Tuesday, 15 February 2011 17:00
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Gauteng the epicentre of duathlon's mega Series
Johannesburg plays host to the first event in the six-event, R300,000 Momentum Health i-Flex National Duathlon Series. Powered by scientifically-proven sports drink PeptoPro (the first sports drink in SA endorsed as drug- and contaminant-free by the UK's Informed-Sport body), the Duathlon Series has the enviable distinction of being South Africa's richest multisport series.
South Africa's leading duathletes have confirmed they will race the curtain-raiser at Waterfall Country Estate, Kyalami on Sunday 27 February.
The sport of duathlon tests running and biking abilities with a gruelling run - bike - run format. The National Duathlon Series goes one step further by splitting the six events into three road and three off-road venues. This gives all-rounder bragging rights to entrants who complete multiple events.
Due to popular demand, this year's Series has nearly doubled its cycling distances, which is good news for strong cyclists and should attract greater attention from the cycling fraternity. Expect to see potential upsets in the top positions this year.
Gauteng was well represented in the overall 2010 Series rankings, with five of the six 2010 champions resident in Gauteng.
Here are their stories...
PRETORIA
Women's Series winner Andrea Steyn will be participating at Waterfall Estate in her new BSG team colours. The physiotherapist from Pretoria has been on a long winning streak, topping the prestigious BSG Energade Tri Series, securing a third in the National Duathlon Series last year, and winning February's Troisport Joburg Triathlon.
"I'm so glad the Duathlon Series is growing year by year! This year I think the cyclists will have the advantage due to the fact that the cycle will be double the distance. At this stage I am not sure how many events I will be doing in the Series. In 2010 I was injured for almost two months and this prevented me from doing two events. I was also in Europe for seven weeks and could not attend the remaining events. Luckily I was back in time for the final event at Potch. My main aim this year is again to race abroad. I will attend the Series races that I can as part of my training."
MPUMALANGA
In the men's category, the National Duathlon Series seems to be made for Brand du Plessis from Secunda. One of the quickest runners on the duathlon circuit, it will be interesting to see whether he is able to add a fourth National Duathlon Series title as easily to his three crowns (2008-2010) now that the cycle leg distances have been increased substantially. His pointers for success? "The support of my wife, friends and family. And I love sport." His love of competition shows in his six out of six attendance at last year's Series. The appearance of Brand Junior on 20 January this year is unlikely to slow this speedster down either.
VANDERBIJLPARK
Jan Hofmeyer, a regional sales manager for Belgotex Floorcoverings, won last year's 40-49 year men's title, but will be starting on his weaker foot at Waterfall Estate: "I am definitely a much better cyclist on the road. Off-road, I am wary of falling and being injured, but I must admit it is fun!" says the Vanderbijlpark resident.
KLERKSDORP
Gerda Oosthuizen won the 40-49 women's Series category. The secretary from Klerksdorp attributes her success to consistency and commitment. "I wake up very early to train before work, and do another session in the afternoons."
PRETORIA
Lynette Fischer won the 50+ women's category, which is little surprise. The marketing and image consultant's favourite discipline is running and with two Biathle world titles and a fourth placing in the 800m at the Masters Athletics World Champs in Finland in 2009, her speed is unquestioned.
She says, "It is gratifying that the organisers are offering Masters athletes decent prizemoney and encouraging us to do the Series and not just one race."
KLERKSDORP
Dr Charles Nienaber, a gynaecologist from Klerksdorp, is the defending 50+ age group men's champion. He hopes to start the Series with a strong message to his rivals on the longer mountain bike leg. "I prefer off-road as I am better riding solo. The road events are draft legal, which means weaker cyclists have a big advantage being sheltered in the bunch."
More on the Series...
