Cyclingnews - October 2014

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

VOL 15 NO 8

OCTOBER 2014

RUDY PROJECT BAG THE TRIATHLON MARKET 20 QUESTIONS

NEW BEGINNINGS FOR NEIL MACDONALD PULSE PAGES

TIME YOUR BLOOD DONATION TO AVOID A SUB-PAR RIDE

JENS THE JET SETS ONE-HOUR RECORD

MEINTJES STARS

IN VUELTA

CIRCUS

CONTENTS

ON THE COVER The future looks very bright for Louis Meintjies after his stunning performance in the Tour of Spain.

Sub header

REGULARS

2

From the Editor: PPA’s Safe Cycling campaign succeeding in Western Cape

5

In the Bunch: Shut up for one more hour

Editor Wynand de Villiers wynand@cyclingnews.co.za

Consulting editor Gerhard Burger

20

Pulse pages: Time your blood donation to avoid a sub-par ride

Contributors

28

Product feature: Rudy Project bag the triathlon market

Phil Liggett, Coetzee Gouws, Andrew Mclean

31

Legends of the pedal: Hettema a legend on two wheels and four

FEATURES

10

Jens the Jet sets one-hour record

13

Meintjes stars in Vuelta circus

23

20 questions for Neil Macdonald – New beginnings for Neil

37

Bike shop feature: You’ll even find a fat one at Mannie’s Bike Mecca

Pictures Photosport International, Michelle Cound, Frank Bodenmueller, My Picture

Design Cinnamon Graphix C.C. Chris Dawson – chris@cgraphix.co.za

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

Advertising RACE PREVIEWS

8 19

email advertising@cyclingnews.co.za or phone 083 269 7659

Satellite Classic heads into the bush

Published by ASG Events

‘Sugar rush’ is on for Ballito Expedition

116B, Glen Avenue, Willow Glen, Pretoria.

Tel no: 012 751 4130/31/32/33 Fax: 086 730 3099

RACE REVIEWS

34

Classic Campus2Campus win Herman’s hat-trick

40

Hungry Tennent peaks for PE classic win

Cyclingnews October 2014

01

FROM THE EDITOR

PPA’s Safe Cycling campaign succeeding in Western Cape THE HIT-AND-RUN incident in which Alriza Reid was seriously injured in Cape Town recently turned the spotlight back on the relationship between cyclists and motorists.

The Pedal Power Association protested outside the Wynberg Magistrates Court in yet another show of support for the sport and its riders. It underlined again how much the Western Cape’s governing body is doing to protect the rights of their cyclists.

Since moving from Johannesburg to Paarl last year, I have been enthralled watching their influence in government circles. It has been like a breath of fresh air.

These people are clearly passionate about the safety of cyclists and the PPA Safe Cycling campaign, launched in 2011, is showing tangible results in reducing the number of rider fatalities in the province.

A big breakthrough came last year when the 1-metre passing law was gazetted, but the key to the rule that became a law was the level of awareness that the PPA created among road users.

The association continues to lobby for a 1.5m passing law, and judging by their track record they may well succeed.

Their Safe Cycling campaign focuses on sharing the road in a safe way by having mutual respect for each other. Cyclists are asked to ride in single file in high traffic areas or where there are no demarcated road shoulders and not to stray into traffic when passing each other.

Some riders skip traffic lights early in the morning, but it is extremely dangerous. Please stop at red “robots” and be careful and considerate at stop streets and other stop signs.

The slogan “One road, many users, so let’s share it,” is contributing to the progress in the Western Cape, thanks to the PPA. I wish we had them up in Gauteng.

Wynand de Villiers

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SUBSCRIBE If you’d like to join our ever-increasing subscriber base, there is no better time than now.

Simply log onto www.asgevents.co.za and click on the subscribe button The magazine remains free of charge at major bike shops and races throughout the country, but because our print run is limited we inevitably get readers that miss out on some of the issues. If you would like to ensure that you don’t miss an issue, a subscription charge of R85 for ten issues will secure a copy of Cyclingnews Magazine in your postbox every month.

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Cyclingnews October 2014

AN UNEQUALLED WESTERN CAPE MOUNTAIN-BIKE EXPERIENCE! DATE: 16 November 2014 VENUE: Paarl Arboretum DISTANCES: 60km, 30km TIME: 60km (7:00), 30km (8:30) ENTRY FEES: 60km (R180), 30km (R140) ON-LINE ENTRIES : www.asgevents.co.za ENTRIES CLOSE: Sunday, 9 November 2014 TIMED BY: Great Time ROUTE: Streets of Paarl, Paarl Mountain, Vineyards, Orchards TOTAL ASCENT: 60km (1800m), 30km (800m)

R10 of every race entry goes towards the Cancer Association of South Africa

For further information, visit www.agsevents.co.za, email eventsupport@asgworld.co.za or phone 076 621 1807

Picture: Photosport International

IN THE BUNCH WITH COETZEE GOUWS

SHUT UP

for one more hour Way back in 1931 in Copenhagen, the road cycling world championships were held, rather unusually, as a time trial.

AS seemed to be the in-thing then, it inspired Parisian editor Gaston Bénac to organise a race to promote the Paris-Soir, the biggest French evening paper before the war.

He and his colleague Albert Baker d’Isy liked the idea of a time trial as it was cheaper to get off the ground and easier to manage. The latter named it the Grand Prix des Nations.

In its early years it was a 142km test against the clock that included three climbs and plenty of cobbles. It was regarded as one of the Classics and it quickly earned the reputation as the unofficial world time-trial champs.

The inclusion of the solo discipline in the UCI road world championships in 1994, and at the Olympics two years later, lessened its importance and the governing body eventually dropped it from its ProTour in 2005.

Although the distance varied over the course of its 70 editions, the most modern incarnation was 70 kilometres raced over two loops.

The names of the greatest time-trial riders in the history of the sport adorn the honours board. Two of the very best, Frenchmen Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault, dominate with nine and five victories apiece.

Scrolling through the list of past winners, you’ll be hard-pressed to find the name of a rider who wasn’t known as a pure time-trialist in his era. But the name that really caught my eye was that of Jens Voigt, who won in 2001. >

Cyclingnews October 2014

05

IN THE BUNCH WITH COETZEE GOUWS

With Cancellara, Wiggins and Martin contemporaries of the big German, I suspect not too many of us think of him as a demon against the clock – good perhaps, but not great – even after his recent world hour record at the age of 43 (see page 10).

Those who dig further into his palmares will note a record-equalling five titles at the Critérium International, a two-day race that was often settled by the short individual time trial.

And, to those who thought Voigt had gone for the record attempt at a whim, or as a cheap publicity stunt that could have gone either way, I would say I think not.

In my opinion the decision was taken much earlier in the season and Voigt was building towards it, and testing himself, all along.

Just think back to the first day of this year’s Tour de France when he set off on

a near stage-long solo ride that caught everyone’s imagination and brought him the first polka-dot jersey.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he already had the hour record in mind on that day and that he was preparing himself for the physical challenge that he knew lay waiting on the final day of his pro career.

After all, with the words Shut up legs emblazoned on his Trek bike, we know he likes to do things the mind-overmatter way.

His comment afterwards revealed that, besides having the physical attributes to ride fast for a long time, he also had the mental aptitude that often separated the good from the great: “So I had a little chat with my body.

What I don’t have is freshness, a sprint, and I don’t have a punch anymore.

What I do have is a big diesel engine, the desire to go, and the ability and willingness to suffer for a long time.”

“What I do have is a big diesel engine, the desire to go, and the ability and willingness to suffer for a long time.”

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Cyclingnews October 2014

What really impressed me was his courage in accepting the challenge in the twilight of what has been a very successful career. He certainly had more to lose from an unsuccessful attempt than to gain from the now successful one.

And I don’t think he is arrogant enough to think that his mark will stand for long with the big three around; especially with Wiggins already having declared that it was on his to-do list after destroying Martin in Ponferrada.

At my best, I was known for having a strong mind, but age eventually catches up with you and no amount of mental toughness can reverse that process.

Voigt was born exactly seven months before me, so I have no doubt that he was negotiating with his legs to give him just one more hour while the world was watching. •CN

RACE PREVIEW

Words: Coetzee Gouws

Satellite Classic heads into the bush The North West Province’s premier seeding event for the Cape Town Cycle Tour has taken a detour… into the bush.

ORGANISERS of the Bestmed Satellite Classic, which is presented by ASG, have added a mountain-bike component to create a whole weekend of scintillating cycling on October 18 and 19.

On the Saturday, the 80km and 106km road races roll out from the Route 66 Saloon along the Hartbeeshoek road and the new 20km and 40km mountain-bike events wrap up proceedings on the Sunday.

Mountain-bike route director Darren Herbst and his team were eagerly counting down the days to the inaugural off-road race. “We hope the first edition of the mountain-bike challenge will be something really special. This area is truly a gem with so much potential and hidden treasures,” Herbst said.

The organisers had been inundated with requests to stage a mountain-bike event in the picturesque Hartbeespoort area, he explained.

“The Satellite Classic has become such a feature on the road-racing circuit that it was only natural to try to secure a mountain-bike event over the same weekend.”

Herbst said participants could choose between two manageable distances for the debut event. “We’ve tried to develop something less technical but something that still ensures cyclists get to experience

the full beauty of this part of the country.”

The shorter family ride has a couple of climbs, totalling just over 300m, to ensure the riders still got a good workout.

“The trail is perfect for those looking for something different and less technically demanding but you still need the legs to get up the hills.”

The longer route, on the other hand, offers something for cyclists who are looking to stretch themselves. “The undulating hills and valleys will be a key part of the trail, and will result in some challenging climbs and jaw-dropping descents.”

Combining single, jeep and forest track as well as cattle paths, the route will take participants on a journey of discovery.

“What makes it so incredible are the views,” he said.

“You will cross land that has been owned by the same family for generations, with wide open spaces and endless expanses of bushveld, inhabited only by game, and dotted with the odd farmhouse.”

The organisers also obtained the right to use the ADA Adventure Centre, which specialises in 4x4 adventures and corporate teambuilding. “Some fun single-track and even a pump track add some spice to the trail,” Herbst said.

“Cycling in this area is an amazing experience and we look forward to a great day out.”

The start/finish venue at the Route 66 Saloon will give participants and their families a taste of outback hospitality and entertainment. “Nino and his team have become known for offering a great ‘cowboy’ experience and will take you back in time to the days of barn dancing and cowboy-style chow.”

Entries for the road race close at midnight on October 7 and mountain-bike entries on October 12.

Late entries will be accepted at registration but not on race day.

Enter at www.asgevents.co.za Ten rand of entry goes to the Cancer Association of South Africa.

For updates, find the event on Facebook or follow @Satellite_Class. •CN

“The undulating hills and valleys will be a key part of the trail, and will result in some challenging climbs and jaw-dropping descents.”

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Cyclingnews October 2014

FEATURE

Words: Wynand de Villiers • Picture: Photosport International

JENS THE JET

sets one-hour record Cyclists all over the world gasped in awe when a veteran German cyclist broke the world one-hour record at the Velodrome in Grenchen, Switzerland, recently. Jens Voigt covered a staggering 51.115km in 60 minutes.

IN a magnificent performance, the Trek Factory Racing rider beat the previous record of 49.700km, set by the Czech rider Andrej Sosenka in 2005.

Voigt’s success is a result of the International Cycling Union’s desire to modernise and simplify the rules governing equipment used in competition.

This has had an effect on the one-hour record in particular. The UCI announced in May that attempts to break the record could be done on bikes that comply with current rules for machines used in endurance track events.

The new rules are less restrictive than those introduced on 1 October 2000 to govern technical specifications of bikes used in one-hour record attempts.

Voigt has added his name to the list of famous riders who have held the record since Henri Desgrange set the first mark in 1893. Henri Desgrange, Fausto Coppi, Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx and Francesco Moser have also broken it.

Voigt said after his ride: “I went off a little too fast at the start and I had a bad spell after the halfway mark, but the support of the crowd and knowing that this was my last race helped me finish strongly. I gave everything in the last 20 minutes.

“I’m really happy with the distance – 51 km is more than I imagined. It’s an intense event: there is no downhill, no hiding behind a teammate. It’s like a

breakaway when you don’t want to be caught by the peloton.

“I am extremely proud to join the iconic riders who beat this record before me.

The crowd was amazing; supporting me all the way.

This is also their record!

“I saw Chris Boardman beating the record in 2000 and I said to myself: ‘What a great way that would be to finish my career’. Thirty three years of cycling behind me. This was my last attempt. I’m in so much pain... But what a way to retire!”

UCI president Brian Cookson congratulated him. “Jens Voigt’s performance was sensational. I’m very happy for him. I’m confident that his achievement will have a domino effect. Other great riders will decide to attack one of the greatest challenges in our sport.

“This is good news for cycling and is exactly what the UCI hoped would happen when we simplified and modernised the rules for the hour record earlier this year.

“This has made the challenge more comprehensible for the fans and a more attractive proposition. I think we’re now entering a new era in which interest in the hour record will grow. This is all very beneficial to cycling.” •CN

“Thirty three years of cycling behind me.

This was my last attempt. I’m in so much pain...

But what a way to retire!”

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Cyclingnews October 2014

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FEATURE

Words: Coetzee Gouws • Pictures: Bettini / Andrew King

MEINTJES STARS

IN VUELTA CIRCUS For three weeks in August and September one tour held the attention of the whole cycling world – and one small team from Africa captured their hearts.

AND at the centre of it all was a 22-year-old boy from Pretoria who finished fifth on one of the toughest climbs in La Vuelta history.

MTN-Qhubeka’s Louis Meintjes may have gone into the Tour of Spain with the job of protecting team leader Sergio Pardilla, but the South African’s gutsy performance on the 200km queen stage earned him his fair share of the international limelight.

Facing inclines of up to 24 per cent in the closing kilometres, the young climber powered his way up to the Camperona summit to finish just 42 seconds behind Garmin-Sharp’s stage winner Ryder Hesjedal.

Although he had been aiming for a top-10 finish, Meintjes says he was unsure whether his efforts would pay off.

“I didn’t know what to expect and would test myself on each preceding mountain stage to see how I was feeling.

“There was no point in trying to stay with the front guys so I could finish 25th.

I would rather sit up and finish with the grupetto in order to rest for a good day.

“It paid off on this day.” >

Cyclingnews October 2014

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FEATURE

“You can’t come to a race and think, ‘Ah, we’re a small team’. You have to respect your competitors but also have confidence as a team.”

Meintjes says his original goal had simply been to stay out of trouble and finish every day to get to the end of the tour.

“It was important for my development to get through a three-week stage race. And then I wanted to be visible somehow.

“I knew that a top-10 stage result would be great so I was just waiting for my moment.”

It seems the national elite and U23 road race champion could not have picked a better one.

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Cyclingnews October 2014

His result helped maintain MTN-Qhubeka’s already high profile as Grand Tour debutants.

“We wanted to make sure we were visible and had to try for stage wins and breakaways,” says Meintjes.

“You can’t come to a race and think, ‘Ah, we’re a small team’. You have to respect your competitors but also have confidence as a team.”

Africa’s first pro-continental squad was also the second youngest team on tour and sported the youngest rider in the race – 20-year-old

Merhawi Kudus of Eritrea. Meintjes says the riders were nevertheless unprepared for the full extent of the attention they received from the media and fans.

“It was already huge leading up to the tour, and then we realised what we were in for.

“It really started though on the first day during the team time-trial. The organisers asked us to shorten our warm-up as they wanted to take us to the start on a horse and carriage – live on TV.” >

FEATURE

Cyclingnews October 2014

15

FEATURE

He says the media scrutiny certainly had positive spinoffs in terms of highlighting their cause.

“It was great going off first as a team because we could show off our Qhubeka bike project to the world.”

From a racing perspective, Meintjes believes they also achieved their goals.

“Coming into the race we had done Tour de Suisse, which was a WorldTour event, and gained great confidence. But the Grand Tour was harder than I expected and getting a result wasn’t easy at all.”

He says there were several incredibly testing days, with the hardest parts often coming in the first hour or so of the race.

“On some days we were averaging 60 kilometres per hour in that time.

If you woke up with bad legs, you just had to hang on as much as you could.

“We finished La Vuelta with all nine riders and only a few teams managed to do that. We also managed a few top tens and were always present in breakaways, so I think we can leave well satisfied.”

Pardilla was MTN-Qhubeka’s highest placed rider, finishing 17th overall behind compatriot and Tinkoff-Saxo rider

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Cyclingnews October 2014

Alberto Contador, who secured the red jersey for the third time.

Meintjes ended a creditable 55th out of 159 finishers.

He says their support staff played a huge supporting role in ensuring that the riders did not waste any energy beyond the 21 racing stages, which covered just under 3 240km.

“Vuelta is like a moving circus. The race enters a town and brings life to the place.

“Then we’d move on like we weren’t even there. It’s quite amazing to see.”

After a jam-packed season that included second place in the general classification at the Mzansi Tour, Meintjes is now looking forward to a well-deserved rest.

“I’ll end my season at Worlds and then I’m looking forward to a holiday somewhere. It will be much needed and I can’t wait.” •CN

2014 LA VUELTA OVERALL 1 2 3 4 5

Alberto Contador Christopher Froome Alejandro Valverde Joaquin Rodriguez Fabio Aru

Tinkoff - Saxo Team Sky Movistar Team Team Katusha Astana Pro Team

81h 25' 05'' + 1:10 + 1:50 + 3:25 + 4:48

OVERALL – MTN-QHUBEKA 17 47 55 59 92

Sergio Pardilla Daniel Teklehaimanot Louis Meintjes Jacques Van Rensburg Merhawi Kudus Ghebremedhin

+ 32:00 + 2:01:38 + 2:19:15 + 2:29:38 + 3:23:14

RACE PREVIEW

Words: Coetzee Gouws

‘Sugar rush’ is on for Ballito Expedition The rush is on for the second Bestmed Ballito Expedition, presented by ASG, which hits the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast on November 8.

DATE 8 November 2014 VENUE Sugar Rush Adventure Centre DISTANCES 25km, 50km ENTRY FEES 25km: R130, 50km: R180 ONLINE ENTRIES www.roag.co.za.

Entries close: 2 November 2014 MORE INFORMATION For further information email eventsupport@asgworld.co.zam phone 076 621 1807 or visit www.roag.co.za

THIS “sweet” mountain-bike adventure rolls through the sugar cane plantations surrounding the Sugar Rush Adventure Centre, which is only 20 minutes from Durban.

Route director Darren Herbst and his crew have been hard at work selecting the best portions of the more than 100km of available trails to create something special for the 25km and 50km racing options.

“We’re always looking at ways to improve the existing trails and to add sections that have never been ridden before,” says Herbst.

Riders can look forward to dramatic views of the cane fields, forests and wide open plains and Herbst says the routes offer a little bit of everything.

“The undulating terrain is tough and varied, but it’s also completely rideable.

“Most of the 50km route takes place on trails we unearthed last year, including some mind-blowing sections along the contours of the hills.”

The short course includes 400m of challenging climbing and a good mix of single-track, jeep track and farm roads.

The 800m of climbing on the longer ride will really tests the legs but the views from the top will be well worth the effort,

he says. “We also have a few viewing points for spectators along the route, so your family can see you in action.”

The new adventure centre, which opened its doors in time for the inaugural race last year, is now fully established and offers something for everyone, including a coffee shop and winery.

“It’s a great day out for the family and close to one of the country’s top holiday destinations,” says Herbst.

For added motivation, there is a tidy R10 000 prize purse, as well as medals for all finishers.

Registration takes place at the Sugar Rush clubhouse from 05.30 to 07.30 on the day of the race.

Enter at www.roag.co.za before November 2.

A portion of all entries will be donated to the Cancer Association of South Africa. •CN

Cyclingnews October 2014

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PULSE PAGES

Words: Wynand de Villiers

TIME YOUR BLOOD DONATION TO AVOID A SUB-PAR RIDE A friend who started cycling at the beginning of the year made a fundamental mistake when he donated blood two days before taking part in the Pennypinchers Karoo to Coast last month.

HE finished in a respectable six and a half hours, but his generosity cost him at least ten percent on his performance, which means he probably would have broken 6 hours. Having taken up cycling at the age of 37, he produced a remarkable ride, regardless of his oversight in the final week.

The benefits of blood being injected into a cyclist’s veins are now well known, courtesy of Armstrong and co.

But the opposite is, of course, also true.

When you donate a unit of blood, you take valuable oxygen-carrying red blood cells out of your body, which take at least 48 hours to regenerate.

Donating blood is something many cyclists do – we do care about each other and others in our community – but research has shown that riders should not donate blood for at least ten days before competition.

“According to the study, competitive cyclists should not compete for seven to ten days after donating blood.”

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Cyclingnews October 2014

PULSE PAGES

A donation of one unit reduces blood volume levels by about ten percent. Blood cells then regenerate and the levels are back to normal after about 48 hours.

However, the level of blood haemoglobin, your body’s oxygen-transport mechanism, typically does not recover for up to three to four weeks after a donation. Competitive athletes may therefore experience a decrease in physical performance during that period.

The SA Blood Service experts say light exercise is safe after donation, but strenuous exercise and heavy weightlifting should be avoided for at least 24 hours. For non-competitive

athletes and casual exercisers, avoiding strenuous physical activity for about five hours after a donation is the norm.

Light exercise may be safe after donating, but you should ease back into your regular exercise routine to reduce your risk of injury or incident.

For performance athletes and cyclists, the picture is rather more complicated.

A 1995 study, published in the American Heart Journal, evaluated ten male cyclists before and after blood donations to test the effects on performance.

Each cyclist was measured for oxygen consumption during maximal exercise testing at base line, two hours before donating, two hours after donating and

seven days after donating. The results showed that maximal performance decreased for at least one week.

Submaximal performance, however, was not affected by blood donations.

According to the study, competitive cyclists should not compete for seven to ten days after donating blood. Casual riders who exercise at submaximal intensity may have no negative experiences besides a higher than normal heart rate the day after exercise.

Cyclists who are taking on the Karoo to Coast for the first time should rather postpone their blood donations, no matter how cute the girl is who tries to convince you to do so now. •CN

20 QUESTIONS

Words: Coetzee Gouws

20 QUESTIONS FOR NEIL MACDONALD

New beginnings

FOR NEIL

Six months after he announced his retirement from the pro circuit, Cyclingnews caught up with the gentleman of cycling, Neil MacDonald, to find out what his future still holds in store.

1 Where did it all start for you?

I was introduced to cycling when I was in matric at Northcliff High through some good mates who had started cycling at a much younger age. Like everyone else, I watched the Tour De France on the telly and it looked so easy. Little did I know that it was one of the hardest sports in the world.

2 You said you hadn’t gone to

the Nedbank sani2c with the intention of announcing your retirement. Why did you come to the decision at that moment?

It was always my intention to retire at the end of the year but there were a number of factors that pushed me to quit earlier. I woke up on the Saturday morning (the last stage) and I knew in my heart that it was the right thing to do.

3 Was the world’s biggest

mountain bike race a fitting way to finish off your career?

I had some of my best moments as a mountain biker rolling onto the beach at Scottburgh. On reflection, it would have been great to finish with a win.

Nonetheless, I am very satisfied with what I have achieved in my 15-year career.

4 What does Neil MacDonald’s

daily routine look like right now?

5.45am – Wake up and get the coffee (my wife and I take turns).

7am – School run to drop off KT. 7.30am – 5km run around the block with the Mrs. After that the work begins. I’m currently splitting my time between financial planning and getting the new business up and running. 7pm – A wee nip of the dram as my Dad would say (that’s a whiskey to the Scots!)

5 Are you tempted to do a long

daily training ride?

At the moment I have absolutely no temptation especially with the cold weather. I am enjoying my short mountain bike rides on the weekends with mates. >

Cyclingnews October 2014

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20 QUESTIONS

6 What do you do with all that

excess energy?

That’s a personal question that I’d rather not answer ;) 7 You’re very much a family man.

Is it refreshing to find that you actually have weekends with your wife and daughter like a regular Joe? To be totally honest, I am in a great space at the moment. As a professional cyclist, very little thought goes to the loved ones that are left behind. I will always be grateful to my Mrs for allowing me to follow my passion for so long. Now it’s time for me to spend more time at home and my wife can stop referring to herself as the cycling widow.

8 Apart from your well

documented cycling career, you’re actually a financial planner by profession.

Yes, I have been in the industry for just over three years now, following in my father’s footsteps. I am currently working at Bulls Eye Financial Consultants in Bryanston.

9 Tell us about your new cycling

ventures.

We, as in Tony Harding and I, have registered our company called Strategic Cycling (PTY) Ltd with our primary focus being development at a grassroots level. I feel that achievements in cycling should be recognised at school level and proper skills need to be cultivated at a younger age. We have developed an initiative called KIDZ ON BIKES (www.kidz-on-bikes.co.za) to fill this gap. The programme will soon be included in the majority of schools as an extracurricular activity. We have been given the go-ahead to roll out our programme to Trinity Little Falls as well as Margon private schools. As part of the programme, we will be donating funds to Qhubeka for each child that joins. There are also a number of other exciting opportunities – including potential professional mountain bike and road teams, mountain bike parks and events. So you will need to watch this space!

“I still believe that I have a huge amount to offer and as mentioned will be focusing my efforts on development. ”

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Cyclingnews October 2014

10 We heard something about

developing a resort with mountain bike trails. Tell us a bit about that.

That is a project that I have been working on for the past two years and something that I am really excited about. The park is located in the heart of Little Falls and the potential to create something world class on a cross-country level is endless. It is also our intention to use the park to develop the Bike Rangers (Level 5 of the KIDZ ON BIKES programme) by hosting interschool events.

11 Do you feel you still have a lot

left to offer the sport?

Cycling has played a huge role in my life and I would love to give something back to the sport that has given me so much. I still believe that I have a huge amount to offer and as mentioned will be focusing my efforts on development.

20 QUESTIONS

12 Who were your cycling

mentors?

I had a number of mentors in my career including Robbie Hunter, Tony Harding, Nic White and Malcolm Lange. Tony gave me the opportunity to ride as a professional back in 1997 alongside Robbie Hunter. Tony was

the national team manager for many years and, as I represented South Africa 14 times, it gave me the opportunity to work with him. I feel that Tony was one of the best national team managers. Rob and I became great friends and spent most Decembers doing our base training together. I spent the majority of my road career racing alongside Nic and as a domestique for Malcolm, both of whom provided significant guidance and support. My sponsors have also played a big role and I’d just like to thank FedGroup – and in particular Scott Field – for their support towards the end of my career.

13 What’s your favourite cycling

memory?

Gee, there have been so many. I was not a rider who won many races but, when I did, I used to savour those victories. I won a tour in Hong Kong

when I was 21 with the likes of Nic White, Malcolm Lange and Jock Green all working for me and that was an excellent memory, especially the after party, which ended on New Years.

14 What would you say were your

top three achievements on the road?

Winning the Tour of South China Seas, the Amashova Classic twice and three stage wins at the Tour de Qinghai Lake.

15 And on the mountain bike?

Winning the Old Mutual joBerg2c twice, finishing second overall twice at sani2c and winning the last stage.

Also, the overall win at Ride the Rock and a stage win at Wines2Whales. It was great to stand on the podium at the Cape Epic for third overall in the African jersey. >

Cyclingnews October 2014

25

20 QUESTIONS

“I think my one regret was not to have given it a proper bash in Europe on the road but that’s life.”

16 You’ve always said that your integrity

and reputation were paramount in your professional career, while some of your peers have been caught with their hands in the proverbial cookie jar. Do you have any thoughts on how their actions might have influenced your career?

I believe that the increased policing by SAIDS helped to even the playing field, which in turn gave me the opportunity to achieve some great results on the mountain bike.

17 Daryl Impey’s positive was a huge shock

for everyone. These days, do you think this is the exception rather than the rule?

I was as shocked as everyone else. I have ridden with Daryl on many teams and he was the last person/rider that I would have ever expected to test positive. It seems completely out of character for him. I believe that the new generation is making every effort to try and clean up the image of the sport. Obviously the stakes in Europe are much higher and when riders are competing against the best in the world there will always be temptation. (Impey has since been cleared of any wrongdoing. – Ed) 18 Any regrets about competitive

goals that were left undone?

I think my one regret was not to have given it a proper bash in Europe on the road but that’s life.

19 Any thoughts on the future of SA road

and mountain bike racing?

I think the future is looking bright. There are some great opportunities for younger riders to race in Europe on teams like MTN-Qhubeka, which just goes to show that South Africans can achieve on the big stage. As far as mountain biking is concerned, I think the gap between South African riders and the Europeans is gradually decreasing. South Africa has some of the best events in the world and riders are spoiled for choice; there is no reason why we can’t have more riders like the late Burry Stander.

20

Will we see you on a start line as a vet in the near future?

Right now there is no chance but as we all know things change!

To find out more about KIDZ ON BIKES, e-mail Neil at neil@strategiccycling.co.za. •CN

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Cyclingnews October 2014

DATE: 8 November 2014 VENUE: Sugar Rush Adventure Centre DISTANCES: 50km, 25km ON-LINE ENTRIES: www.roag.co.za CLOSING DATE: 2 November 2014 TIME: 07h00 ENTRY FEES: 25km (R130), 50km (R180) TIMED BY: ROAG The Bestmed Ballito Expedition is presented by ASG Events on 8 November 2014 at the Sugar Rush Adventure Centre in Ballito.

The venue is situated in the hills on the western side of the N2 bypass and borders on vast sections of sugar cane plantations, forests and wide open planes.

The Event will start and finish at the Sugar Rush Club House. Located less than 10 min outside of Ballito and 20 min From Durban CBD .

The venue has more than enough parking, a stunning coffee shop and winery and wide open grass areas to enjoy a great day out with the family.

The route boasts amazing views and some tough, yet ride-able terrain, all adding up to a mountain biker’s dream. There will be a number of great waterpoints and spectator viewing points along the route.

As a whole this event is about great routes and something for the family. Entries and information on www.roag.co.za. The Expedition is a fully ROAG administered event.

R10 of every race entry goes towards the Cancer Association of South Africa

MEDALS TO ALL FINISHERS R10 000 IN PRIZE MONEY BIKE-WASH IN AID OF CANSA

For further information email eventsupport@asgworld.co.za or phone 076 621 1807

PRODUCT FEATURE

RUDY PROJECT BAG THE TRIATHLON MARKET When you’re talking multidiscipline sport, you need a bag that is adaptable enough to serve all your needs.

THE NEW Rudy Project Transition 46, which is on pre-order from ASG Sport this month, has multi-functionality down to a tee.

Synonymous with eye-catching sports spectacles, this international brand is no stranger to the world of storage solutions either.

They already have a range of backpacks and duffel bags on the market, but the Transition 46, manufactured in trendy Italy, marks their first foray into the sport of triathlon.

Equipped with all the features to make transition on race day a smooth affair, the 46-litre bag seems to have a perfectly designed nook and cranny for everything, from nutrition to gear.

On the outside, one of the standout attributes is the interchangeability of the bag and backpack straps, giving you the option to carry it the way that is most comfortable for you.

The cylindrical bag has handy zippered compartments on opposite ends of the main packing space, which house the top and tail of your triathlon outfit.

One is designed for a helmet to fit snugly and has an additional helmet strap.

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Cyclingnews October 2014

The other one is ventilated to allow shoes to breathe and, through clever use of space, enables you to pack two pairs.

Of course, for a brand like Rudy Project, a padded eyewear pocket can be taken for granted.

Broad 270-degree access to the main storage space makes a refreshing change from some traditional bags with straight zippers, which make it difficult to store clothes neatly when you’re in a rush.

Mesh pockets of different sizes on the sides are perfect for storing bits and bobs that you don’t need in a hurry. And one large mesh compartment is completely detachable.

The underside offers “wet” storage with ample space for two wetsuits, swimming fins, paddles and goggles.

Rudy Project have even including three handy apparel bags marked as “post-race”, “swimming” and “biking” as part of the standard product.

And, in keeping with their attention to detail, there’s a basic packing list for newbies and seasoned triathletes on the move.

Whether you’re a passionate mountain biker or die-hard triathlete, Rudy Project has your storage needs in the bag. •CN

No better place to ride your bike!

5 Days... 5 Stages... 430km.

DATES: 2-6 March 2015 PROVINCE: Western Cape ON-LINE ENTRIES: www.asgevents.co.za STAGE INFORMATION: Stage 1: Monday 2 March Franschhoek (Solms Delta) to Worcester, via Villiersdorp (92km) Stage 2: Tuesday 3 March Worcester to Op-die-Berg, via Ceres (73.8km) Stage 3: Wednesday 4 March ITT Op-die-Berg to Tulbagh, via Ceres (53km) Stage 4: Thursday 5 March Tulbagh to Riebeek-kasteel, via Piketberg (138km) Stage 5: Friday 6 March Riebeek-kasteel to Paarl, via Wellington (74km)

The route for the 2015 Bestmed Tour de Boland, presented by Pinarello from 2-6 March next year, has been unveiled. A total of 430km awaits riders over 5 stages with a total vertical ascent of 7 128 metres. The Tour caters for all CSA categories as well as open/seeded fun ride categories and presents four road stages and a 53km individual time trial.

Emulating the finest European cycling traditions, the 2015 Tour is again set for a scintillating grand finale with riders having to summit the Paarl Mountain to finish at the Taal Monument on the final day.

The Tour de Boland is at the forefront of rekindling the tradition of classic road tours in South Africa. The organisers’ aim with the event is to present a true challenge to road riders while showcasing as much as possible of the Boland region.

The roads in the Boland are absolutely stunning and the Tour will pass through some of its most historic and beautiful towns, including Franschhoek, Worcester, Ceres, Tulbagh, Riebeeck-kasteel and Paarl. The field will be limited to 500 riders.

For further enquiries phone the race office on 076 621 1807 or email eventsupport@asgworld.co.za

Presented by

NEW ADDITION: AMATEUR TEAM COMPETITION The 2015 Bestmed Tour de Boland will for the first time boast a team competition in die open bunches. Open/seeded riders can organise themselves in teams of 6 with daily times of the best three riders to count for the overall amateur team prizes.

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l F land staurant trophy, A nutritiona e de Bo Tour s Delta R d finisher’s ith High 5 stocked ll lm at So ial Bestme ody bag w r aids, We spitality, Spec rvice, Go other ride l local ho alled rfu rsh nd le se shutt lements a nd wonde s, Well ma e of the supp r points a e vehicle trol, Som frica wate tral servic t race con t South A Neu Excellen oads tha Prize , r roads st cycling r, R30 000 fine can offe oney m

ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES We've arranged accommodation packages in all of our start/finish towns, including Paarl prior to stage one, but excluding the final day which finishes in Paarl. All accomodation is rated 3-star and up and consists of bed and breakfasts and hotels in these beautiful towns.

Words: Coetzee Gouws • Picture: Annelene Coetzee

LEGENDS OF THE PEDAL

Hettema a legend

on two wheels and four Anne-Jan Hettema has had to negotiate many tricky turns since he was born 81 years ago.

A multiple Springbok and a champion on two wheels and four, the former Olympic cyclist rolled no fewer than 30 rally cars.

But he also enjoyed champagne with Princess Grace of Monaco and serenaded thousands.

When he was banned from competitive cycling in 1959, it seemed to be a fatal blow to his career in sport. But it only launched a new career.

Jan’s journey began in Friesland in the Netherlands when he was five years old.

War clouds were gathering over Europe and they left the country of his birth. “I arrived in South Africa with my mother one week before the second world war broke out,” he says.

His father had come to South Africa a year earlier to seek a better life for his family. Little did they know then what a good decision it was.

The family quickly settled and by 1950 Jan was serving an apprenticeship as a turner and machinist for the SA Railways.

“No fewer than eight of the apprentices were cyclists and they pulled me into it,” he recalls.

He outsprinted his colleagues almost from the start, mostly on the road, because Pretoria did not have a cycling track yet. To compete in track events, he had to travel to Johannesburg, where Tommy Shardelow and other leading cyclists were based.

An excellent sprinter, he won “a hell of a lot of mile and five-mile races” and broke the SA mile record by seven seconds.

“I eventually gave away over 400 trophies to various cycling clubs and so on.”

In 1955, he represented South Africa at the world championships in Rome and paid his own expenses to race in Amsterdam. It was there, in the country of his birth, that his singing talent was first noticed.

“I went to a cycling meeting in the centre of town. The guest artist didn’t

arrive and the cyclists said to the organiser: ‘Jan Hettema is always singing; so why don’t you ask him?’

“I sang the hit of the day, got some flowers and an ovation. There were thousands of people.”

His daughter Helena inherited the talent and became a popular and successful singer.

“Every now and then she affords me the privilege to sing a few songs with her.

We’re on two CDs together. On the one I sing Gigolo and on the other Unforgettable and Buona Sera.”

But back to the track. In 1956, Jan was selected to represent South Africa at the Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia.

Along with Bobby Fowler, Jimmy Swift and Abe Jonker, he lined up for the 4 000m team pursuit. Ray Robinson and Tommy Shardelow were on the tandem.

“Obviously the Olympic Games was one of my most memorable moments. We broke the Olympic record but still came fourth and narrowly missed a medal.

“We actually beat the gold medallists, Italy, the week before at an invitational event. Maybe we peaked too early.

“We lost to France only because Jimmy rode off the track. We were held back and didn’t go through to the finals.”

That same year he also set an unofficial world record of one minute and nine seconds in a 1 000m time-trial in Krugersdorp.

“Unfortunately, the officials didn’t mark the track with sandbags but it was recognised as a South African record and it stood for something like twenty years.”

Two years later, Jan competed at the Empire Games in Cardiff, where he finished seventh in the same event. “I was quite erratic,” admits Jan. “I’d go brilliantly and then down again; just one of those biorhythmic things, I guess.” >

“We actually beat the gold medallists, Italy, the week

before at an invitational event. Maybe we peaked too early.”

Cyclingnews October 2014

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LEGENDS OF THE PEDAL

DECLARED A ‘PROFESSIONAL’ Then, in a strange twist of fate, his almost decade-long cycling career came to a sudden and ignominious end when he was declared a “professional” for accepting prize money.

“In those days, professionals and amateurs were split. The amateur code was very strict – there were no professionals in the Olympic Games.

“I won two races at Grand Central near Johannesburg – it was an airport but it had a track – and won ten pounds.

“I didn’t know anything about the implications and the next thing the cycling federation declared me professional and banned me from competing.”

The administrators were willing to overlook it when they had to select the team pursuit riders for the 1960 Olympics. “They asked me to ride again but I decided against it.”

By that time, he had already begun revving up his motorsport career. “I did motorsport for over 40 years and had some tremendous highlights,” he recalls.

He became a five-time SA rally champion and won more than 100 rallies, including 37 national championship races. He was also the first winner of the Roof of Africa Rally in 1967.

“I did half a dozen Monte Carlo rallies.

I went to France six years in a row for two months at a time to practise. That was very, very nice.”

PRIVATE AUDIENCE WITH PRINCESS GRACE It was there that Jan had the pleasure of a private audience with Princess Grace; one of the “absolute highlights” of his life. “Total had got a little fossilised fish from the Smithsonian Institute; apparently it was 17 million years old or something.

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Cyclingnews October 2014

“The Grimaldis have a museum and I was chosen by Total to go and hand it over just after the ’64 rally.”

After the official handover, champagne and photographs, Jan found himself alone with the princess. “Somehow I got her all by herself. She was sitting at a grand piano and I sat talking to her.”

She had a cold and a red nose, but the former movie star was incredibly beautiful, he says. “She was so nice to me, as if I were her equal. That was tremendous; I must have spoken to her for half an hour.”

They talked about her brother John Kelly, who had been an American sculler at the 1956 Olympics. The princess also asked him to bring her a lion cub for the principality’s zoo.

Rally driving is a tough career but after cycling every day for the preceding ten years, Jan was well prepared for the physical demands.

“For the Monte Carlo rally, for example, I started in Oslo and drove four days and four nights continuously.

And only then do you get to the real nitty gritty of the event.”

By then he had abandoned the bicycle and taken up squash to sharpen his reflexes and keep fit. But neither cycling nor squash prepared him for the thrills and spills of rally driving.

“We used to say if you didn’t spin once in a rally you weren’t going fast enough.

Inevitably, we sometimes just rolled. I once fell 264 feet (almost 25 storeys) down the side of a mountain. But that wasn’t my worst roll.

“The worst one came early one morning on a rally through KwaZulu-Natal after some curious local children had rolled stones into the road.

I hit one of the stones and went arse over kettle seven times.”

True to form, Jan walked away unscathed. “I wasn’t ever really hurt because you’re always strapped in.”

But it all added up and the cushions between his vertebrae eventually collapsed, necessitating a neck fusion.

The spry 80-year-old, who celebrates his birthday on October 27, says he finally ended his involvement with the sport in 2002. “I also organised the Total Economy Run 27 times. My last event was driving from Zimbabwe to Cape Town on one tank of fuel.”

Around the same time, he gave up his sideline career as an egg farmer. “I always thought I’d need to have a back-up, so I started doing that in 1977. I enjoyed farming tremendously.”

Today the grandfather of one resides on a smallholding in the village of Tweedracht outside Pretoria with his wife Elsa. Helena is based in the Jacaranda City and his son Sean lives in Johannesburg.

“I’ve been most fortunate. I saw the whole world. Getting banned from cycling was an advantage in the end,” says. •CN

RACE REVIEW

Words: Coetzee Gouws • Picture: Mario van de Wall

CLASSIC CAMPUS2CAMPUS WIN

Herman’s hat-trick Sprinter Herman Fouché hurtled into a heavy crosswind to complete a hat-trick of victories in the Bestmed Campus2Campus SuperClassic in Potchefstroom last month.

THE Bonitas fast man tore into the finishing stretch at the North-West University rag farm to win the tenth Campus2Campus in 2 hours 40 minutes 54 seconds.

African road champion Tesfom Okbamariam turned in a tenacious performance and clung to Fouché’s wheel to seize second place in the same time for the MTN-Qhubeka feeder team.

Westvaal-BMC’s Tyler Day chased hard to the line to clock in third in 2:40:55.

Fouché was delighted with his third successive victory in the 107km race, but said it had been a team effort. “As Team Bonitas, we did a great job in defending the title.”

It was even more satisfying in light of the new route, which moved from the Vaal Triangle campus, and the challenging conditions on the day. “It was quite a hard race, with some tough climbs. The route change definitely played a big role.

The wind was also a major factor.”

The 27-year-old had a simple game plan: “Just survive!” he explained, laughing. “As a sprinter, you have to survive, stay in front and not miss the crucial moves.”

With the blustery conditions putting a damper on early efforts, the first real move of the day came after 50km when

Peter Lee Jefferies of Inter-Active Technologies went off the front in a brave solo breakaway.

He was joined at the 70km mark by Calvin Beneke of EuropcarSA but the two were chased down in the last 30km.

Because of the cross-tailwind, Fouché said, no serious attempts had gone up the road until after the turnaround point on the out-and-back course. “Everything went crazy after the turn. The race was just out of control because the winds were pumping.”

He said the MTN-Qhubeka feeder team had started it by sending a train up a long drag. “They put us in the gutter, but my teammate HB Kruger and I survived. HB looked after me till the very last kilometre.”

Fouché described the last 30km as “brutal”.

“They definitely had the advantage on the day because the race takes place on their training routes and they know the roads.”

After making the finishing drag his own in recent years, Fouché was impressed with how well

Bonitas sprinter Herman Fouché (second from right) celebrates his third successive victory at the Bestmed Campus2Campus SuperClassic in Potchefstroom. Tesfom Okbamariam (left), of the MTN-Qhubeka feeder team, was second, followed by Tyler Day of Westvaal-BMC in third.

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Cyclingnews October 2014

Eritrean cyclist Okbamariam kept pace with him on the new rise into the home straight.

“I was shocked to see how fast that little rider was. I started kicking and he stayed with me the whole way; they don’t normally stay with me on an uphill finish.”

Fouché was pleased to see his own form coming on again ahead of October’s Amashova Durban Classic, the team’s next big objective. “Today’s win will definitely help me mentally and also boost team morale.”

In the women’s race, Garmin’s Yolandi du Toit took an emphatic win in 3:01:15, followed by national veteran road champion Juanita Venter and Carla van der Merwe, both of Bestmed-ASG, in 3:03:08 and 3:07:52 respectively. •CN

RESULTS MEN 1 Herman Fouché (Bonitas) 2 Tesfom Okbamariam (MTN-Qhubeka) 3 Tyler Day (Westvaal-BMC) 4 Calvin Beneke (EuropcarSA) 5 Costa Seibeb (MTN-Qhubeka)

2:40:54 2:40:54 2:40:55 2:40:59 2:41:06

WOMEN 1 Yolandi du Toit (Garmin) 2 Juanita Venter (Bestmed-ASG) 3 Carla van der Merwe (Bestmed-ASG) 4 Chané Jonker (Bestmed-ASG) 5 Charlene Roux (Bestmed-ASG)

3:01:15 3:03:08 3:07:52 3:14:44 3:29:15

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35

BIKE SHOP FEATURE

Words: Coetzee Gouws

You’ll even find a fat one at

MANNIE’S BIKE MECCA

Mannie Heymans has never been one to beat around the bush. He’d rather go straight through it.

“WHAT do you do when you’re a retired pro athlete? I couldn’t become a dentist, could I?” he explains the route he has taken.

When he retired from professional racing two years ago, Heymans opened Mannie’s Bike Mecca in Windhoek and got right down to business. The result was the natural progression of a lifelong passion for cycling, and the next step in his colourful career.

Heymans began cycling when he was a boy in Krugersdorp, from where Robbie Hunter also hails. “I was always on the bike, from the age of four or five,” he says. “There was a BMX track in town and I spent hours there.”

He was a talented rugby player at school and when the family moved to Namibia in 1984, he kept playing. But one day he had a disagreement with the coach and, with typical derring-do, decided to enter a local cycle race instead.

That first taste of a podium position was enough to encourage the youngster to enter a slew of races and. “I soon became a little bit unbeatable on the local scene,” he says.

In 1998 he switched from road cycling to mountain biking to qualify for the Olympic Games. The next year he won the continental cross-country title at the All Africa Games in Johannesburg.

For Heymans, 2004 was a special year.

He won the Transalp and Cape Epic and competed in the UCI mountain-bike world championships and the Olympics Games. Giving further credence to his nickname, Mr African, he became the first from the continent to be selected as a mountain-bike commissioner for the UCI. >

“The fat bike is a completely new direction we’re going in. For a long time I was the only retailer here stocking them”

Cyclingnews October 2014

37

BIKE SHOP FEATURE

But a career that provided such highs also produced its share of lows. After a series of bad crashes he was diagnosed with osteoporosis. It eventually forced him to retire from professional racing.

“It got to me for a while, but there’s nothing one can do to cure it. You can just receive treatment. These days I don’t even think about it anymore.”

Indomitable as ever, Heymans raised some eyebrows last year when he rode the Cape Epic on his favourite new toy: a “fat bike”. The name refers to the larger-than-normal tyres – typically 3.7 inches with rims wider than 44mm.

“I was doing a race in Canada in 2012 and saw a fat bike. I was just taken with it so I had to buy one.”

He enthuses about how well it works, especially in the Namibian outback where there are dry riverbeds and sand dunes aplenty.

“Originally the tyres were developed

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Cyclingnews October 2014

for riding on snow. To me snow and sand are pretty much the same thing when you’re riding.”

Fat bikes are now a featured product at Mannie’s Bike Mecca, which boasts some of the most exciting local and international brands as well as the full range of services.

Although he stocks both road and mountain bikes, he says the latter are definitely more popular. “I sell 20 mountain bikes for every road bike.

“The fat bike is a completely new direction we’re going in. For a long time I was the only retailer here stocking them.”

Heymans says the shop has one of the best-equipped bike workshops in Africa, which spawned their motto “Impossible is nothing”. “There’s not a thing I can’t fix,” he promises.

Apart from being a hands-on retailer, Heymans promotes the sport via

mentorship and sponsorship. “We help quite a few athletes, but our main rider is Tristan de Lange,” he says of the rider who won bronze in the junior section at the national cross-country champs in Port Elizabeth.

Up-and-coming cyclists, including Namibia’s Costa Seibeb who rides for the World Cycling Centre Africa team, agree that Heymans provides their inspiration. And as they dream of success, he continues to dream big.

He has exciting plans for the shop.

“There’s a 4 000-square metre property across the road where I want to build a bike track and a coffee shop and so on. I want Mannie’s Bike Mecca to become a one-stop shop.”

Business hours are from 07.30 to 17.30 on weekdays and from 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays.

Find the shop on Facebook or give Mannie a call on +26 481 124 0320. •CN

AN ENTIRE WEEKEND OF CYCLING ACTIVITY ROAD EVENT DATE: 18 October 2014 START AND FINISH: Saloon Route 66 ON-LINE ENTRIES: www.cycleevents.co.za CLOSING DATE: 7 October 2014 DISTANCES: 106km and 80km ENTRY FEES: 106km (R270), 80km (R250) Both road distances are premier seeding events for the 2015 Cape Argus Pick n Pay Momentum Cycle Tour

MTB EVENT DATE: 19 October 2014 START AND FINISH: Saloon Route 66 ON-LINE ENTRIES: www.cycleevents.co.za CLOSING DATE: 12 October 2014 DISTANCES: 40km and 20km ENTRY FEES: 40km (R170), 20km (R130)

R10 of every race entry goes towards the Cancer Association of South Africa

For any further enquiries please contact ASG Events on 076 621 1807 or email eventsupport@asgworld.co.za

RACE REVIEW

Words: Cowtzee Gouws • Picture: Alex Cooper

Hungry Tennent peaks for PE classic win James Tennent believes it was his hunger for racing that set him apart in the Makro Bestmed Cycle Tour in Port Elizabeth.

AFTER what felt like a long winter hibernation, Tennent was champing at the bit to break the racing fast in what is traditionally one of the first spring classics.

And break it he did, devouring both king of the mountains titles en route to the overall win.

“The only sections of the 90km course that really favoured me were the climbs,” Tennent said later. “I made my winning move on the final kilometre of the Seaview climb before the second KOM. From there, I literally had to time-trial the few remaining kilometres to the finish.”

The 25-year-old climber was forced to attack veteran sprinter Francois Geldenhuys on that last ascent, where he managed to gain a small gap.

“With Francois in great form (having just returned from the veterans’ world championships), I knew I wouldn’t be able to beat him in a one-on-one sprint.”

Tennent, who rides for Team Giant-CVT, said he just put his head down and hammered at the pedals to hold the Bestmed-Shukuma Madibaz rider at bay and take his first win in the event by 20 seconds. His teammate Evan Carstens was third.

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Cyclingnews October 2014

Tennent said any one of his four squad members – Carstens, Clinton Barrow, Chris Cronje or David Garrett – could have won on the day. “They all raced aggressively and anyone could have been in the decisive move that stayed away.

Evan, Clinton and myself were just in the right place at the right time.”

After the first successful move, which came about an hour into the race, Tennent attacked his breakaway companions to solo over the top of the first major climb at Maitlands.

His attack, and the wind coming off the sea, effectively splintered the leaders, leaving him, Geldenhuys, Carstens and Conrad Viljoen to race for the victory.

“I was very happy with the win, although I didn’t feel it was secure until about 100 metres to go.”

The Western Province road race champion said his victory built nicely on some good early-season form. “I’ve always enjoyed training over December and January when the weather is good.

It’s the perfect time to rise early and put quality hours in the saddle, building the form nicely for the big races in February and March.”

Tennent, a Capetonian, impressed at the Bestmed Tour de Boland in March

when he flew up Franschhoek Pass behind Darren Lill to podium in the final hilltop stage.

At the end of May, he won stage two of the Tour of Mauritius and briefly held the yellow and polka dot jerseys before finishing second overall.

Scottish-born Tennent is clearly at home as a tour rider, having won the queen stage in the Tour of Rwanda for former team MTN-Qhubeka back in 2011. However, the dearth of stage-racing opportunities locally has seen him turn his attentions to the classics circuit.

“We’ll now be kept busy with the smaller races at home in Cape Town.

I really want to excel in the remaining one-day classics such as the Amashova Durban Classic, 94.7 Momentum Cycle Challenge and Die Burger PPA Cycle Tour at home,” he said. •CN