WEATHER CONDITIONS ADD NEW DIMENSION TO TOTALSPORTS CHALLENGE

For the first time since the event’s conception, Totalsports Challenge competitors could only complete five out of the action packed seven disciplines when strong wind conditions forced event organisers to cancel the 12km surfski and 1.5km swim in Gordon’s Bay.

According to individual men’s Totalsports Challenge winner, Dan Hugo the cancellation of the two disciplines added a new dimension to the already adrenaline pumping event. “I can’t think of a better way to start off the New Year. The cancellation of the surfski and swim disciplines saw the road bike discipline starting off as a serious road race. It was a new and awesome experience for me. The new mountain bike route is much more technical, resulting in a challenging yet fun ride, while the introduction of a 3km gravel section during the road run is most welcoming. I had a great day and look forward to returning next year,” says Hugo who completed the event in 04hours58minutes19seconds. Cas van Aardenne finished 2nd, while Jacques van Rensburg placed 3rd. Van Rensburg was also crowned the first official winner in the Master’s Category which was introduced this year for veterans aged 40 and older.

Top South African multi sport athlete, Hanlie Booyens placed first in the individual women’s category of the Totalaports Challenge when she crossed the finish line in 05hours55minutes13seconds. According to Booyens she trained really hard for the surfski discipline and was a bit disappointed when it had to be cancelled. “Today’s race was much faster due to the cancellation of the first two disciplines. I love the new mountain bike route, the more technical the better for me. All in all I had a great race and am really happy with my performance,” says Booyens. Kim Rew finished 2nd.

Team ‘Totalsports All Stars’ took top honours in the 7-member men’s team category of the event when they crossed the finish line in 04hours14minutes30seconds. Team ‘New Balance Pro’ came in 2nd, while Team ‘ATC Multisport All Star’ finished 3rd. For the first time in seven years, team ‘New Balance Women’s Pro’ beat team ‘Totalsports Ladies A’ to the finish line crossing it in 05hours18minutes18seconds. Team ‘Hot Spots’ placed 3rd. Team ‘New Balance / My Training Day 1’ placed first in the 7-member mixed team category when they crossed the finish line in 04hours41minutes06seconds. Team ‘Contego’ came in 2nd, while team ‘New Balance / My Training Day 2’ finished 3rd.

Gavin Noble placed first in the individual men’s category of the Totalsports Terra Firma Challenge when he crossed the finish line in 04hours09minutes05seconds. Nico Pfitzenmaier came in 2nd, while Raoul de Jongh placed 3rd. Team ‘Rock Care Titans’ placed 1st in the four member male team category of the event, followed by team ‘Oscar’ in 2nd place and team ‘Atlantic Storm’ in 3rd place.

Athletes that took on the Totalsports Challenge had to complete a 50km road bike (from Gordon’s Bay to Kleinmond), 13km road run, 13km K1 canoe, 25km mountain bike and finally a 9km beach run, while Totalsports Terra Firma Challenge athletes had to complete a 50km road bike (from Gordon’s Bay to Kleinmond), 13km road run, 25km mountain Bike and 9km beach run.

For race results and further information contact (021) 883 – 2413