cyclingnews march 2014

VOL 15 NO 2 MARCH 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• Emperors Palace Classic

BESTMED BOOSTSSA CYCLING

ANDREW STILL MAKES CYCLING MAGIC

Legends of the Pedal

TOP TIPS FROM HERMAN FOUCHÉ

10ANOTHER ARGUSTITLE AT FOUCHÉ’S

FINGERTIPSSAUSERTACKLES THE TAR

Bestmed Tour de Boland

CONTENTS

01Cyclingnews March 2014

EditorWynand de Villiers [email protected]

Consulting editorGerhard Burger

ContributorsPhil Liggett, Coetzee Gouws, AndrewMclean

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 Events 116B, Glen Avenue, Willow Glen, Pretoria. Tel no: 012 751 4130/31/32/33Fax: 086 730 3099

REGULARS

2 From the Editor: Another one for the road!

18 Pulse pages: Ten top tips from the champ

20 Product Feature: Cleat up at a click with Sidi Online

23 Legends of the Pedal: Andrew still makes cycling magic

FEATURES

4 Tour of Oman: Froome en route for Le Tour

6 Bestmed boosts SA cycling

8 Sauser leads all-star team at Tour de Boland

13 Another Argus title at Fouché’s fingertips

16 Staggering Cycle Tour stats

29 20 Questions for Costa Seibeb: It began on a girl’s pink BMX

36 Find the A to Z of riding at Alpha Beta Cycles

RACE PREVIEWS

32 Emperors Palace Classic: A taste of Europe

34 Tyger Valley College Mountain Bike Challenge: Time to tame the Tyger

PAGE 16:

STAGGERINGCYCLE TOUR STATS

FROM THE EDITOR

02 Cyclingnews March 2014

Picture: Wayne Hayward

I am one of the long-standing and still ardent followers of road stage racing.The tactics are just so fascinating and in my view it’s the closest any sportcomes to resembling a game of chess. Some of my fondest sportswriting memories are of my time covering the Rapport

Tour as a writer on Beeld’s sports desk. And as I write now, I can’t wait for the start ofthe Bestmed Tour de Boland, to be held from March 4 to 7. I had a lot more time on my hands as a journalist during those events than I have

now in the organisational set-up, but it still feels as if time flies when we work on aroad-cycling tour.There is obviously a lot of hard work involved, but we have so much fun in the

process. When I became involved in cycling more than 20 years ago, Cycling SA honorary life

president Gotty Hansen said I’d better watch out – if the sport gets under your skinyou eventually don’t know how to exist without it. How true.The blood does not flow through our veins while we’re busy on a stage race; it

gushes!Good luck to Sauser and co in outfoxing the local lads. It’s going to be epic!On to another event taking place in the Western Cape this month. And to a question

that goes with it: How many sponsors’ names can you pack into one race name? That was what we at Cyclingnews were asking after the announcement that

Momentum had joined the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour as co-headline sponsor.Now known as The Cape Argus Pick n Pay Momentum Cycle Tour, the race is

still the annual highlight on the SA cycling calendar. But it does seem to rival supercalifragilisticexpialidocious as a bit of a tongue twister.As cycling media we obviously want to give sponsors their dues in aid of the sport

and its continued growth, so we’ll try our best with this one. The never-ending conundrum that Dave Bellairs and his wonderful crew still have

to contend with is how to get people to stop calling the event “The Argus”. If all the joint headline sponsors can find someone to get round that one, it will be

money well spent.But what’s in a name anyway when you’re attracting 40 000 cyclists.

Wynand de Villiers

Another one for the road!

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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.

IN THE FINAL STAGE of the eventFroome stayed comfortably in the packwhile André Greipel flew to his thirdstage success in the 2014 Middle Eastern tour.

All of 141 riders gathered at the start of the final stage and Froome (SKY) defended his 26 second red jersey leadover Teejay Van Garderen (BMC) comfortably. •CN

EN ROUTEFOR LE TOUR…

FEATURE


Picture: Photosport International

In an impressive start to the season, defending Tour de France champion Chris Froome(SKY) claimed overall victory in the Tour of Oman for a second consecutive year last month.

FEATURE


RESULTS

OVERALL

1. Christopher Froome Team Sky

2. Tejay Van Garderen Bmc Racing Team

3. Rigoberto Uran Uran Omega Pharma-Quick Step

4. Joaquim Rodriguez Team Katusha

5. Robert Gesink Belkin Pro Cycling

6. Domenico Pozzovivo Ag2r La Mondiale

7. Sergio Henao Montoya Team Sky

8. Roman Kreuziger Tinkoff-Saxo

9. Johann Tschopp Iam Cycling

10.Daniel Fernandez Team Katusha

POINTS

1. André Greipel Lotto-Belisol

2. Nacer Bouhanni Fdj.Fr

3. Peter Sagan Cannondale

4. Alexander Kristoff Team Katusha

5. Rigoberto Uran Uran Omega Pharma-Quick Step

THE MEDICAL SCHEME has added the newBestmed Powerade Sun City road cyclechallenge to its line-up, which includesroad and mountain bike races in Gauteng,Mpumalanga and the Eastern and WesternCape.Race organiser Wynand de Villiers said

Bestmed was the first corporate entity tosee the value of a year-round blanket eventsponsorship across all disciplines and inmost provinces in South Africa.“They have crept into the hearts of

cyclists by helping to resurrect events suchas the Jock Cycle Classique and Tour deBoland, which are co-presented by ASG.“Their sponsorship of these events in

particular shows that they truly support thesport and that it’s not just a brand-aware-ness exercise.”De Villiers said the four-day Bestmed Tour

de Boland, which starts in Stellenbosch onMarch 4, was one of the country’s few international road tours and aimed to develop world-class African cyclists.“This year’s race will feature a fantastic

international line-up with multiple worldchampion Christoph Sauser heading up astrong Songo.info invitational team.”All the top local pro teams have

confirmed their attendance and

the field will also be open to amateursacross gender and age categories.Bestmed’s head of sponsorship, Sasja la

Grange, says growth of mass-participationevents in cycling had presented the schemewith an increasing number of opportunitiesto get more involved in the sport.“We could seriously look into expanding

our sponsorship strategy,” she says.Sponsoring sporting events is a natural

extension of Bestmed’s business and theseprovide a platform for encouraging peopleto build sustainable, health consciouslifestyles.“Bestmed is in a position to see first-

hand how lifestyle is influencing people’s illness in South Africa.“As a strategy to prevent and control

chronic illness and other illnesses, we decided to support sports development.“Our view is that cycling is one of the

fastest growing sports in South Africa andis enjoyed by professional and social cyclists. We especially encourage families toget involved in the mountain bike races,”Le Grange explains.“We aim to grow by attracting a

younger market for our cross-subsidisationmodel to work effectively. Cycling certainlyfits our demographic.”

She says Bestmed’s involvement in theoften under-supported arena of women’scycling is also starting to pay dividends. The team did particularly well at the national road championships in Durban.In the road races, Juanita Venter claimed

the champion’s jersey in the 35-to-39 agegroup and Monique Gerber finished second in the event for junior girls.Gerber was also runner-up behind team-

mate Michelle Benson in the time-trial.“We are very excited about their

performances,” says La Grange.For more information, find the race on

Facebook or follow@TourdeBoland. •CN

Bestmed boosts SA cycling

FEATURE


Words: Coetzee Gouws

Bestmed continues to expand its footprint in South African cycling through itssponsorship of eight races on the national calendar and the Bestmed-ASGwomen’s team.

THE EIGHT BESTMED-SPONSORED RACES

Tour de Boland (March 4 to 7)

Jock Cycle Classique (July 19)

Bestmed Powerade Sun City Cycle Challenge(August 16)

Lost City Mountain Bike Event (August 17)

Makro Cycle Tour (September 6)

Campus2Campus SuperClassic (September 21)

Satellite Classic (October 18)

KZN Expedition MTB Race (November 8)

Val de Vie MTB Challenge (November 23)

SAUSER LEADS ALL-STAR TEAMAT TOUR DE BOLAND

FEATURE


Words: Coetzee Gouws • Picture: Karin Schermbrucker/SPORTZPICS

Multiple mountain-bike world champion and four-time Absa Cape Epic winnerChristoph Sauser will lead a powerhouse invitational team at the Bestmed Tour de Boland. >

FEATURE


“Stellenbosch is giving me so much, so it’sgreat to give back to those organisers whoare dedicated to cycling. At the end of theday, everybody benefits.”

THE FOUR-DAY ROAD TOUR, presentedby ASG, starts in Franschhoek on March4, and will pit Sauser’s stellar line-up ofmountain bikers against the cream ofSouth African roadies.The Meerendal-Songo.info team will

include the Swiss champion’s new CapeEpic partner Frantisek Rabon, as well aslocal pros Erik Kleinhans, Lourens Luus,Nico Bell and Oliver Munnik.They will face pro teams such as

Abantu, Bonitas and the local MTN-Qhubeka outfit, which includes lastyear’s champion, Nic Dougall.“I’m glad there will be good competi-

tion. It will make the race interesting andit lifts our game too,” Sauser said recently. “As mountain bikers we will be motivated to give the pro road teamsa good run.”Former World Tour road rider Rabon,

who made the switch to off-road racingthis year, would be the team’s “besthorse” for the European-style tour, hesaid.“I hope Rabon will win the prologue

time-trial, although that means on theremaining stages there will be work forus to possibly retain the jersey.”

All eyes will be on the three-timeCzech time-trial champion during the21km stage from the Berg River Dam tothe top of Helshoogte Pass.Sauser said Rabon, who rode for

Omega Pharma-Quick Step last season,would provide invaluable guidance onthe three road stages between Stellen-bosch, Tulbagh and Riebeeck-Kasteel.The last of these ends with a dramatic

mountaintop finish on the spectacularFranschhoek Pass.“If the race is tactical, we sure will

benefit from his experience,” said the37-year-old Swiss national. “But when itcomes to the racing up Franschhoek Passfor the final showdown, the legs will dothe talking!”It is one of only two road races he will

do this season and Sauser is looking for-ward to the event. “For me, it’s free hardspeed training with lots of added excite-ment.”The former Olympic bronze medallist

said roadwork formed an important partof his preparations for internationalcommitments such as the Cape Epic.“I train around thirty per cent on the

road, especially intervals like power

workouts. The power meter is a greattool for it and those numbers really kickmy butt.”Sauser, who spends part of the year

training in Stellenbosch, said he enjoyedparticipating in local races. “Stellenboschis giving me so much, so it’s great to giveback to those organisers who are dedicated to cycling. At the end of theday, everybody benefits.”The success of events such as the

Bestmed Tour de Boland dependedlargely on the individuals and sponsorswho were willing to develop road cyclingand spend time and energy on it.Unfortunately, South Africa was

seriously lacking in terms of road stageracing opportunities, said Sauser.“I think there are not more than three

in the country. On the other hand, wehave more than 40 mountain bike stageraces. So it’s really important to assistroad tours to develop talent and provideexposure and experience.”Aside from the pros, this year’s

Bestmed Tour de Boland will also featurecategories for amateurs.For more information, find the race on

Facebook or follow @TourdeBoland. •CN

FEATURE


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FEATURE


ANOTHER ARGUS TITLE ATFOUCHÉ’S FINGERTIPSHerman Fouché will return to defend his title in the renamed Cape Argus Pick n PayMomentum Cycle Tour in Cape Town on March 9. >

Herman Fouché will return to defend his title at the Cape ArgusPick n Pay Momentum Cycle Tour in Cape Town on March 9.

WITH THE NUMBER of entries limited to35 000, the world’s largest timed cyclerace will once again draw a top international field. And at the head ofthe list will be a focused Fouché. The champion seems to be on song

after winning the Dis-Chem Ride forSight in his hometown of Boksburg inFebruary. “My main goal for the start of the season is to take the Argus titleagain,” the 26-year-old said recently.“My form is on track and all the

riders in Team Bonitas are on goodform.”Fouché’s ambitions suffered a slight

setback when he was involved in acrash during the recent Carnival CityMacsteel Classic. One of his fingernailswas torn out. “It’s a bit of a drawback,hurting my finger pretty badly, but luckily I pedal with my legs,” he said.

But the incident would not preventhim or his team-mates from giving theirall to retain the crown, the sprinteradded. Only the team’s climbers were

nominated to take part in the four-dayBestmed Tour de Boland during theweek before the Cycle Tour. “The restof us will be firing up our legs at theArgus,” Fouché said.His biggest challenger on the day

will probably come from last year’s runner-up and 2011 champion TylerDay of Westvaal-BMC. Last year Fouché held his nerve in a

bunch sprint for the finish line to snatchvictory in the 109km race in 2 hours 39 minutes and 55 seconds. (Thefastest time still stands behind thename of Tour de France veteran RobbieHunter, who clocked 2:27:29 in 2008.)

In the women’s race, seven-time winner Anriette Schoeman (Africa Silks-Bestmed) will be hoping to continue what she has described as a“love-hate relationship” with the event.Schoeman, who is recovering from a

recent illness, is likely to face strongchallenges from the likes of two-timewinner Cherise Stander and Sweden’s2009 champion Jennie Stenerhag. The Cycle Tour’s Lifecycle Week begins

with the mountain-bike challenge at LeBonheur Wine Estate in Stellenbosch onMarch 1 and 2. Last year, RE:CM’s ErikKleinhans and Contego’s Mariske Strausswon the off-road feature races.Riders in the 13th MTB challenge will

compete on even terms because thenew venue has never-ridden-beforetrails that well-known route builderMeurant Botha has set up. •CN

FEATURE


For further information, log onto www.asgevents.co.za, email [email protected] or phone 076 621 1807

Date: 22 March 2014

Venue: Tyger Valley College, Lynnwood road, Pretoria East, Gauteng, South Africa

Distances: 20km, 40km and 70km

Route:Mildly technical, Farm roads, jeep track, single track,bridges, river crossings

Starting Times: 70km (07h30), 40km (08h20), 20km (09h10)

Entry fees: 70km (R190), 40km (R170), 20km (R130)

Timed by: Spectrum Sport

Enter on-line: www.asgevents.co.zaOn-line entries close: 16 March 2014

The sixth edition of the popular Tyger Valley College Mountain Bike Challenge offers three distances which means there is something for everyone. The route, which makes its way out towards Donkerhoek and back, has nice mix of single track and jeep track and also features purposely built trails and bridges.

A good mountain bike route is all about variety and the Tyger Valley experience offersjust that with some fast farm roads to recover as well as exhilarating river crossings.

Fast and flowing with lots of single track

Presented by

Staggering Cycle Tour stats

FEATURE


Picture: Wayne Hayward

Here are some jaw-dropping statistics from the 2013 edition of the world’s largest individually timed cycle race. Entries for this year’s event sold out in less than oneweek; a record.

35 408 riders took part

27 500 of these were men and 7 908 women

952 UK nationals made up the largest foreign contingent. Next was Namibia (410) and Germany (240)

150 000 litres of Coca-Cola products were consumed on race day

500 000 cups were used

7 000 bags of ice, each weighing 15kg, were used

245 physiotherapists worked en route and in the finishers’ tent

66 ambulances make up the Medical support vehicles, along with ten motorbikes and three helicopters

1 520 people received medical attention and 2 000 cotton swabs were used.

440 marshals manned the course

185 security guards provided services

149 medical crew members did duty •CN

TEN TOP TIPS FROM THE CHAMPDefending champion Herman Fouchéshares his ten top tips with those who want to ride their best Argus yet.

FEATURE


Words: Herman Fouche • Picture: Sean Badenhorst

THE WEEK BEFORE

Don’t train hard and long. You’re not going to get any fitter in a week. Take short fast rides to wake up the legs.

Stay in your normal routine. Don’t try any new substancesor food, and stick to what you know works for you.

Check your bike after every ride to make sure it is in perfect order. You don’t want to get to the start line andthen discover something is wrong.

During the two nights before the race it is important to geta good night’s sleep. I am usually stressed out on the eveof the event can’t stop thinking about the race.

Have a good dinner the night before. For me, it is pastaand chicken; food that’s not too heavy.

ON RACE DAY

Wake up early. You don’t want to be in a rush to eat andget to the start. Have a good breakfast as usual but don’toverdo it.

Do a final check on your bike before you leave for thestart. Make sure the tyres are inflated, the chain is lubricated and you have your bottles and bars and the energy kick of your choice.

Drink and eat during the race. When you have a chance to take a sip from your bottle, do so.

Do your best.

Enjoy it. •CN

FEATURE

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THE WEBSITE, which was officiallylaunched in November last year, allowsriders to shop 24 hours a day withoutleaving their chair or interrupting thoseprecious daylight training hours.ASG Sport Solutions director Michael

de Jongh says the store is already ex-tremely popular with the local cyclingcommunity.“Our site visits have more than trebled

and the actual merchandising is growingevery month as customers experience thesite, and as word spreads.”De Jongh says the online store caters

for all three of the major disciplines –road cycling, mountain biking andtriathlon. “With each of the disciplines we offer

different models to cover the full spec-trum of price points as well as the levelof excellence riders need from theirshoes. We also offer different spares forthese ranges.”A number of overseas-based online

stores are already active in the local mar-ket, with the Sidi Online store presentinga proudly South African alternative.“We offer the very best quality cycling

shoes at internationally competitiveprices through a secure and reliable, locally based store. This guarantees thebest prices as well as back-up service andsupport.”De Jongh says the national support

and partner network is what sets thestore apart from its international competitors.“Our store was developed in conjunc-

tion with our Sidi dealer partners and afull list of our online partners appears onthe site. “The main objective is to increase the

availability of the Sidi brand by increasingstock within the dealer shops and by offering it online.”

“Each client can select the nearestdealer at checkout and his or her shoesare delivered to the store.”Shoppers can also have their parcels

delivered to a private address anywherein South Africa, as well as other Africancountries.All major credit cards are accepted

and average delivery times are 48 to 72 hours after confirmation of payment.“But most shoes reach their destinationssooner, especially around the major centres,” says De Jongh. The store will stay up-to-date with the

latest and best shoes in the Sidi ranges.“We believe it’s the world’s leading cycling shoe and we will always focus on the best shoes in each range.

“The pricing is very competitive, notonly with local retail stores but also withinternational retail and online stores.”As regular shops do, Sidi Online will

run specials related to upcoming eventsas well as end-of-range and seasonalclearance sales. “Currently, we have a 15 per cent off Ironman special, as wellas other event specials.”Register as a user at

www.sidionline.co.za before March 19and stand a chance to win 33% off yournext purchase. Winners will be notifiedvia email.Visit www.sidionline.co.za for more

information. •CN

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LEGENDS OF THE PEDAL


NOW, 30 YEARS LATER, Andrew has fourGiro del Capo titles to his name, is the driving force behind the wildly popular SuperCycling television show and recentlyopened his flagship Cycle Lab megastore inFourways, Johannesburg.He is also the national mountain-bike

champion for veterans in the cross-countryand marathon disciplines.“It certainly is a balancing act with family,

business and training,” says Andrew, whosewife Ali runs Cycle Lab’s national club and is also an avid mountain biker. The couple has two teenage children,

UCT student Michael, who was head boy at Hilton College last year, and 15-year-oldLauren.“There’s always something that’s suffering

a little just to fit everything in,” admits Andrew. An average day for this cycling legend

starts at quarter to four in the morning.“I’m on the road early, finish training, havea quick shower and I’m then in the store orat SuperSport until about six most eveningsbefore heading home for some familytime.”Even there he’s never far from those

two-wheeled machines, because home is amountain-bike farm just past Lanseria Airportnorth on Johannesburg.All this might never have been had

Andrew not fallen into cycling as part of histertiary studies. “I studied Phys Ed at JCE, the Johannesburg

Teacher’s Training College. As part of the curriculum, we had to do triathlon and I really enjoyed it.” >

ANDREW STILLMAKES CYCLING MAGICAndrew Mclean has come a long waysince Alan “The Idol” van Heerden firstdangled the carrot of a professionalroad contract in front of the 19-year-oldnewbie.

Words: Coetzee Gouws



“It’s no wonder that, when mountain bikersrace on the road against the roadies, especially when it’s really long and tough, themountain bikers start to come to the fore.”

Picture: Sportograf



However, he quickly realised that hisswimming and canoeing were pretty average and injuries hampered his running. “But I really enjoyed the cyclingand I was doing well, so I decided tostart racing.”He quickly got results, catching the

eye of Van Heerden and the SouthernSun/M-Net team.“It was the big pro team at the time

and Alan said if I won the national amateur champs, they would offer me acontract. I’d probably been racing forless than a year at that stage.”He shone and the rest, as they say, is

history. “I stopped studying. In thosedays we had conscription and I didn’twant to go to the army, although theguy in charge of cycling in the armyknew about me and tried to get me inevery year.“So I enrolled at varsity for one subject

every year. I didn’t go to any lectures andI raced my bike all over the world.

And then the following yearI’d do the same.”

Just as he was running out of

time, conscrip-tion ended.

British passportBorn in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia)and raised in South Africa, Andrewraced internationally on a British passport. “What I would do, is race herein the summer and then in winter goacross to Belgium and do some racing inEurope.“In the beginning, I raced under the

pseudonym Richard Andrews, which ismy second name and first name, but itgot to a point where we could raceunder our own names.”After dominating the local scene for

two years, Mclean went in search of anew challenge and joined Robbie McIntosh’s Topsport-VW Fox team in1991. “From there I moved on to a teamcalled Peaceforce. And then I raced in Eu-rope for a year for a Belgian pro team.”After contracting a virus at the

All-Africa Games in Zimbabwe in 1995,Andrew decided to start exploring alternative career options. “All I knewwas cycling, so I started Cycle Lab, whichin the early days was predominantly atraining place.“People came to my garage where I

had a couple of indoor trainers and Itrained them.”He eventually realised this was no

way to build a sustainable business. “I realised you had to sell them somebits and pieces as well. So we started asmall retail outlet and it grew from there.That must be close to 16 or 17 years agonow.”From his garage, the store moved to

Woodmead, then Paulshof and then toDesign Quarter. Today it is the country’slargest cycling retail chain, comprising 12 corporate-owned stores and franchiseoutlets nationwide.Last year, in another strategic move,

Andrew sold the business to the MoreGolf Group and stayed on as chiefexecutive. He keeps his office at the 2 300m2 megastore, the largest in thesouthern hemisphere.“I’m still very hands on. If I’m not rac-

ing or riding, I’m here in the store, readyto talk to customers and advise them.”

Cycling show on SupersportTalking about cycling is something hehas been passionate about for a longtime. It prompted him to approach SuperSport about a dedicated TV showjust over a decade ago.“I said, ‘You have a rugby show and

a cricket show and a soccer show butnothing for us cyclists’.” >



The channel’s response was enthusiasticbut they tasked him with finding a sponsor and enough content to fill theone-hour time slot every week. He delivered and the show took off.“It’s difficult. We could do an hour-long

show every night with all the content thatis out there, but keeping everyone happyis an impossible task.“Some people mail or tweet or SMS us

that they absolutely loved a particularsegment, while others will say they couldn’t stand it and they can’t believewe wasted valuable airtime on it.”The challenge is to try to create a

balance between different age categories,genders and disciplines, while includinglocal and international news as well as thelatest nutrition tips and gear.

Mountain-bike challengeIt was his perpetual need for a fresh challenge that led to Mclean taking upthe burgeoning sport of mountain biking.He won the inaugural Old MutualjoBerg2c and the masters’ category at theAbsa Cape Epic twice.

“A mountain-bike race is really a time-trial with some obstacles in it. I was goodat time-trials and multiday tours, so the fitcame relatively easy. I just had to developmy skills, which I’m still doing.”The rise of off-road stage racing and

the demise of so many road tours, such asthe Allied and the Hansom tours, resultedin the large-scale defection of roadies tothe sport.“On the road, we’re expecting our guys

to prepare and race at a world-class level,yet all they’ve got to work with are flat100km fun rides. “It’s no wonder that, when mountain

bikers race on the road against the roadies, especially when it’s really longand tough, the mountain bikers start tocome to the fore.”In addition to supporting the handful of

stage races, such as the Bestmed Tour deBoland and Mzansi Tour, Mclean reckonsmore good, hard classics are needed.“We need to look at ways to regeneratethe road side. There’s just so little forthose guys at the moment.“We can’t look to the organisers of

the fun rides for that. If we want our prosto do well, we need to start putting onevents that develop them as well.”One way would be to hold spectator-

friendly circuit races in various businessparks, he says.Looking forward, McLean says he will

compete as long as he can ride his bicycle. “Maybe not competing eventuallybut just riding my bicycle and enjoying cycling.”Looking back, he says there have been

no real lowlights to speak of. “I’ve hadlots of disappointments, crashes, brokenbones; they’re just part of the journey.You have to adapt, change and comeback stronger.”His passion for cycling in all its forms is

clearly as strong as when he first cleatedup three decades ago. “I got my firstSpringbok colours after one of the Rapport Tours. All I know is I have agreen, moth-eaten blazer somewhere in a cupboard.“I’m not very sentimental. I don’t keep

much stuff. But that one I’ve certainlykept.” •CN

Sondela is only 90 minutes’ drive from Johannesburg and the perfect getaway destination when events and excitement are what you are looking for!Book your spot now in one of the new chalets, a luxury Makhato Bush Lodge, the 5-Star Country House, the Caravan Park or the rustic Tambuki 4x4Camp. Sondela’s caravan park truly deserves its rating as one of South Africa’s top 100 resorts. Expect green lawns, plenty of shade, 89 demarcatedstands and 52 stands with private ablution facilities. Each of our stands has water and electricity points and its own braai facility. The ablution block, with built-in baby baths, a family bathroom and facilities for disabled guests, is designed to meet a camper’s every need. The park’s Premier Lapa housesthe bar and entertainment area with DStv, pool table, table tennis and darts. There’s also a heated swimming pool. With activities on offer ranging from hiking, horse riding and game drives to volleyball and target shooting, Sondela is bound to have something to keep you entertained!! The popularRanger Programme is a must for little ones, who will also enjoy the new kiddies’ entertainment area, where they can build their own pizzas, watch amovie or play on the jungle gym. The tree house, Farmyard and Wildlife Centre all add to the fun. Stop by the General Dealer for freshly made treats or book a table at Piccinini’s Bistro or the brand new Farmyard Coffee Shoppe for delicious meals. There’s never a dull moment at Sondela…

17 MAY CENTURION CYCLE CLASSIC Road Race 103km, 40km & 10km18 MAY CENTURION CYCLE CLASSIC MTB Race 40km & 20km24 MAY PREMIER ENDURANCE RIDE Equestrian Event - 40km, 80km & 120km28 JUNE MTB RACE & FAMILY DAY 500m, 5km, 20km & 40km29 JUNE MTB RACE & FAMILY DAY 60km16 JULY SONDELA GOLF DAY T.B.A.2 AUGUST MOGALE ENDURANCE RIDE Equestrian Event - 80km & 120km6 - 7 SEPTEMBER SONDELA FESTIVAL 6 SEPTEMBER SONDELA TRAIL RUN 23km, 10km, 4km & 500m7 SEPTEMBER WALK FOR WILDLIFE Family Fun Walk on the Reserve25 OCTOBER SUPER CYCLE CLASSIC Road Race - 104km & 40km26 OCTOBER SUPER CYCLE CLASSIC MTB Race - 25kmNOVEMBER CELEBRITY CYCLE TOUR Cycling and interaction with Celebrities!5 - 7 DECEMBER 3 DAY FAMILY STAGE RACE 120km in 3 Stages - 20km, 40km & 60km

Leave Friday afternoon for an unforgettable weekend getaway at our cycle-friendly resort -book your next family holiday at Sondela Nature Reserve in the Bushveld where there arealways more than enough exciting EVENTS to keep you busy the entire year!

2014 SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR

Contact Sondela Nature ReserveTel: 014 736 8900 • E-mail: [email protected] • visit: www.sondela.com

20 QUESTIONS


Where were you born and raisedand where do you live now?I was born and raised in Windhoek butnow spend most of the year in SouthAfrica.

Was Berge en Dale your first majorwin on South African soil for theWCC Africa team?Yes, Berge en Dale was my first race winon SA soil but not the last one. Manymore to come!

Tell us about your race. Did you expect to win?I didn’t expect to win. But it was mybirthday, so I got a present from myteam-mates. Thanks to them for givingme such a great present. I loved theroute; it was a bit hilly, which I reallylike. It was a great race.

As a fellow Namibian, wasOlympian Mannie Heymans’s suc-cess a big inspiration or influenceon your cycling career? Yes, Mannie Heymans and Dan Cravenare the two guys I look up to. They aremy role models. I want to get wherethey are and even achieve what theydream about. I want to be the nextMannie or Dan.

Who would you say is Namibia’s topcyclist at the moment? Is it fair tosay it’s you? And why?If I can say it, Dan Craven. And then it’sme and my team-mate Till Drobisch.Dan is riding at a higher level than us.

How did you first get into cycling?I started riding on a girl’s pink BMXbike. Later BEN Namibia called to giveme a chance to ride for them. A whileafter that the team was disbanded andmy bike was stolen too. I eventually gotit back and Dan helped me to get it intoracing condition.

You won the Kia MTB Series inNamibia last year. Where doesmountain biking fit into your careerand is road racing your passion?Yes, road racing is my passion but, as a cyclist, I love riding any bike. I domountain biking when it’s my off-season and when I am home.

You were second in the nationalelite road championships in Namibialast year. Do you have a win in yoursights at this year’s champs?Yes, I was second last year and this yearI have no choice but to win it. I want tobe the Namibian champ. I’ll do what ittakes and give all I have to take it.

Tell us a bit about the cycling scenein Namibia? Cycling in Namibia is really growingnow. We have talented cyclists backhome and soon we will have a goodteam, with more cyclists out of thecountry racing internationally.

What would you say were the three top podiums or results of your career so far?Winning the EKZ Zuri Metzgete cyclerace (Zurich Grand Prix) in Switzerlandand the mountain-bike cross-countrychampionships were two big ones forme but there are many more. >

20 QUESTIONS FOR COSTA SEIBEB

It began on a girl’s pink BMX The winner of this year’s Action Ford Berge en Dale Classic, Costa Seibeb, chats toCyclingnews about his first win on SA soil, his career plans and the state of cycling inhis homeland of Namibia.

Costa Seibeb celebrates his victory at the EKZ Zuri Metzgete in Zurich, Switzerland, in August.

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What is your best cycling memory so far, and why?Racing in Switzerland. I just love theplace. It’s so nice and green, with somany cyclists around. Thanks to JP vanZyl for giving me that chance to go andsee how the world looks. I won thatrace there, which was a big thing forme as well as everyone who supportsand takes care of me.

What is your worst cycling memoryso far, and why?Having my bike stolen. I had to stop riding for some time and when I got itback it was not in riding condition. Ididn’t have money to repair it and hadto make it single speed just to get backon the road.

You were part of the winning teamat the Bestmed Tour de Boland lastyear. Will you be back and will it bea different race compared to lastyear since you have big names likeBonitas and Abantu and ChristophSauser competing?Yes, I’ll be back. I love competingagainst guys stronger than me and Ilove riding tours. My team and I areready for it.

When and how did you come tojoin the WCC Africa team? I first joined them in 2012. The Cravenfamily and some other private sectorbusiness people helped me get there. I really appreciated it. Dan’s mother was coaching me and helping witheverything.

Talk us through a day in the life of a rider at the WCCA academy.We train in the morning and then cooksomething for lunch and eat. Then it’sstretches, shower and off to bed. If I’mwakeful, I’ll chat to my friends, watchTV or help the mechanic.

Besides teaching you the skills ofriding, what other value does theacademy have in terms of mentoring riders and preparingthem for international competition?A: Being part of an international team,we are all far away from home. So weteach each other our languages, how tocook and so on.

Have you learned a lot from someone like JP van Zyl?JP van Zyl has helped me so much in lifeand is still helping me. He saw that Ihad talent and even helped take me toSwitzerland and France. I’m grateful tohim for taking care of me and the teammembers too.

Is it difficult to be far from homeand family?Before it was hard being far from homebut now I am getting used to it. Ja, theteam house is just like my home and mymates are my brothers. It’s definitelybetter now.

How do you as a team of interna-tional riders cope with the challenges of working together and overcoming language barriers?It’s hard but we’re brothers; so we helpand teach each other when there arethings we don’t know. It’s amazing how we get together and it’s so nice.

Do you see your place in the WCCAfrica team as a stepping stone tothe MTN-Qhubeka ProTour teamand top-level international cycling?Yes, it’s my stepping stone. It’s mydream to ride for MTN-Qhubeka or atop-level team. I believe I can and willgive what I have to get there. •CN

20 QUESTIONS


“JP van Zyl has helped me so much inlife and is still helping me. He saw that Ihad talent and even helped take me toSwitzerland and France.”

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HIGH-SPEED CRITERIUM circuit racing returns to Johannesburg this autumn with the seventh Emperors Palace Classic. The annual cycling spectacular east of

Johannesburg is presented by ASG. Itstarts with the popular mountain-bikecomponent on Saturday April 12, andcontinues with the road and criteriumraces the following day.Traditionally held in

jam-packed February, the bumper week-end was moved to a less congested slotlast year and attracted more than 6 000 riders across all events.Race director Wynand de Villiers says

the organisers are again expecting a capacity turnout. “This event fills an im-portant niche on the racing calendar andgives riders in all disciplines something totrain for before the winter chill sets in.”De Villiers says mountain bikers in the

20km and 40km races will again experience a little jet propulsion, as theroutes crossed the grounds of the OR Tambo International Airport.

“They ride parallel to, but at a safe distance from, the runways. Thethrill of hearing those power-ful aircraft engines is one ofthe major attractions ofthis event.”

On the road side,the 102km feature

route remains unchanged for the fifthconsecutive year. “We have had lots ofpositive feedback from riders, so we decided not to mess with a winning formula.”De Villiers describes the route as “fast,

flat and exciting, but very manageable”.Last year, David Maree won the race for

Team Abantu (formerly Tasol-GT) in a nail-biting three-man sprint to the line.With more than 100 metro police offi-

cers and 200 marshals on duty, the event is also one ofthe safest in Gauteng. For those who are not ready to tackle

the full distance, there is a 50km short-course option. The feature races will be followed by the ever-popular KidsClassic for children between two andeight years.The racing action culminates in the

Circuit Spectacular, a 30-minute criteriumthat sees South Africa’s top roadies burn-ing rubber as they do laps around the toplevel of the Emperors Palace parking lot.“This is something that no real cycling

enthusiast wants to miss. It’s a rare opportunity to see a real European-stylekermesse,” says De Villiers.Entertainment will be provided by the

casino resort, and De Villiers says theClassic offers the ideal weekend break forthe whole family.

EMPERORS PALACE CLASSIC

A taste of Europe

RACE PREVIEW


Words: Coetzee Gouws • Picture: Peter Morey

DATE12 and 13 April 2014

VENUEEmperors Palace Resort, Kempton Park

STARTING TIMESMountain bikes – 08:00 (20km and 40km)Road races: 06:00 (102km and 50km); 10:00(Kids Classic) and 11:00 (Circuit Spectacular)

ENTRY FEESRoad cyclists: R250 (102km) and R140 (50km)Mountain bikes – R160 (40km) and R110 (20km)

ONLINE ENTRIESwww.cycleevents.co.zaClosing date: 1 April 2014

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

RACE PREVIEW


Registration takes place at Cycle LabFourways on the Thursday (10:00 to16:00) and at the venue – 64@ ThePalace – on the Friday (10:00 to 16:00)and the Saturday (09:00 to 15:00).Late entries will be accepted only at

registration and not on race day.For more information, contact ASG

Events on 076 621 1807 or [email protected] to www.facebook.com/

emperorsclassic or @emperorsclassic forupdates. •CN

EMPERORSEMPERORSPALACEPALACECLASSICCLASSIC

EMPERORSPALACECLASSIC

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MOUNTAIN BIKERS HAVE another opportunity to earn their stripes whenthey try to tame the SIDI Online Tyger Valley College Mountain Bike Challenge,presented by Beden in Pretoria East onMarch 22.The sixth edition, presented by new

sponsor SIDI Online, will again burnbright as riders start and finish on the pri-vate school grounds off Lynnwood Road.Route director Darren Herbst says the

spectacular feature route towardsDonkerhoek and back offers somethingfor every rider; including hardy pros.“Its draw is that it’s really fast and

flowing with some technical single-tracksections. It’s really, really beautiful terrain.“You’re crossing one or two streams,

train lines and purpose-built bridges andyou’re going through culverts; all righthere in Pretoria.”The 70km route, which traverses a

section of ASG’s Rosemary Hill mountainbike park, boasts a “breathtaking” elevation of over 1 400m, with a testing670m of climbing.Last year’s winner was young Arno du

Toit of the ASG MTB Academy team, whorecently claimed his first national seriesmarathon win at Dullstroom.At Tyger Valley, veteran champion

Andrew Mclean followed him home, with Julius Cobbett third. The event also offers 40km and 20km

distance options for social and family riders, with medals to all finishers.

“The response last year was so goodand the riders enjoyed the routes somuch that we’re trying to keep them thesame as much as possible this year,” saysHerbst.Most of the changes and innovations

will be found at the start-finish with morefamily entertainment and refreshmentstalls, he says. “The great thing about thisrace is that the school is actively involved.The kids not only compete but also help out with marshalling and other activities.”Participants can have their bikes

washed by Red Hot Products, andDRSA/Global ASP will provide free wi-fiwith their on-site technology rig.Registration takes place from 10:00 to

16:00 on March 20 at Cycle Lab Fourways and between the same timesthe next day at Bruce Reyneke Cycles.Online entries will be seeded according

to the SA Seeding system. Seeding anddistance stickers will be available withrace packs at registration.Timing will be courtesy of Spectrum

Sport. Riders who do not have permanenttiming boards will be issued with temporary ones.Enter at www.asgevents.co.za by

March 16. For more information, [email protected] or phone076 621 1807. •CN

SIDI ONLINE TYGER VALLEY COLLEGE MTB CHALLENGE

Time to tame the Tyger

RACE PREVIEW


Words: Coetzee Gouws • Picture: Shutterstock.com

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

Find the A to Z of ridingat Alpha Beta Cycles

BIKE SHOP FEATURE


Words: Coetzee Gouws • Pictures: Erika Venter

People don’t often buy a business blindly, but that’s exactly what entrepreneur Wimpie Geyer did when he purchased Alpha Beta Cycles in Kimberley in 1991.

“I JUST WANTED to do something differ-ent. At the time I was not married anddidn’t have a family of my own, so I hadfewer responsibilities. If I wanted to takea risk that was the time,” Geyer recalls.The risk came in the form of a cycling

shop that included a section dedicated tocarpeting. Of the three bike shops in town,

Geyer’s was the smallest. He promptlygot rid of the carpeting side of the busi-ness and worked on expanding the floorarea. “I think we had something like six

bikes on the floor when we started.Today there are around 150.“We’re undoubtedly the biggest bike

shop in Kimberley and one of the largestin the Northern Cape.”Growing up, Geyer dabbled in diverse

sporting disciplines such as squash, rugby,cricket, gymnastics and softball. “I’ve always tried my hand at different things.At heart, I’m a jack of all trades but master of none,” he jokes.

This flexibility came in handy when hedecided to change his career path. Hav-ing lived in Bloemfontein, Durban and Jo-hannesburg for a decade, the Kimberleynative’s hometown was calling his name.Geyer maintains that the expansion

and success of the store wasn’t merelydown to his expertise and handiwork.“I’m very proud of my staff. They’re agreat source of support and I know myshop is in good hands.“My right-hand woman, Christelle

Gouws, will be going to the Cape Epicfor the third time as a pro team mechanicthis year.”Although mountain biking has

exploded in Kimberley as it has doneeverywhere else, Geyer believes a goodbike shop should cater to roadies andmountain bikers alike.“Kimberley is one of those places

where mountain biking almost comesnaturally. A few kilometres and you’reout of town and on the trails. “But I feel that if a road cyclist comes

in and needs a part or some accessory, I should be able to help him.”Geyer enjoys supporting local events,

of which the Wintershoek Mountain BikeRally is a good example. “The inaugural race was held at a local

game reserve last year to raise funds forwildlife rehabilitation and we’re hoping it will become a fixture on the calendar. We helped with route building, providedmarshals and sponsored prizes.”His shop stocks Pinarello, Giant, Merida,

Silverback, GT and other leading brands. Besides offering bike setups and the full complement of services, they workwith clients to create custom training programmes.“If a client needs help, we’re there to

assist,” he says.Alpha Beta Cycles is open on weekdays

from 08:00 to 17:00 and on Saturdaysfrom 08:00 to 12:30. But on Sundaysthey’re out cycling.Find them on Facebook and Twitter or

call 053 831 1059. •CN

CKTSA sole importers of CKT. Distributed by Cycle Boys.123 Soutpansberg Drive, Van Riebeeck Park, Kempton Park. Visit www.ckt-carbon.com or www.cktsa.co.zaFor trade enquiries contact: 011 391 8144 or 084 677 2738

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