“We broke up because I cycle too much.” “You love your bike more than me.” Sound familiar? The conversation on Lesley-Anne’s latest ride revolved around the relationships we endure as cyclists. - By Lesley-Anne Mallon

Photo: Chris Hitchcock

We have all been on long training rides and experienced all sorts of topics that crop up but the one topic that seems to be a constant is relationships. To make it simple, it boils down to three scenarios; couples that ride, couples where only one cycles and the singletons. I have heard the good, the bad and the ugly. So I thought why not blog about it and see what everyone else thinks?

Couples: Almost everyone says you gotta have a good relationship to get through this one. Patience and understanding seem to be the big issues. Besides waking up on the wrong side of the bed and taking it out on your other half on a ride, there is always the issue of someone being stronger. It can ruin the ride, and the relationship if one is always having to wait for the other. My advice? You don’t always have to be glued to the hip and can train separately – shock, horror, gasp! One thing is for sure that if you get this right, everyone says there is nothing better than sharing the thing you love with the one you love (everyone together – awwwwww).

Cyclist/Non-Cyclist Couple: It’s not easy being in a relationship with a cyclist at the best of times, and if your partner doesn’t ride, it opens a whole world of pain. What with constant early mornings, buggering off for hours on weekends, endless cycling purchases and let’s not get started with all the bike talk that has to be endured. I certainly take my hat off to those non-cyclist partners. Yes, there seems to be lots of moaning; everything from “you cycle too much and don’t spend time with me” to “you love your bike more than me”. Getting it right is not easy but spending some quality time doing non-cycling related stuff, seems to work wonders. There are those that are lucky enough (and yes I know of quite a few) that are offered endless support. From getting up early to drive to an event, to cheering on the sidelines and making sure there is a huge hug and beer at the end of an event is nothing short of awesomeness. I am in awe of other halves that offer this type of support and if you have that in your life you are one hell of a lucky athlete!

The Singletons: This is the hottest topic. Cycling is a selfish sport. We put our training before everything else. Give up cycling for a date? – Hell no! A date involving a ride is the best of both worlds; although you are not going to look sexy at all sweating in your spandex! I don’t know how many times I have heard “we broke up because I cycle too much” It’s hard to explain to someone who doesn’t cycle just how much time it takes up and dragging your bike with you away on romantic weekends, to get a quick session in, doesn’t go down that well – I know! The one good thing about being single in the cycling community is that you meet other cyclists that understand, you are married to your bike!

Do you have any tips or funny stories to share? Let me know.

Cheers and happy cycling!
Lesley

Having just missed out on a sub 3h30 at this year’s Argus, Lesley can be found taking out her revenge on the trails in Tokai or around the Cape Peninsula putting the guys through their paces. When she’s not on her bike, she can be found drinking coffee, bubbles or a good red. Follow Lesley on Twitter @girlonabike_sa

We’re in denial. Our early-morning training sessions and late-afternoon soul rides after work are starting to be conducted in the dark and the cold. A good set of lights will take care of the ‘dark’ part; here’s some warm gear that’ll keep the winter chill at bay. - By Neil Gardiner

Craft Active Convert convertible jacket

If you’re a minimalist, you’ll be shopping for just one do-it-all jacket – for the cold, the rain, and to keep the wind off a sweaty shirt on a descent after a long climb. This garment from Craft has a removable arm system that converts a wind-proof jacket that’ll resist a light shower into a spring/autumn sleeveless gilet. Essential equipment.
R925 | www.thebicyclecompany.co.za

Twelve riders represented South Africa with solid representation in the under-23 men category, which had seven competitors. Saturday’s riders were faced with sunny conditions, which turned overnight and presented Sunday’s elite classes with wet conditions.

Mariske Strauss and Rourke Croeser, both in the u23 categories, achieved impressive results for South Africa in their respective events. Strauss completed her race in 8^th place, 4 minutes and 14 seconds off the pace, while Croeser finished in 12^th place, 2 minutes and 8 seconds behind the leader. Also in the u23 class, James Reid, Brendon Davids and Luke Roberts finished in 23^rd, 34^th and 60^th places respectively, with Reid finishing almost four minutes off the pace. Markus Schulte-Luenzum (GER) won the men’s u23 race in 1 hour 21 minutes 16 seconds.

Strauss was more than pleased with her result in the first UCI XCO event of the season.

Strauss fought back with everything she had and managed to climb from 11^th place and finish inside of the top ten. She was very appreciative of the support she received trackside from Croeser’s Orange Monkey team. “They sorted me out in the feedzone and were prepared in case I had encountered any mechanical issues,” continued Strauss.

“With that type of support I was able to focus on the race ahead, like missioning my bike up those steep climbs and doing some low-flying on the downhill sections. And what would a mountain bike race be without a tumble,” she laughs, as she recalls crashing hard on lap two. Fortunately, Strauss was unhurt and continues to wear her unwavering smile. Australian Rebecca Henderson won the women’s u23 race in 01:05:56.

Fellow Australian Daniel McConnell claimed victory in the elite men’s race in 01:42:36. South African Philip Buys finished 11 minutes off the pace in 57^th place.

Raphael Gay (FRA) took the title in the hotly contested junior men’s race which saw him record the same winning time as second-placed local German rider Philipp Bertsch, with third place going to another Frenchman Neilo Perrin-Ganier just 1 second behind. South Africa Louw Kriel managed to stay in the race without being lapped and finished in 95^th place, nearly 13-minutes behind Gay.

Strauss and the rest of SA’s riders now prepare for round two, which takes place in Nove Mesto na Morave, Czech Republic this weekend 25-26 May.

Summary of Results – Cross-country 1 – Albstadt, Germany

Men Elite
1. Daniel McConnell (AUS) 01:42:36
2. Sergio Mantecon Gutierrez (ESP) 01:42:38 +0:02
3. Jaroslav Kulhavy (CZE) 01:42:49 +0:13
57. Philip Buys (RSA) 01:53:39 +11:03
90. Renay Groustra (RSA) – 4laps

Men U23
1. Markus Schulte-Luenzum (GER) 01:21:16
2. Jens Schuermans (BEL) 01:21:33 +0:17
3. Michiel van der Heijden (NED) 01:21:49 +0:33
12. Rourke Croeser (RSA) 01:23:24 +2:08
23. James Reid (RSA) 01:25:14 +3:58
34. Brendon Davids (RSA) 01:27:41 +6:25
60. Luke Roberts (RSA) 01:31:12 +9:56
75. Travis Walker (RSA) -1lap
90. Arno du Toit (RSA) -2laps
101. Paul Rodenbach (RSA) -3laps

Men Junior
1. Raphael Gay (FRA) 01:11:02
2. Philipp Bertsch (GER) 01:11:02 +0:00
3. Neilo Perrin-Ganier (FRA) 01:11:03 +0:01
95. Louw Kriel (RSA) 01:23:51 +12:49

Women U23
1. Rebecca Henderson (AUS) 01:05:56
2. Jenny Rissveds (SWE) 01:06:44 +0:48
3. Yana Belomoyna (UKR) 01:06:58 +1:02
8. Mariske Strauss (RSA) 01:10:10 +4:14
Candice Neethling (RSA) DNF

On-the-bike footage of the infamous bridge just before the finish at Scottburgh at the 2013 sani2C. What did you think? Are you game for it to go all the way out to sea next year?

Race entries closing this week (20- 26 May 2013)

[UPDATED] The Kremetart, Big Induna, Magalies Monster and the 100Miler are just some of the races closing for entry this week. A number of races are not taking late entries, so don’t miss out, enter today!

(Mpumalanga)

Uplands VALENCIA Festival of Mountain Biking, 24 – 26 May
Pre-entries close 22 May (late entries available on Saturday and/or Sunday)
Enter here http://www.entrytime.com/index.asp?GoTo=EventInfo&EventID=3823

SA Champs First Ascent Big Induna Mountain Bike Race, 1 June
Pre-entries close 28 May
Enter here http://www.eventry.co.za

(Gauteng)

Vori-Berg MTB Series #3, 1 June
Pre-entries close 30 May (late entries available on race morning; additional late entry fee of R30 per entry applies)
Enter here https://www.eventry.co.za/

The Bell of Hope Cycle Challenge for Mental Wellness, 26 May
Pre-entries close 21 May
Enter here http://cycleevents.co.za/the-bell-of-hope-cycle-challenge-for-mental-wellness/

Powerade 2013 Autumn Cycle Challenge, 26 May
Pre-entries close 24 May
Enter here http://cycleevents.co.za/powerade-2013-autumn-cycle-challenge/

Springbok Plant Hire Winter Challenge, 2 June
Pre-entries close 31 May
Enter here http://cycleevents.co.za/springbok-plant-hire-winter-challenge-2013/

(North West)

2013 ProNutro Magalies Monster Mountain Bike Classic, 25 May
Pre-entries have been extended to 21 May (NO late entries!)
Enter here http://www.magaliesmonster.co.za

Groot Marico Safari Karnaval MTB Challenge, 1 June
Pre-entries close 31 May
Enter here http://www.entrytime.com/index.asp?GoTo=EventInfo&EventID=3825

(Free State)

Rhino River Run Mountain Biking Series- Event #3, 25 May
Pre-entries close 24 May (late entries available on race day, additional late entry fee of R30 per entry applies)
Enter here http://www.rhinoriverrun.co.za/

Parys Island Dirtmax MTB Race 2013 (Event #5), 1 June
Pre-entries close 29 May
Enter here http://cycleevents.co.za/parys-island-dirtmax-mtb-race-2013-event-5/

(Western Cape)

Hex Valley Autumn Splendour MTB, 25 May
Pre-entries close 22 May (late entries available on race day; additional late entry fee applies)
Enter here http://www.pedalpower.org.za/event/hex-valley-autumn-splendour-mtb-2/

Amarider 100 Miler & 50 Miler, 25 May
Pre-entries have been extended to 20 May (no late entries!)
Enter here http://www.amarider.co.za/100Miler/siteContent.php?cid=52 or http://www.entrytime.com/index.asp?GoTo=EventInfo&EventID=3815

Western Cape MTB XCO Championships, 1 June
Pre-entries close 30 May (late entries available)
Enter here http://www.roag.co.za/enter-an-event/mtb/wc-mtb-xco-champs.aspx

RE:CM 200 Knynsa, 7 JuneEntries close Friday 24 May at 12h00 (no late entries)
Enter here http://www.gardenrouteevents.co.za/index.php?option=com_chronoforms&Itemid=229

(KwaZulu-Natal)

Compendium MTB Derby, 26 May
Pre-entries close 22 May (NO late entries!)
Enter here http://www.roag.co.za/enter-an-event/mtb/compendium-derby.aspx

Sappi Howick MTB Classic, 2 June
Pre-entries close 31 May (late entries available)
Enter here http://www.roag.co.za/enter-an-event/mtb/howick-mtb-classic.aspx

(Limpopo)

PPC Cement Kremetart, 8 June
Pre-entries close 24 May
Enter here http://www.kremetartcycling.co.za/

PPC Cement Kremetart MTB XCO, 9 June
Pre-entries close 24 May
Enter here http://www.kremetartcycling.co.za/

(Eastern Cape)

Loerie MTB Challenge, 2 June
Pre-entries close 30 May (late entries available on race morning; additional late entry fee of R30 per entry applies)
Enter here http://www.roag.co.za/enter-an-event/mtb/loerie-mtb-challenge.aspx

Max Knox and Nico Bell held onto their overnight lead to claim overall victory in the three-day Nedbank sani2c that finished on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast on Saturday.

Riding in the colours of EAI-Westvaal, the pair finished fourth on the 80km final stage from Highflats to Scottburgh to claim the victors’ laurels in an aggregate time of 9:44:50.

It was Knox’s second win in the world’s largest fully serviced stage race, which is presented by Nedbank Private Wealth.

Defending champion Kevin Evans won the final stage alongside FedGroup-Itec team-mate Gawie Combrinck in 2:45:16.

They were followed home by RE:CM’s Waylon Woolcock and Lourens Luus in 2:47:59, with Brandon Stewart and Neil MacDonald rounding out the podium for FedGroup-Itec a further second back.

In the overall standings, Stewart and MacDonald claimed the runners-up spot in 9:46:19, with Contego-Giant’s Louis-Bresler Knipe and Gert Heyns third in 9:49:02.

Bell, who currently leads the MTN marathon series ahead of Knox, said he and his sometime adversary were currently both on good form and riding well together.

“We weren’t really going for the stage win today, we just wanted to take the win overall. But we wanted to make it hard from the start, so we rode away slightly in the beginning.”

The Mpumalanga-based riders kept a steady pace but by the first waterpoint, 23km in, all the main contenders were back together.

“And then FedGroup-Itec put in a lot of work because they wanted to set it up for their second team (Evans and Combrinck),” said Bell.

“We just had to make sure that Brandon and Neil didn’t ride away so we just sat on their wheel all day. We were happy for the other guys to go up the road because they were still 12 or so minutes behind us.”

The top teams worked together through Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve and past the second waterpoint at 58km.

Then, with 20km to go, Evans and Combrinck made their break along the railway track.

“I said this morning I would really like to win this stage,” said Evans. “The guys were all super competitive but we managed to get away.” The win has special significance for the five-time champion, who has endured a long road to full recovery following abdominal surgery earlier this year. “I’m super chuffed, it’s been a long time coming for me.”

In the women’s race, Ischen Stopforth added a second title to her name, this time alongside Olympic road rider Robyn de Groot. The Biogen team clocked 3:14:58 for the stage victory en route to a convincing category win in a combined time of 11:32:52.

Britain’s Catherine Williamson, who won with Stopforth last year, took second on the stage with bizhub team-mate Yolandi du Toit in 3:25:40. FedGroup-Itec’s Bridgette Stewart and Jackie Moore completed the day’s podium in 3:33:17.

These teams occupy the same positions in the general classification with overall times of 11:54:16 and 12:51:48 respectively.

De Groot, riding in her first sani2c, said she had thoroughly enjoyed the different discipline. “I love mountain biking. I loved the trails and single track. “Obviously I have some room for improvement but it’s great to learn from someone with Ischen’s experience.”

She said the 360Life floating bridge over Scottburgh lagoon and into the sea had proved challenging. “It was a little bit more unstable than I expected. There were some wobbly moments, especially in the corners!”

Erik and Ariane Kleinhans of RE:CM stamped their authority on the race by taking a third consecutive overall victory in the mixed category in 11:00:43. They finished more than 27 minutes clear of stage three winners Kendall Ryan and Patrick Belton of Jeep-Felt, who claimed second on the standings in 11:28:28. Ryan and Belton took the stage into Scottburgh in 3:06:04, just 26 seconds ahead of the Kleinhans couple, with Educos’s Taygan Robson and Samantha Saunders two minutes back in 3:08:10. The final step of the overall podium however belonged to RMB Change a Life Academy’s John Ntuli and Jeannie Dreyer in 11:38:09.

RESULTS

Stage 3

Men: 1. Kevin Evans & Gawie Combrinck (FedGroup-Itec 2) 2:45:16; 2. Waylon Woolcock & Lourens Luus (RE:CM) 2:47:59; 3. Brandon Stewart & Neil MacDonald (FedGroup-Itec) 2:48:00; 4. Max Knox & Nico Bell (EIA-Westvaal) 2:48:01; 5. Louis-Bresler Knipe & Gert Heyns (Contego-Giant) 2:48:28

Women: 1. Ischen Stopforth & Robyn de Groot (Biogen Ladies) 3:14:58; 2. Catherine Williamson & Yolandi du Toit (bizhub) 3:25:40; 3. Bridgette Stewart & Jackie Moore (FedGroup-Itec) 3:33:17; 4. Melanie Palframan & Eszter Erdelyi (FoxVelolife) 4:06:15; 5. Christi Pienaar & Nadine Kloppers (Angry Birds) 4:11:11

Mixed: 1. Patrick Belton & Kendall Ryan (Jeep-Felt) 3:06:04; 2. Ariane Kleinhans & Erik Kleinhans (RE:CM) 3:06:30; 3. Taygan Robson & Samantha Sanders (Educos) 3:08:10; 4. John Ntuli & Jeannie Dreyer (RMB Change a Life) 3:14:44; 5. Nedene Cahill & Ivor Jones (Pure Adventurewear) 3:19:11

Overall

Men: 1. Max Knox & Nico Bell (EIA-Westvaal) 9:44:50; 2. Brandon Stewart & Neil MacDonald (FedGroup-Itec) 9:46:19; 3. Louis-Bresler Knipe & Gert Heyns (Contego-Giant) 9:49:02; 4. Waylon Woolcock & Lourens Luus (RE:CM) 9:50:48; 5. Kevin Evans & Gawie Combrinck (FedGroup-Itec 2) 9:51:43

Women: 1. Ischen Stopforth & Robyn de Groot (Biogen Ladies) 11:32:52; 2. Catherine Williamson & Yolandi du Toit (bizhub) 11:54:16; 3. Bridgette Stewart & Jackie Moore (FedGroup-Itec) 12:51:48; 4. Melanie Palframan & Eszter Erdelyi (FoxVelolife) 14:06:56; 5. Christi Pienaar & Nadine Kloppers (Angry Birds) 14:10:45

Mixed: 1. Ariane Kleinhans & Erik Kleinhans (RE:CM) 11:00:43; 2. Patrick Belton & Kendall Ryan (Jeep-Felt) 11:28:28; 3. John Ntuli & Jeannie Dreyer (RMB Change a Life) 11:38:09; 4. Taygan Robson & Samantha Sanders (Educos) 11:49:02; 5. Nedene Cahill & Ivor Jones (Pure Adventurewear) 11:54:34

With early morning rain en route, Oli and the rest of the Sani2c riders slipped and slid their way down into the Umkomaas Valley… – By Oli Munnik

Sh*tshow. That’s a blunt but pretty accurate description of the conditions that greeted the front riders as they navigated their way down the legendary descent on Stage 2 of the 2013 Nedbank Sani2c.

Importantly, when I say sh*tshow it certainly isn’t a negative but rather an adjective saying conditions out there were anything but straightforward. The winning time, 28mins slower than last year, says it all!

Caution was the order of the day. Regardless of whether you were cornering, climbing, descending or even traversing on a flattish contour single track, you had to be on your guard. The mud monster lay in wait, wanting nothing more than to see you careering off in any direction except the correct one!

During those 20 odd kilometres we were skidding and sliding like there was no tomorrow. Admittedly most of the time was spent out of control. This certainly doesn’t mean it wasn’t awesome! We (perhaps I speak only for myself) had a jol.

Once in the valley conditions improved but were certainly never easy. Anyone who has ridden in wet, muddy conditions knows it feels like you’re going backwards as if sticky toffee is pulling on your wheels. Drive-trains also take a beating courtesy of the mud-monster, clogging up the moving bits, chiefly wheels, chains, bearings and of course derailleurs. Clogged bikes meant riders washing the mud off their bikes littered the course. Desperate times called for desperate measures.

Derrin and my day was unfortunately interrupted with 2 flats, one each for good measure. We were able to plug and bomb in both cases, but with wet muddy conditions, repairing your wheel is double the lus and takes double the time! Fun factor = zero.

We certainly weren’t alone in the admin department… Lank teams took strain out there. Derrin had good legs which meant Team Oakhaven Capital were able to make up some lost time finishing in 24th on the stage, putting us in 16th overall.

The Stage win was earned in the usual fashion… with brute strength! The EAI/Westvaal duo of Max Knox and Nico Bell were able to ride away from the front bunch, pinning it to Jollivet in
4h09min. A solid effort in testing conditions.

As for the hundreds of other teams, a few of them are still out there, pedalling in squares I imagine. Hang on, I’m being too kind. at this point in the day they will definitely be walking!

Ok. Time to punish a burger. Tomorrow we hook it to the ocean… can’t wait to see what Farmer Glen has in store for us on the beach… I thought floating bridges on dams were harrowing, rumour has it tomorrow’s bridge takes us into the Scottburgh breakers. I better have a comvo with Jesus… Heard a rumour he can walk on water.

Mean. Here is to staying dry tomorrow.

Ciao ciao
Oli

It may be Oli’s 5th Nedbank Sani2c but he is as amped as ever after Stage 1. He gives us a low down of the vibe.

There is nothing quite like devouring a slice or six of the Sani2c’s famous banana bread at the Mackenzie Country Club overnight stop. Especially after earning the pleasure by doing a quick 81km jaunt through the magnificent KZN country side and farmland. Pinning my mountain bike through areas like this never gets tiring.

Today’s first Stage of the 2013 Sani2c ‘Race’ saw roughly 1300 Lycra bandits depart the Underberg in waves of excitement. A phenomenal resulted in a huge field to ride the 3 day event, which forced Farmer Glen and his team to distribute riders over an incredible 14 batches- A to N.

Perfect weather and route conditions meant riders devoured the renowned single tracks, making mincemeat of the 81kms which included the infamous PG Bison floating bridge! I am not a fan of water and the thought of falling off that bridge is harrowing!

With the highspeed nature of the stage, the win was decided in a mass sprint that included 7 teams. Cannondale Blend took line honours in a super pinned 2h47min.

This year I am riding with a KZN local, Derren Smith, in a team supported by Oakhaven Capital. Our stage was somewhat complicated early on as Derren damaged the tendons in his shoulder. He managed to come unstuck, crashing while trying to avoid a crash that unfolded in front of him. It was heartbreaking as we were less than 30min into the race.

Like a boss, Derren assured me he was ok and soldiered on. The pain-cave takes on a whole new meaning! So with Derren having manned up we set ourselves the task of making it to the finish line with his shoulder intact.

After some consistent riding we managed to make up roughly 15 to 20 minutes (this is a guess-ta-mation). To our delight we found ourselves in the sprint for 10th overall with about 4 other teams. We were pipped to the line by none other than the Hannekom brothers, the kouebokkeveld farmers, and all round good-okes. So we head into tomorrow’s beast of a stage in 11th overall. I’m stoked with that considering Derren’s condition.

At the present moment I find myself horizontal, chill’n like a villain in my palace… a somewhat spacious cammo-green tent which is nestled in tent-city on the grounds of the Mckenzie Country Club. My fingers are the only thing expending energy as they type this column on my mini google machine, aka my iPhone.

Tomorrow is another pearler of a day. With such great conditions, I’m amped to hook it down into the Umkomaas Valley. And, after today’s good form and having dominated a few slices of banana bread I’m actually looking forward to riding up and out the valley too! Rad.

Ciao ciao
Oli

(Gauteng)

Xtrail MTB Series at Babba’s – Event #5, 18 May
Pre-entries close 16 May
Enter here http://cycleevents.co.za/httpcycleevents-co-zap1940/

Babba’s Lodge MTB Series 2013 (Event # 5), 19 May
Pre-entries close 16 May
Enter here http://cycleevents.co.za/babbas-lodge-mtb-series-2013-event-5/

Suikerbosrand Route 42 MTB Challenge, 19 May
Pre-entries close 16 May
Enter here http://cycleevents.co.za/suikerbosrand-route-42-mtb-classic-2013/

(Western Cape)

PPA Tread Lightly, 18 May
Pre-entries close at noon on 13 May (no late entries)
Enter here http://www.pedalpower.org.za/event/ppa-tread-lightly-mtb-funride/

Amarider 100 Miler, 25 May
Pre-entries close 17 May (no late entries)
Enter here http://www.dirtopia.co.za/amarider-100-miler

(North West)

Redstone MTB Series 2013 (Event #2), 19 May
Pre-entries close 17 May (late entries available on race morning)
Enter here http://cycleevents.co.za/redstone-mtb-series-2013-event-2/

2013 ProNutro Magalies Monster Mountain Bike Classic, 25 May
Pre-entries close 16 May (no late entries!)
Enter here http://www.entrytickets.co.za/eventview/magalies

(KwaZulu-Natal)

Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge, 19 May
Pre-entries close 15 May (late entries available on race morning)
Enter here http://www.roag.co.za/enter-an-event/mtb/husquvana-classic.aspx

Boston MTB Challenge, 19 May
Pre-entries close 16 May (late entries available at no extra cost)
Enter here http://www.roag.co.za/enter-an-event/mtb/boston-mtb-challenge.aspx

For full details on the above events, visit our race calendar

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