CHANGE A LIFE DOMINATES MULTISPORT….

STARS OF THE DAY – ERIC ZONDI & JOHN NTULI….

Shongweni Dam Nature Reserve, nestled in a hidden valley close to Hillcrest, was a fitting venue for the showndown of the second TimeFreight Multisport Race. Not only did the up and down technical course keep the Heart Rate sky high but so too did the potential to ride straight into ‘a wildlife’ of sorts, including Rhino or Buffalo!

CHANGE A LIFE ZULUS – READY FOR ACTION….

For the first time since I have been managing my Zulu athletes, all were on the start line to hear the briefing and no one had to make a mad dash back to the car during the race to collect forgotten important gear [ In 2010, Nhlanhla had to return to our vehicle to retrieve his life-jacket for the canoe section - car was locked - come and find me to get keys.... & still managed to make a top 10]

I caught a quadbike ride out onto the route to see how the Zulu magic unfolded.

ERIC ZONDI EXTENDING HIS LEAD….

My ‘Change a life’ boys belted off the line along with the top competitors in both the MultiX (run/bike/run) and Multisport (run/bike/paddle) events.
Eric Zondi, running like a gazelle ahead of the pack, didn’t seem to notice the incredibly steep and winding trail underfoot that snaked high above the Dam and which slowed many to a walking pace.

JOHN NTULI CHASING HARD….

Following hot on his heels were Kwanda, John, Richard and Lucas and just behind was Michael (my 2008 Dusi partner- pleased he’s taking part - excellent cross-training).

KWANDA MHLOPHE CAUTIOUS ON THE TECHNICAL….

It is always wise to keep a little bit in the tank for the bike course at Shongweni, as there is no place to recover while you ride here. The climb straight out of the transition reminds you that you have to pace the first bike lap well otherwise you may just have to surrender to pushing your bike up second time around. I watched as my boys descended with skill down a tricky piece of the course and carry their bikes over a stream which had been barred from riding across.

SIZWE – NEW TO THE GAME – note cycling in his Infinities….

I then met up withthe race again at a floating bridge and a very long stretch of sandy track that required easy gear pedalling and lots of momentum, causing havoc with many participants.

KWANDA CRUISING THE FLOATING BRIDGE….

LUCAS MTHALANE FINDING IT EASIER TO RUN THE ENERGY SAPPING SANDY SECTIONS….

Having survived the 20km bike leg, the multisporters would usually be relieved as they launched their boats onto the water for a 5km paddle, but the wind that had been blowing since early morning and creating waves on the water, had even the top end paddlers nervous.