Monthly Archives: November 2013
Mountain Biker of the Week – Heleen Els
How did you get into mountain biking? Strange story. I use to be a squash player but was diagnosed with a heart condition in 2011. I got told to get another form of exercise because squash cannot be no more. So I chose mountain biking. After much deliberation the Dr agreed and then it all started
How long have you been riding? First race was in November 2011
What is your favourite distance to ride and why? I have been limited with the distances I could do so far. At this stage the longest ride was a 25km. That is quite nice and my favourite so far but I would like to do at least a couple of 40’s. I think that it tests both physical and mental strength
Who is your biggest mountain biking inspiration and why? All these small kids who participate in the 10kms events and finish it! I think that is incredible.
What is your biggest or best mountain biking achievement? What are you most proud of? My biggest achievement – never gave up in a race as yet. Finished each and every one I have started so far. My proudest moment was actually finishing my very first race. That was the Lynford Classic and I thought I was going to die….
What is your favourite mountain biking quote? Continue reading
Share This PostCyclist Johan Labuschagne run over by taxi in Sandton – Update
This morning saw yet another cyclist needlessly knocked down by a taxi while riding in the yellow lane. According to Andrew Mclean, well known cyclist Johan Labuschagne was commuting to work when the incident occurred in Sandton. The nine time Absa Cape Epic finisher, Labuschagne, is being treated at the Sandton Medi Clinic for injuries which include fractured cheek bones, a fractured wrist as well soft tissue damage and lacerations.
Once again, as always happens following an incident of this nature, there was an outpouring of well wishes, support and anger on various social media networks. These are just a cross section of some of the tweets that were posted since the incident this morning:
Another cyclist victim to our dangerous roads! Wishing Johan Labuschagne speedy recovery! Time to actively stand 2gether to influence change
— Ashleigh Moolman (@ashleighcycling)
Please keep 9x finisher Johan Labuschagne in your thoughts, he was run down by a taxi while commuting to work.We wish him a speedy recovery!
— Absa Cape Epic (@AbsaCapeEpic)
Very sad to hear about the accident involving Johan Labuschagne. We send our best wishes to him and his family. This carnage needs to stop.
— Jeroen Swart (@JeroenSwart)
Can't believe it, and Johan Labuschagne knocked off their bikes in one week.
— Bruce Diesel (@brucediesel)
Johan Labuschagne was involved in a terrible accident, taxi hit him in the yellow shoulder Unacceptable.
— Andrew Mclean (@AndrewMclean)
Terrible! Well wishes Johan Labuschagne “: Taxi takes out lone cyclist in yellow lane. 06h30 – Bryanston ”
— Bonitas Pro Cycling (@BonitasCycling)
Wishing Johan Labuschagne a speedy recovery. A great ambassador for cycling.
— MTN Panorama Tour (@panoramatour)
Police need to be harder on "little" law infractions and the bigger ones will fall into place. Cyclist hit by taxi
— Steve Bryant (@Steve_Bryant)
Not even the yellow lane is safe any more for cyclists. Enough is enough, taxi hits Johan Labuschagne.
— Leo (@locueh)
My thoughts & prayers go out 2 da of family Johan Labuschagne, get better soon. hope u get thrown in jail & keythrown away..
— Mpho Alpheus (@Modungoam)
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Johan Labuschagne knocked down, we chat to Andrew Mclean, JMPD’s Edna Mamonyane & the PPA’s Steve Hayward – Cycle Talk SA Episode 18
This morning was abuzz with news that Johan Labuschange was knocked off his bicycle whilst riding in the yellow lane in Johannesburg. On this episode of Cycle Talk SA:
We chat to Andrew Mclean, who tweeted the pictures of the accident as well as those of the taxi that is accused of knocking Johan off his bike.
Brad spoke to Superintendent Edna Mamonyane, the spokesperson for the JMPD, about the accident and what the JMPD is doing to stop this behaviour on our roads.
Steve Hayward, chairman of the Pedal Power Association touched base with us about what we as cyclists can do to stay safe on the roads.
If you would like to subscribe to our weekly podcast on iTunes here or on RSS feed by clicking here. You can also be in touch via or or
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Share This PostTrail Talker of the Week – Brent Drotsky
How did you get into trail running? I got into trail running through a friend who is a runner.
How long have you been trail running? I have been trail running for about a year now.
What is your favourite distance to run and why? I love the shorter runs, but will be doing longer ones next year as I am getting fitter.
Who is your biggest trail running inspiration and why? Yanica Venter, the friend who got me into trail running in the first place.
What is your biggest or best running achievement? What are you most proud of? My biggest achievement was placing 15th in the open men at the 3de spur summer trail series at B’Sorah short course.
What is your favourite trail running quote? Every day is a good day to run.
Where is your favourite place to run and tell us why? Continue reading
Share This PostITU adds maiden Africa stop to 2014 World Triathlon series calendar
The International Triathlon Union (ITU) today announced an addition to the 2014 World Triathlon Series calendar. For the first time ever, a World Triathlon Series event will be held on the continent of Africa with a race slated to be held at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa on April 26-27, 2014.
The World Triathlon Cape Town race will serve as the second stop on the eight-city tour, which kicks off in Auckland on April 5-6. Cape Town is one of only two cities to debut on the WTS calendar in 2014, with Chicago also hosting an event for the first time.
“We have been working to secure a WTS event in Africa for a long time,” ITU President and IOC Member Marisol Casado said. “We are very excited to bring our fast paced, action-packed style of racing there. The location is an ideal spot for premium racing, and will also serve as an important development tool for all of Africa.”
Race organizers have proposed a two-lap 1500m swim within the V&A Waterfront, followed by a scenic eight-lap 40km bike ride along Beach Road and a four-lap 10km run with constant ocean views for the elites. The weekend of events will also include races for mass participation events. Furthermore, the heart of the event will be the Race Village hosted at the Look Out Venue at the V&A Waterfront which will feature a lifestyle expo and will contain grand stands from where the public has a clear view of the finish line.
“South Africans are passionate about sport, and will be very excited to have another world-class, premium sporting event to add to their active lifestyles,” said Bruce Parker – Forsyth, CEO of the local delivery partner, WORLDSPORT.
Age groupers will have the option to choose between a standard Olympic distance courses or hone their speed skills on a sprint course. Standard and sprint distance team relays are also on the schedule, offering a race for all abilities. In addition to the competitions, athletes will be treated to a weekend full of festivities; including sundown concerts, a race exhibition, kids & family races.
“The World Triathlon Series is an exciting multi-city global series, during which athletes earn points throughout the season for a chance to be crowned the ITU Triathlon World Champion at the Grand Final,” said CEO Lagardère Unlimited Events AG Christian Toetske. “Every 2014 WTS event will feature age-group races, with all elite women’s and men’s races broadcast live to an international audience in more than 160 countries, as well as streamed online live. Equally importantly these events give the public the opportunity to compete on a World Triathlon Series stage.”
“We are proud to see Cape Town, South Africa – indeed Africa added to the World Series calendar,” said Debbie Alexander, President of Triathlon South Africa. “This event will contribute to the continued growth of Triathlon in not only South Africa – but Africa”
If you would like to hear more about it listen to Tri Talk SA’s interview with Iain Banner below (or read more about it here):
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ITU Add Cape Town to 2014 World Series, First Ascent Tri Suits & Gaelyn Cokayne’s Inspiring Triathlon Journey – Tri Talk SA Episode 20
We have two really big announcements on this week’s episode of Tri Talk SA with some inspiration thrown into the mix for good measure. On Episode 20:
We chat about the announcement that the ITU World Series will be coming to Cape Town in 2014. The announcement has just been made and Brad spoke with Iain Banner, who was one of the individuals who were instrumental in getting the event to come to Cape Town.
First Ascent have also announced that they are to introduce a brand new range of Tri Suits into the South African market for the first time. Brad caught up with the First Ascent’s brand manager Stacey Rehbock to find out more about the gear that will be in stores from 2 December. To find out more head to their , or .
We get a serious dose of inspiration from Gaelyn Cokayne who shares her story with about how she went from being seriously overweight to training for her first Ironman 70.3 triathlon. As discussed on the show, you can check out , or .
Don’t forget too that you can get your free Tri Talk SA checklist here to make sure you forget nothing when going to your next race.
If you would like to subscribe to our weekly podcast on iTunes you can click here or on the RSS feed by clicking here. You can also be in touch via or or
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Share This PostTri Talker of the Week – Ryan Habib
How did you get into triathlon? When I was in high school, I did a few of the original 5fm Energade sprint tri series. I was very surprised when I made the Gauteng team – considering I was using a mountain bike – at the time. After that though, it was another 10 years before I would take part again.
How long have you been in triathlon? If one includes the early beginnings, since I was 16, so that’s 14 years.
What is your favourite discipline and why? My favorite individual discipline is the run. However, when mixing all 3 up, I look forward to the cycle. My worst is the swim.
Who is your biggest triathlon inspiration and why? I really admire people like Don van Gelder, who at 40 odd is still giving every “lighty” a run for their money. I also admire the guys finishing 70.3 in 7-8hrs, I think they are the ones who work the hardest on the day.
What is your biggest or best triathlon achievement? What are you most proud of? This is a strange one, my prouder moment is representing TSA at world long distance DUATHLON champs. It’s not triathlon, but it’s a highlight for me.
What is your favourite triathlon quote? Continue reading
Share This PostCycle Talker of the Week – Roulof Hefer
How did you get into road cycling? In the middle of 2012 my friends decided that they would do the 94.7 and I decided to join. During our training I was a bit apprehensive but the feeling I had on race day is something I never want to forget and that has pushed me to do more.
How long have you been cycling? Being a student, the easiest and cheapest way of getting around is by cycling, so at the beginning of 2012 I got a bicycle and it has been a great method of transportation. My first race was the 2012 94.7.
What is your favourite distance to cycle and why? I would say that a good 80 to 90kms is something I quiet enjoy, with that distance I think you can maintain a good average speed and have the rest of the day available without feeling out of it. For some more endurance I would then do a 120km loop.
Who is your biggest cycling inspiration and why? It has to be Daryl Impey, wearing Yellow and becoming the first Saffer to do so. Another would be Jay Thomson, I am also a Krugersdorp boy and having a hometown hero is great.
What is your biggest or best cycling achievement? What are you most proud of? The 94.7 being my first race, it holds a special place in my memory, the initial push to get ready for the race and partaking means a lot to me.
What is your favourite cycling quote? “It never gets easier, you just go faster” by Greg LeMond.
Where is your favourite place to ride and tell us why? Continue reading
Share This PostThe Aftermath of the Salomon Sky Run with Adrian Saffy, Andrew Mckay & Nathalie Romeo – Trail Talk SA Episode 16
Photo Credit: Kelvin Trautman
By all accounts last week’s 2014 Salomon Sky Run turned out to be an epic experience. We thought on this week’s episode of Trail Talk SA we would speak to some of the people involved, behind the scenes and as athletes. On Episode 16:
Brad spoke to one of the race organisers Adrian Saffy about what went into the decision to call the race off midway through the event. The pair discussed the events leading up to the call being made and how difficult it was to get the athletes off the mountain.
Andrew Mckay described to Brad what it was like to be on the mountain in the midst of the storm. Andrew told Brad about a stretch of the race where the winds really created havoc for him and his fellow athletes.
Brad caught up with Nathalie Romeo about her experience. As you will hear Nathalie has already forgotten the hardships endured and is ready for the 2014 Sky Run.
As mentioned on this week’s show, if you want to start running or know someone who wants to start running check out Brad’s webinar here.
If you would like to subscribe to our weekly podcast on iTunes here or on RSS feed by clicking here.
You can also be in touch via or or
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Share This PostSonja Laxton Update
We have been getting many requests for updates on Sonja Laxton’s condition after she was hit by a car last Sunday while out running. We received this email from her husband Ian today and he has been gracious enough to let us share it with you:
Dear Friends,
I am writing this with a sense of wonder at the depth of care and love that Kim, Sonja and I have experienced in the last few days. The number of people who have contacted us by phone, sms and e-mail since Sonja was admitted to Milpark Hospital has been astounding.
It is a practical impossibility to contact every person directly. I wish I could, but I would need an army of secretaries with a computer each, plus a roomful of cell-phones. So far, more than 200 people have contacted either Kim or me directly.
Hence this letter. I hope that you will take it as a personal ‘thank you’ from both of us for the care and love that we have received. I have attempted to tell Sonja about every call and message, but she has had difficulty in absorbing all this information. She asked me to thank as many people as possible, and this is the best way I can do that, at this time.
The most common questions we have received are Continue reading
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