Specialized Bicycle Components has been the proud sponsor of the Exel road cycling team since the end of 2005. This partnership has not only been renewed for 2007, but has also seen the addition of a MTB team. The MTB team will be named Team Exel Specialized while the road team remains Team Exel.
Team Exel Specialized 2007 will consist of the following four riders:
ELIAS (TUIS) SEBONA
DOB: September 28th 1980
Turned Pro: 2003 with HSBC.
2004: Rode for TUKS (University Pretoria)
2005 and 2006: Team Exel
Highlights:
2002: 5th overall Kremetart Tour, stage winner
2002: Team member of winning team at Tour of China with HSBC.
2003: Kremetart Tour, stage winner, plus yellow jersey wearer
2004: Winner of KoM at Jock Tour at Barberton / Nelspruit
2005: Winner of Middelburg Classic
2006: 3rd overall Middelburg Classic
2006: Crater Cruise MTB event 25th overall position
JACO VENTER
DOB: February 13th 1987
Cycling results:
2002:
U16 African and South African Champion
2004:
1st- Junior Expert Short Track, Sea Otter MTB Classic, USA
2nd- Junior Expert Road race, Sea Otter Classic, USA
2nd Overall (incl Elite) - Karoo to Coast
2005:
1st- South African Junior Timetrial Championships
Stage winner of the South African Junior Tour
5th- Overall Classification Tour de Lorraine World Cup, France
2nd- Het Volk Junior (UCI 1.1), Belgium
2006:
Crater Cruise MTB event 9th overall position
JACQUES JANSE VAN RENSBURG
DOB: September 6th 1987
Cycling Results:
2005:
1st- South African Junior Road Championships
Stage winner of the South African Junior Tour
1st- King of the Mountains Classification, Tour de Lorraine World Cup, France
2nd- Sprints Classification, Tour de Pays de Vaud, Switzerland
3rd- King of the Mountains Classification, Tour de Pays de Vaud, Switzerland
2006:
1st- Stage1, Transalp Challenge (Road)
1st- Stage 7, Transalp Challenge (Road)
Crater Cruise MTB event 15th overall position
OWEN CHAD HANNIE
DOB: June 6th 1978
Professional Cyclist
January 1999-December 2003
Teams: IBM Lotus (1999-2001), Microsoft (2002-2003), South African National Team (1999-2003)
Highlighted Achievements: First cyclist of colour to represent the South African National Team at World Road Champs in Verona, Italy (1999), South African National U/23 Champion 2001, Ranked in the South African Top from 1999 to 2003.
The riders will focus on the Drifter series, various other high profile races such as Sanie 2 C, Sabie Experience and most definitely the Cape Epic. The pairing for the Cape Epic 2007 will be Jaco/Jacques and Tuis/Owen.
The foray from road into MTB for the team offers exciting opportunities for all concerned. The co sponsors of Team Exel Specialized are:
(Exel and Specialized are naming sponsors)
Thule Bike Racks
Look Pedals,
SRAM Bicycle Components
Cyclesure Insurance
Volvo Bedfordview
Fast Fuel Supplements
Bene Water
Anatomic Clothing
The strong link between Team Exel Specialized and the Specialized Factory MTB Team (e.g. Christoph Sauser, Liam Killeen) will be strengthened over the course of 2007, especially during the Cape Epic.
The team looks forward to an exciting year ahead and will endeavour to leverage the exposure for its co sponsors as well as to create more awareness of mountain biking in South Africa.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Monday, December 18, 2006
Average Guy Experiences The Sabie Experience
I was lucky enough to be invited by the organisers of the Sabie Experience to ride a stage of the race. But this report starts a week before the Experience. I was in Sabie to do a training camp with the good people from Fritz Pienaar Cycles and the second day of our camp, we ran into Dennis Lawrie. For those of you who don’t know, he’s one of the people behind the Sabie Experience. It’s only if you happen to be there the week before the event that you realise fully what it takes to put together an event like The Experience. Dennis was out there with some enthusiastic helpers doing everything from cutting the long grass, to removing overhanging tree branches from the trail, to getting some very keen dirt bikers to ride the single track, just so that it would be fresh. I often do races without a thought of what happens behind the scenes; but seeing all this hard work happening really hit it home how much we take for granted. Every cent of race entry is worth it in my book.
So, what about the actual event? I think The Cure song “Hot, Hot, Hot” would describe the 2006 Sabie Experience best. I was extremely lucky as the third stage I rode on the Saturday was by far the coolest day of the event… my Polar measured a sweat- inducing 38 degrees! The 7 a.m. start did help a little, but speaking to some riders who perspired their way through all 4 days, they would have even been happy with a 6 a.m. start. The vibe at the start was very festive; the voice of Mountain Biking in S.A; Paul Valstar adding to the atmosphere. Those riders who escaped heat exhaustion to make day 3 were looking surprisingly fresh; I think they were invigorated by the misty cool morning.
The mist was soon burnt off by the blazing lowveld sun and things were soon back to hot, hot, hot. Day 3 was 72km and 1400m climbing, and I had much respect for those who had endured similar stages for the previous 2 days. The heat really was stifling and some riders reported a remarkable 45 degrees on the previous day, so while I sweated like a Norwegian in a sauna, I still counted myself lucky.
The route was pretty standard Sabie stuff. Good long climbs and exhilarating downhills; with nothing too challenging for day 3 in terms of technical riding. There was a really cool (literally) downhill through a forest canopy, which everyone seemed to really appreciate and enjoy. The water points were some of the best I have seen at any race! There was plenty fruit, cold water and Powerade. Also, a nice touch was a tent, where riders could get out of the sun and have some Squirt administered to dusty drive trains.
The finish had all the vibe of the start and Paul made an effort to announce each team finishing by name which is a really great way to make each person feel like the champion they are. The bike wash (and at times, person wash) was really near the finish, so you could get your bike sorted and move on to relax with minimal strain. The start/finish venue at the school was perfect, with a shaded grandstand for spectators to await the dusty bikers. For me, the ultimate, was the Chelsea bun at the end! I love to eat straight after a ride and this was an awesome touch! For me this was simply the icing on an absolutely awesome event. I have managed to miss out every year since the inception of The Experience, but next year I’ll be on the start line as a competitor. Thanks so much to all the organisers and in particular, Fiona Coward for making me feel like I was part of the race. The race bag full of goodies, reminded me of a time when I started racing and part of the fun was looking forward to the race packs.
I managed to make it to the final 25 km time trial on Sunday and this is what makes the event a must do. It was extremely exciting to sit on the grandstand and watch everyone sprint through the finish, having their times announced as they did. When Greg Minaar and Brandon Steward shot over the finish line, I didn’t think anyone would better their time. But Burry Stander and J.P. Pearton smashed any hopes of a sneak win with an unbelievable time of 51 minutes. I must confess to getting goose bumps as the announcement was made.
So, what about the actual event? I think The Cure song “Hot, Hot, Hot” would describe the 2006 Sabie Experience best. I was extremely lucky as the third stage I rode on the Saturday was by far the coolest day of the event… my Polar measured a sweat- inducing 38 degrees! The 7 a.m. start did help a little, but speaking to some riders who perspired their way through all 4 days, they would have even been happy with a 6 a.m. start. The vibe at the start was very festive; the voice of Mountain Biking in S.A; Paul Valstar adding to the atmosphere. Those riders who escaped heat exhaustion to make day 3 were looking surprisingly fresh; I think they were invigorated by the misty cool morning.
The mist was soon burnt off by the blazing lowveld sun and things were soon back to hot, hot, hot. Day 3 was 72km and 1400m climbing, and I had much respect for those who had endured similar stages for the previous 2 days. The heat really was stifling and some riders reported a remarkable 45 degrees on the previous day, so while I sweated like a Norwegian in a sauna, I still counted myself lucky.
The route was pretty standard Sabie stuff. Good long climbs and exhilarating downhills; with nothing too challenging for day 3 in terms of technical riding. There was a really cool (literally) downhill through a forest canopy, which everyone seemed to really appreciate and enjoy. The water points were some of the best I have seen at any race! There was plenty fruit, cold water and Powerade. Also, a nice touch was a tent, where riders could get out of the sun and have some Squirt administered to dusty drive trains.
The finish had all the vibe of the start and Paul made an effort to announce each team finishing by name which is a really great way to make each person feel like the champion they are. The bike wash (and at times, person wash) was really near the finish, so you could get your bike sorted and move on to relax with minimal strain. The start/finish venue at the school was perfect, with a shaded grandstand for spectators to await the dusty bikers. For me, the ultimate, was the Chelsea bun at the end! I love to eat straight after a ride and this was an awesome touch! For me this was simply the icing on an absolutely awesome event. I have managed to miss out every year since the inception of The Experience, but next year I’ll be on the start line as a competitor. Thanks so much to all the organisers and in particular, Fiona Coward for making me feel like I was part of the race. The race bag full of goodies, reminded me of a time when I started racing and part of the fun was looking forward to the race packs.
I managed to make it to the final 25 km time trial on Sunday and this is what makes the event a must do. It was extremely exciting to sit on the grandstand and watch everyone sprint through the finish, having their times announced as they did. When Greg Minaar and Brandon Steward shot over the finish line, I didn’t think anyone would better their time. But Burry Stander and J.P. Pearton smashed any hopes of a sneak win with an unbelievable time of 51 minutes. I must confess to getting goose bumps as the announcement was made.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Mazda Series 2007
Mazda Marathon Series dates for 2007
1.Mazda Barberton Mountain Bike Marathon
Date 27th January
2. Mazda Dirty Harry Mountain Bike Marathon
•(SA Team Selection race)
Date 14th April
3. Mazda Forest to Falls Mountain Bike Marathon
•(SA Team Selection race)
Date 5th May
4.Mazda Induna Mountain Bike Marathon
•2007 National Mountain Bike Marathon Championships
Date 16th June
5.Pick & Pay Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour Mazda Marathon
Date 7th July
6.Mazda Illovo Eston Classic Mountain Bike Marathon
Date 5th August
7.Mazda Koranna Mountain Bike Marathon
Date 25th August
8.Mazda Haenertsburg Mountain Bike Marathon
Date 8th September
9.The Herald Karoo to Coast Mazda Mountain Bike Marathon
Date 23rd Sept
10. Color Press Ride Crater Cruise Mazda Marathon
Date 13th & 14th Oct
Half Marathon Series dates for 2007
1.RCI Barberton Mountain Bike Half Marathon
Date 27th January
2. FPC Heritage Classic and RCI Half Marathon
Date 18th March
3. RCI Dirty Harry Mountain Bike Half Marathon
• (SA Team Selection race)
Date 14th April
4.RCI Forest to Falls Mountain Bike Half Marathon
•(SA Team Selection race)
Date 5th May
5. RCI Induna Mountain Bike Half Marathon
•National Mountain Bike Marathon Championships
Date 16th June
6. Pick & Pay Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour RCI Mountain Bike Half Marathon
Date 7th July
7.Illovo Eston Classic RCI Mountain Bike Half Marathon
Date 5th August
8. RCI Koranna Mountain Bike Half Marathon
Date 25th August
9. RCI Haenertsburg Mountain Bike Half Marathon
Date 8th September
10. Alpine Heath RCI Half Marathon
Date 27h Oct
1.Mazda Barberton Mountain Bike Marathon
Date 27th January
2. Mazda Dirty Harry Mountain Bike Marathon
•(SA Team Selection race)
Date 14th April
3. Mazda Forest to Falls Mountain Bike Marathon
•(SA Team Selection race)
Date 5th May
4.Mazda Induna Mountain Bike Marathon
•2007 National Mountain Bike Marathon Championships
Date 16th June
5.Pick & Pay Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour Mazda Marathon
Date 7th July
6.Mazda Illovo Eston Classic Mountain Bike Marathon
Date 5th August
7.Mazda Koranna Mountain Bike Marathon
Date 25th August
8.Mazda Haenertsburg Mountain Bike Marathon
Date 8th September
9.The Herald Karoo to Coast Mazda Mountain Bike Marathon
Date 23rd Sept
10. Color Press Ride Crater Cruise Mazda Marathon
Date 13th & 14th Oct
Half Marathon Series dates for 2007
1.RCI Barberton Mountain Bike Half Marathon
Date 27th January
2. FPC Heritage Classic and RCI Half Marathon
Date 18th March
3. RCI Dirty Harry Mountain Bike Half Marathon
• (SA Team Selection race)
Date 14th April
4.RCI Forest to Falls Mountain Bike Half Marathon
•(SA Team Selection race)
Date 5th May
5. RCI Induna Mountain Bike Half Marathon
•National Mountain Bike Marathon Championships
Date 16th June
6. Pick & Pay Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour RCI Mountain Bike Half Marathon
Date 7th July
7.Illovo Eston Classic RCI Mountain Bike Half Marathon
Date 5th August
8. RCI Koranna Mountain Bike Half Marathon
Date 25th August
9. RCI Haenertsburg Mountain Bike Half Marathon
Date 8th September
10. Alpine Heath RCI Half Marathon
Date 27h Oct
Monday, October 30, 2006
Commencal
MTBOnline were lucky enough to be invited to have a look at the new Commencal bikes that are now being imported into South Africa. Unfortunately they have only received sample stock and all the bikes are a medium size, which as you may know is not quite my size. But I got to touch the bikes and take a closer look at the interesting looking rear suspension.
The first bike I checked out was the pimpy white Meta 4. The sample they had is the top of the range and features a Fox RP3 on the rear and some very nice feeling Formula Oro brakes. The Meta 4 is a 4 inch travel bike and I am told it weighs slightly more than 12 kgs.
The rest of the Spec all fits in with the latest SRAM/Race Face trend and if you are into that then that is right down your alley.
Next in the line up was the Meta 5.5. This looks like the free rider, starter bike. It has 5.5 inches of rear wheel travel and mirrors the spec on the Meta 4. It tips the scales under 13 kgs.
Both bikes will retail at around R26500, which seems like awesome value for money.
I was able to take the 5.5 for a little spin around the parking lot. I forced it over some harsh looking curbs and the rear soaked it up very well. There was no visible bob in the extremely short test. If anything did feel harsh it was the Fox fork, but I am sure it just needs to bed in a little.
Don’t be too overwhelmed by the complicated looking suspension, it is very simply a single pivot design, which is activated through linkages.
The bike that really caught my attention was the flame. With my new found interest in hard Tails my first question was, "What does it weigh?". 10.1 kgs for the medium. Pretty good i think.
The Flame will retail at around R23 5oo.00. For more information on Commencal bikes in South Africa and to check availibility send a mail to info@commencal.co.za
I am told that stock should be reaching our shores in December/January. So you might want to save that Christmas bonus until then! Also look out for the Commencal van, they will be going all over the country showing off the bikes. Stop them and have a chat, they are really guys.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Meet Susi at Logwood
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Who is the Average Guy?
The average guy concept started in Sabie while drinking beers at Merry Pebbles. This was all after BIG AL (125kg) had just completed a 7:30 Sabie Classic. He was escorted to the finish by the sweep vehicle which had been begging him to get in from the 15km to go sign.
While drinking those beers, we were wondering what would happen if you took an average guy and trained him like a pro. Would he eventually finish races in the top ranks?
I then realized that I was the average guy. I set about changing my physiology (now 90kg), training hard and buying really cool equipment. I use every spare cent I have on bike stuff. My wife is thrilled with this. A hundred bucks spent on bike equipment is WAY better than a hundred bucks spent in the pub.
The Average Guys is a work in progress! You can all watch and enjoy. The ultimate goal, a top 20 overall finish at a well attended Drifter marathon race.
Will next year be his year?? Well we will have to wait and see.
Regards
The Average guy
While drinking those beers, we were wondering what would happen if you took an average guy and trained him like a pro. Would he eventually finish races in the top ranks?
I then realized that I was the average guy. I set about changing my physiology (now 90kg), training hard and buying really cool equipment. I use every spare cent I have on bike stuff. My wife is thrilled with this. A hundred bucks spent on bike equipment is WAY better than a hundred bucks spent in the pub.
The Average Guys is a work in progress! You can all watch and enjoy. The ultimate goal, a top 20 overall finish at a well attended Drifter marathon race.
Will next year be his year?? Well we will have to wait and see.
Regards
The Average guy
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