Monday, 10 January 2011 11:38
Hugo tames multisport's grandaddy for a fifth time
Exceptionally hot weather could not stop multisport hero, Dan Hugo from crossing the finish line in Kleinmond with a smile on his face on Saturday, 8 January. Hugo completed the Totalsports Challenge presented by New Balance and Powerade in 7 hours 15seconds, securing his fifth title at this much loved event.
According to Hugo the Totalsports Challenge has never seen such hot weather. “It was super hot today and as a result the course was really unforgiving, with the paddling legs being especially testing. Half way through the surfski I realised that I’d have to back down a bit to reserve my strength. My goal for the day was to go really hard on the road bike and road run. I came into my own on the road bike, but I did not run as hard as I originally wanted to. The beach run was awesome! The many spectators showing support on route reminded me that nothing beats competing on home ground”, says Hugo.
“The Totalsports Challenge is definitely an event that cannot be won without an exceptional support team,” continues Hugo. “I definitely wouldn’t be able to succeed without the flawless support of my seconding team. From coming to the event in two vehicles, making sure that my equipment is ready at each transition area, assisting with my nutrition, clearing the transition area once I’ve moved on to the next discipline to ensuring that I am wearing enough sun block, my seconding team is definitely key to my success. The Totalsports Challenge is an awesome event that is completely doable. With a stable boat, patience and a fair amount of training, anybody can compete. I can’t think of a better way to start the year”. Dylan van der Merwe came in second, while Gustav Hefer finished third.
Kim Rew was crowned the individual women’s champion after crossing the finish line in 9:47:34. According to Rew this was her eighth Totalsports Challenge. “I’ve competed four times as part of a team and four times as an individual entrant. The Totalsports Challenge is an amazing event and I just love the fact that I get to use all my toys on the day. Each discipline is bite size, meaning that it’s completely doable. I’ll definitely be back next year,” says Rew.
Nico Pfitzenmaier of Germany took gold in the individual men’s category of the Terra Firma Challenge, crossing the finish line in an impressive time of 03:54:09. Adrian Enthoven came in second, while Rohan Kennedy finished third.
Esther Lategan was victorious in the individual women’s category of the Terra Firma Challenge with an impressive race time of 04hours51minutes36seconds. Helen Buley came in second, while Tanya Rabie finished third.
According to Michael Meyer, Event Organiser Stillwater Sport & Entertainment, the 2011 Totalsports Challenge was a huge success. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in the Terra Firma Challenge, while the competition in the team category of the Totalsports Challenge has been an endless source of excitement each year. The Totalsports Challenge will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2012 and we’re hoping to attract over 1000 entrants on the day,” says Meyer.
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