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Zane2016-08-16 09:07:522016-08-16 09:15:49Trans Baviaans Event #1 Race Report Video
Trans Baviaans Event #1 2016 Press Release
Luus and Stelling Claim Trans Baviaans Victory with a Tactical Masterstroke
Trans Baviaans first timer Lourens Luus teamed up with old hand Billy Stelling to successful effect as the PowerBar 1 pairing rode to Trans Baviaans victory on Saturday 13 August. The race was the first of two weekends of Trans Baviaans action and joining Luus and Stelling on the top step of the podium were; Yolandi de Villiers, Johan Labuschagne and Neill Ungerer, of Ultimate Cycling TBC, in the mixed category and Theresa Ralph and Amy McDougall, of Galileo Risk Valencia in the women’s category.
The 230km race started at 10:00 in Willowmore on Saturday morning. A steady early pace was set by in large by the ASG Best-Med teams, with Labuschagne and Ungerer also doing turns on the front. The expected tail wind failed to materialise and instead a slight head wind kept the lead bunch together until around the 80km mark when the jockeying for positions heading into Check Point 2, at 104km, started. At Check Point 2 the experience started to show for teams like Ultimate Cycling TDC as they tended to navigate the potentially confusing check point zones; where riders had to check in, fill bottles, stock up on nutrition, collect essentials for the next leg from their check point boxes and check out again in good time. Stelling and Luus had clearly planned their check point strategy too and managed to minimize their time off the road.
Heading into the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve the race started to splinter as first the Frangs and then The Mother of All Climbs (The MAC) took their toll. Up front Stelling and Luus were joined by the Altech-Autopage duo of Pieter Seyffert and Hanco Kachelhoffer. Behind them on the road the leading mixed team of de Villiers, Labuschagne and Ungerer were riding with the third placed men’s team of Steven Shirley and Juan-Pierre Minnie riding as team On Your Bike. A little further back the race for second in the mixed category was hotting up as the RMB Change A Life duo of Martin Dreyer and Jeannie Bomford had caught the Merrell Mixed trio of Craig Boyes, Timo Cooper and Nicky Gillomee.
Stelling appeared to be struggling up The MAC, so Seyffert and Kachelhoffer attacked in the final phases of the climb to claim the PowerBar King of the Mountain prize. However, once over the climb the four leaders all missed the Bergplaas check point at the crest of the climb and had to track back, nullifying the 20 second gap the Altech-Autopage guys had garnered. The first woman to crest The MAC climb and claim the PowerBar Queen of the Mountain was the high flying de Villiers.
Descending the Big Dipper Seyffert and Kachelhoffer again pulled a lead on Stelling and Luus, but Luus dug deep when they reached the kloof below to re-join the leaders. For the next 50km Luus sat at the front of the lead group setting a steady pace, while Stelling recovered on the back of the group. Heading up the Never Ender climb the race for outright victory appeared to enter a stale mate.
The Trans Baviaans is famed for its need for strong teamwork and in the final reckoning it was teamwork that settled the two closest battles. In the mixed category race for second the advantage of having three riders in a team allowed the Merrell Mixed trio to reel in the RMB Change A Life duo. Gillomee took turns hanging on Cooper and then Boyes’ pockets as they powered up the Never Ender passing Dreyer and Bomford. In the men’s race the decisive move came at the self-service Check Point 6. Stelling passed the check point tag to Luus in the approach to the check point and while the stronger Luus stopped to tag the PowerBar 1 team in Stelling continued up the road. The Altech-Autopage team stopped together, but when Luus accelerated away from the check point to catch Stelling they were unable to hold his wheel. Despite having nearly 40km to race Stelling and Luus managed to hang on; eventually even extending their lead when Seyffert and Kachelhoffer eased off the pace in the closing kilometres once it became clear the pursuit was futile.
The race-winning move was made at Check Point 6 where Pieter Seyffert waited for his Altech-Autopage teammate Hanco Kachelhoffer to complete the check-in process, alongside Lourens Luus, while Billy Stelling raced ahead. Photo by Seamus Allardice.
In the mixed category the Ultimate Cycling RDC team of de Villiers, Labuschagne and Ungerer crossed the finish line, at the Fountains Mall, hot on the heels of team On Your Bike, the third men’s team made up by Shirley and Minnie who they’d ridden with for most of the day. The trio’s victory was their fourth in the Trans Baviaans mixed category. Behind them Boyes, Cooper and Gillomee, of Merrell Mixed, finished strongly to claim second while the RMB Change a Life duo of Martin Dreyer and Jeannie Bomford were third.
The women’s category race failed to ignite into a racing spectacle when an early mechanical for Hanlie Booyens dropped her and her Tiletoria Ladies teammates, Fienie Barnard and Esther Lategan off the pace of eventual winners Ralph and McDougall. Riding on tired legs, following her recent Iron Bike stage race exploits in Italy, McDougall was not happy with the time she and Ralph managed. The very competitive pair would have liked to have challenged the mixed teams more closely, but it wasn’t too be so their attention shifted to enjoying the route and there surely could not have been a team who finished the first event of the 2016 Trans Baviaans with bigger smiles than the Galileo Risk Valencia duo. Closing out the women’s podium was the Ander Fairies duo of Franci Joubert and Lolita van Aardt.
With the first of the two Trans Baviaans events wrapped-up the attention now shifts to the second event, which takes place on the 20th and 21st of August. Along with the other prizes the victors of the second Trans Baviaans event win entries to the first event in 2017 to ensure that the strongest possible field attend the first event each year. To stay updated on all the action from the second Trans Baviaans event follow @EcoBoundMTB on Twitter, @transbaviaans on Instagram, and like the Trans Baviaans Facebook page. For more information and all the results from the first 2016 Trans Baviaans visit www.transbaviaans.co.za.
Selected Results: 2016 Trans Baviaans | Race 1
Men:
- Lourens & Billy Stelling (PowerBar 1) 08:40:52
- Pieter Seyffert & Hanco Kachelhoffer (Altech-Autopage) 08:49:06
- Steven Shirley & Juan-Pierre Minnie riding (On Your Bike) 08:553:59
Mixed:
- Yolandi de Villiers, Johan Labuschagne & Neill Ungerer (Ultimate Cycling TDC) 08:54:07
- Craig Boyes, Timo Cooper & Nicky Gillomee (Merrell Mixed) 09:11:04
- Martin Dreyer & Jeannie Bomford (RMB Change A Life) 09:19:27
Women:
- Theresa Ralph & Amy McDougall (Galileo Risk Valencia) 09:54:26
- Hanlie Booyens, Fienie Barnard & Esther Lategan(Tiletoria Ladies) 10:46:09
- Franci Joubert & Lolita van Aardt (Ander Fairies) 11:00:43
The MAC – A.K.A. The Mother of all climbs, snaking from the valley floor up into the clouds. Credit: www.jacquesmarais.co.za / Pentax.
Source: Seamus Allardice
Trans Talk Information Evenings
The first Trans Talk took place way back in 2004 right before the very first Trans Baviaans 24hr MTB marathon. The distance was unheard of, the riders didn’t know if it was possible to do, there was a buzz of excitement and nerves mixed together in the month leading up to the inaugural race. A couple of locals from Knysna asked Wikus van der Walt the founder of the race to come and tell them what to expect!
The idea was borne and the race has grown from about 250 riders in the first year to now having 2 events on 2 consecutive weekends and both are sold out. Team Ecobound embarked on a roadshow this year visiting the main centres with a Trans Baviaans Information session dubbed the Trans Talks. The tour started in Johannesburg at the Sportmans Warehouse in Fourways and then moved to The Bike and Brew in Port Elizabeth, Sportmans Warehouse Bloemfontein, Greg Minnaar Cycles in Pietermaritzburg, Knysna Cycle Works in Knysna and then the last evening was at Sportmans Warehouse Rondebosch Cape Town.
Guests arriving at Sportmans Warehouse Rondebosch
All the evenings where well attended and enjoyed by everyone. We had expert advise on nutrition from PowerBar, Extreme Lights got technical with light information, Squirt gave away some goodies for everyone that attended and Darling Brew did tastings in Cape Town. The stores that hosted the Trans Talk’s offered some great specials to everyone that joined. Special speakers included veteran Berend Maarching (who did every single race) with some of his tips, podium finishers like Nick Cape and more.
“We will make a downloadable version of the presentation available to all that did not attend the Trans Talks” said Zane Schmahl Event Organiser.
Trevor Seinen from PowerBar giving expert advise as a veteran of the Trans Baviaans
“The Trans Talk Roadshow will be launched again for 2017 with hopefully more towns to be visited in our country after many requests confirming the demand for them” said Wikus van der Walt Race Director.
The team from Ecobound will now turn their full focus to the event itself that will take place on 13 & 20 August 2016 which is just around the corner.
Berend Maarsingh giving some tips as a finisher of every single Trans Baviaans
Some riders ogling at the Momsen Vipa XT 2016 model
Newsletter #5-16
Dagsê
Ek is besig met hierdie nuusbrief soos die Ecobound span in Bloemfontein sit, besig om reg te kry vir die #TransTalkBloem. Ons is verstom met die geweldige ondersteuning wat ons kry van ryers vêr en wyd in ons land vir hierdie informasie aande oor die Trans Baviaans en sal ons beste probeer om volgende jaar n groter toer te doen!
The Baviaans Kloof.
We have been through the Baviaans Kloof last week. It is dry at the moment with very little river crossings to be concerned about at this stage, but if the past has taught us anything it is that everything can change in the kloof very quickly. The roads are very good except for some of the steep climbs where the cement strips are deteriorating and leaving some big “gaps” in the road
Trans Talk Road Show
So far the Trans Talk’s have been a huge success with some valuable tips and information shared. We have been pleased with the turn out of veterans of the Trans Baviaans also attending the evenings and adding value. If you are in the area listed below please book your spot and join us in Knysna or Cape Town.
Our schedule for the rest of the Trans Talks are as follows:
1. Knysna Cycle Works Knysna – 13 June 2016.
2. Sportmans Warehouse Rondebosch Cape Town – 14 June 2016.
All to start @ 19:00
The evening will be free of charge but we would like you to RSVP with Carmen at carmen@ecobound.co.za by 10 June in order for us to confirm numbers. We will provide snacks, drinks and hopefully some good laughs.
Enjoy your preparations and we hope to see you at one of the Trans Talks.
Wikus van der Walt
We would like to welcome Darling Brew to the Ecobound Family, they will have a cold one available for you at the finish of the Trans Baviaans 2016!
PowerBar has got fantastic products and all are on special for Trans Baviaans entrants. Simply go to ouronline shop to get your coupon code and order directly from PowerBar’s shop to qualify for your 10% discount!
If you don’t have your lights sorted out yet you better hurry to do so! Extreme lights has put together a“light guide” for the Trans Baviaans and some great specials on their products.
Exciting news for all the Single Speed fans out there! We will have a category for you crazy people out there, with an awesome team prize from South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance and a #SpecialKindOfIdiot Trophy, because you are special!
Want to experience the Baviaans Kloof at a slower pace and take in those views? Have a look at the inaugural Trans Tour available this year!
Newsletter #4-16
Dagsê
Ek het gedink dit sal goed wees om vir n slag die nuusbrief in Afrikaans te begin. Winter is om die draai en dit gaan al hoe moeiliker begin raak om te oefen, maar dit sal alles die moeite werd wees wanneer julle teen die M.A.C uitklim in Augustus!
The All New Trans Tour.
With the launch of the second event in 2015, we had these guys, some would call them crazy, some would call them stupid and some would call them very brave, that took up the challenge of riding the first Trans Baviaans from Willowmore to Jeffreys Bay, then ride back to Willowmore through the Baviaanskloof during the following week and then soldier onto the start of the second Trans Baviaans 24hr MTB Marathon! Now that brings Trans Spirit to a whole new level!
We will now be offering a Trans Tour in the week between the two events from 15th August to 19th August 2016 for those crazy enough to take up the challenge (as the guys from last year), for those who want to take their better half through the kloof on a more relaxed journey, for those wanting to reminisce about the race (see some views in daylight) or for those who want to mentally prepare for what is about to come! There is only 10 spots available for this tour so book your spot. Click here for more info.
Trans Talk Road Show
Our schedule for the rest of the Trans Talks are as follows:
1. Bike & Brew Port Elizabeth – 17 May 2016
2. Sportmans Warehouse Bloemfontein – 25 May 2016.
3. Greg Minnaar Cycles Pietermaritzburg – 30 May 2016.
4. Knysna Cycle Works Knysna – 13 June 2016.
5. Sportmans Warehouse Rondebosch Cape Town – 14 June 2016.
All to start @ 19:00
If you are a rookie (first timer) this evening will be very informative and if you are a 5 year shield holder or on your way to one please come and share your experiences with everybody and social with us!
The evening will be free of charge but we would like you to RSVP with Carmen at carmen@ecobound.co.za a week before every date in order for us to confirm numbers. We will provide snacks, drinks and hopefully some good laughs.
Enjoy your preparations and we hope to see you at one of the Trans Talks.
Wikus van der Walt
Sportmans Warehouse will be offering excellent discounts at the Trans Talk Roadshows on selected Cycling Equipment and their counters will be open for sales. Be sure not to miss it!
Do you worry when they take your bike apart when you give it in for transportation to a race that something might be wrong when your collect it again……. then Bicycle Transport is the way to go!
Bicycle Transport from Pretoria and Johannesburg to Willowmore and back from Jeffreys.
Race date: 13 and 20 August 2016
Cost per bike: R1200
Have a look at the Trans Baviaans Merchandise available on the online shop.
Newsletter #3-16
Greetings
Now that all the April Fools jokes have settled, its back to reality and the time is getting closer to the Trans Baviaans 2016. If you are not on schedule with your training yet make sure you check out the training programme.
Participants in the Trans Baviaans 2016.
Your detailed confirmation email is in the queue and will be with you soon if you have not already received it. Check the info carefully and read through everything. Save that mail for future reference!
New Website and Online Shop
Our new website is up and running along with an online shop, we are planning to add more great products to the shop so keep an eye out! At the moment get your Trans Branded Capestorm kit from the site!
Trans Talk Road Show
We are busy finalising the rest of the tour and will let you have the details on it asap!
PowerBar® is offering an awesome 10% discount on their online shop for Trans Baviaans participants! Use voucher code: TransPB2016 Don’t miss out on this opportunity get your order in today!
Enjoy your preparations.
Wikus van der Walt
Trans Baviaans 24hr MTB Marathon Newsletter #1-16
Greetings
It is that time of year again, it feels like yesterday that we all stood on the start line of the Trans Baviaans 2015. Entries for 2016 will be opening on the 1st December 2015 and we hope you are as excited as we are! There will be 2 events again this year and it will be the new format going forward. Trans Baviaans #1 will take place on the 13th August 2016 and Trans Baviaans #2 will take place on the 20th August 2016.
How to enter
- Make sure all team members are registered on the website (if you have done the race before you will already be registered)
- One member to login and submit the team entry.
- You will need to choose your date
- You will need each rider’s login email address.
- You will need each rider’s valid CSA membership number.
- You will need each rider’s T-Shirt size
- Only one entry per team will be accepted.
- Note: Registering on the website does not mean you have entered the race.
This going to be quick so make sure you have those keyboard fingers ready!
We have quite a few new and exciting things brewing for 2016, some of which we can already announce:
Welcome Capestorm
We are very pleased to welcome Capestorm to the Trans Baviaans as the Official Apparel Partner of the race. It just made sense for these two iconic South African Brands to join forces, true to Capestorm’s motto the Trans Baviaans will be one of the toughest adventures you will embark on… ARE YOU IN?
Powerbar
Powerbar has upped their game and now, as the Official Supplement Sponsor of the race, they will make sure you have optimum performance products available at all the checkpoints on both events!
Trans Talk
As another first for 2016 we will be coming to a city centre close to you all over the country to launch the “Trans Talk” info sessions, where we will be hosting an evening in a Sportmans Warehouse close to you to chat about what you got yourselves into! We will run info sessions, tips and gear recommendations at these evenings to make sure you are more informed and ready to go for the Trans Baviaans 2016. These will take place from January to March and will be announced on social media, the website and this newsletter.
For now that is what we can share with you but be sure to know 2016 will hold a whole lot of excitement for the Trans Baviaans 24hr MTB Marathon and Ecobound Events.
Have a Merry Christmas and a happy new year!
Happy pedalling
Wikus van der Walt
Some of the Cape Storm products that will be for sale with your entry this year!
Specials with your entry this year:
- XP1 Cycle Light normally R995 now R850. The XP1 has a focused beam that gives you maximum distance. It offers exceptional value for money.
- XP3 Endurance Cycle Light normally R1850 now R1595. The XP3 has a much wider beam which allows you to see more through the corners when you are heading down the pass towards Bergplaas.
Momsen bikes has recently launched there whole new range for 2016. We have taken them all over our recce rides so far and they are truly remarkable bikes forged in the untamed! Go check them out!
Powerbar’s products will be available at all the Checkpoints this year! Make sure you familiarise yourselves with there products and check out there nutrition plan for the Trans Baviaans on there website! #You’reStrongerThanYouThink
Newsletter #2-16
Greetings
The first month of the year has gone we can’t believe how quickly it went. We would just like to thank you very much for the great support shown by all of you upon entering the Trans Baviaans 2016.
Training Program
For those of you still recovering from the festive season activities and trying to get your training schedule going for the Trans Baviaans, check out our training program on the website which starts right now!! This will get you ready for the challenge in the time remaining.
Participants in the Trans Baviaans
The riders list of entrants for both the Trans Baviaans events are available on the website. If you have entered and your name does not appear there, don’t fret, it only means that your entry is not complete yet. Send us a e-mail to team@ecobound.co.za and we will sort it out for you. All entrants will receive a detailed confirmation e-mail in March with your race number and more information.
First Choice® On Board
First Choice® partnered with Trans Baviaans 2016, the biggest MTB race in the Eastern Cape. You can look forward to some excellent products at all our checkpoints, ranging from desserts to High Protein Recovery drinks. All milk is sourced from pasture fed cows in the beautiful Eastern Cape and locally produced by Woodlands Dairy. We hope you are as excited as we are to taste those flavoured milk drinks when you need it most at 1am in the morning out there en-route in the Baviaans Kloof.
Trans Talk Road Show
This year we will embark on a new venture as part of the preparations for the Trans Baviaans, the Trans Talk Road Show. We will be visiting the main centers, with Johannesburg being the first in March, to provide you with an informative presentation and an opportunity to raise your questions and discuss the event in general. These talks will be at the Sportsmanswarehouse outlets. More information on the schedule and how to attend will be made available shortly through social media and on the website.
Trans Baviaans Merchandise
For those of you who were way too eager to enter and missed the merchandise order in the process, there will be opportunity to order yours. The merchandise order form will be available soon on our new and updated website.
Enjoy your preparations.
Wikus van der Walt
PowerBar® is offering an awesome 10% discount on their online shop for Trans Baviaans participants! Use voucher code: TransPB2016 Don’t miss out on this opportunity get your order in today!
