Jason du Preez

2009 Race for Victory

2009-10-06T08:13:00.008+02:00

Having last done the race in 2005, it was pretty much a “new” one for me. The one thing that has never changed is the stretch through Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve. A tough 26km’s with a few bumps and a final kick of 2km’s at a touch over 7% average. To make things worse, it rained the night before so the 400m dirt section was basically a mud bath (Not really) and the wind was also out to play on the day, so a perfect recipe for a tough race.

A small bunch of just over 30 guys made up the VA group. Present was BlackRock, BulkPack, Club 100, Jaco from TCS and a few others. The first 4km’s was neutralized until after the dirt section where we were treated to a flat and fast section heading out towards the drag up towards Walkerville. No major moves early on except for Gavin van Aswegen (Club 100) who slipped off the front taking with him another rider but had nothing more than 10 seconds to the peloton. We approached the drag up towards Walkerville so I decided to head up the front and set pace, I was also trying to get my legs warm for the onslaught through the reserve. At this point the group was still pretty much together but enough damage was being done and the group was starting to split. ¾ up Graeme Cronje (BlackRock) attacked and no reaction came from the peloton. To let a rider like Graeme go is always dangerous so I reacted taking with Craig Harvey (BulkPack), Gavin van Aswegen (Club 100), Jaco Ferreira (TCS), Jacques Fullard (BlackRock), Jacques Maritz (BlackRock) and Stefano Madies (Di Data). This was where the major split occurred and with the turn up towards the reserve a strong cross wind from the right introduced itself but with good cohesion between the escapees we were increasing the gap and the chasers according to race radio lost interest.

Entering the hills of the reserve, Gavin was setting a comfortable pace on the lower slopes which Graeme and I continued through to the steepest part of the reserve. I decided to have a dig for KOM followed by Stefano and at the time I thought I managed to get it and just ahead of Stefano and race commissaries confirmed this but only later found out that the KOM hot spot was further up the road which was taken by Jacques Fullard. With the accelerations up the final slope through the reserve the 8 man break was down to 5, losing Craig, Jacques Maritz and Gavin. Craig was just off and exiting the reserve I was told to not contribute hoping Craig would get back to join us but it would have had to be a BIG effort with Graeme, Jacques, Jaco and Stefano driving the pace with another cross wind hitting us from the right. BlackRock were in a strong position with 2 riders in the break and with 8km’s to go Graeme had a shot at getting away but Jaco covered the move. On entering the dirt section, Graeme drove hard and somehow my chain managed to slip off and I lost contact with the leaders. I tried to get back but to no avail and I had to settle for 5^th.

It was a good race for me despite the weather conditions. I always struggle to get in the groove in wet and overcast conditions. My forms great and coming along and my recovery at the moment is excellent. With no racing this coming weekend I have a tough week ahead on the steed and then it’s racing all the way through to the 94.7. Let’s hope the weathers good to us and the punctures are minimal this week. Enjoy it!

Later,

Vets 30+ Results:

1. Jacques Fullard (2:40:31)

2. Jaco Ferreira st.

3. Stefano Madies st.

4. Graeme Cronje st.

5. Jason Du Preez @49

6. Jacques Maritz @2:17

7. Gavin Cyrus Van Aswegen st.

8. Craig Harvey st.

2009 Itec Dome to Dome

2009-09-17T10:44:00.022+02:00

With a shortened revised route and with just under 1200m ascent over the allotted 91km’s the Dome wasn’t the usual flat race we’ve grown accustomed to. Having never done this race, I was pretty excited leading up to it but with a troublesome rib and not feeling 100% on race day I was concerned that my mate Craig Harvey may have to fend off the likes of Black Rock, Club 100 and Supercycling just to name a few on his own.

7 days prior, I rode the route with my good mate Ian Jones (http://twitter.com/IanJ001) to see what surprises lay ahead but also to see what gear ratio I might opt for and what wheel set I might use in case the wind came in to play. Preparation, perfectionist, that’s me I guess…

So an early start, 06h05 we were off. As usual, a few attacks early on going up Malibongwe and with 1 Club 100 rider getting away but other than that nothing exciting or threatening in the first 15km’s. I wasn’t concerned about the early movers because I knew the section up past the Cradle, Sterkfontein and the stretch past Mogale City and the run in towards the end was going to be tough. Approaching the Cradle up towards Valverde, everything was back together, Jacques Fullard (Black Rock) slid off the front to soften up the wheel suckers. At that stage I felt like one and the thought of abandoning the race came up more than once. Only after about 35km’s I started feeling good. The attacks continued up past the Cradle from Supercycling and Black Rock. With only Craig and me representing Bulk Pack we once again had to be very aware as to when a move went. They say the best form of defence is to attack and with a few kicks up towards Sterkfontein I decided to have a dig, taking with Alwyn Dippenaar(Supercycling), Jacques Fullard and Werner Moolman (Mr. Price) but with no cohesion we were pulled back quickly.

The drag up past Sterkfontein towards Mogale City was pretty sedate and once we “summited” Jeffrey Kriel (Club 100) shot off the front and tried to get something going but to no avail and was swallowed up. I immediately countered and soon opened up a 20 second gap but after a couple of km’s I was back in the pack. The pace really slowed up and with another bump up on Hendrik Potgieter I decided to go again and opened up a healthy gap of 35 seconds. It was fun while it lasted because the turn off the N14 back towards the Cradle saw me shooting off in to greener pastures. A bunny hop with half pike over the curb had me off the road and back in the group and nothing serious from here on in. Approaching the finish we had a fairly large group 35+ and with 4km’s to go Black Rock and Club 100 were jockeying for position to try lead out their sprinters. Not being a natural born sprinter I had a dig with 3km’s to go but all in vain. With a recent visit to Dr. Tabata and with 1km to go I had another dig. I was trying to upset the rhythm of Black Rock and Club 100 and get Craig to the line as fresh as possible and if I could hold them off to the end it would have been a bonus but with 100m’s to go I was back in the pack and my race was done! Jacques Fullard took the honours followed by Jeffrey Kriel and sealing the podium off Craig Harvey.

For me it was a pretty good race and I’m happy with my performance, suffered the first 35km’s or so but after that it was all good and lots of positives I can take out of it. A podium one day would be nice but my natures not to race the last 100m’s, I like to get involved right from the start and if I can get my team mates on to the podium that’s all that matters. Sunday (20 September 2009) see’s me at the Tshwane Mayoral Ride, a later start 11h10am, 8x10km laps round the Union buildings, could be the Lone Ranger with Craig waiting for a sports pass. Should be fun.

Later,

Vets 30+ Results:
1. Jacques Fullard (2:21:43)
2. Jeffrey Kriel
3. Craig Harvey
4. Gavin van Aswegen
5. Stefano Madies

Photo by ©Michelle Cound

2009 CANSA Lost City

2009-08-24T08:14:00.013+02:00

An early start to the day, up at 03:00am, breakfast, packing and then driving through to Sun City for a 07:08am start. The VA group was well represented with all the BIG teams (Black Rock, Bulk Pack Trek, Club 100, Cyclelab and TCS just to name a few) making an appearance. Always good to have a strong field makes for hard and exciting racing. We didn’t have the numbers; Craig Harvey and I were the only ones representing Bulk Pack Trek so we had to be very careful and selective as to when a move went and make sure that if we followed it was an effort that would be worth it.

We finally got off and after 5km’s, Koos Klopper (Cyclelab) decided to spice things up and launched an early attack but with the route being so flat it was going to be very hard to stay away. Cyclelab had a plan obviously and once Koos was brought back David Labuschagne (Cyclelab) countered but was quickly swallowed up. After 20km’s Johan Labuschagne (Cyclelab) went and took Jeffrey Kriel (Club100), Hannes Botha (TCS) and Hennie Pelser (Speke/Bio-anabolics) with him. With the move going so early on, I didn’t think at the time it was a real threat so for me it was OK to let them go. The gap grew steadily and 40km’s in I flatted. Luckily Jaco was there riding support, so a quick wheel change had me back in the pack in no time. The gap grew with no one really committing to closing the gap. Craig Harvey then headed up the front and started driving to try bring back the break. I soon joined and shortly thereafter Black Rock joined. We started working well together and just before the first bump the leaders were caught. A few attacks off the front thereafter but nothing threatening.

The next big move of the day came up the 2nd drag just before the long decent down towards Sun City. Jaco Ferreira (TCS) the current vet’s South African champion slid off the front and started opening a slight gap on the group, with no reaction from the pack I decided to follow and chase Jaco, I knew if I joined forces with Jaco we could work together and maybe just maybe last to the end. We were later joined by Jacques Fullard (Black Rock) and a Di-Data rider and things looked promising, but with a slight head wind coming from the right it was a lot harder than what we anticipated and we we’re back in to the pack with 10km’s to go. Once again a few attacks off the front but all in vain. It was down to a sprint finish, which was pretty much guaranteed at the start of the race. Gary Rabie took the honours followed by Craig Harvey and Jacques Fullard claiming 3rd spot.

I always enjoy this race and even with the route being so flat with a few drags here and there it’s always a tough one. BIG gears ticking over, attacks and the wind really starts taking its toll after a while and 9/10 times it’s always going to come down to a sprint finish. To sum up my performance I was happy but still lacking a bit of power on the flats. A tough 2 weeks of training lined up and looking forward to this weekend. Cycling out to Bronkhorstspruit dam Saturday, water skiing, jet-skiing and some time off the bike to relax and reflect on the next 2 months racing.

Later,

Vets 30+ Results:

1. Gary Rabie (2:26:33)
2. Craig Harvey
3. Jacques Fullard
4. Jeffrey Kriel
5. Dippenaar, Alwyn

2009 EPR Cycle Challenge: Wind, drags and tiredness

2009-08-20T11:01:00.009+02:00

So the EPR… Not one of my favorites, but I’m using these smaller races to find some sort of race fitness/form for the bigger ones lying ahead this year. Wind is always a factor in this race and with a course that provides ±1000m of ascent over 120km’s it’s always a tough one when you’re getting old, like me. The event (Start/Finish) was held at the Tarlton International Raceway, Magaliesburg, a 400m drag strip which provides for an exciting finish for both riders and spectators.

Smaller groups meant that we had to mix it up with the older men (VB’s) in the game who seem to mature like fine wine, also with some of the darlings in SA cycling, Toyota Cycle Lab Ladies Team, who were out preparing for the Tour of Ardeche (http://www.tcfia.org/GB/4-equipes/equipes.html) a 6 day tour which starts on the 8^th September in France, so good luck ladies!

It was a slow start heading out with not much happening. As I was using this race more for training and getting used to race pace, I decided to head up the front and set the pace for most of the way heading out and up towards the Cradle. I didn’t want to exhaust myself, I knew the 12km drag up past Magalies was going to be hard with attacks and possibly a group splitting off the front and lasting ‘til the end. This proved to be the case and with attack after attack and a gutter, I found myself battling to stick and had to bite the bullet for a while, most probably due to earlier efforts and tired legs. Finally 8 of us (Russel Lund, Attie Duvenhage, Gary Rabie, Carl Lotter, Shane Brown, Leon Olivier, 1 unknown and myself) got off the front and started working well together to open the gap over the chasing peloton. It was a tough ask, splitting the field at 40km’s with 80km’s to go and wind, I knew we were going to have our work cut out. What felt like a head wind from then on and at 60km’s the gap was sitting at 1m45sec and was slowly increasing. The cohesion between the 8 escapees was starting to fade and out of the 8 leaders 8 of us were skipping turns as the wind and rolling hills started taking its toll. Soon the gap grew to 3m45sec and with 15km’s to go, the lead group started attacking each other, with someone hoping to get off the front, but with the wind out playing no one was going to get away and a sprint finish was on the cards. Approaching Tarlton the attacks started again but once again to no avail and it all came down to a sprint with Russel Lund taking it for the VA’s followed by Gary Rabie.

Like I said, not my favorite race and a tough day in saddle with the wind playing its toll. One positive I can take out of my race is my power data. They say you only get your true data when you race and after analyzing my data I’m pretty happy with it, although I think there’s still room for improvement and considering I had tired legs I’m sure the numbers could have been better. Heading in to a rest week now and then Saturday 22^nd August at Suncity. The Lost City Cycle Classic, 103km’s, flat and fast and a full Bulk Pack team at the line, well almost. See you chaps then!

Later,

Vets 30+ Results:
1. Russel Lund (3:08)

2. Gary Rabie

3. Jason du Preez

4. Carl Lotter

2009 Carousel Classic: Watching paint dry

2009-08-12T10:09:00.011+02:00

So the second half of the season got under way this past weekend (10th August 2009) with the 110km Carousel Classic situated between Bela-Bela and Pretoria. The start/finish was at the Carousel Casino and Entertainment world which is famous for hosting a number of world title boxing events, but we weren’t there to box, although sometimes in cycling boxing within the peloton is a common thing.

I was the only one representing Bulk Pack Trek on the day with Craig Harvey picking up a bug the night before, Marco van Biljoen was over seas, Mark Ramos and Ilidio Pinto had other commitments. With me being the only one, I had to change things a bit on the day, sit in the back seat and watch the racing unfold and hook a wheel if a move looked threatening.

The VA’s started at 07h05, five minutes behind the juniors and with the route being so flat, it was a given that they were going to get caught considering the restricted gears they ride. With no real climbs except for at the half way mark, 55km’s, it was going to be a tough ask to get away and stay away. The first half of the race was somewhat sedate with the only real attack coming from Hannes Botha from team Computer-Smith, this at about 6km’s in to the race, Hannes leapt off the front and soon built up a healthy lead of about 35-40 secs. With a slight head wind going out it was going to be a tough ask to stay away but TCS were well represented (Philip Fourie, Danie Mare, Sheldon Bole) and maybe looking to force the others to chase down and hit again but nothing came of it and Hannes was reeled in at about the 25km mark.

Approaching half-way, the chaps were getting anxious and I had a feeling that if things were going to happen it was going to be here. With a slight bump followed by a 7km drag and a short sharp kick before the turn-around, I decided to head up the front and pick the pace up a bit and soften the legs of the wheel suckers and then hit slightly harder on the kick. At 6.5% average for 1km just before the turn around we averaged 25kph up the kick and this proved enough to kill off the rest. We had a select group of riders off the front (Arnin Venter, David Labuschagne, Gary Rabie, Hannes Botha, Jacques Fullard, Jacques Maritz, Phillip Fourie, Riaan Kok, myself and a few others) and started working well to get away from any chasers. We caught the juniors at the 75km mark, their race was neutralized and we were allowed to get on with our own. Out of the lead group Jacques Maritz (Black Rock) was very aggressive and attacked the lead group constantly. Soon his hard efforts paid off and with 30km’s to go he attacked and took David Labuschagne (C-Lab) with. This was the decisive break of the day and they stayed away to the end and put 1m42sec in to the rest of the chasers.

All in all it was a pretty boring race for me. I’m happy with my result considering the amount of training I did the previous week (560km’s). Having a BIG week before a race is not the cleverest of things but then again the Carousel is also not such an important race for me. I’m hoping the chaps from Bulk Pack Trek can soon join me; the racing should really be a lot more heated and interesting.

Vets 30+ Results:
1. Jacques Maritz (Black Rock)
2. David Labuschagne (C-Lab)
3. Jaques Fullard (Black Rock)
4. Jeffrey Kriel (Club 100)
5. Jason du Preez (Bulk Pack Trek)

Carnival City Classic: In the move

2009-02-23T17:54:00.010+02:00

I’ve never raced the Carnival, so I wasn’t sure on how hard yesterday was going to be. Previously I did this race in 2006 with Michelle, all race prep for the Argus at the time, so for me it was a walk in the park, but things were different this time round, racing for Bulk Pack, you’re always expected to make the racing, close any move that goes up the road and we were also desperately looking for a good result. A pretty flat course with just over 600m of vertical ascent over the allotted 100km. Pretty much the same as the Fast One. It was a tough weeks training for me leading up to the Carnival, but I was feeling good throughout, so I was hoping Sunday I could make things happen for the team.

Our group (VA’s) got off at 06h50 and the first two kilometers was somewhat idle. I immediately went to the front to pick up the pace and tried making things a little hard for those who were hoping for a nice 15km warm-up. Once that was done, the attacks started. The first 50km’s was very flat and to get away was going to prove to be very hard. That didn’t stop us from trying. Mark Ramos and Ilidio Pinto both from Bulk Pack Trek were mixing it up early with the boys (Club100, Bi-Steel, and Bright House). Covering attacks and trying to create something and hopefully get in a break and force a few of the other teams to chase and tire their legs out and then leave the 2^nd half of the race up to Craig Harvey (Bulk Pack Trek) and Marco van Biljoen (Bulk Pack Trek) to attack and try get away. With nothing really coming off in the first 50km’s except for some confusion between Marco van Biljoen and the race commissaire. Marco was apparently DQ’ed for dropping back to the support vehicle and handing over his arm warmers and then in chasing back to get to the front half of the group, he crossed the white line. Marco took this up with the race commissaire and after a “few” words were exchanged the commissaire agreed that the decision was a bit harsh and the DQ was turned in to a 1^st warning. With that said, the first real break of the day came, no surprise, Marco van Biljoen put in a BIG effort taking 2 riders with him and opening a gap of around 25 secs to the chase. This forced Harmony and Club100 to do the chasing and once again it felt like we had control of the race. The break lasted for 20km’s and after the break was pulled back; I had a little dig and tried putting more pressure on the other teams. It didn’t last long before my move was pulled back.

Marco again pushed hard up one of the drags eliminating any thoughts of a counter by the other teams. This is when I decided to have another dig; taking Gary Rabie and a Fit Rider with, we soon had 20 secs on the group but with no real cohesion coming from Gary our break was short lived. Once we got pulled back Craig Harvey shot off the front taking a Harmony rider and another rider with. Once again we were in the move and once again the leaders were pulled back after just 10km’s or so. With 20km’s to go I decided to head up the front and drive the pace real hard and prevent any attacks from coming and with a little glance back I saw no one was on my wheel and soon opened up a little gap of 10 secs. I decided to keep driving and soon my 10 secs became 30 secs. I thought if I was going to get caught it would be the perfect launch pad for Mark, Ilidio, Marco or Craig to have one last dig to the end. My solo was perfect, 12.5km’s and with 7km’s to go I thought this was our day and with the rest of the Bulk Pack riders getting sucked along, Club100, Cyclelab and Harmony were trying to pull me back I started cramping in my left calve, still I thought it was enough to tire the rest out but once again bad luck struck and Marco punctured with 5km’s to go. With a fast finish Cyclelab were heading up the front with 2km’s to go. Craig Harvey and Mark Ramos were in perfect position and I was still hoping we could pull something off. My legs were toast and with my calve, sprinting wasn’t even an option, not that I’m a sprinter. With a 500m uphill drag to the finish; I thought it was perfect for Craig. Unfortunately we just missed the podium and had to settle for 4th (Craig Harvey).

Good positive racing from the chaps and having all of us in a break and making the breaks at some point in the race things are looking good, but we’re still seeking that podium spot. On flat races like these it’s hard to get rid of the wheel suckers and with 1km to go you see guys that you haven’t seen for the past 99km’s which is very frustrating, but hey, I guess that’s racing for you and it’s all about who crosses the line first. Most probably the best race of the season for me so far, it really felt like the team gelled well together. This week see’s me take a week off the bike to chill and catch up on a few things.

Later

Vets 30+ Results:
1. Gary Rabie (2:20)
2. Alwyn Dippenaar
3. Martin Van Wyk
4. Craig Harvey
5. Erich Meintjes

Ride for Sight, a boring day in the saddle

2009-02-15T21:52:00.003+02:00

So I woke up this morning with a pretty sore stomach and puffy eyes. The past few days I haven’t been sleeping well, got sun burnt and been skipping meals. Didn’t have breakfast before the race, not the brightest thing to do considering that today’s race is a little longer (116km’s) than the usual one day races, so preparation was not quite there for this one.

The race got underway with Johan Pretorius (Club 100) and Werner Moolman (Mr-Price) pushing hard up the first drag and opening up a small gap of around 10 seconds in the first 3km’s. At this stage the guys were not too concerned about the move as it was still early days. They were later joined by Marco van Biljoen (Bulk Pack Trek), Johan Labuschagne (Cyclelab), Alwyn (Cyclelab), Danie Mare (TCS) and a Harmony rider at about 10km’s. I just didn’t have it in me in the first few km’s or make that first 60km’s. The body was not interested and with not much happening attack wise I was somewhat relieved that I wasn’t called upon to cover any real big attacks. So with Marco in the break we (Bulk Pack Trek) were happy with the situation. At this point the race was pretty much set and sitting 5th wheel for most of the time in the chase, I was happy to watch the chaps roll through in an effort to try close the gap to the leaders. Most of the work was being done by Club 100 which I found strange as they had a man (Johan Pretorius) upfront in the break. With the km’s ticking over and Donovan Jackson trying hard to motivate his men to chase and the gap at 1min 20s we picked up one of the first riders, Danie Mare (TCS) who dropped off the lead group going through the bumps out towards Heidelberg and then later Johan Pretorius (Club 100) and Alwyn (Cyclelab).

I was feeling good on the bumps and with the only real “climb” of the day (1.5km at 4%) David Labuschagne (Cyclelab) put in a BIG effort, trying to split the bunch up a bit. He was closely marked by Craig Harvey (Bulk Pack Trek) and they had a slight gap on the rest but later gave up as there was no point in trying to close the gap down with their riders upfront. The race came together with about 10km’s to go which saw David Labuschagne and myself jump off the front opening a small gap of around 5-10s, but all in vain. The last 2km’s is always fast with everyone trying to enter the S bend first. Werner Moolman for one last time tried to go and I quickly hooked his wheel. Coming through the S’s in 2nd position I noticed Moolman struggling, I immediately reacted and tried to go but misjudged the sprint and had to settle for 12th.

Not a good first 60km’s for me but one positive I can take out of today’s race was the climbs/drags, I felt really good. An excellent effort by Marco van Biljoen who was in the break for 100km’s. Still no podium for us, but things are looking good, so maybe next time. To sum it up, the race was boring, sitting and watching the chase for 100km’s is kind of like watching paint dry, but a good effort by Club 100, Donovan and the boys! Next weekends the Carnival, another fast one with a few kicks here and there; hopefully my race prep is a little better.

Later

Vets 30+ Results:
1. James Louter (2:42)
2. Mark Davel
3. Donovan Jackson
4. Tijl vd Winkel
5. Koos Klopper

Emperors, from good to bad

2009-02-08T16:30:00.006+02:00

The 2009 Emperors Classic was presented with a new route. Instead of heading out towards Bapsfontein, through Tembisa and up 3 steps (Allandale), we headed out on the N12, N17 towards Nigel, back up through Springs and home. The first 25km’s would be the last 25km’s coming back which had a few drags leading to the finish.

As always the pace was furious right from the start, flat and fast, so this was expected. 12km’s in to the race one of the riders (OB) ripped his pedal off his crank almost taking Craig Harvey (Bulk Pack Trek) and myself out and then proceeding to swerve back in to the bunch while trying to maintain his balance. Don’t know what happened to OB but if I can help you in any way, your pedals on the N17 somewhere.

Climbing on to the N17 there were a few attacks going off the front but nothing serious. At this point in time for a break to succeed would prove to be very hard; the wind was a little stiff coming from the front and on a flat route like today it just seemed impossible to stay away. Coming off the N17 we hit Heidelberg road, this section the road surface was very rough and this was one of a few drags (2.5km at 2%) nothing serious. Here Johann Pretorius (MTN/Club 100) started driving the pace with me firmly stuck behind his wheel, trying to keep the pace high and eliminate any wheel suckers early on, but to no avail, my legs were still asleep and with a good push I thought they might wake up. At about 40km’s we hit the only real climb/drag of the day (1.5km at 4.5%). Thought I’d give it a dig here and launched off the front and started opening a small gap but my legs wanted to know nothing. I was shortly joined by Johan Labuschagne (Cyclelab), Jacques Fullard (Team Focus) and Craig Harvey (Bulk Pack Trek) who comfortably rode me off and then getting swallowed up by the pack. This was the break of the day and at this point I was happy and comfortable with the situation and it felt as if Bulk Pack had control of the race, sitting 3rd, 4th wheel in the chase both Marco van Biljoen (Bulk Pack Trek) and myself knew that if the leaders were caught we’d be fresh enough to jump off the front to try create something, but things took a turn for the worst at 25km’s to go.

Having finally caught the break after some time, we joined up with the 50km fun riders, Bulk Pack Trek first lost Marco van Biljoen to a puncture, then 5km’s later 2 riders (Craig Harvey/Mark Ramos), crashed and had to chase hard to get back in to the group. I had my work cut out; the pace started heating up amongst the fun riders, so concentration was vital. Coming off the N17 and back up Rondebult, with 14km’s to go I found myself in a 4 man break with Johan Labuschagne (Cyclelab), Team Focus and someone. I thought this could be it to the end but with the wind hitting us from the front and the cohesion not quite there our 5 minutes of glory was a thing of the past and with 7km’s to go the hard efforts started taking its toll.

At the end it came down to a bunch finish with Jacques Fullard (Team Focus) showing the rest a clean set of heels. A pretty easy race with only 600m’s of climbing over the 100km’s but tough to get away with it being so flat so a bunch sprint was always on the cards. Some bad luck for us but we were in the mix and trying to make the racing hard and that’s what counts. Next weekend see’s us at the Liberty which should be interesting considering there’s a kick or two with maybe a little bit of wind here and there.

Later.

Vets 30+ Results:
1. Jacques Fullard
2. Jeffrey Kriel
3. Hansie Joubert
4. James Louter
5. Gary Rabie

Berge en Dale: No legs...

2009-01-31T15:44:00.002+02:00

So after a good hour in the bath with my son Keegan, having bubble war, I’m chilling watching Igor and Bolt. It’s called recovery for me while using the DVD player to entertain Keegs. I can’t really describe how tough today was, yes the elites may post faster times but with vets the racing's insane and there’s just attacks after attacks.

Today started with a 1.8km climb at an average of 5.5%, the tempo from the start was high. I initially set the pace up Krugersdorp to get rid of any wheel suckers and tried softening up some of my competitors legs; after all I was a man going to war on my own. After the Krugersdorp hill a few riders tried to go off the front and get something going, but all in vain. A long descend took us towards the Cradle, with lots of drags and a few kicks. Cyclelab represented by Johan & David Labuschagne together with Koos were making the racing very hard, each one were having a shot at getting away. I think David or Johan finally got away with Donovan Jackson (Club 100 / Last week’s winner at the Hyper) just before the turn on the N14 heading out towards Diepsloot. This was a tough section with lots of drags and a slight head wind. At the time I was guessing the break wouldn’t succeed. The chase was lead by Werner Moolman (Mr. Price), Phillip Fourie (TCS), Harmony, Garmin and some other teams (Not sure of their names). The chase always kept the leaders in sight. We hit the turnaround at Diepsloot and with the wind at our backs the pace picked up quite a bit and the escapees were getting reeled in very quickly. They were finally caught going up the drag past Petro port; together with most of the juniors who were a bit of a pain but were quickly sorted out by the old men. Here I hit a bad patch and the body was responding to nothing, kept my composure and rhythm and pulled back in to the group, slowly. At this point lots of dead wheels were given and I had to work hard to close the gap. It all came down to a bunch sprint with Johan Labuschagne taking the win.

It was a race dominated by Cyclelab and Club 100 who were applying all the pressure and always giving it a go. On the day the best man won and congrats to Johan on the win. A good day for Cyclelab but not just in the vets 30+ group, they cleaned up by winning elites, vets 30+, 40+ and 50+. A special shout out to 2 good mates, Bruce Diesel and Andrew McLean who TT’ed the whole race to stay away and take 1st (Bruce) and 2nd (Andrew), sterling performance chaps!

All in all not a good day for me on the bike, legs were okay but not great and feels like I have a bit of flu coming along. Guess a bit of nursing and back to the drawing board to see where things can improve.

Congrats to everyone who finished a tough course.

Later.

Vets 30+ Results:
1. Johan Labuschagne
2. Phillip Fourie
3. Jeffrey Kriel
4. Jac – Louis van Wyk
5. Justin Erasmus

Berge en Dale thoughts

2009-01-30T07:37:00.004+02:00

Busy sitting here looking outside at the rain and wondering how tomorrows race will pan out. The rain has really affected my training this week, although I feel pretty good there's always a little bit of doubt that creeps in ones mind when a training session is missed. Starting at 06h06 in the VA group. It's a new route and we start with a 2.5km climb at an average of 6%. Nothing for the pro's but pretty hectic for an old man like me, well I am a vet after all. The route has lots of rolling hills with a few steep little kicks here and there. I have a feeling that if there's a break it may succeed all the way to the end, hopefully I'm in it, otherwise there will be lots of chasing.

This is not a very big race and the prize money is not that good at all so the field should be pretty small. Bulk Pack Trek will only be represented by Craig Harvey (Maybe) and myself, so our work will definitely be cut out. I'm not really concerned about tomorrow's race, I'll be treating it as a tough training session but also hoping to finish right up there. I'm looking more forward to the next few weeks ahead, Emperors Classic and the Liberty Ride for Sight, two BIG classics and a result will really be good for the team...

Oh well, lets hope the weathers good and that the racing is even better tomorrow. Good luck to all taking part. Off to work :-(

My ride - Trek Madone 6.9

2009-01-29T15:58:00.008+02:00

- Size 54cm
- 10 SPD Full SRAM Red Group set
- Bontrager Inform saddle
- Bontrager XXX Lite handle bars
- Bontrager Race XXX Lite 100mm stem
- Bontrager Race XXX Fork
- Bontrager Aeolus 6.5 wheels
- Shimano SPD SL 7810 Durace Ace pedals
- Powertap SL

Killing time...

2009-01-29T08:26:00.003+02:00

So I decided it's time for a blog. Busy setting it up, check back soon for race updates.