting at the edge of the escarpment, and this was one of them, breathtaking and beautiful! The ride took us to new heights, 3100m, and very close to Thabana Ntlenyana. This was the highest point in Southern Africa and just a stone throw away from the path that we had ridden! (It is up at this altitude that you experience the Big Sky!) Spectators at any part of the road! The rugged terrain through which was passed consisted of small villages, plenty of sheep with herdboys to watch over them, and always the threat of poor weather. We enjoyed a feeling very unlike anything that could be found across the border in South Africa. Our long day was a monster, besides the 20 km climb, much time was spent around 3000m! (Graph from Suunto Training manager) In four days, everybody got up all the climbs, though some interesting weather changes, 265 kms of Lesotho mountains, and just over 6000m of climbing. Most people had an average of 15 hours for the four day ride! Managing things at a reasonable pace, it was challenging but possible! A true mountain adventure, and everyone can be very proud of themselves for riding the route! (with a little thanks to the assisting tailwinds!) A lonely rider in the land of the giants!

94.7 Cycling Challenge

2008-11-24T04:56:00.000-08:00

Hola a todos

La semana pasada fue la de la carrera del ano es Sudafrica, el 94,7, carrera rapida de unos 91km donde todos los grandes del ciclismo en sudafrica centran su atencion para ganar en la linea de meta. Solo unos pocos elegidos estan suficientemente preparados para ganar y este ano de nuevo el equipo MTN de Malcolm lange y Nicholas White demostraron de nuevo que son el equipo mas en forma del momento en sudafrica. Cubrierons los 91 km en 2:03 min, no esta nada mal.

Sin embargo yo no estoy nada contento, no se si es por la carrera de la semana anterior o porque tuve un mal dia pero mi carrera se puede calificar de muy pobre. Mi tiempo 2:37, mi companero del epic Benedikt 2:17. Desde la linea de salida me senti sin fuerzas en las piernas y el peloton me dejo atras en los primeros 5 km, asi que me vi recorriendo el resto solo y sin ayuda!! Un desastre total. En definitiva tengo que seguir entrenando mas duro, mas intervalos y mas kilometros para reducir el gap entre Benedikt y yo, sino en el epic voy a sufrir mas de lo deseado.

saludos

Carrera 9 Octubre - etapa del Cradle Quest 81 km

2008-11-12T01:17:00.000-08:00

Hola a todos,

desde el epic este ano he entrenado unas 5000 y un total aproximado de 200 horas, la semana pasada como os comente fue dura, especialmente con las series de 7 y 5 minutos al maximo. Esta semana es descanso ya que el domingo tenemos la carrera del ano en johannesburgo, 94,7!

la ultima carrera este domingo fue sin ningun lugar a duda mi mejor resultado, ahi es cuando me he dado cuenta de mi mejora del rendimiento. Llegue a la linea de meta en 7 posicion, no esta nada mal, de hecho cuando llegue y me dijeron la posicion no me lo podia creer, solo 14 minutos detras del vencedor de la prueba, la cosa pinta bien.

la carrera fue muy bonita, la manana se presento nublada y con llovizna asi que todos estabamos un poco ansiosos por el barro y las caidas, pero al final la lluvia no llego y se quedo en un dia nublado y por tanto perfecto para la carrera.

el principio como siempre muy rapido a traves de huertos de naranjas y limones, empeze despacio y poco a poco fui adelantando a gente hasta que llegamos a la subida del dia a Breedt's neck, un desnivel de 200 metros en 10km, muy tecnica con muchas rocas y muy resbaladiza por la lluvia del dia anterior, ahi es cuando empece a sentirme bien y adelante al menos 5 corredores.

despues vino la seccion rapida de unos 30 km, ahi alcance a otro grupo de 8 corredores que se pegaron a mi rueda hasta casi el final cuando los deje atras.

esa seccion fue muy rapida, una media de 30-35 km/h, hasta que llegamos a una subida bastante intensa aunque no muy larga, unos 30 minutos, pero totalmente rompepiernas.

despues de eso otra seccion mas o menos plana y los ultimos 15 km trialeros en Van Gaalen's Farm. Una seccion muy chula pero muy complicada ya que habia muchas raices de arboles y lo peor de todo, muchisimo barro!!!

en fin, todo un excito y tengo gana de hacer la proxima carrera para ver como me responden las piernas

saludo.

Semana dura de entrenamiento

2008-11-08T02:54:00.000-08:00

Hola a todos

esta ultima semana fue durilla, el lunes descanso, el martes 60 kms un 75% del maximo y 4 intervalos de 7 minutos cada uno al maximo, el miercoles 100 km al 75-85% del maximo, el juves 30 km por la manana con intervalos de 4 minutos y dos sprints en escalada, una hora por la tarde con Robbie (nuestro entrenador). Ayer y hoy descanso y manana quiero montar en mi mtb y hacer unos 80 km facil, 70% de mi maximo.

Ayer estaba bastante cansado, pero hoy estoy recuperado y tengo muchas ganas de subirme a mi scott el domingo para entrenar. La semana que viene es una semana de descanso ya que el domingo tenemos la carrera 94,7 (www.cyclechallenge.co.za), la carrera de bici mas grande del mundo en terminos de participacion, el ano pasado hubo mas de 30.000 participantes!!!

Es una carrera de 95 kms, bastante rapido, con poca subida, unos 700 metros de subida en total el ano pasado asi que hay que intentar asentarse en el grupo de subida y hacer un buen tiempo. Mi objetivo es romper la barrera de los 2:40 minutos, a ver si hay suerte

La semana pasada anunciaron la nueva ruta del epic http://www.cape-epic.com/content.php?page_id=36&title=/The_Route/ a priori es mas corta, un dia menos pero si os fijais en la cantidad de escalada, da miedo!!!!!! Al parecer va a ser mucho tecnico que en los anos anteriores asi que voy a empezar a trabajar esos musculos del tronco y abdominales como loco.

saludos

Carreras 24-25 Octubre 2008 - training for epic

2008-10-30T05:15:00.000-07:00

Saturday, 25th Oct 2008 Telkom Satellite Road Race 110km:

Bendikt's Race Report:

Unfortunately we were running a bit late for start of the race as we had to
pick up my girl friends sister. I hate it if I have to rush before the start.
Finally I made in time and the race start hectic right from the beginning. The first
10km were more or less downhill and until we passed Hartesbeerport Dam nothing
happened. After about 20/30km a group broke away and the main bunch started
chasing. We worked nicely together and the average speed was quite high
(43km/h) even we had slight headwind. As we reached the climb of the day (Heekport) I
could already feel my legs and then it happened (of course) our bunch got
split up into pieces. I managed to stay in the 3rd bunch and finally finished about
3 mins behind the winners. Overall it was a hard race and again I have realized that I have to train more hills.

Joaquin: No hice la carrera del sabado, solo la del domingo

Sunday, 26th Oct 2008 Telkom Satellite MTB Race 57km:

Benedikt:

Same location as Saturday but this time we arrived in time and had plenty of
time to get all our stuff ready. At the start line I met my "Epic
Amigo"Joaquin and we were ready to race. I could feel my legs from the race on Saturday but
I felt ok. The race started with a neutral zone - well we all know what neutral
zone means ... - so we had a quite fast start and after we hit the dirt
section and the first climb I realized that my legs were not ready to race at all but
I managed to stay in the top 20 on the uphill. Unfortunately I wasn't riding my
MTB so many times as my Road Bike and on the downhill some of the guys and
even the leading elite ladies overtook me again. I could chase only some of them
but due to the rain during the night and wrong tyre the single track was slippery
and one section quite muddy. Well and there it happened ... too fast at the
last turn and I was off my bike in the muddddddddd. Not only my bike was covered in
mud also myself needed some time of cleaning to get the wheel turning again.
Luckily I just I didn't get injured and could continue chasing some riders
ahead of me. On the last 15km my legs were getting really tired now and I could
manage to finish 34th overall and was quite happy after a hard weekend. Lesson learnt
after this weekend: Train more on my beautiful MTB!

Joaquin:

El domingo iba con ganas y con la bici nueva, estoy probando una bici con solo suspesion delantera, y no sabia como iba a responder la bici y mi cuerpo.

Como dice Benedikt el comienzo fue en asfalto y los pros empezaron a tirar del grupo muy fuerte, consegui estar con ellos durante los primeros km hasta que entramos en terreno de tierra. Ahi durante los primeros 10 km pense que me la suspension estaba rota ya que todo mi cuerpo estaba sufriendo. Al final me di cuenta que alguien habia puesto la suspension en duro (ese alguien podria haber sido yo?) y lo cambie y ahi es cuando empezo mi carrera, desafortunadamente perdi al grupo de adelante y me pase el resto de la carrera por mi cuenta.

El terreno fue muy chulo, bastante trialero en algunas secciones, descensos de infarto medio tecnicos y alguna escalada muy tecnica donde solo los mas fuertes podian hacerlo subido en la bici.

Me senti mas o menos fuerte, excepto cuando lo de la suspension, durante toda la carrera aunque no pude adelantar a Benedikt. Al final llegue unos 30 minutos detras de los ganadores.

como dice Beni, tenemos que entrenar en la mtb mas ya que de momento no la estamos casi tocando, excepto en carreras.

saludos

Quienes somos? Who are we? Joaquin Valverde - Benedikt Schneider

2008-10-24T05:17:00.000-07:00

Joaquin Valverde

Nacido en el 76, 31 años de edad, casi 32 en noviembre, siempre he sido un apasionado del ciclismo, especialmente desde perico Delgado y despues indurain, pero cuando tenia 15-18 anos solo montaba en verano, me ponia en forma y cuando llegaba el invierno lo perdia todo y vuelta a empezar en Verano. Despues vino la Universidad, novia, master y curro, ahi perdi el norte y deje de montar durante varios anos. Despues émigré a sudafrica y por fin el año pasado a raiz de una conversacion con un sudafricano se encendio la luz y decidi comprarme una bici de Montaña en mayo del 2008. Este amigo de un amigo nos hablo del Cape Epic y a mi me parecio un tour muy interesante, entonces no tenia ni idea en lo que me estaba metiendo.

En fin, decidi probar mi suerte con el sorteo para conseguir una entrada y adivina, consegui la entrada. Durante esos dias de agosto vi en la tele un resumen del epic 2007 y me di cuenta que era una de las carreras por etapas mas duras del circuito de mtb. El miedo escenico se apodero de mi asi que decidi ir a un entrenador personal a la vez que convencia mi novia (ahora mujer) de hacer la carrera juntos.

En agosto contactamos a Robbie McIntosh, ex pro de la bici y ahora entrenador de ciclistas tanto profesionales como amateurs aqui en Johanesburgo.(gano la vuelta a Zaragoza y otras carreras en Europa en el pasado). Todo el mundo nos dijo que no seriamos ni siquiera capaces de terminar el epic pero Robbie dijo que, si haciamos exactamente lo que el decia, terminariamos sin problemas. En resumen, despues de unos 10.000km y de mas de 500 horas de entrenamiento terminamos la carrera en la posicion 397 de 500 equipos y unas 69:57 minutos en la bici, una locura total!

La experiencia fue increible y solo tuvimos 8 meses para ponernos en forma, teniendo en cuenta que no habia montado en una bici desde el colegio (hace unos 15 años)

El reto ahora es epic 2009!

Espero que disfruteis de nuestros comentarios, os mantedremos informados de nuestro entrenamiento de forma semanal y si todo sale bien acabaremos el epic 2009 entre los 150 primeros equipos.

Benedikt Schneider

I am 31 years young and originally from Bavaria /Germany . When I was young I was skiing and cycling (MTB) a lot but after finishing my studies real life started and due to job commitments I was traveling a lot and couldn't find any spare time for my hobbies.

However I was lucky enough to get a job offer from my Company in SouthAfrica two years ago, I decided to leave Germany and move to Johannesburg.

The first 6 month were full of work and I wasn't able to do any sport ... soon I met some friends and road cycling was their big hobby. One day I decided to join them on my MTB ... the first 30km have been great but then I got dropped badly and my decision was made: I need a road bike.

Spending lots of time on the road during the last year I missed my MTB more and more and after some great multi day stage race I am back in MTB and decided to do the Cape Epic. Unfortunately I didn't get an entry and was lucky enough to meet Joaquin at one of the multi-stage races....and now the real training starts!

cheers

Found epic partner!

2008-10-21T05:37:00.000-07:00

hi there again

i have been a bit inactive lately but training quite a bit, and racing most of weekends. the last race i did was the amashova, a great race indeed! we also rode from Joburg to Durban (around 680km) in 5 days with a bunch of buddies and we had lots of fun, drank a few tequilas and most importantly got to train quite hard in some of the days and particularly on the race day on sunday! my time wasnt amazing, but given the circumstances i am quite happy, time 3:02, half an hour behind winners, next year i am aiming for 2:40!

i found a partner for the epic, a great guy, his name is Benedikt Schneider from germany and he is a hell of a strong rider, at the amashova he did 20 minutes less than me so i am afraid i have a lot of work to do in the next couple of months to catch up with him, i dont want to get to the epic and he is much stronger than me

cheers!

1 Epic on my belt

2008-07-17T11:13:00.000-07:00

hi there

with one epic on my belt today I taken the decision of doing the epic again next year, why?... maybe I have to proof to myself that I can do it again or maybe because I love the challenge or because i have definitely lost it but the fact is that right now i am looking for a partner, so if anyone knows someone that want to do it, let me know and i will contact him/her

Training 2008

2008-02-23T01:37:00.000-08:00

Hi there

2008 has been so far very good for our training, despite the fact that pamina was sick for a week with tonsilitis. Last weekend we did a training camp in dullstroom with a whole bunch of riders for the epic 2008. It was interesting to see that I could keep up with the front guys for days, day 1 125 km and 2,000 metres of climb and day 2 75 km and 1000 metres of climb.

This week so far we have done 15 hours on the saddle with the highlight being the ride to magaliesburg and back of 145 km!

keep the rubber side down

end of the year training

2007-12-22T01:16:00.000-08:00

Hi there

The year is winding down to an end and we are still doing the miles on our mountain bikes. We are off to spain tomorrow and there we will be riding long hours, an average of 4 to 8 hours long rides. our goal is to do as many long climbs as we can.

The exciting part is that we will spend time with our families and at the same time we will ride in new places all the time and as many of you know one of the biggest challenges when you are doing the miles is not to get bored of riding at the same places.

so far we have done 6.411 km and over 400 hours on the saddle. we could have riddent to cape town and back a couple of times!

a merry christmas to everyone
Joaquin

24 Hours Mugg & Bean Race

2007-12-08T07:29:00.000-08:00

Hi there

The training is going very well, going from strenght to streght and still riding the miles big time.

Last saturday and sunday we did a 24 hour race, something completely new for me yet.

The course was set in Northern farms and the laps were 17.5 km long. the whole idea was to ride on teams and to always have a rider riding for 24 hours non stop. Our team was formed by Carlos Valverde (my younger brother), Pamina (my partner in crime and epic riding partner) and I. We did in total 27 laps and we managed to win our category (three mixed team). We did win in the most amazing win, after 24 laps we had a comfortable lead of about 20 minutes so we thought it was done, but then Pam's chain broke half way into lap 24, some kind soul helped her (you know how women and mechanics are!) and she managed to finish the lap but by them the team behind us overtook us and had a lead of 15 min. Then it was my turn, I raced like crazy and manage to cut the lead down to 5 minutes. Pam did the last but one lap and managed to keep the distance to the same 5 minutes. The last lap was up to me, so i went, I pushed like crazy (after having done about 170km and 8 hours of riding) as I had to chase the guy and cat down his 5 min lead.

2 km to the end I saw him and I couldnt believe my eyes, I had managed to cut down their lead and now I had the opportunity of overtaking him. there wasnt much space for it and after two attempts I managed to evertake him going out of the single track and taking some chances.

The guy was astonished as he thought he had secure the win! I overtook him and despise being extremely tired managed to keep my lead and get to the finish line 20 seconds ahead of him.

Pam and carlos were waiting anxiously at the finish line, looking for my red helmet in the distance, and there I was! WE WON!

anyway, this race showed me that even when you are tired and you havent slept much you can still push, is all in our heads!

cheers

Flickr

2007-11-24T01:10:00.001-08:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Rest Week after the storm Nov 2007

2007-11-23T02:46:00.000-08:00

Hi guys

The training for the epic is very hard most of the times but the good news is that now we are at the end of a cycle and therefore some rest for this week awaits us. That doesnt mean we dont train at all, but the longest ride is only 2,5 hours and it is time to have fun on the mountain bikes and to go to logwood to practice some single track skills.

From next week we are going to start for hill repeats and intervals, not something to look forward to but something very important in order to get more power on the legs.

i will keep you informed on the developments

cheers

Quino
joaquin@valverde.co.za

94.7 Cycle Challenge 2008

2007-11-23T02:39:00.000-08:00

Dear All

Last sunday I had the privilege to ride the famous 94,7 race in johannesburg, I was a bit skeptical, specially with the number of people that had entered it, 20.000!. I must say that did not make the ride a bad ride although at times it was a bit of a nuisance.

It was great to be able to cycle on those roads where normally you would be risking your life with crazy taxi drivers and stressed housewives trying to get to work on time while they anser their cell phones and do the make up looking into the rear mirror.

for once it was safe and it was fun, the route was great, not too hard with only about 1200 meters of climb so we got a nice work out and lots of fun, there were people all over with customes, I saw superman, teddy bears, spiderman, etc.

The result, 3 hours and 5 min of riding and in the end we even got a free massage and a free chiropractor consultation.

I would recommend everyone to join us next year, it will worth your while

cheers

2007-11-17T02:14:00.001-08:00

Much more than just a Cycle Challenge - Wynand de Villiers << Back
Saturday, November 17, 2007

From its very recent beginnings in 1997 when 4 000 cyclists decided to take on the challenge of ‘Joburg’s toughest race’ (back then), more than 25 000 cyclists will take to Joburg’s streets this weekend in the Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge.

In its brief history, the race has played a major role in positioning Johannesburg as the continent’s major sports and business destination. The City of Johannesburg’s slogan is ‘A world-class African city’ and after 11 years there can be no doubt that the Cycle Challenge represents this slogan in every way.

Throughout its history, the safety of the cyclists has always come first and the race will once again go all out to prove that it really is ‘Joburg’s Safest Race’.

More than 25 000 cyclists will take part in the Cycle Challenge road race on Sunday, 18 November, while 2 500 mountain-bikers have entered the Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Mountain Bike Challenge, presented by Energade, which takes place on Saturday, 17 November.

Add the 3 000 kids that will take part in the Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Children’s Cycle Challenge, presented by Spur Steak Ranches, also on Saturday, and the weekend adds up to a cycling extravaganza of worldwide significance.

Among the field, for the first time this year, will be the world’s greatest-ever road cyclist, Eddy Merckx. Known as ‘The Cannibal’ in his racing career - which spanned a period of 16 years from 1961-1977 - Merckx is taking part in the event as part of a five-day social visit to South Africa.

The great Belgian has close personal friends in Tshwane and is a regular visitor to South Africa. For the first time his trip coincides with the Cycle Challenge, which he will ride with the Tshwane-based Queens Club.

Merckx won the Tour de France five times and rode to victory in the Tour of Italy on five occasions. He also boasts a victory in the Tour of Spain and he became the world road race champion an amazing four times during his illustrious career.

While Merckx will be using the opportunity to enjoy the stunning scenery and great atmosphere, South Africa’s cycling press will be mulling over the question of who will lead the field across the finish line at Waterfall Equestrian Estate.

The miraculous comeback from injury by South African champion Malcolm Lange (MTN/Microsoft) has thrown the cat amongst the pigeons in the elite race.

A steel plate has been inserted into Lange’s shoulder to keep the collarbone in place following his crash in the PowerAde Dome2Dome Cycling Spectacular in September. Against all odds the ‘Man of Steel’ has been up and riding for the past month and there is every chance that he will ride away with the victory on Sunday.

Lange’s nickname hails from the fact that he now boasts steel plates in both his shoulders as a result of crashes on the road.

With the riders of Barloworld not going to race the Cycle Challenge competitively, the table is set for a huge battle in the men’s race between the teams of MTN/Microsoft, Neotel and Konica-Minolta.

The Colorpress Cyclingnews team are the dark horse following the victory of their sprinter, Arran Brown, in the Bakwena Post Office Classic this past Sunday.

The Cycle Challenge professional race showcases the veritable who’s who of South African cycling and besides the dangerous Lange, his MTN Microsoft team-mate Darryl Impey is also a hot favourite to win the event.

Impey has battled somewhat without Lange at his side for the past two months, but Lange’s presence certainly makes them the most dangerous sprinting duo in the event.

Chris Froome, the Kenyan riding for Konica-Minolta, is another rider to watch. Froome was Konica-Minolta’s best rider in the recent Tour of Britain and he was Africa’s most consistent rider in International Nations Cup Series in Europe. He also won a stage in the Giro del Capo.

Ironically if Froome or Impey win the Cycle Challenge it can be claimed as a victory for Barloworld as both young riders have signed up for Barloworld for next year.

Looking at the results of the year’s local races it will be a surprise if a rider from MTN/Microsoft doesn’t win the Cycle Challenge. The boys in yellow have won more than 80% of the races they competed in this year.

Hanco Kachelhoffer (Harmony), who finished second in last year’s Cycle Challenge and third in the year before, says the race is notorious for foiling team tactics.

“Just look at what happened last year. I got away in a break with four riders from Barloworld, four from MTN/Microsoft, two from Exel and one from Konica-Minolta.

“Martin Velits, the only rider from Konica Minolta in the move, won the race and I finished second.

“The secret to having a good ride in the Cycle Challenge is to be very attentive and to take your opportunities when they arise.”

Kachelhoffer predicts that apart from Impey and Froome, the other riders to watch will be Nolan Hoffman and Jaco Venter (Neotel), Tiaan Kannemeyer and Christoff van Heerden (Konica-Minolta)

In the women’s race defending champion, Yolandi du Toit (Konica-Minolta), is the in-form rider.

The way in which she won last year’s Cycle Challenge will always be remembered as one of the most heroic rides by a South African woman. She attacked and rode away on her own for nearly 50km to hold on for the win.

“The Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge is one of the most exciting races in South Africa. I love the event,” said an excited Du Toit this week. “It’s really tough. If you are not riding uphill you’re going down, which means it’s a race where any rider with guts can win by riding aggressively. And that’s how I am going to race again on Sunday.”

Du Toit regards the Proline team as her main opposition. Proline consists of Anriëtte Schoeman, Marissa van der Merwe and Robin de Groot. “Lynette Burger (Cycle Lab) is also always a factor,” Du Toit added.

The biggest threat to her title might well come from her team-mate Cherise Taylor. “But I obviously won’t mind if she wins,” Du Toit smiled.

While the elite racing is set to attract a lot of interest, there are so many other aspects to look out for on the day, such as Tour de France stage winners Robert Hunter and Mauricio Soler (both Barloworld) in their charity ride.

Soler and Hunter had the South African sporting public on the edge of their seats during the month of July when they raced against the best and beat them during the Tour de France. Now, thanks to an initiative from the Cycle Challenge organisers, many entrants are riding with the duo in their charity group.

Hunter and co are riding for the Homeless Talk Pre School. It’s the official Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge charity and R1800 will be donated to the school for every cyclist riding in the Hunter group.

This year’s Cycle Challenge also sees a group of Zimbabweans riding to highlight the desperate circumstances in their country, and to raise much-needed funds for various charities in Zimbabwe.

The group of 18 Zimbabweans representing the Miracle Missions Trust have set themselves the goal to collectively beat 57 hours on Cycle Challenge Sunday.

Miracle Missions raises funds for nine selected charities and last year they raised R75 000 with their efforts in the Cycle Challenge.

One thing is certain in South African cycling: wherever there is a challenge, you’ll find television personality Andrew McLean (Cycle Lab).

At the age of 43, when many of his contemporaries are starting to take it easy, McLean is still racing at full tilt and enjoying every moment.

So it should come as no surprise that he is one of the 630 riders who are competing in both the Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Mountain Bike Challenge on Saturday and the Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge on Sunday.

‘Mighty Mouse’, as McLean is known in local cycling, has taken part in every Cycle Challenge since its inception 11 years ago, with the exception of last year’s race. “Last year was the first time that I didn’t compete. I had to do television commentary, but this year I’m back,” said McLean.

“I am going to race with the professionals. I like the challenge of testing myself against the best,” the past Rapport Tour and four-time Giro del Capo winner explained.

Another rider who is doing the double and has every chance of winning both events is John Paul Pearton (Mazda/Merida).

After winning the mountain-bike race last year he surprised everybody the following day when he got away in final selection with nine riders in the road race. He managed to stay with them for 70km.

“I astonished myself over that weekend because I didn’t really train for the Cycle Challenge races at all. After the Colorpress Crater Cruise I took a break,” says Pearton.

“But this time I did things differently. I kept training and competing in road races after the Crater Cruise.

“The Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Mountain-bike Challenge over 40km is perfectly suited to my ability. It is not too hard but it’s got a lot of single track sections which I really enjoy. The distance is also perfect for the end of the year. You don’t need to be super fit to be able to finish well, even as a fun rider.

“On that subject; the 20km fun ride is an event that anybody can complete. It is actually just a nice ride on dirt roads.”

Cyclists competing in both the Cycle Challenge and its sister mountain bike event will be honoured with a special medal commemorating their participation in both events.

The Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge affords Joburg residents a wonderful opportunity to share in a day of celebration of all that is good about Joburg. The race is so successful because of the overwhelming support it receives each year, not only from the cycling fraternity, but from the city’s residents too.

It remains ‘Joburg’s Safest Race’ due to the full road closure it enjoys. Permission has been granted by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department for the event, which has also been sanctioned by Johannesburg executive mayor, councillor Amos Masondo.

In fact this year, councillor Masondo and Johannesburg city manager, Mavela Dlamini, will be officially starting the race.

The City of Joburg – a world-class African City – hosts the 2007 Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge. This year the City has also come on board as a co-broadcast sponsor of the event’s live transmission, which takes place on Cycle Challenge Sunday on SuperSport 1.

This has further entrenched the partnership between the City of Joburg and the Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge, which showcases the city’s ability to stage sporting events of this stature.

Training for November 2007

2007-11-17T01:06:00.002-08:00

Hi there

This month of november has been so far a bit tough on the training, we have done a total of 38 hours and 800 km thus far.

WE are winding down to the end of a cycle so next week is rest week, we have only 8 hours scheduled.

cheers

Joaquin Valverde
joaquin@valverde.co.za

Training week of the 15th October

2007-10-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

This last week was a bit of a disaster as flu hit me on sunday evening after the 117km race for victory race starting at gold reef city. Today I went back to the saddle at Robbies for the first time but I only did 45min easy training in roder to gauge my performance and see how i feel.

The race on sunday went really well, lovely route and a very good vibe. First race over 100 km and it felt great, it took me 4hours to complete withouth pushing too hard. I am still struggling with nitty gritty stuff that happens on a road race, strategy, bunch riding, etc. I kept jumping from one bunch to the next as all of them were very slow. I guess I will have to push harder in the begining to try and stay with the main field were the strong guys are.

I will keep you guys posted in the training.

cheers

Training in october 2007

2007-10-13T04:06:00.000-07:00

This has been my training in the past 1 or so:

30-Sep-2007 Sunday Sterling Light race at northen farms 8 172 2223 83.2 02:55 43th 19th 56
1-Oct-2007 Monday Flat out 45 minutes 9 150 758 83.5 00:45 19
2-Oct-2007 Tuesday Training at Robbie's + flat out 45 min afternoon 8 146 84 01:50 60
3-Oct-2007 Wednesday Flat out 54 minutes on mtb 9 156 904 83.2 00:54 1
4-Oct-2007 Thursday mtb on the road cradle 132 2226 84 02:32 56
5-Oct-2007 Friday
6-Oct-2007 Saturday Mogale spring classic 8 153 3185 84.2 02:25 38st 31st 72
7-Oct-2007 Sunday
8-Oct-2007 Monday Sterkfontein and trainer 8 138 83.5 03:00 70
9-Oct-2007 Tuesday Robbie and trainer 8 83.5 03:00 70
10-Oct-2007 Wednesday magaliesburg climb 8 1925 03:19 35
11-Oct-2007 Thursday
12-Oct-2007 Friday loop, quarries, logwood lammermoor 8 82.8 02:14 40

AS you guys can see the training is getting to a point were we are building quite a number of hours on the saddle. From next months we are starting to do some 6 hour rides!

keep it up

Meet Gary Fisher, the father of Mountain biking.

2007-09-29T06:42:00.000-07:00

The globally acknowledged Father of Mountain-biking, Gary Fisher, is arriving in South Africa on 6 October and the Just Fun Cycling, the local distributors of Gary Fisher and Trek bicycles, have put together an itinerary for his South African visit.

• Northern Farm - Saturday 06/10/2007 from 08h00 to 11h00
o The public can come and meet Gary Fisher from 08h00 to 09h45
o There will be an outride leaving at 09h45 where the public will be able to go for a ride with Gary Fisher. The ride will be about an hour in length.
o Contact - Wayne Flood (082) 300-7437

• Logwood - Saturday 06/10/2007 from 13h00 to 16h00
o Public will be able to come and meet Gary Fisher, entrance fee to Logwood including a days riding is R50.

• Cycle Lab Nicol Grove - Monday 08/10/2007 from 08h00 to 10h00
o Fourways Johannesburg
o Contact Bryan or Johan on (011) 707-2700

• Cycle Lab Centurion - Monday 08/10/2007 from 11h00 to 13h00
o Centurion Pretoria
o Contact David on (082) 335 1425

• West Rand cycles - Monday 08/10/2007 from 14h00 to 16h00
o Johannesburg
o Contact Eben on (011) 955-4342

• Johnson's cycles - Tuesday 09/10/2007 from 08h00 to 10h00
o Edenvale, Johannesburg
o Contact Kim or Bassim on (011) 453-9586

• Illovo cycles - Tuesday 09/10/2007 from 11h00 to 13h00
o Illovo, Johannesburg
o Contact Anthony on (011) 268-6839

• Sweat and Gears - Tuesday 09/10/2007 from 14h00 to 17h00
o Farrarmere, Benoni
o Contact Lee on (011) 425-1152

• Bowmans Cycles - Wednesday 10/10/2007 from 08h00 to 11h00
o Cape Town
o Contact Shane on (021) 423-2527

• Cycle Lab Westlake - Wednesday 10/10/2007 from 13h00 to 15h00
o Westlake, Cape Town
o Contact Richard or Gary on (021) 700-1060

• Tokai forest - Wednesday 10/10/2007 from 16h00 to 17h30
o The public can come and meet Gary Fisher from 16h00 to 17h00.
o There will be an outride leaving at 17h00 where the public will get a chance to ride with Gary Fisher.

• Crater Cruise - Saturday 13/10/2007 from 08h00 to 12h00
o Parys
o Contact Wayne on (082) 300-7437

Training 28th September 2007

2007-09-29T06:40:00.000-07:00

Nice and tough ride to sterkfonteing with pam coming along on the road bike. 4 hours of non stop pedalling on a tarred road, a total of 82km. The hard week is almost ove, tomorrow we are racing at Northern Farms, 60km route, lets see how we feel.

News from the Karoo to coast

2007-09-26T07:50:00.001-07:00

Speedy wins comfortably at Karoo to Coast - Own Correspondent << Back
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
South African champion, Yolande Speedy, secured a comfortable victory at the Talisman Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Challenge in the Western Cape at the weekend to move within striking distance of claiming the prestigious 2007 Mazda Series title.

Speedy (IMC Mongoose) rode a steady race to lead from start to finish in the tough 100km event that started in Uniondale and ended in Knysna, clocking a winning time of three hours, 41 minutes and 30 seconds.

Top Western Cape rider, Hanlie Booyens (Jeep Specialized), claimed second place in 03:46:03 with Ischen Stopforth riding a strong second half to finish third in 03:48:53. Carla Rowley (Raleigh MTN Energade) and Christie Pienaar (Fritz Pienaar Cycles) rounded out top five in a large field of almost 200 female finishers.

“I just wanted to have a steady race with no problems and it worked out just perfectly,” smiled Speedy, who is having her best year yet.

It was Speedy’s fourth Mazda Series victory from just five events and it moved her from fourth to second place with just one event remaining. Tania Raats (Maverick Momentum), who has led the Series since January, did not compete at Karoo to Coast and could well see her Series title hopes fade at next month’s Colourpress Crater Cruise where she and Speedy will go head to head in a battle for crucial points.

23-26th September Training.

2007-09-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

23-Sep-2007 Sunday Cradle Road race 7 158 84.7 03:55 98
24-Sep-2007 Monday Race at bultfontein 6 171 84.5 02:15 49
25-Sep-2007 Tuesday Ride along the cradle 10 127 84.4 03:11 68
26-Sep-2007 Wednesday ride in magaliesburg with climb to mountain 8 84.2 03:15
This week so far has been very very hectic, with lots of training but I must say with lots of fun too. Sunday started off with the road race at the cradle, I rode it on the Mtb in 3:55, not too bad given the circumstances (my knee was a bit sore then). The following day, Monday, we did the race at Babbas Lodge, Vit-t-Go series and it was fun, very flat and fast. Pamina came third! Not too bad for beginners.

yesterday we did 3:15, again Pam rode her Road bike and I rode on the Mountain bike. It is interesting to do it that way because I was forced to push harder to keep up with the pace, specially on the climbs.

today we finally went to magaliesburg looking for some serious climbing, we found a dirt road that leads to the Mountain Sanctuary park with a nice little climb of 4 km with a 10% inclination.

94.7 Cycle Challenge

2007-09-21T09:11:00.000-07:00

A world-class African race - Wynand de Villiers << Back
Wednesday, September 19, 2007

“I would have to be seriously ill in a hospital, or rather to be treated in intensive care, for me not to race the Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge. It is the best race in South Africa and it is no exaggeration that it is ‘Joburg’s safest race’.”

These sentiments from Lynette Burger, one of South Africa’s top professional cyclists for the past four years, perfectly sum up where the Cycle Challenge has positioned itself after 10 editions of the race.

The brief history of Gauteng’s biggest cycle race, which takes place on 18 November this year, is a story of unequalled cycling growth and phenomenal individual participation and it has showcased the immense organisational and hosting abilities of the City of Joburg like very few events have been able to do.

From its very recent beginnings in 1997 when 4 000 cyclists decided to take on the challenge of ‘Joburg’s toughest race’ (back then), the event has mushroomed into a race which, in 2006, attracted 28 000 entries.

And it’s a team effort all the way from every one of these individuals who take part and in particular the hard-working members of all the departments of the City of Joburg who, together with the event organisers, Harford Sports Promotions, make sure the Cycle Challenge is a total success.

In its history the race has always promoted the ideal of positioning Johannesburg as the continent’s major sports and business destination. The City of Johannesburg’s slogan is that of a World-Class African City and the Cycle Challenge fits in very nicely with the ideals of this slogan.

Throughout its history – this year will see the 11th running of the event – the cyclist has come first and the race will go all out again to do itself justice as ‘Joburg’s Safest Race’.

Burger goes further to say that the Cycle Challenge is organised better than the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour.

“What makes the event special for me as a cyclist is the fact that the race is organised by people who will go out of their way to ensure that the day is an utterly enjoyable experience for every cyclist that enters.”

The one thing that bothers Burger, however, is the fact that she has not managed to win the race yet. Finishing 7th last year is her best performance to date.

Clint Curtis, a thought leader in cycling who has shaped the careers of most of South Africa’s current top professionals, says he loves his day out in the streets of Joburg on Cycle Challenge Sunday. “You do get to see parts of Johannesburg from the saddle in a way you would never be able to. It’s also a little tougher than most fun rides, and I love the challenge in the safe environment that’s created for the day.”

According to Andre Taylor, a veteran who races nearly every weekend, he wouldn’t miss the event for the world.

“It’s just one of the most amazing races because of the full road closure. It is definitely the safest race in Gauteng. Apart from the cat eyes in the road, it is the most perfect hassle free race,” Taylor joked.

“I raced and still enjoyed every moment. Things really got better with the road closure and what I really appreciate as a veteran is the fact they split the veteran’s classes in 30-34. 35-39, 40-44.

“It makes for more exciting racing because it then boils down to strength versus strength.

“The atmosphere during and after the race is just amazing. It is like one big cycling carnival,” he said.

19-09-2007 Training

2007-09-20T02:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday training was again an easy 2 hours without pushing much. 50-60% Heart rate off road we headed to logwood and spent a little bit ot time there playing around in the single tracks sections they've got.

Today training at the lab with Rob. hopefully my knee will feel a bit better.

19-09-2007 Training

2007-09-20T02:10:00.001-07:00

Yolande Speedy - Report from the World Champ

2007-09-18T05:20:00.001-07:00

Hello to Everyone,

We arrived in Scotland the Monday before the World MTB XC Champs in Fort William and I spent an overcast, wet end to the week practicing the course, preparing myself mentally for the challenge ahead and making much needed repairs and replacements to my poor Mongoose which had taken some serious strain in the last few weeks of training and racing in Europe.
SA was definitely one of the most spirited teams at Worlds and I was proud to be a part of the team! Brian Strauss and all those involved in the teams plans and arrangements going forward to Worlds did an excellent job, everything ran very smoothly which especially considering the size of our team was a great achievement. Thanks to all involved and to Rob Cunnington, our team mechanic who did an excellent job taking care of the teams bikes and giving me the all important peace of mind that come race day my racing machine would be 100% ready.

The 7.9km course was really well prepared for wet weather with the majority of it covered with building sand and only a few really muddy sections thrown in for good measure. With 277m of climbing, a long slalom like downhill and an uphill drag with a short steep climb to the finish it was a tough course but not nearly as technical as the World Cup courses I have ridden this year.

It was another cool, overcast morning that welcomed us to the start of Worlds. With an hour to go to the start I went and started my warm up and arrived at the start line ready to give everything. Having earned precious UCI points during the year from both National and International events definitely helped us with our start positions. I was seeded 31st, Amy 34th (which put us in the 4th row), Tania 49th and Sara 58th, a big improvement from last year where we started right at the back of the bunch.

The start was fast but not as hectic as I had expected, we started on a fairly long broken climb and got caught in a 'traffic jam' on the first single track uphill. We soon got going again and I pushed hard on the next open dirt road section before the last technical climb and long downhill as I knew it would be very difficult to pass during these. I sat patiently behind the slower technical riders ahead of me on the downhill (I have learnt to do this after crashing in my 1st World Cup race trying too hard to pass a slower rider) taking advantage of any opportunity to pass, unfortunately there were not many and it was pretty frustrating!

I tried to push my pace as hard as I could on the climbs in my second lap passing a few riders and having a relatively clean run on the downhill. On my 3rd lap I lost a few places on the uphill and again got stuck behind a slow technical rider in the downhill loosing precious time. Going over a tricky rocky section she took a wide right line and I quickly cut in to the left passing her and soon had a decent gap. I caught and passed a group of 4 riders on the last uphill drag and pushed hard to keep my advantage on them.

Going into my last lap I was able to keep a consistent pace and caught 2 riders that were obviously starting to feel the effects of the tough course.
Reaching the last steep climb there was a lady just ahead of me, giving it everything I had left to try catch her I unfortunately pushed it a little too hard on the last corner and my front wheel washed out. After quickly paying my respects to the ground I jumped back on my bike and crossed the finish line in 31st place 10:46 behind the leader. Amy, Tania and Sara all had a good race finishing 44th, 53rd and 60th respectively, Tania unfortunately having cut her knee quite badly in her 1st lap.

I was very happy with my result, one I could not have achieved without the International experience I gained during the year, my sponsors and the amazing support and guidance from my coach.

It was great to spend the next day relaxing after 5 tough but amazing weeks of European racing. Sara and I hit the trails on Ben Nevis (the mountain we raced on) trying to avoid the uphills as much as possible and then joined the rest of the SA team to watch and support our downhill riders.

After a night of celebrating it was time to return to a sunnier SA to rest and prepare for my next race the Karoo to Coast Drifter.

Cheers till then...

Yolande

Yolande Speedy - Report from the World Champ

2007-09-18T05:20:00.000-07:00

Hello to Everyone,

We arrived in Scotland the Monday before the World MTB XC Champs in Fort William and I spent an overcast, wet end to the week practicing the course, preparing myself mentally for the challenge ahead and making much needed repairs and replacements to my poor Mongoose which had taken some serious strain in the last few weeks of training and racing in Europe.
SA was definitely one of the most spirited teams at Worlds and I was proud to be a part of the team! Brian Strauss and all those involved in the teams plans and arrangements going forward to Worlds did an excellent job, everything ran very smoothly which especially considering the size of our team was a great achievement. Thanks to all involved and to Rob Cunnington, our team mechanic who did an excellent job taking care of the teams bikes and giving me the all important peace of mind that come race day my racing machine would be 100% ready.

The 7.9km course was really well prepared for wet weather with the majority of it covered with building sand and only a few really muddy sections thrown in for good measure. With 277m of climbing, a long slalom like downhill and an uphill drag with a short steep climb to the finish it was a tough course but not nearly as technical as the World Cup courses I have ridden this year.

It was another cool, overcast morning that welcomed us to the start of Worlds. With an hour to go to the start I went and started my warm up and arrived at the start line ready to give everything. Having earned precious UCI points during the year from both National and International events definitely helped us with our start positions. I was seeded 31st, Amy 34th (which put us in the 4th row), Tania 49th and Sara 58th, a big improvement from last year where we started right at the back of the bunch.

The start was fast but not as hectic as I had expected, we started on a fairly long broken climb and got caught in a 'traffic jam' on the first single track uphill. We soon got going again and I pushed hard on the next open dirt road section before the last technical climb and long downhill as I knew it would be very difficult to pass during these. I sat patiently behind the slower technical riders ahead of me on the downhill (I have learnt to do this after crashing in my 1st World Cup race trying too hard to pass a slower rider) taking advantage of any opportunity to pass, unfortunately there were not many and it was pretty frustrating!

I tried to push my pace as hard as I could on the climbs in my second lap passing a few riders and having a relatively clean run on the downhill. On my 3rd lap I lost a few places on the uphill and again got stuck behind a slow technical rider in the downhill loosing precious time. Going over a tricky rocky section she took a wide right line and I quickly cut in to the left passing her and soon had a decent gap. I caught and passed a group of 4 riders on the last uphill drag and pushed hard to keep my advantage on them.

Going into my last lap I was able to keep a consistent pace and caught 2 riders that were obviously starting to feel the effects of the tough course.
Reaching the last steep climb there was a lady just ahead of me, giving it everything I had left to try catch her I unfortunately pushed it a little too hard on the last corner and my front wheel washed out. After quickly paying my respects to the ground I jumped back on my bike and crossed the finish line in 31st place 10:46 behind the leader. Amy, Tania and Sara all had a good race finishing 44th, 53rd and 60th respectively, Tania unfortunately having cut her knee quite badly in her 1st lap.

I was very happy with my result, one I could not have achieved without the International experience I gained during the year, my sponsors and the amazing support and guidance from my coach.

It was great to spend the next day relaxing after 5 tough but amazing weeks of European racing. Sara and I hit the trails on Ben Nevis (the mountain we raced on) trying to avoid the uphills as much as possible and then joined the rest of the SA team to watch and support our downhill riders.

After a night of celebrating it was time to return to a sunnier SA to rest and prepare for my next race the Karoo to Coast Drifter.

Cheers till then...

Yolande

Sunday Training 16-09-07

2007-09-17T00:44:00.000-07:00

On sunday we trained on a second hand road bikes as to get more power in your legs is good to alternate training between mountain bike and road bike. We joined the dome to dome race circuit for 60 km's and it was great fun. It was only 2:30 hours training but today we can feel it in our legs, they feel a bit tired due to the difference in the riding style.

This week is again not to hard in anticipation for next week where we are ought to do more thatn 20 hours training. I will keep you updated

cheers

Joaquin

South African Lady in the Tour de France! Well Done!

2007-09-15T03:07:00.001-07:00

News from Yolandi at the ladies Tour de France

by YOLANDI DU TOIT

Posted on 10 September 2007 www.supercycling.co.za

It was an indescribable feeling to be one of the girls standing on the line to start the Woman’s Tour de France. It was a mixture of excitement, stress and adrenalin all together. The organisation of the tour was also really great; you knew every small detail about the stage, the events of the day, literally everything.

It was an 8day tour with 9stages. Mostly the stages were around 130km except for the one 160km stage and we also had a 100km race one day in the morning and then a 22km Time trail in the afternoon. My first 2 stages went well. I finished in the group. Here it works different than back home. If you drop out of the front bunch you get pulled out of the race. That way the can control the race and traffic better. Because every day we road from one town to the next.

The 3rd stage wasn’t so good for me, 30km into the race there were a cobble section on the road exactly in the middle where the white line normally is. The bunch reacted well and split into two passing it on both sides. It was 500m long. Except for this one girl, I am still trying to figure out what she was trying to do. But all I can remember was seeing her and her bike coming across to my side, straight into me. So I went down with her. I tried to get back on my bike as soon as possible but it was quite difficult because everything was shaking. I think it was because it was my first real bad crash and you have the doctor spraying you and patching you with stuff and your mechanic changing your bike and looking for your water bottles and me just wanting to jump back on to continue. I got back after chasing for 20km with my whole bum on the one side sticking out I was actually half naked, but didn’t care I just wanted to finish. It’s actually funny now when I think back about the whole incident. I was even shouting at the doctor because he didn’t want to leave me alone only to find out after the race he only understands French. No wonder he didn’t listen!

The 4th stage my mind was only set to push through the soreness of my crash and finish. And I succeeded. The 5th stage I got my motivation back, my bum and everything felt loads better, but unfortunately that feeling didn’t last long. It was a rainy day and a few of us took the corner too fast and I crashed again on the same side. When I picked my bike up from the ground my only thought was that this can’t be happening to me. It took me so long to get back into the group because my motivation was zero. Just to go through all the pain again just wanting to finish.

Stage 6 was long, 160km. It was the hardest stage and I knew if I can finish it, I will be able to finish the tour. I was so happy that day when I road over the line. My knee started hurting during the race but I thought it would be fine again the next day.

On that stage I also experienced a really funny part of woman’s cycling, 80km into the race they said over the radio that the race is being neutralised because the girls want to go for a toilet break. I thought they were joking at first, but the next moment half of the peleton turned off straight into the bushes. 5min later when everyone was back in the group. They started racing again. It was really funny.

On the 7th stage, I rolled up to the line and I could feel my knee wasn’t 100%. But I wanted to finish so badly, it was the 2nd last day. I started, but my knee just couldn’t bend probably it caused a lot of pain trying to do so. I went back to my team car and my manager said I must stop; there was no point in trying to finish and end my season after this tour. So I pulled out. I burst into tears when I got into the team car, my heart really wanted to finish that tour. But I know that I did try my best. That’s the most important for me at the end of the day.

14th September 2007

2007-09-14T01:57:00.000-07:00

Todays training was again gentle, 3 hours ride on the mtb. 50% of it was on dirt and the rest yet again around the cradle of humankind. Tomorrow rest and sunday we are meeting with Grand and Stuart at Northern farms to get some mud into our noblies. Below a very interesting article on bike cleaning!

Wash your bike - no fuss

Mike Naperlusky has been a full-time mechanic for the Volvo/Cannondale team for four years. His role is to prep both the cross-country and downhill rigs for such world-class athletes. In other words, he knows a thing a two about how to apply tender loving care to dirtied-up mountain bikes. We chased Naperlusky down at the World Championships in Vail to get his best tips on how to get your mountain bike clean-using water. Before Washing. "The best part of my day is when I get to wash a bike. It's my private time with the bike when I'm able to inspect it closely. Before I wash a bike, I apply Pedro's Bio-Degreaser or Clean Green on the chain. I avoid spraying any part of the bike with direct water pressure, and I always take extra precautions with the bike's electronics.

We use silicone around the water-bottle mounts to help prevent water from seeping into the frame. You can use soap and water, but I use Pedro's degreaser with the cross-country bikes. On DH bikes, I use straight water and Pro-Clean, which is a motorcycle cleanser that won't affect the disc-brake pads. We run carbon seatposts, so that's the first part of the bike I wash. That way, when I put the bike in the bike stand, it won't get scratched."

Brush Gently. "I use a sponge to wash down the frame, but the dirtier parts of the bike definitely need a brush-especially if you want to do the job right. My personal favorite is the Pedro's Big Brush. I use two brushes on the wheels: one for the chain and cogs and one for the rims and hubs. If you're running fork boots, it's a good idea to squeeze them to eject any water that might be inside." The Finishing Touches. "Lastly, make sure you dry the whole bike off-don't let it sit wet. I wipe the bike down right after I clean it with a clean, dry cloth, and then always lube the chain. I never bother lubing the cables because we replace them every two weeks. I've been washing bikes with water for years and I've never had a problem. Remember, a clean bike is the first step to having a well-maintained bike." For more useful tips on looking after your bike and to improve your cycling, visit our newly revamped website, http://www.bicycling.co.za/

13th September 2007

2007-09-13T02:11:00.000-07:00

Today's training was very gentle, 2:40 minutes on the tarred road around the cradle of humankind, heart rate average of 123bpm, 19,2 km/h average speed and a total of 50,74km. This is a build up for the hard week ahead of us in two weeks time.

My Legs felt great all the time and I did a bit of power training on the climbs using a strong gear.

MAZDA HAENERTSBURG 82 KM MARATHON

2007-09-12T10:03:00.000-07:00

As part of our training we took part at one of the Mazda Series race at Haenertsburg, 82 km of gruelling climbs in a very hot an dry conditions. I didn't do to badly considering that it was my first Marathon ever, it took me 5:30 hours in total.

SWANEPOEL WINS MAZDA HAENERTSBURG AND LEADS MAZDA SERIES

Melt Swanepoel lived up to his pre-race favourite status and charged to a dominant victory at the Mazda Haenertsburg Mountain Bike Challenge at the weekend, earning himself maximum points and becoming the new leader in the prestigious Mazda Series.
Hard Climb Drops Max KnoxThe Raleigh MTN Energade rider was on top form in the hot, dry conditions as he used the arduous 9km climb up the Wolkberg, half way through the race, to eliminate his main rivals before charging on alone to finish the tough 81km event in 03 hours 21 minutes and 03 seconds.Brandon Stewart (Raleigh MTN Energade) shrugged off the effects of illness, some mechanical problems and a spirited challenge from Max Knox (Adidas William Simpson Trek) and Francois Theron (Mazda Merida) to secure the distant runner-up place in 3:29:34.'Brandon and I knew we had to take the racing to the others so we went hard up the first climb and only Max was with us at the top. Then we set a steady pace until the big climb and Brandon saw Max was suffering so he surged. We dropped Max and I then went through and kept the pace high, getting away from Brandon in the process,' explained Swanepoel.

Week 5 into the training

2007-09-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

we are in week 5 of our training, this week is an easy one, only 11 hours of riding at a moderate tempo. In two weeks time we start training hard again.

This time we spent a weekend at Graskop and Sabie, very good climbs and beautiful scenery.