tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72918024500490479542024-03-13T04:36:45.466+02:00Kevin EvansProfessional CyclistKevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.comBlogger229125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-33485853797658851022014-09-30T21:36:00.002+02:002014-09-30T21:38:26.027+02:00Rift Valley Odyssey, Kenya<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4JpJJDYDBqk/VCsFTEIAqAI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/NWGF9huW8t4/s1600/RVO2014_small-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4JpJJDYDBqk/VCsFTEIAqAI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/NWGF9huW8t4/s1600/RVO2014_small-8.jpg" height="247" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Kevin Evans</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Rift Valley Odyssey, Brakenhurst-Lake Nakuru, Kenya</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
It was a year ago I was invited to this event, a race but not a race, an event where self navigated GPS routes first took off, an event where times are not taken, nor important, an event where the trails are sublime, an event which is small and intimate, where the focus is on the mountain biking, in its purest form, in the heart of Africa, in the middle of the Mighty Rift Valley.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bp_SwPx2tm8/VCsFgIZOFxI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/jPggqHUbEo4/s1600/RVO2014_small-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bp_SwPx2tm8/VCsFgIZOFxI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/jPggqHUbEo4/s1600/RVO2014_small-18.jpg" height="220" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Eric Nesbitt, the mastermind behind this event and the ‘Mini DrEvil’ of Kenya, had especially positioned his event this year so as not to clash with my fathers own DrEvil Classic, so that teammate, Max Knox, and myself could participate. It would be my first experience to Kenya, Max had ridden the previous year, but without doubt, not my last, but only the beginning for some of the true ‘mountain bikers’ I know back home.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9ToxfczGFY/VCsFqa4rZPI/AAAAAAAAA4g/cB6agp78OyY/s1600/RVO2014_small-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9ToxfczGFY/VCsFqa4rZPI/AAAAAAAAA4g/cB6agp78OyY/s1600/RVO2014_small-32.jpg" height="233" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
I had no idea of what to expect, apart from what Max had told me about the beautiful and bio diverse landscape that Kenya has to offer, and the minor details that Max had neglected to tell me, the severe altitude and heart thumping 400 odd kilometers between 2200m-2750m that lay ahead of us, from Brakenhurst to Lake Naivasha, and then on towards Lake Nukuru National Park.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7AQ9okuqDw/VCsF1-bboVI/AAAAAAAAA4o/-2vuwwV39vc/s1600/RVO2014_small-63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7AQ9okuqDw/VCsF1-bboVI/AAAAAAAAA4o/-2vuwwV39vc/s1600/RVO2014_small-63.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
The riding, which in essence, is what we were here for, was incredible, ranking right up there with the best trails I’ve ridden around the world. The organization for this small, but intermit event was also world class, and the hospitality of the local Kenyans was mind blowing. If I ever travel abroad, it will be African countries from here on for sure.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Highlights of the tour? Too many to name off the top of my head. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
But I will try: Heaven is a rarified place on earth, where the air is thin, but the rewards are thick.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
The descent for the first time into the mighty Rift Valley, the many climbs around the valley, into lush indigenous forests, raw volcanic rock barren landscapes that apparently, Lara Craft once roamed. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c6RQG_0fhkY/VCsF-HyZnwI/AAAAAAAAA4w/3GSbhBHBX2o/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B2.11.38%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c6RQG_0fhkY/VCsF-HyZnwI/AAAAAAAAA4w/3GSbhBHBX2o/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B2.11.38%2BPM.png" height="247" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
How about the last day when riding through proper big five reserves of Lake Nakuru, seeing rhino, buffalo and lion, or simply being able to ride with the SafariSimbaz, a group of boys, raised and guided by David Kinja, a close friend and mentor to Chris Froome. David took us on a personal tour of his Simbaz and how the boys live, and where they grow up, a most humbling experience for any developing cyclist or athlete.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
The RVO has quickly taken over a special place in my heart, close to the route of my soul, Africa and mountain biking in essence, and I will be the first rider to put my hand up to return next year to build on the fond memories that this diverse country has left me with.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
The Pride of Africa.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DZOh0JQZZWo/VCsGN-WgXXI/AAAAAAAAA44/7Hotu_LULGI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B2.11.49%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DZOh0JQZZWo/VCsGN-WgXXI/AAAAAAAAA44/7Hotu_LULGI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B2.11.49%2BPM.png" height="241" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Till then,</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Cheers</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
Kevin Evans</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-78186352884084961812014-06-16T11:22:00.001+02:002014-06-16T11:22:13.426+02:00MTN Ultra Marathon, Van Gaalens #6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t_b3JTKDoDA/U563LSmFl6I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/M1o9TKO4h8s/s1600/10481918_670529006334303_886901242902819593_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t_b3JTKDoDA/U563LSmFl6I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/M1o9TKO4h8s/s1600/10481918_670529006334303_886901242902819593_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
MTN Ultra Marathon #6, Van Gaalens</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
The sixth leg of the Ultra marathon series took us to the well known cheese farm of Van Gaalens in Magaliesburg. If anything, the start of the race would be remembered as one of the coldest yet, a chilly minus 5 as Max and I warmed up behind the Team Fedgroup-Itec KIA Sorrento on the way to the start. (or possibly a warm down!)</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
The cold start was short lived as the racing began, and I was pleased to know that we were following most of the trails we rode in the Route66 MTB race earlier in the year. So I knew what to expect, well at least kind of for the first 30km. The group split up very early on with the usual contenders at the front. I put the pressure on the group up the second big climb of the day to take the King of the Mountain, and was surprised that I had managed to ride a small gap into the chasing group.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
Knowing better though at what still lay ahead, I took it easy and stayed with the group. We then had a very rocky (understatement) of a descend to the first tech zone. I was not comfortable on this section at all, and I will be the first to admit that I was not going to take any risks with World Champs only two weeks away. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
The first half of the route was really technical, perhaps one of the more technical in the series, with plenty of physically demanding trails, making it tough on the body.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
The second half of the race included some rolling gravel roads, and then various short steep climbs with technical trails up and down, and I knew the final 30km would always be tough. At 65km, Max decided to split the large group that had reformed, and it left only Lourens Luus, Darren Lill, Max Knox and myself. I could feel that my legs had not fully recovered from SA champs the week before, and normally where we would have had the upper hand in terms of tactics and numbers, Max and I were actually in a slightly stalemate position as we had to make the racing and set the pace to keep the other riders from re-joining.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
I only needed a good result to move up the series rankings and with Nico Bell missing from the front group, we found ourselves racing maybe more for the series than the race win.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
I lost touch with Lourens and Darren on the final descend when I had a slight off in a corner, and could not chase back to the two, who sprinted for the finish, with Lourens taking his second MTN Ultra win for the season.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
Darren was second and myself third.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
The series however starts to get a little interesting now. You see the best five races of the eight race series count towards the overall points and the eventual winner. So although Bell is leading, he has done all six races so far, thus giving him the lead. The rest of us have only done four races, with two races remaining. As I've won the series 6 times, I know better than most how the points work, and if I go on average points after three races, its interesting to see Lourens Luus would have overall lead, followed by myself, Bell and Lill. So in theory the series is hotting up and still wide open, but of course it leaves no margin for error in the remaining two events.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>20</o:Words>
<o:Characters>115</o:Characters>
<o:Company>The Boss</o:Company>
<o:Lines>1</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>134</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TzGvyFVlp_E/U563A8JS3mI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/cIkbWl7FZ04/s1600/10353030_670530263000844_7670647941838378198_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TzGvyFVlp_E/U563A8JS3mI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/cIkbWl7FZ04/s1600/10353030_670530263000844_7670647941838378198_n.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Provisional
results:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1<sup>st</sup>
Lourens Luus (RECM) 4hrs49<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2<sup>nd</sup>
Darren Lill (Cannondale/Blend) 4hrs49<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">3<sup>rd</sup>
Kevin Evans (FedGroup-Itec) 4hrs50</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
Looking forward to another tough but well organised event from the Advendurance crew next week I Hilton.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
Till then,</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
Cheers</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
Kev</div>
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-22747117113033153552014-06-16T11:16:00.002+02:002014-06-16T11:25:01.104+02:00South African Marathon Championships<div class="clearfix" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; zoom: 1;">
<h2 class="_5clb" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0.2em; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 24px; line-height: 28px;">SOUTH AFRICAN MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIPS, PIETERMARITZBURG</span><span style="color: #898f9c;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">, </span></span></h2>
<h2 class="_5clb" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="clearfix" style="color: #999999; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; zoom: 1;">
</div>
<div class="mts _50f8" style="color: #898f9c; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px; margin-top: 5px;">
<span class="timelineUnitContainer" style="position: relative;"><i class="img sp_V4JV4emCTRW sx_4c29f7" style="background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yt/r/wnGVAUC1VK_.png); background-position: -13px -381px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 12px; width: 12px;"></i></span><img alt="" class="photo_img img" height="266" src="https://fbcdn-photos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t1.0-0/10341626_659138307512419_6228353554174019464_a.jpg" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px;" title="" width="400" /></div>
<div class="_5k3v _5k3w clearfix" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; margin-top: 16px; word-wrap: break-word; zoom: 1;">
A star studded field lined up at Cascades, Pietermaritzburg for the 95km marathon boasting a vertical ascent of 3500m! With only three weeks left before the UCI World Marathon Championships will take place on the same course, South Africa’s finest bikers were there to test their mettle and fight for the most prestigious national title. Over the last 11 years only five athletes have won the title, namely JP Pearton, Kevin Evans, Burry Stander, James Reid and Max Knox.<br />Max takes us through the race....<br />The race started steadily with a big group forming at the front. The course was mixture of punchy climbs and short technical descents. Kevin and I settled comfortably into the lead group. After a good build up in the past few months we were pretty confident one of us would be able to pull off the win. Kevin was coming into some really great shape, but sadly for him he was having some technical issues with his seat post that kept putting him on the back foot having to chase back a couple of minutes to the lead group each time he stopped to sort out the problem .<br />Approximately 40 km into the race Lourens Luus, one of the contenders for the title had a huge crash putting him out of the race. A small group then formed consisting of James Reid, Brendan Davids, Rourke Croeser, Kevin Evans and myself. Brendon kept the tempo steady to avoid chasing riders from Cannondale, EAI, Scott or RECM catching our group. With the course being so tough the time gaps where pretty big and after doing a really good job up front Brendan eventually dropped off the lead group. It was then just before the 70km mark that Rourke and James decided to turn on the gas. Kevin was able to stay with them for a while but I just didn’t have it in my legs to go at that speed. The two of them [Reid & Croeser] really showed great strength and maturity beyond their years and were super strong on the day.<br />The second loop of 23km was a case of survival for me, with about 5km to go I took the incorrect route where there course split. Unhappy to say the least, when I turned around to back track and find my way I noticed a totally disinterested marshal sleeping in the bush ! No excuses, it is the riders responsibility, so as disappointed as I was I rejoined the race in 6th place.<br /><br />Back at the front of the race Reid had ridden off Croeser and at 83km had a 20sec lead followed by Kevin who was fighting hard to pull back some time on 1st & 2nd. In the end the SA title was not ours to take home this time as Reid crossed the line a few minutes ahead of Croeser with Kevin finishing in a solid third place.<br /><br />Finishing 6th I was not terribly happy with my performance but in hindsight i shouldn’t have been disappointed. Having had a super busy schedule with The Epic, JHB2C and SANI2C the fatigue was bound to play a role so ultimately I was pretty chuffed.<br />Lessons learned and experience gained we continue our build up to the UCI World Marathon Champs later this month. With the SA MTN Marathons at Van Gaalen’s and Hilton in between let’s hope our preparation holds us in good stead for the big one.<br />We will keep you posted.<br />Max</div>
</h2>
</div>
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-20350548541105888902014-06-16T11:11:00.002+02:002014-06-16T11:13:48.700+02:00MTN Ultra Marathon #5, Rooiberg<div class="art-postheadericons art-metadata-icons" style="color: #c9d4de; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; padding: 1px;">
<br />
<a href="http://www.sssenterprise.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/10334466_650021055090811_1615021543880020910_n.jpg" style="color: #7db1cf; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="10334466_650021055090811_1615021543880020910_n" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1322" src="http://www.sssenterprise.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/10334466_650021055090811_1615021543880020910_n-210x300.jpg" height="300" style="border: 0px solid rgb(178, 194, 209); display: block; margin: 7px auto;" width="210" /></a><span style="background-color: #0e1d25; color: #7b868a; font-size: 13px;">MTN Ultra Marathon, Rooiberg, 110km, 2000m</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #0e1d25; color: #7b868a; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #0e1d25; color: #7b868a; font-size: 13px;">By Max Knox</span></div>
<div class="art-postcontent" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<div style="background-color: #0e1d25; color: #7b868a; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; padding: 0px;">
A classy field of South Africa’s top pro’s filled the start pen ready to give the race a crack. As it’s really close to SA and World Marathon Champs, now is the time to start shinning.</div>
<div style="background-color: #0e1d25; color: #7b868a; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; padding: 0px;">
Kevin and I had laid out a race strategy which we thought would work best for us. I would make the racing hard at the beginning to isolate some of the other riders from their team mates and hopefully we could get away. The other option was if I got away, Kevin would marshal the chase bunch and ride across to me at the end. So the plan was in place.</div>
<div style="background-color: #0e1d25; color: #7b868a; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #0e1d25; color: #7b868a; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; padding: 0px;">
All seemed in order and after 10km Darren Lill and I got away. I knew the chase bunch behind consisted of Kevin, Gawie Combrinck, Hanco Kakkelhoffer, and Waylon Woodcock (who would sit on as his team mate Lill was up the road with me) as well as Nico Bell and Lourens Luus.</div>
<div style="background-color: #0e1d25; color: #7b868a; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; padding: 0px;">
The only team put under pressure was RECM, now paying the price for not having a rider able to go with Darren and I early on. Knowing both riders and their competitive spirits I was budgeting that neither of them [Bell or Luus] would be prepared to work together, with one having to sacrifice his own chances for the win by trying to close the gap for the other. Sometimes in a team you have to make scarifies, work together and rejoice in a team mates success putting personal ambitions aside for the good of the team. Sadly with the team captain out due to injury and not much cohesion between these two teammates the situation worked in favour of Darren and I. </div>
<div style="background-color: #0e1d25; color: #7b868a; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #0e1d25; color: #7b868a; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; padding: 0px;">
By the 60km mark Darren and I had built up a solid lead fortunately as some days you need to be humbled and today was one of those for me. Having not executed the correct nutrition strategy in the heat of tactical racing I hit the wall completely, with a spectacular mushroom cloud. To be honest there were stages where I thought it would be easier to just get off and push my bike!</div>
<div style="background-color: #0e1d25; color: #7b868a; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; padding: 0px;">
Now racing in survival mode, I don’t even know how I dragged myself through the next 50km.</div>
<div style="background-color: #0e1d25; color: #7b868a; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; padding: 0px;">
Somehow I managed, obviously moving faster than it felt I rolled over the line in 2nd position. An excellent win for Darren hard earned with aggressive racing from the gun. Exactly what we need in SA to lift our level of competition. </div>
<div style="background-color: #0e1d25; color: #7b868a; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #0e1d25; color: #7b868a; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; padding: 0px;">
A mere 30 seconds later Kevin came charging in in third position and man did he look strong. After he had taken care of the chasing bunch and he’d set his sights on the Iead. In my opinion Kev was the strongest rider on the day. His race was very cat and mouse, with me up the road he needed a very hard section to get rid of the chasers and cross over to the leaders [which he came very close to doing]. Finishing as strongly as he did it’s a really great sign for the upcoming events. We where chuffed with our two podiums spots and really are starting to gel as a team.</div>
<div style="background-color: #0e1d25; color: #7b868a; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; padding: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.sssenterprise.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/10390033_650021298424120_5787296631478947724_n.jpg" style="color: #7db1cf; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="10390033_650021298424120_5787296631478947724_n" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1323" src="http://www.sssenterprise.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/10390033_650021298424120_5787296631478947724_n-300x200.jpg" height="200" style="border: 0px solid rgb(178, 194, 209); display: block; margin: 7px auto;" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: #0e1d25; color: #7b868a; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #0e1d25; color: #7b868a; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; padding: 0px;">
As always thanks to FedGroup Financial Services, Itec Group, Kia Motors SA, Crusader Logistics and Kathea Communications for keeping the dream alive along with Trek, USN, Quickrock and Shimano for providing us with top notch equipment and nutrition.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-668588948935860172014-05-18T15:36:00.001+02:002014-05-18T15:36:16.499+02:00Nedbank Sani2c<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7291802450049047954" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7291802450049047954" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7291802450049047954" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7291802450049047954" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7291802450049047954" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s002Lr0He3Q/U3i3LvtRPCI/AAAAAAAAA3A/5OXmIeZgMkA/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s002Lr0He3Q/U3i3LvtRPCI/AAAAAAAAA3A/5OXmIeZgMkA/s1600/photo.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Nedbank Sani2c, Underberg-Scottborough</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Hard to believe that this year would already be the tenth running of what has become the biggest stage race in the country. Its not easy to get an entry into this event and I would be fortunate to be racing my 8th one.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Over the years I’ve seen many different tactics play out in the race, but riding with Max, and knowing that our build up over the last month has been progressive, I sensed we had a slight advantage over the rest of the teams. We used this that to really take the racing to the teams form the start, as we set a hard tempo on the first stage, where only team RECM were able to ride across to us, where we would have a sprint finish up the hill to Mackensie Club and take the first stage with a handful of seconds.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Stage two is the ‘holy grail’ of mountain biking in this country, with 30km of technical descending down into the mighty Umkomaas valley. With the Adventure and Trail race starting two days before us, and about three thousand wheels riding the trails in, it would be a super fast downhill. Our plan for the day was to get through the first half safe, trouble free, and then race the next half out the valley as the climbing would suit us.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Unfortuntaley I had a bad crash at the bottom of the Umko when Andrew Hill washed out on one of the wooden bridges, leaving me with nowhere to go except over him and over my bars. I landed hard on my shoulder and thankfully the reinforced plate kept me in one piece. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
We continued to follow our plan, and we powered out the valley getting the gap we needed. We soon caught and passed the two cross country teams who were out front, but with 10km to go, team RECM had pulled back our gap to 20seconds.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Max and I pushed on, and in the last 3km, Erik Kleinhans had a bad crash, which ended their race.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
With only the final stage to the beach, all we had to do was follow the GC contenders and get to the finish safe with no hassles. I had been in this situation before, and a costly mistake cost us the win. This time, we stuck to the plan, and rode safely onto the beach, super happy to take our first stage win together, racking up my sixth win in the event, and Max’s third. The Treks were perfect; in fact, Trek bikes won every stage of the elite race. As usual USN kept us fueled, and our KIA’s got our staff around and to the water points with no hassles.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
It was a bittersweet end to the race for our fantastic sponsors, FedGroup-ITEC, as Neil Macdonald announced his retirement from professional racing after 15years. Bridgette had the privilege of riding along side him in his last race.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Thanks again to our sponsors who continue to support us and give us all the opportunities to perform to the best of our abilities. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Next race, race, Max and I head off to continue the MTN Ultra series in Rooiberg. Hopefully some time at altitude will lessen the suffering, somewhat.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Till then, cheers.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Kevin Evans</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Provisional results:</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
1st FedGroup-ITEC (Evans/Knox) 8hrs57</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
2nd EAI Cycling (Rabie/Combrinck) 9hrs01</div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
3rd Kargo (Croeser/Walker) 9hrs05</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-85078919531465350342014-05-18T07:40:00.002+02:002014-05-18T07:40:45.760+02:00Old Mutual Joberg2C<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7291802450049047954" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7291802450049047954" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7291802450049047954" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7291802450049047954" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7291802450049047954" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Bg1l9GgDFg/U3hHxJRGpmI/AAAAAAAAA2w/bndk6AmiwI0/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Bg1l9GgDFg/U3hHxJRGpmI/AAAAAAAAA2w/bndk6AmiwI0/s1600/photo.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Old Mutual Joberg2C, Heidelberg-Scottborough, 900km, 9Days</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
The Old Mutual Joberg2C is a nine day race from Heidelberg, just outside of Johannesburg, going through the Freestate towns of Frankfourt, Reitz, Sterfontein Dam, then down through the ‘Berg’ to Winterton, Kamberg, Underberg and finally through the last three well known days of the Sani2C route finishing on the beach in Scottborough. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
The biggest change and challenge to this years race, would the first time it became a ‘self navigated’ GPS race where the riders were responsible for finding their own way through the entire route via GPS maps downloaded from the race. This would change the race tactics a fair bit in the front of the race, whether or not it’s the format of racing in the future, we will have to wait and see.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Unfortunately for Max and myself, we had a very up and down race, with not much going our way. The second day of the race I got ‘The Bug’ that would take out a vast number of riders during the event. This bug left me depleted for the third day of racing, and we would loose a fair bit of time, but fortunately I could recover enough to continue.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
After two good days, making back some time, it would be Max’s turn to have ‘The Bug’. The sixth day was probably one of the hardest days of the race, and Max had to experience what I felt on the third day. We lost a huge amount of time, and when we crossed the finish line and went to the race doctor, we had actually decided to pull out the race. We spent the day and night at Max’s uncle in Underberg and again we were fortunate enough to recover and find our sense of humor, and come back the following day and resume racing. Another good day saw us reclaim our third place on the overall podium.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
And just when we thought our bad luck was over, the penultimate stage down the Umkomaas Valley, we broke our chain, twice. The second time though, I had lost my chaintool and we were absolutely stranded, again close to being completely out of the race, until the beginning of the B batch riders came along and we were able to repair it and fight our way back to sixth place for the stage.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
With one stage left, we put everything on the line to try and win one stage, and for once in the nine days, things went our way and according to plan, and we managed a fantastic stage win on the beach in front of a large crowd awaiting the finish of the race.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
We finished third overall, and the race for first and second was fiercely contested between Team EAI Cycling and Cannondale/Blend, with the overall lead exchanging three times in the final three days. It was EAI Cycling who took the win on the final day for what must have been one of the closest finishes in the history of the race. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Bridgette managed to fly the solo women’s flag and finish second overall, but also winning the final stage.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Our backup team, Scott and Grant Field, also rode a great race bringing home the middle of the pack riders☺</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Many thanks to Sue and Brandon for helping us through the many ups and downs, and keeping us all in one piece.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Next race, race, we go straight back to Underberg to race Sani2C with the trails still freshly engraved in our minds from the past weekend. Max and I will team up again and we are starting to gel well together, so im really looking forward to this race.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Till then, cheers.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Kevin Evans</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Provisional results:</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
1st EAI Cycling (Rabie/Combrinck) 33hrs36</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
2nd Cannondale/Blend (Woolcock/Lill) 33hrs39</div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
3rd FedGroup-ITEC (Knox/Evans) 34hrs35</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-85707129550507931592014-05-18T06:58:00.002+02:002014-05-18T07:03:35.213+02:00Spar Hessequa MTB Challenge<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aLCfmSpZgzQ/U3g-0lXhDmI/AAAAAAAAA2c/cpFfoIqSVQA/s1600/photo%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aLCfmSpZgzQ/U3g-0lXhDmI/AAAAAAAAA2c/cpFfoIqSVQA/s1600/photo%5B1%5D.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<br clear="ALL" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<br />
<span style="height: 5px; margin-left: -1px; margin-top: 3px; position: absolute; width: 437px; z-index: 251660288;"></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 324pt; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Kevin Evans<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: right; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13pt;">Hessequa MTB Challenge, Riversdale, 88km, 1800m<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7291802450049047954" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7291802450049047954" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7291802450049047954" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7291802450049047954" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7291802450049047954" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">This would be a new race for me, but with familiar hospitality from Dryland Events who have fast become one of the leading race organizers in the country. With Supersport TV coverage, helicopters, good prize money and organizers going out their way to accommodate professiona and amateur riders, it only made sense for me to go take part and represent FedGroup-ITEC in Riversdale. And the route, which would be the ‘pudding’, wouldn’t disappoint and featured some superb mountain bike trails, with a variety of jeep tracks, single tracks and gravel roads through the plantations of the Garcia Pass and surrounding Hessequa Farmlands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">The mass start saw all the various distances start together, including even the trail run. With Carel (AKA the Dutchie) as MC, the race began with a vibe, and after a short neutral zone, the race was on the go!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">I mentally split the race in to two sections, the race to the King of the mountain, and then the final race to the line, reason being equal prize money for the King, and for first place overall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">After a few efforts, it was only Gert Heyns and myself left out front, and we would be boxing clever trying to save as much energy for the King, whilst still trying to test each other out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">The King was at the 70km mark, and the climb was not easy, nor was the pace that Gert set from the bottom, but both of us matched each others efforts, and it was only in the final 2km from the top that I managed to put in a big effort and get the gap I needed to take the King. From there we descended the fairly technical downhill off the mountain known as Cliffhanger, where I would have enough of a gap to ride conservatively and not take any chances. Unfortunately Gert had a slow puncture to deal with, but this afforded me the gap I needed to race to the finish without taking chances and bag the Hessequa win.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">The Mayor of Riversdale, who gave us her commitment to grow the race to the best of their/her ability going forward, presented the fantastic prize money sponsored by the Spar. Together with Dryland events, I have no doubt this race will grow into one of the big classics on the calendar.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cqOhYbiVQis/U3g_Ee4JjII/AAAAAAAAA2k/HmV3qinu90s/s1600/10176262_10152467249602774_7958989885148208893_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cqOhYbiVQis/U3g_Ee4JjII/AAAAAAAAA2k/HmV3qinu90s/s1600/10176262_10152467249602774_7958989885148208893_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Next race, race, we go straight back to Underberg to race Sani2C with the trails still freshly engraved in our minds from the past weekend. Max and I will team up again and we are starting to gel well together, so Im really looking forward to this race.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Till then, cheers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Kevin Evans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<span style="height: 15px; left: -1px; position: relative; top: 10px; width: 437px; z-index: 251662336;"><img height="5" src="cid:6C1E5E1A-A7DD-4C59-9158-FF9A9FD9AF2C" type="image/png" v:shapes="Line_x0020_5" width="437" /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">
<br clear="ALL" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Provisional results:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">1<sup>st</sup> Kevin Evans (FedGroup-ITEC) 3hrs33<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">2<sup>nd</sup> Gert Heyns (PYG Academy) 3hrs37<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">3<sup>rd</sup> Vickus Boshoff (Coimbra Cycles George)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<span style="height: 5px; left: -1px; position: relative; top: 0px; width: 437px; z-index: 251663360;"><img height="5" src="cid:169978D4-3359-4232-8B3A-3859822336FA" type="image/png" v:shapes="Line_x0020_6" width="437" /></span></div>
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-64033993909700711512014-03-03T08:04:00.001+02:002014-03-03T08:04:24.944+02:00Cape Argus MTB Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JExrhFvLkjM/UxQbSE6c-iI/AAAAAAAAA2E/kXL2K17GSyQ/s1600/1959779_465229113604815_1180580846_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JExrhFvLkjM/UxQbSE6c-iI/AAAAAAAAA2E/kXL2K17GSyQ/s1600/1959779_465229113604815_1180580846_n.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Cape Argus MTB Challenge, Le Bonheur, 55km, 1500m </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Lets try this race wrap in reverse. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
I cross the line, hands in the air, its finally happened, and been along time coming, but after all my setbacks and issues, I’ve worked harder and smarter than ever, and its paid off now, I’ve won a big race! I’m back, I’m healthy, and I’ve given something small back to my sponsors who stood by me in the lean times.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Only to hear the announcer say “Well done on taking bronze.”</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Its then I see the Cannondale/Blend team being interviewed. Confused, upset, angry, embarrassed were just a few of the emotions running through me at the time.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
I mean, in a race that saw a furiously fast start, with a world-class field, including world champions in various disciplines, national and continental champions, there was no lack in depth. The winner would be the strongest rider, no questions.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
A race that was so hard that only around ten riders could follow the speed at the front. A race that then saw me up front, causing the final split, that only Sauser, Reid and Rabie could follow.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
A race that then saw me start to drop these three riders up a steep long paved climb, only to be told by the lead motorbike that the marshal had sent us all the wrong way.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
It’s hard to explain what this does to your motivation when you have just dug so deep for the last hour of racing. My day was over, finished. Or was it?</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
The group of eight riders who were chasing us, had also been directed wrong, but waited for us at the turn where we were sent off course. The riders then said you guys go, we will give you thirty seconds, and we carry on racing. I was blown away by this gesture of sportsmanship, and when the wheel turns, which it always does, it will go along way in my books.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
So I guess the racing was on again, fire up the engines, and just like that it was the four of us again. Straight back to full tempo. Reid being the first of the lead group to drop off. Sauser and I setting the tempo whilst Rabie matched our efforts.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
8km to go, a final huge effort and push for glory, and the World Champ is off, Rabie and I still trading blows. I’m so close, everything is burning, but I must keep pushing. I get a ten second gap, I hold it for the last 5km, which seems to never end, but it will be rewarded, soon. Or not. As I discover once I crossed the line.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Turns out that not all the guys had waited at that junction, some were further behind than the chasing group of eight. And that in the more or less six minutes we had lost up that climb, the marshal had been briefed and was sending riders the correct way. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Bitter sweet? Maybe. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
At least I know where my form is, with the world’s biggest race just around the corner.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Next race is a road tour, and part of our final build up the Epic. Tour de Boland and Cape Argus Cycle Tour, a good five days of racing coming up, joined by Neil for this block.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Till then, cheers.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Kevin Evans</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Provisional results:</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
1st Darren Lill (Cannondale/Blend)</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
2nd Charles Keey (Cannondale/Blend)</div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
3rd Kevin Evans (FedGroup-ITEC)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-44486332193557318472014-02-23T18:21:00.002+02:002014-02-23T18:21:27.246+02:00Marathon World Cup, MTN Ultra, Sabie.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfSlQtoWb78/Uwofs1S6SSI/AAAAAAAAA1k/MFR0y9VgC6k/s1600/1939997_619952801391924_1702525322_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfSlQtoWb78/Uwofs1S6SSI/AAAAAAAAA1k/MFR0y9VgC6k/s1600/1939997_619952801391924_1702525322_n.jpg" height="320" width="245" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
UCI World Marathon Cup, Sabie, 113km, 3100m</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
The first race of the World Marathon Series kicked off in Sabie and piggy backs of the MTN Ultra Marathon event hosted by Advendurance. Sabie has always been a happy hunting ground for me, and this year would be no different! Except for the weather, which wasn’t playing nicely, however never deterred the nearly three thousand participants who made their way down to the small town in the Lowveld.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Heavy rains continued throughout the night, and the course in those conditions would prove to be one of the toughest races of my career. I could carry on about how muddy, and how extremely dangerous the course was in those conditions, but you would have had to be there to see first hand, words cannot do it any justice.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
The Bulls were intend on using their current form and European experience of racing in these types of conditions to their full advantages, whilst for me, I was going to give it my best shot, but I always knew that these conditions don’t favor my riding style.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
I was riding my Trek Superfly HT, and was flying up the first climbs with it. Huber and I soon had distanced ourselves from everyone, and only Karl Platt was able to keep us within 30-60seconds. I managed to edge out Huber for the King of the Mountain, and soon the descends would start. I would battle down the treacherous sections like ‘Rocky horror’ and Mount Moody as the Bulls set a really fast pace down the mountain. The trails in the slippery and wet mud, meant the full suspension bikes were in a league of their own (my own bike choice fault), and once the two Bulls had distanced me, they would work well together, making sure they put more than enough time between them and myself.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-acpJSf8vly4/Uwof3YYlOpI/AAAAAAAAA1s/tFV9R8Rp-sQ/s1600/1940003_619949571392247_978697628_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-acpJSf8vly4/Uwof3YYlOpI/AAAAAAAAA1s/tFV9R8Rp-sQ/s1600/1940003_619949571392247_978697628_n.jpg" height="196" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
This would be the hardest past of my race, well from there until the finish, the more or less 70km I would spend racing on my own, losing time to the front two, but also being chased by the remaining field. I had to stay calm, focused and really concentrate, it was the longest and arguably hardest section of the race, the final 40km loop, as attrition started playing a key role in the outcome.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Brandon was going a stellar job in the ‘pits’, and kept me fuelled on various USN products, and motivated me to keep going and not give up.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
I managed to consolidate my third place, not by much, but enough. Enough to earn the points I needed for World Champs later in the year, enough to roll over as the first South African rider, and enough to know that I had given it my all and I had taken the race to the Europeans as much as I could, and went down fighting. A proud and very relieved moment to cross that finish line! Neil managed his race well despite a puncture, but still fought back to 9th place overall, and again proving to be one of the most consistent riders out there.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTTeyltoabs/Uwof-itpE_I/AAAAAAAAA10/EJaZ4OLhnIY/s1600/1901340_619952981391906_2081913168_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTTeyltoabs/Uwof-itpE_I/AAAAAAAAA10/EJaZ4OLhnIY/s1600/1901340_619952981391906_2081913168_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Next race, and for the next few weekends, we will be down in the hopefully sunny Cape, starting off next weekend with the Argus MTB Challenge, and then heading into the Tour de Boland road tour for some final Epic prep.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Till then, cheers.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Kevin Evans</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Provisional results:</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
1st Urs Huber (Bulls) 5:28</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
2nd Karl Platt (Bulls) 5:30</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
3rd Kevin Evans (FedGroup-ITEC) 5:42</div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
9th Neil Macdonald (FedGroup-ITEC)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-24537246263334565012014-02-18T17:23:00.002+02:002014-02-18T17:23:48.397+02:00Bridgestone Route 66<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Rnz5qivZMA/UwN66z6DD_I/AAAAAAAAA1U/c-kDpHgN-so/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Rnz5qivZMA/UwN66z6DD_I/AAAAAAAAA1U/c-kDpHgN-so/s1600/photo.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Bridgestone Route 66, 3Day MTB Race, Johannesburg</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
If you searching for a three-day mountain bike stage race in and around Jozi, look no further than the Bridgestone Route 66 event. Put on by The Leverage Corporation, with the backing of Bridgestone and Kathea, the event is the perfect race if you looking at starting your stage racing career or if you a seasoned pro, the route has it all. I wasn’t expecting much when FedGroup-Itec added this event to our calendar, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at the route that they had set out for the riders and the great organization. The other huge draw card to what I believe is the only stage event in Jozi, is the fact that every stage starts within an hours drive from Jozi, so you can do the event and remain in the comfort of your own home, or guest lodge/hotel.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Day 1, Lanseria-Van Gaalens, 80km, 1300m</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
We were warned that this stage was the most technical stage, and I had no idea what to expect. The race incorporates teams of two, and also solo riders. Neil and I had teamed up for this event as part of our preparation going forward. We had decided to make this part of a good three-day hard block of training, so we were always going to race it hard. Take nothing away from the rest of the field, but we soon found ourselves racing ahead of the chasing pack, but pushed each other hard.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
The trails were super technical, very rocky and loose and it was very hard to find a rhythm with all the singletrack. I would have to guess as much as 75% of the stage was tight and twisting trails, which made for a physically tough stage.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
I won’t lie when I say I was happy to arrive at Van Gaalens Cheese Farm, to a good lunch and refreshments with the organizers and sponsors.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Neil and I won the stage, whilst Bridgette had a great ride to finish second behind a flying national champ, Robyn deGroot.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Day 2, Van Gaalens-Maropeng, 70km, 1250m</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Day 2 was the tougher of the three days, and as you can work out, from Van Gaalens to Maropeng, the route would always mean you would be going ‘up’ to the finish. So a tough route, combined with hot temperatures, would take its toll on all riders, even us professionals!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
I have to say though that the route was amazing, and the many times I’ve raced along the tar roads in this area, the trails that they had found and cut were really fantastic. The group stayed together for the first 15km, which was flat and fast, but once we started hitting the rocky climbs, it was only the Exxaro Academy team who would follow our pace. Around halfway, heading past the Tracking station, it started getting really tough, and Neil and I used our Superfly full suspensions here to good use and rode our pace and pushed on. The final climbs even caught us a little off guard and again we were hugely relieved when we arrived at Maropeng to another welcome sight of refreshments and food. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Positions stayed more or less the same, whilst we rode back to Kloofzicht Lodge where we would be finishing the final stage the following day.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Day 3, Maropeng-Kloofzicht, 63km, 800m</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
The final day, the fast and flowing day, took us on a scenic loop around The Cradle of Humankind, with amazing trails and some great scenery if you had time to look around.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Again we were finishing off a good three-day block of training, so we pushed hard for the stage. Andrew Mclean managed to follow our pace till around 40km, where I think he had had enough of that, and again Neil and pushed on alone.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
The organizers had set up a brilliant finish at the five star lodge, Kloofzicht, where they had an amazing lunch on the grass around the dam, and it would turn into a fantastic family day to welcome the entire race home from a great three days riding.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Overall positions remained the same, whilst Bridgette held onto her second place for the race.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Again thanks to everyone for making this a fantastic weekend and definitely a stage race I would recommend! </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Next race, my first goal race for the season, and a ‘happy hunting’ ground for me, Sabie. Maybe it’s the climate, maybe the climbs, or maybe the fact the Mr. African (Mannie Heymans) taught me how to race there, none the less its time to make some music for the team.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Till then, cheers.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Kevin Evans</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Provisional results:</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
1st FedGroup-Itec (Macdonald/Evans)</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
2nd Specialized (Porteous/Cooke)</div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
3rd Exxaro 1 (Mahlangu/Maseko</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-53122551549572757062014-02-10T08:23:00.001+02:002014-02-10T08:23:24.467+02:00MTN Ultra Marathon, Dullstroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Httk1y_y8s/Uvhv5_PSA0I/AAAAAAAAA00/8CGEPNJ81ks/s1600/1798522_613914271995777_236426136_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Httk1y_y8s/Uvhv5_PSA0I/AAAAAAAAA00/8CGEPNJ81ks/s1600/1798522_613914271995777_236426136_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
MTN Ultra Marathon, Dullstroom, 118km, 2500m</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
The MTN mountain bike series would kick off this year slightly later than usual, and at a brand new venue, Dullstroom. I cant say I was overly excited about this one knowing that this little fishing town getaway, lays at 2000m above sea level, and my performance would always be compromised at that altitude without the proper time to acclimatize.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Nonetheless, we took to the start line, Neil and myself in the Ultra, and Bridgette in the marathon. I couldn’t help but notice that I was the only rider in the top pro’s who had opted for my Trek Superfly Hardtail, not that I had an option as I had flown up with my road bike too for my extended stay of training.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
The route was rough, and I managed to get through the first 30km, apparently the roughest, without any hassles, and knowing that most of the climbing was coming, I was feeling really confident. We started the long climb at the fifty-kilometer mark, a good 10km undulating climb lay ahead, and I was feeling really good. I put in a few hard efforts, and soon the front bunch of around 10 riders was whittled down to four. Another effort later and I found myself ahead of the three riders, and settling into my hard tempo, with a sensation that I’ve been waiting months to feel, and thought that this might be my day. Until that dreaded sound, ‘phhff phhff phfff’, looking down I thought I must be hearing things, but my tire had cut and was not sealing.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7ReJV9wWqw/UvhwFwBp8rI/AAAAAAAAA08/JQfXzMoZhWo/s1600/1888550_613914161995788_449859013_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7ReJV9wWqw/UvhwFwBp8rI/AAAAAAAAA08/JQfXzMoZhWo/s1600/1888550_613914161995788_449859013_n.jpg" height="189" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
I tried to fix it but the plugs wouldn’t work and I ran out of bombs. Frustrated I rode the next two kilometers on a flat wheel to the tech zone, where I contemplated trying to repair it, or abandoning the race. With some help from Morne from RECM, and a big gulp of motivation, I decided to carry on, and get the benefit of a full high altitude training session. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
The route never really smoothed out, and in fact, I would have to argue that even got rougher on the final 40km lap.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
I managed to scrape myself to the finish, with one very sore and bruised rear end, and a slightly deflated morale at the prospect of what could have been.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Lady luck also took care of Bridgette, when after 9km she had a mechanical issue taking her out of the race, but a great ride by Neil saw him take fourth place after also suffering severe chain suck and a few mechanicals in the wet and muddy conditions.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MVkryynRE1A/UvhwTCuRm4I/AAAAAAAAA1E/oW7QnuZZGSo/s1600/1017432_613914058662465_258452139_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MVkryynRE1A/UvhwTCuRm4I/AAAAAAAAA1E/oW7QnuZZGSo/s1600/1017432_613914058662465_258452139_n.jpg" height="194" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
So from here I will continue with my focus on Sabie, which has been my first ‘A’ goal of the season, and one that I’m more hungry than most to tick off!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Till then, cheers.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Kevin Evans</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Provisional results:</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
1st Lourens Luus (RE:CM) </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
2nd Charles Keey (Cannondale/Blend)</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
3rd Waylon Woolcock (Cannondale/Blend)</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
4th Neil Macdonald (FedGroup-ITEC)</div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
11th Kevin Evans (FedGroup-ITEC)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-83348768442087407682014-02-03T07:55:00.002+02:002014-02-03T07:55:39.243+02:00VW Herald Cycle Tour<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3e6scyW2Rcw/Uu8vOFGPiuI/AAAAAAAAA0k/30ySmabxri8/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3e6scyW2Rcw/Uu8vOFGPiuI/AAAAAAAAA0k/30ySmabxri8/s1600/photo.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">VW Herald Cycle Tour,
MTB 80km, Road 106km<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The VW Herald cycle
tour, one of the oldest events on the calendar, has always been one of my
favorite races, being so close to home and the fact that I raced in the Eastern
Cape as a junior rider. The race consists of a mountain bike race out in Addo,
and the old faithful road race, around the same 106km route for the past
twenty-nine years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The mountain bike race
has turned into a super technical route, with I guess around 35km of loose,
rocky, thorny dry (for a change) single track, and finishes with about 15km of
fast district roads to the finish. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">James Reid and Gert
Heyns put their exceptional cross country skills to use and got the initial gap
on Darren Lill, Mathys Beukes and myself. Darren and I chased hard up the
Zuurberg climb, and we were within about 15-20seconds of the leading two when
we turned off the road and headed down the tricky descend. They managed to pull
away from us, and we would not see either of them until the finish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">About the most action I
would see there after, was Darren being switched in the single track by a calf,
yes you read that correct, and I would have to stop and help him out of the
thorn bush he was impaled onto. It could have ended much worse for him, but
fortunately he was ok. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">We then had to settle
the minor placing with a sprint onto the Polo field where he just edged me out
into fourth. Nonetheless, I was happy with my build up and continued good
health!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The road race the next
day also has a combined prize, called the Ultimate Quest, and sees an overall
winner crowned from the two days. I would have some time to make up, but it was
by no means over!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The wind was blowing,
but it was strong South Westerly, so basically headwind out, tailwind back.
After about 10km, I found myself attacking and getting a gap on the bunch, but
was soon joined by two riders, one from Abuntu and one from Bonitas, the two
big professional road teams on the day. Dylan Girdlestone and I worked hard and
by the time the bunch caught us, it was already into pieces. Nolan Hoffman put
a big effort in, and that forced the final split of the race. Three riders from
Bonitas, two from Abuntu, Carl Pasio and myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The tactics from here
would always to be to try and get rid of the sprinter, Nolan, but with a fast
tailwind, and no climbing, would be very difficult. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Bonitas riders would
take turns in attacking, and this would slow down our momentum as a break away.
Carl and I decided we would keep the pace high, and take our chances with a
sprint in a group of six as opposed to being caught by the bunch and settling
for nothing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Unfortunately this is
the nature of the beast when it comes to road racing and routes, which suit the
fast sprinters. My legs were feeling the previous days effort, and Carl and I
managed to keep it together till the finish, unfortunately we took 5<sup>th</sup>
and 6<sup>th</sup>, but more than we could have, had we not driven that move.
Plus I guess we animated the race and threw a few spanners into the tactics of
some of the teams who needed to re-think theirs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Next race is the
beginning of our MTN National series, with the first race being held in
Dullstroom. I will be flying up the day before, so I expect altitude to play a
small role in my performance!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Till then, cheers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t"
path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="Description: Signature" style='width:150pt;height:65pt;visibility:visible;
mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file://localhost/Users/kevin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="Signature"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Kevin Evans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>536</o:Words>
<o:Characters>3060</o:Characters>
<o:Company>The Boss</o:Company>
<o:Lines>25</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>7</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>3589</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1027"/>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/>
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br clear="ALL" />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Provisional
results:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">MTB:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">1<sup>st</sup>
James Reid (Trek) 3:03<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">2<sup>nd</sup>
Gert Heyns (PSY) 3:06<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">3<sup>rd</sup>
Darren Lill (Cannondale/Blend) 3:11<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">4<sup>th</sup>
Kevin Evans (FedGroup-Itec) 3:11<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Road:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">1<sup>st</sup>
Nolan Hoffman (Abuntu)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">2<sup>nd</sup>
HB Kruger (Bonitas)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">3<sup>rd</sup>
Jade Julius (Bonitas)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">6<sup>th</sup>
Kevin Evans (FedGroup-Itec)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-13215027137558172452014-01-26T18:18:00.001+02:002014-01-26T18:18:12.543+02:00African XC Championships<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aeF0ZBIcUvE/UuU0ssuNdzI/AAAAAAAAA0E/9sMa8KGRi8I/s1600/1622103_10152193804604120_1738442889_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aeF0ZBIcUvE/UuU0ssuNdzI/AAAAAAAAA0E/9sMa8KGRi8I/s1600/1622103_10152193804604120_1738442889_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SFetJINf9wQ/UuU1Gz_sUQI/AAAAAAAAA0U/k10pgmplc1k/s1600/1554605_10152193797034120_968037047_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SFetJINf9wQ/UuU1Gz_sUQI/AAAAAAAAA0U/k10pgmplc1k/s1600/1554605_10152193797034120_968037047_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u1Ud99LDImc/UuU05rcgDyI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/UHyweD1QOrI/s1600/1654241_10152193800014120_917312456_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u1Ud99LDImc/UuU05rcgDyI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/UHyweD1QOrI/s1600/1654241_10152193800014120_917312456_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">African Cross Country
Champs, Willowbridge, 8 laps, 4.2km<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">As continued preparation
for my main goal later this year, I decided I would include a few Cross Country
races where possible, to focus on my technical skills and XC racing was always
one way to stay sharp in this department.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">I hadn’t raced a XC
since one of the nationals in George, in 2010. And I would quickly see how much
I’ve been missing out on, from a skill point of view, and spectator and support
view. It’s the Olympic discipline of our sport and in essence, the roots of
mountain bike racing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">I would need to change a
few things leading up to the race, mostly time management, as we would only
race at 15:15 in the afternoon. I had practiced the course on Thursday, with
some help and guidance from one of the world’s best XC racers, Manual Fumic
from Germany. This was the only practice I could fit in, and a short bit of
time to get used the Trek Superfly hardtail I would use to race.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">I had no expectations
for the race, I just wanted to get through safely, and work on the technical
department. Being African Champs, there were riders from other African
countries, and would make for an important race for the XC specialists.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">We raced 8 laps, and I
had a fairly good start, the starts are seeded according to your XC points,
which I didn’t really have. I settled into the usual frantic pace and tempo of
the fast starts, but had two silly crashes early on, costing me valuable time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">From there on I just
settled into my own race, rode my own rhythm and enjoyed the support of the
crowd that had come to watch this super fun course.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">There were a few
‘hectic’ sections, but I managed to negotiate them with no major problems. I
also stayed on top of my nutrition again, not quite sure what to expect from my
body, but used the USN Cyto Power and gels to keep fueled for the intense
nearly two hours of racing. I had to bust out some Oakley Racing Jackets, a
firm favorite amongst XC racers, and they kept the dust and debris out my eyes
and face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">You can have a look at
the effort required as recorded on my Suunto Ambit, if you log onto their
movescount web page. A completely different kind of racing from what I have
become accustomed to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">I managed to sneak into
the top ten, I lost two places on the final lap, but I was content with my
effort by this stage and wasn’t going to battle for minor placing when we have
such a long season ahead of us with specific goals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Next race, is an old
favorite of mine, the VW EP Herald cycle tour, two days, MTB and road. Time to
jump into my KIA Soul and head home, to train and get ready for next weekend!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Till then, cheers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t"
path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="Description: Signature" style='width:150pt;height:65pt;visibility:visible;
mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file://localhost/Users/kevin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="Signature"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Kevin Evans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:line
id="Line_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style='position:absolute;left:0;
text-align:left;z-index:251662336;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;
mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page' from="0,10.6pt" to="6in,10.6pt"
o:gfxdata="UEsDBBQABgAIAAAAIQApm/tGBAEAAB4CAAATAAAAW0NvbnRlbnRfVHlwZXNdLnhtbKSRzU7DMBCE
70i8g+UrSpxyQAgl6YGfI3AoD7DYm8TCsS2vW9q3Z5OmF1RVSFws2+uZ+TSu1/vRiR0mssE3clVW
UqDXwVjfN/Jj81LcS0EZvAEXPDbygCTX7fVVvTlEJMFqT40cco4PSpEecAQqQ0TPky6kETIfU68i
6C/oUd1W1Z3SwWf0uciTh2zrJ+xg67J43vP1kYTlUjwe301RjYQYndWQGVRNU3VWl9DRBeHOm190
xUJWsnI2p8FGulkS3riaZA2Kd0j5FUbmUNrZ+BkgGWUSfHNRdNqsysvYZ9JD11mNJujtyI2Ui+Pf
4jO3jWpe/58825xy1fy77Q8AAAD//wMAUEsDBBQABgAIAAAAIQCtMD/xwQAAADIBAAALAAAAX3Jl
bHMvLnJlbHOEj80KwjAQhO+C7xD2btN6EJGmvYjgVfQB1mTbBtskZOPf25uLoCB4m2XYb2bq9jGN
4kaRrXcKqqIEQU57Y12v4HTcLdYgOKEzOHpHCp7E0DbzWX2gEVN+4sEGFpniWMGQUthIyXqgCbnw
gVx2Oh8nTPmMvQyoL9iTXJblSsZPBjRfTLE3CuLeVCCOz5CT/7N911lNW6+vE7n0I0KaiPe8LCMx
9pQU6NGGs8do3ha/RVXk5iCbWn4tbV4AAAD//wMAUEsDBBQABgAIAAAAIQAkQbgWIgIAAIIEAAAf
AAAAY2xpcGJvYXJkL2RyYXdpbmdzL2RyYXdpbmcxLnhtbKRUTY/aMBC9V+p/sHyHJGwCIdqwqhLY
C21XYvsDvLZJrDp2ZIcAqvrfO84HsHRP7QVmPDNv3jx78vh0qiRqubFCqxQHUx8jrqhmQhUp/vG6
mcQY2YYoRqRWPMVnbvHT6vOnR5IUhtSloAgQlE1IisumqRPPs7TkFbFTXXMFsb02FWnANYXHDDkC
ciW9me/PvYoIhVdXqJw0BB2M+AcoqelPzjKiWmIBUtLk9mTgKOn/I5NEtc+m3tUvxjGn39oXgwRL
MSinSAUSYW8IDGngendVxRXgtDeVy9f7PTp1KGf322HwU4Nof0ivp7T8/kEuLdcfZEPjvgEYN03p
Se1q11W1mTPvZ4nGWbZCcRRdJrpNdnVbUN0ipbOSqILvSlLz13MNGgSuBHqCPJeaToSLRxILbdHb
8atmUEAOje6ewp0eQRA++D5oC/PHiziazQY2ozZRGM9Dl3BR6DIzSWpjm2euK+SMFEuYpmtC2q1t
eoZjSqeG3ggpO+mlQscULyNo5yJWS8FcsHNM8ZZJg1oiUzxbLPM8H8Z9l2b0QbEOrOSErQe7IUL2
NvCUyuHBKEBnsPr3/2vpL9fxOg4n4Wy+noQ+Y5MvmyyczDfBIsof8izLg9+OWhAmpWCMK8du3MUg
/OuhV4IabfW+mVJdefDaBOXjPsI2Bv51G9Uog/cevbtRIDv+d6RhCneR/W33z8q7274uNnwt3Irf
+qs/AAAA//8DAFBLAwQUAAYACAAAACEAK2pdldcGAAD5GwAAGgAAAGNsaXBib2FyZC90aGVtZS90
aGVtZTEueG1s7FnNbxtFFL8j8T+M9t7G342jOlXs2A20aaPYLepxvB7vTjO7s5oZJ/UNtUckJERB
HKjEjQMCKrUSl/LXBIqgSP0XeDOzu96J1yRBASpoDvHu29+87/fm6+q1BxFDh0RIyuOOV71c8RCJ
fT6hcdDx7owGl9Y9JBWOJ5jxmHS8OZHetc1337mKN3xGkzHHYjIKSUQQMIrlBu54oVLJxtqa9IGM
5WWekBi+TbmIsIJXEaxNBD4CARFbq1UqrbUI09jbBI5KM+oz+BcrqQk+E0PNhqAYRyD99nRKfWKw
k4OqRsi57DGBDjHreMBzwo9G5IHyEMNSwYeOVzF/3trm1TW8kQ5iasXYwriB+UvHpQMmBzUjUwTj
XGh10Ghf2c75GwBTy7h+v9/rV3N+BoB9Hyy1uhR5Ngbr1W7GswCyj8u8e5VmpeHiC/zrSzq3u91u
s53qYpkakH1sLOHXK63GVs3BG5DFN5fwje5Wr9dy8AZk8a0l/OBKu9Vw8QYUMhofLKF1QAeDlHsO
mXK2UwpfB/h6JYUvUJANeXZpEVMeq1W5FuH7XAwAoIEMKxojNU/IFPuQkz3M6FhQLQBvEFz4Ykm+
XCJpWUj6giaq472f4NgrQF6/+Pb1i2fo+OHz44c/HD96dPzwe8vIGbWD46A46tXXn/z+5EP027Ov
Xj3+rBwvi/ifv/vopx8/LQdC+SzMe/n501+eP335xce/fvO4BL4l8LgIH9GISHSLHKF9HoFhxiuu
5mQszjdiFGJaHLEVBxLHWEsp4d9XoYO+NccMl+C6xPXgXQHtowx4fXbfUXgYiplK4+1YdiOMHOAu
56zLRakXbmhZBTePZnFQLlzMirh9jA/LZPdw7MS3P0ugb9Iylr2QOGruMRwrHJCYKKS/8QNCSvx1
j1LHr7vUF1zyqUL3KOpiWuqSER072bQYtEMjiMu8TEGIt+Ob3buoy1mZ1dvk0EVCVWBWovyIMMeN
1/FM4aiM5QhHrOjwm1iFZUoO58Iv4vpSQaQDwjjqT4iUZWNuC7C3EPQb0DrKw77L5pGLFIoelPG8
iTkvIrf5QS/EUVKGHdI4LGLfkweQohjtcVUG3+Vuheh3iAOOV4b7LiVOuE/vBndo4Ki0SBD9ZSZK
YnmdcCd/h3M2xcS0GmjqTq+OaPxnjTuCvp0afnGNG1rlyy+flOj9prbsLXBCWc3snGjUq3An23OP
iwl987vzNp7FewQKYnmKetuc3zZn7z/fnFfV88W35EUXhgatl0x2oW2W3dHKVfeUMjZUc0ZuSrPw
ljD3TAZA1OPM7pLku7AkhEddySDAwQUCmzFIcPUBVeEwxAks2queZhLIlHUgUcIlbBYNuZS3xsPC
X9mtZlNvQmznkFjt8okl1zU522vkbIxWgdnQZoLqmsFZhdWvpEzBtr8irKqVOrO0qlHNNEVHWm6y
drHZlIPLc9OAmHsTFjUIlkLg5Rbs77Vo2OxgRiba7zZGWVhMFP6eEKVWW0NCPCE2RA654M2qiV2W
Qkv2afNsjpzPm7nXwGmnK2HSYnX+nNHJGYOFk2HgyWpicbG2WIyOOl67WWt6yMdJx5vCNhceowSC
JvUyELMADoh8JWzWnlqLpkgXFrfLs6oKJxcrCsYp40RItY1laGNoPqWhYrGWZPWvNRs62S7GgJJm
cjYt6uuQIv+aFhBqN7RkOiW+Kga7QNG+s69pJ+QzRcQwnByhMZuJfQzhB59qeyZUwmmFKWj9Akdr
2tvmk9tb005TPNAyOEvHLAlx2i310UxWcRZu+kmug3krqAe2lepujDu/KbriL8qUYhr/z0zR0wEc
HtQnOgI+nNMKjHSldDwuVMihCyUh9QcC5n3TOyBb4HgWPoPz4VDZ/ApyqH9tzVkepqxhD6j2aYAE
helEhYKQPWhLJvtOYVZNpx7LkqWMTEYV1JWJVXtMDgkb6R7Y0j3YQyGkuukmaRswuJP5576nFTQO
9BqlWG9OJ8unTlsD//TCxRYzGHViLaHzN/N/rmI+uy9mPzveDM/myKIh+sNildTIqsKZ/NrtVNRf
VOEsE3BhrrUda8niWjNTDqK4bDEQ8/VMAkdASP+D+Y8Kn9kLCD2hjvg+9FYEdw/Wfwiy+pLuapBB
ukHapzGseyzRJpNmZV2brny017LJ+oIXqrncE87Wmp0l3ud0dr6IcsU5tXiRzk497Pja0la6GiJ7
skSBNM32ISYwZRdRuzhB46Da8eAyCA7RHsATXCd5QKtpWk3T4AnuiGCxZC92Ol76kFHgu6XkmHpG
qWeYRkZpZJRmRoHFWXqFklFa0Kn0rQfcuukfD2UXHLCCSy9Esqbq3NZt/gEAAP//AwBQSwMEFAAG
AAgAAAAhAJxmRkG7AAAAJAEAACoAAABjbGlwYm9hcmQvZHJhd2luZ3MvX3JlbHMvZHJhd2luZzEu
eG1sLnJlbHOEj80KwjAQhO+C7xD2btJ6EJEmvYjQq9QHCMk2LTY/JFHs2xvoRUHwsjCz7DezTfuy
M3liTJN3HGpaAUGnvJ6c4XDrL7sjkJSl03L2DjksmKAV201zxVnmcpTGKSRSKC5xGHMOJ8aSGtHK
RH1AVzaDj1bmIqNhQaq7NMj2VXVg8ZMB4otJOs0hdroG0i+hJP9n+2GYFJ69elh0+UcEy6UXFqCM
BjMHSldnnTUtXYGJhn39Jt4AAAD//wMAUEsBAi0AFAAGAAgAAAAhACmb+0YEAQAAHgIAABMAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAFtDb250ZW50X1R5cGVzXS54bWxQSwECLQAUAAYACAAAACEArTA/8cEAAAAy
AQAACwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA1AQAAX3JlbHMvLnJlbHNQSwECLQAUAAYACAAAACEAJEG4FiICAACC
BAAAHwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAfAgAAY2xpcGJvYXJkL2RyYXdpbmdzL2RyYXdpbmcxLnhtbFBLAQIt
ABQABgAIAAAAIQAral2V1wYAAPkbAAAaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH4EAABjbGlwYm9hcmQvdGhlbWUv
dGhlbWUxLnhtbFBLAQItABQABgAIAAAAIQCcZkZBuwAAACQBAAAqAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAI0LAABj
bGlwYm9hcmQvZHJhd2luZ3MvX3JlbHMvZHJhd2luZzEueG1sLnJlbHNQSwUGAAAAAAUABQBnAQAA
kAwAAAAA
" strokecolor="#279ddd"/><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="height: 15px; left: -1px; mso-ignore: vglayout; position: relative; top: 10px; width: 437px; z-index: 251662336;"><img height="5" src="file://localhost/Users/kevin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image003.png" v:shapes="Line_x0020_5" width="437" /></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>415</o:Words>
<o:Characters>2370</o:Characters>
<o:Company>The Boss</o:Company>
<o:Lines>19</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>5</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>2780</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1027"/>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/>
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br clear="ALL" />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Provisional
results:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">1<sup>st</sup>
Phil Buys (RSA) 1:39<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">2<sup>nd</sup>
Lourens Luus (RSA)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">3<sup>rd</sup>
Rourke Croeser (RSA)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">9<sup>th</sup>
Kevin Evans (RSA)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-8778022612167121102014-01-26T18:13:00.001+02:002014-01-26T18:13:42.589+02:00Attakwas Extreme<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8auS4UYDCo/UuU0IS9uvJI/AAAAAAAAAz8/EWo9sEnEHxI/s1600/1536588_735948723083849_1091472448_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8auS4UYDCo/UuU0IS9uvJI/AAAAAAAAAz8/EWo9sEnEHxI/s1600/1536588_735948723083849_1091472448_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Attakwas,
Chandelier-Grootbrak, 121km, 2900m</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Attakwas 2014 would
spark my return to racing after a long break, and I don’t think I could have
found a tougher race to start with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">We had a great two-week
team training camp leading up to the race, and Neil and I would take to the
start, whilst Brandon would second us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The race had some of the
best riders in the world on the start line, and combined with a top SA quality
field, a top ten was looking like a solid result. The Trek Superflys had only
been put together the previous day, as the Team bikes are still on their way
over from the States, and didn’t give us much time to get used to them, but we
would have more than enough time to bond with them on the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The pace was really
rapid from the get go, and within the first 15km, the front group was split
down to around 10 riders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">I was comfortable to
just follow the wheels, but I forgot about some of the short steep climbs
heading into the hardest part of the race, the Attakwas Kloof. With riders
bailing infront of me, I was forced to walk and lost the momentum of the front
bunch. At the same time I had a few mechanical issues with the bike, and once
all sorted, I was my own. And I would stay on my own from around 55km all the
way to the finish, a long day to think about things!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Brandon kept us nicely
fuelled up on USN, and I managed my efforts and race nutrition really well
considering I haven’t been in race mode for such a long time. Neil was just a
few minutes behind me, feeling good and still building on the form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">At the end I managed to
hang on to 8<sup>th</sup> place, and could take a lot of positives out of the
race, and move forward, happy and most importantly, healthy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Next race, will also be
a first for me in awhile, as I tackle my first Cross Country race in three
years, this weekend in Cape Town, at the African Continental Championships.
This is purely for training and to sharpen up my technical skills ahead of the
marathon series.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Till then, cheers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t"
path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="Description: Signature" style='width:150pt;height:65pt;visibility:visible;
mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file://localhost/Users/kevin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="Signature"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Kevin Evans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:line
id="Line_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style='position:absolute;left:0;
text-align:left;z-index:251662336;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;
mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page' from="0,10.6pt" to="6in,10.6pt"
o:gfxdata="UEsDBBQABgAIAAAAIQApm/tGBAEAAB4CAAATAAAAW0NvbnRlbnRfVHlwZXNdLnhtbKSRzU7DMBCE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" strokecolor="#279ddd"/><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="height: 15px; left: -1px; mso-ignore: vglayout; position: relative; top: 10px; width: 437px; z-index: 251662336;"><img height="5" src="file://localhost/Users/kevin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_image003.png" v:shapes="Line_x0020_5" width="437" /></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>327</o:Words>
<o:Characters>1868</o:Characters>
<o:Company>The Boss</o:Company>
<o:Lines>15</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>4</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>2191</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1027"/>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/>
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br clear="ALL" />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Provisional
results:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">1<sup>st</sup>
Urs Huber (Bulls) 4hrs47min<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">2<sup>nd</sup>
Christoph Sauser (Specialized)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">3<sup>rd</sup>
Karl Platt (Bulls)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">8t<sup>h</sup>
Kevin Evans (Fedgroup-Itec)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">11<sup>th</sup>
Neil Macdonald (Fedgroup-Itec)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-19758889583685657002013-10-29T07:24:00.000+02:002013-10-29T07:26:17.173+02:00Exciting times ahead...My blog has been unusually quite, mostly due to the fact that the team and I decided its better for me to call the season quits early, in order to prepare my body for the 2014 season which awaits.<br />
This will be a huge year for myself with the Marathon World Championships being held in PMB, the first time in 11years its being held out of Europe.<br />
We have a really busy season next year, and so many great races to choose from, its become impossible to try and tackle them all, but I will work closely with my coach to make sure the best possible form arrives in June.<br />
Some exciting and fresh things happening soon, and don't we love a 'Fresh approach'!<br />
Will keep you posted.<br />
Ciao,<br />
KevKevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-83664813353278726922013-07-28T08:29:00.001+02:002013-07-28T08:36:46.298+02:00Opening Ceremony and a few pics<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E_Qla7y6lrk/UfS59mXusVI/AAAAAAAAAyw/PRFFZBkqpio/s1600/IMG_4659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E_Qla7y6lrk/UfS59mXusVI/AAAAAAAAAyw/PRFFZBkqpio/s400/IMG_4659.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Jerusalem Jet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IQVFmy26bW4/UfS5I-w9baI/AAAAAAAAAyc/PVcfAXR2rfc/s1600/Image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IQVFmy26bW4/UfS5I-w9baI/AAAAAAAAAyc/PVcfAXR2rfc/s400/Image+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking into stadium.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QIpJZS2BT3k/UfS5bUi8jBI/AAAAAAAAAyk/BM76SDNj9PI/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QIpJZS2BT3k/UfS5bUi8jBI/AAAAAAAAAyk/BM76SDNj9PI/s400/Image.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Twinny" and myself.<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kEe4ZYKvBDY/UfS6lnXd3tI/AAAAAAAAAy0/453EH7SCIlk/s1600/IMG_4668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kEe4ZYKvBDY/UfS6lnXd3tI/AAAAAAAAAy0/453EH7SCIlk/s400/IMG_4668.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TT Time<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7yEMJ3ka8_Y/UfS7AlalzjI/AAAAAAAAAy8/SDaJ2T1qrEY/s1600/IMG_4744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7yEMJ3ka8_Y/UfS7AlalzjI/AAAAAAAAAy8/SDaJ2T1qrEY/s400/IMG_4744.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road Race start.<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v4jP9rbHZkM/UfS7e5PbkqI/AAAAAAAAAzE/8h71sNRvHGE/s1600/IMG_4729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v4jP9rbHZkM/UfS7e5PbkqI/AAAAAAAAAzE/8h71sNRvHGE/s400/IMG_4729.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-61280276370035171552013-07-28T08:22:00.002+02:002013-07-28T08:22:56.184+02:00Maccabiah Games Road Race<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk6_0SR3jRc/UfS4hQiT5uI/AAAAAAAAAyM/-iOGysRJvww/s1600/IMG_4747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk6_0SR3jRc/UfS4hQiT5uI/AAAAAAAAAyM/-iOGysRJvww/s320/IMG_4747.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Maccabiah Games Road Race, Golan Heights, 110km, 2200m</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
The road race took place in the Golan Heights, up in the North of Israel, and I could not have asked for a better circuit that suited me. We would race a ten-kilometer loop, eleven times with very hard short climbs, and technical corners. Also to factor in the heat, my preferred racing conditions, I was confident of a good result.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
The Time Trial had given me all the information I needed on who the good riders were, or at least so I thought. My tactics would be fairly simple, to follow Gobrovskyy and then somehow try and get rid of him before the run into the finish. He had won the 2005 under/23 World Championships with a late attack in the final 3km, so this would be no easy feat. Simon Adler, the only other SA elite rider, would go in the early move, to make sure all I had to do was stay on the wheel of the Ukraine. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
The race started with attacks immediately by Israel who had the biggest team. After one lap there was four Israelis in the break, and Gobrovskyy decided he would close the gap. I followed him as we bridged across to the leaders, and then settled down into what was going to become a race of attrition. Patience was going to be key. However I soon realized that the two Israeli riders left in the break with us, never raced the time trial, and was a little unknown. Guy Gabay put in a good attack with four laps remaining and we had to work hard to bring him back into the fold, but I countered off his move taking a chance. I was feeling good and thought Gobrovskyy would have to do all the chasing. They worked together though, and kept me at around 20seconds for two laps, until I decided to rather wait for them and save my energy. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
As expected, a big attack by the Ukraine rider on the penultimate lap saw the end of the Israeli, I had to dig deep to stay on his wheel, made easier with a huge amount of support for me through the start finish, and into the ‘bell’ lap. I had to take another chance on the last lap. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
On the first of three climbs, I set a really hard tempo, I knew it was make or break, and just near the top, I heard him shift off his big chain ring. This was the small advantage I needed, and put my head down with eight kilometers left. I extended the gap to about forty seconds, enough to just make the final climb, with cramps starting to bite the legs.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
It was a very emotional finish, with my father, friends and teammates all waiting at the finish, finally a gold medal for the cycling team.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
It wasn’t the only medal for the day, with Issy Zimmerman taking bronze in his own category after also having a tough day in the saddle.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
It has been an amazing experience and I’m grateful for the opportunity given to me by the South African Delegation.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Now its time for a short break, and then a busy last quarter coming up, back to the dirt!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Till then, cheers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bf_wFFfEOP8/UfS4sCvGpQI/AAAAAAAAAyU/zzc8WZcLlAg/s1600/IMG_4745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bf_wFFfEOP8/UfS4sCvGpQI/AAAAAAAAAyU/zzc8WZcLlAg/s320/IMG_4745.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Kevin Evans</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Provisional results:</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
1st Kevin Evans (South Africa) 3hrs05min</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
2nd Dmytro Gobrovskyy (Ukraine)</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
3rd Guy Gabay (Israel)</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-32002095780470530922013-07-28T08:19:00.001+02:002013-07-28T08:19:54.465+02:00Maccabiah Games Time Trial<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDrg9BOkYWw/UfS38Na0aVI/AAAAAAAAAyE/h_LPnnvthUE/s1600/Image+2+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDrg9BOkYWw/UfS38Na0aVI/AAAAAAAAAyE/h_LPnnvthUE/s320/Image+2+-+Version+2.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Maccabiah Games Individual Time Trial, 26km</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
The 19th Maccabiah games, held every four years in Israel, and essentially known as the ‘Jewish Olympics’, kicked off with the opening ceremony on Thursday evening in Jerusalem. Some nine thousand athletes from 72 countries were present to represent their various countries and delegations, and the opening was a huge success with the president of Israel, Peres present to give a talk, as well as messages from the US President and UK Prime Minister, began sending waves of nervous energy around the stadium.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
After a fair bit of traveling around the country, I arrived safely in Rosh Pina, the small town up north close to the Golan Heights. The individual Time Trial took place yesterday, and the elites would set off in the heat of the day. I had seen the course over the past two days, and the rolling 26km, with 160m of climbing would be a fast course, yet favor a powerful rider with so much flat and windy open roads.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
I went through my normal warm up routine, and was fairly nervous yet excited to finally arrive on the start ramp, healthy, fit and ready to compete for the medals.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
I had planned how I was going to pace myself, but being the forth rider off, I had no elite times to go by, and rode my own tempo as I had practiced. It was important not to go too hard too early but also, you couldn’t finish with any energy left in the tank. I kept my rhythm, stayed relaxed, and focused. The far side of the course had some drags up to the turn around point, and this was where I began to go as hard as I could. I knew I could recover on the descend after the turn around, and again settled into a tempo at my threshold. Once I hit my last 4km marker, I began to open up what I had left, and powered into the finish up the last climb with everything I had left.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
I crossed the line with the fastest time of the day, and then it was the horrible part of waiting half an hour for the remainder of the riders to come in, anxiously checking there times.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
The previous medalist, Israel’s Yoav Bear was closest to me around 52seconds behind me, but I knew the Ukrainian, and 2005 under/23 World Champion who rode for the ProTour team, Quickstep was the favorite and as expected, came flying in at an incredible average speed of 49,7km/hr. This was a super impressive ride from a pedigreed rider.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
I was happy with my performance and although a gold medal was first goal, I was content with silver for our country. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
I wasn’t the only silver medal for SA, as Benjy Stock also took second place in the 40-49 age category. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Now we look forward to Thursdays road race. Issy and I rode up to the road race course today, and it seems it will be an honest race, 11laps of a 10km circuit with 220m of short sharp climbs per lap, and a few fast and technical corners, plus the heat, will be a tough day. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
The cycling team will be hoping for a few more medals then!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Till then, cheers.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Kevin Evans</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
Provisional results:</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
1st Dmytro Grobovskyy (Ukraine) 31min47</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
2nd Kevin Evans (South Africa) 33min12</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
3rd Yoav Bear (Israel) 34min02</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-6343308333880984272013-07-08T10:02:00.003+02:002013-07-08T10:02:51.126+02:00Totalsports Xterra, Knysna<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3LEZ1YQx-s/Udpx7yu6WkI/AAAAAAAAAx0/zyItnT-7dJY/s1600/1003996_555599127812778_2076744788_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3LEZ1YQx-s/Udpx7yu6WkI/AAAAAAAAAx0/zyItnT-7dJY/s320/1003996_555599127812778_2076744788_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muddy bike ride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8Udd1L4lLY/UdpxoqlDMeI/AAAAAAAAAxk/R9I4dZHMztc/s1600/1000688_555599361146088_801457186_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8Udd1L4lLY/UdpxoqlDMeI/AAAAAAAAAxk/R9I4dZHMztc/s320/1000688_555599361146088_801457186_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hop skip n jump.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Totalsports Xterra
presented by Rehidrat, 3km, 23km, 7km</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">The Knysna Pezula leg of the Xterra series bit me a few years back, and
seems to attract me every year to come back for more. It’s such a fantastic
event, with great atmosphere in a special location, its hard not to come back
each year, especially being ten minutes down the road from home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">This year the competition was great, with a lot of big names taking
part. I had prepared slightly different this year. I had run consistently for a
month leading up to the event, and I had busted out a new pair of Salomon shoes
for the run. This is the only leg of the Xterra that I’m able to do, mostly
because I cannot swim to well, and the Knysna leg is more like a duathlon with
just a run/cycle/run.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Tactics for me on the day are fairly simple, limit my loses on the
first run, make up as much time as possible on the bike leg, and then get to
the finish in one piece on the second run.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Luckily for me, heavy rains the night before would turn the mountain
bike course into a nightmare. The extreme mud would prove to be very technical,
and this would give me another advantage on this section. I managed to make up
all the places I had lost on the first run, and the last person I passed was
Stuart Marais, who is such a fast runner, I would need to put as much time into
him as possible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Its always exciting when you get to the transitions, and the
commentators do a great job of giving you time splits, and letting you know how
slow your transitions are!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I went into the final 7km trail run with a healthy three minute lead,
but against an exceptional runner like Stu, this would only get me to the last
2km, where he came flying past me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">The trail run is quite technical, and I didn’t take any chances, nor
expect to stay out in front, it was more a matter of when he would catch me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I call this part of the race, ‘buy now, pay later’, as the body
continues through fitness, but in the next few days, becomes really sore and
stiff from recruiting different muscles. Fortunately this year was not too bad,
as the training had helped with the post race soreness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Thanks very much to Stillwatersports for having me at the event; it’s
always great to take part. Maybe next year I can have a special number to
secure a spot on the ‘Pro rack’!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe"
filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_10" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="Description: Macintosh HD:Users:kevin:Pictures:iPhoto Library:Masters:2013:07:08:20130708-074302:1012162_555599321146092_361596124_n.jpg"
style='width:423pt;height:276pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file://localhost/Users/kevin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="1012162_555599321146092_361596124_n.jpg"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Next race, exciting as I fly to Israel to compete for South Africa at
the Maccabiah Games, in the road and time trial. Will keep you posted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Till then, cheers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3"
o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Description: Signature" style='width:150pt;
height:65pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file://localhost/Users/kevin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image003.jpg"
o:title="Signature"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Kevin Evans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:line
id="Line_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style='position:absolute;left:0;
text-align:left;z-index:251662336;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;
mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page' from="0,10.6pt" to="6in,10.6pt"
o:gfxdata="UEsDBBQABgAIAAAAIQApm/tGBAEAAB4CAAATAAAAW0NvbnRlbnRfVHlwZXNdLnhtbKSRzU7DMBCE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" strokecolor="#279ddd"/><![endif]--><span style="height: 15px; left: -1px; mso-ignore: vglayout; position: relative; top: 10px; width: 437px; z-index: 251662336;"><img height="5" src="file://localhost/Users/kevin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image005.png" v:shapes="Line_x0020_5" width="437" /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br clear="ALL" style="mso-ignore: vglayout;" />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Provisional results:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">1<sup>st</sup> Stuart Marais (RSA Web) 1:41:02<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">2<sup>nd</sup> Kevin Evans (FedGroup/ITEC) 1:42:03<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">3<sup>rd</sup> Kent Horner (My Training Day)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-14526616330298682842013-07-01T08:27:00.000+02:002013-07-01T08:27:28.775+02:00Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7291802450049047954" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Js6zZ-vyryQ/UdEhDX2R8lI/AAAAAAAAAxM/37_w1gXZvnM/s736/8657_10151786044313083_1972658208_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Js6zZ-vyryQ/UdEhDX2R8lI/AAAAAAAAAxM/37_w1gXZvnM/s320/8657_10151786044313083_1972658208_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</span></i></b></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Knysna Oyster Festival
MTB Challenge, 80km, 1800m</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">The Knysna Oyster festival mountain bike race is one of my top events
on the calendar. Not only because it’s a ‘home town’ event, but the route, the
trails through the indigenous forests and the atmosphere around the week of
events is fantastic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">The weather for the week was great, and the trails would be mostly dry
for a change. But it’s always fresh at the start, and we rolled out of town
heading into a cold forest. Usually the race splits up early, on the first two
climbs, Simola and Gouna. The field was strong this year, and we were a group
of around ten riders as we completed the first section of the race up to the
Uniondale road. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">It was though the next 18km section of ‘Petrus se Brand’ where first,
Neil Macdonald started to increase the tempo, and thereafter I took
responsibility for turning up the pace. The group was too big and I wanted to
make sure there was a select group after this part of the race. Soon it was
only five riders, still a fair size group, but the last thirty kilometers
around the back of Knysna is tough, and on one of the steep climbs, I managed
to put in enough of an effort to have only the newly crowned South African
Marathon champion, James Reid, left with me.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I had decided I would avoid a sprint finish at all costs, and put in a
final few hard attacks to finally ride him off, where I was then free to ‘sail’
to the end. It’s always a special race to win, but always better with a quality
field. Johan Rabie held on for third place, and Brandon Stewart who had helped
me up the first few climbs rode well to finish strong in sixth place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">The Sunday morning saw us take on the road riders in the Road race. The
race was shortened to 80km due to road works, but with no major climb at the
halfway mark, it would be fairly fast and easy for the bigger teams to control.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Nolan Hoffman took the win for Team Abuntu, whilst we were happy to win
the overall combined prize for the fastest mountain bike and road race of the
event.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">A great weekend of racing, thanks to Clive from the Knysna Hollow for
hosting our team, and Zandile for the support.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Next race will probably be in Israel when I compete for the country at
the Macabbiah Games, Time Trial and Road, in two weeks. I forgot to mention the
Pezula Xterra on Thursday, another top event attached to the Festival, will be
hard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Till then, cheers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe"
filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="Description: Signature" style='width:150pt;height:65pt;visibility:visible;
mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file://localhost/Users/kevin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="Signature"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Kevin Evans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:line
id="Line_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style='position:absolute;left:0;
text-align:left;z-index:251662336;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;
mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page' from="0,10.6pt" to="6in,10.6pt"
o:gfxdata="UEsDBBQABgAIAAAAIQApm/tGBAEAAB4CAAATAAAAW0NvbnRlbnRfVHlwZXNdLnhtbKSRzU7DMBCE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" strokecolor="#279ddd"/><![endif]--><span style="height: 15px; left: -1px; mso-ignore: vglayout; position: relative; top: 10px; width: 437px; z-index: 251662336;"><img height="5" src="file://localhost/Users/kevin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image003.png" v:shapes="Line_x0020_5" width="437" /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br clear="ALL" style="mso-ignore: vglayout;" />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Provisional results:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">1<sup>st</sup> Kevin Evans (FedGroup-ITEC) 2hrs58<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">2<sup>nd</sup> James Reid (Trek/Craft)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">3<sup>rd</sup> Johan Rabie (Nuwater)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-76751188248164511232013-06-24T08:47:00.001+02:002013-06-24T08:50:36.508+02:00Tour de Plett<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wIooB4Brrso/UcfrY8NptgI/AAAAAAAAAw0/PHX92Wrf2kw/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wIooB4Brrso/UcfrY8NptgI/AAAAAAAAAw0/PHX92Wrf2kw/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic Brad Thomas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">IDM Cement Tour de
Plett MTB Challenge, 75km, 1600m</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">The Tour de Plett hosted by MTN Club100 Plett, is now in its third
year, and is slowly growing into a classic race to do in the Garden Route. The
event is well positioned, just a week before the Oyster Festival Cycle Tour and
the route takes in some of the same sections as Knysna, deep in the indigenous
forests. All round a beautiful but very challenging course, but great for
preparation the following week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I decided to end a good training week with a hard race effort, and with
most of the climbing in the first half of the race, I went hard from the start.
After the first climb I was on my own, but continued to push the pace as Timo
Cooper was chasing with Neil Macdonald, following. Neil was just returning from
a two week break, and soon had to settle into his own rhythm as Timo started to
pull away from him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7291802450049047954" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I continued on my own, and everything was feeling great, until 25km to
go, on one of the rocky descends, I cut my rear tire. It was time to stop and
practice my ‘plugging’ skills as I’ve had such good luck this whole year with
hardly any mechanicals. The plug managed to work, and I continued to push on,
although the rear wheel was not holding the air. I had to stop three times to
inflate and eventually had to ride the wheel close to flat, to the finish. All
the time I could see Timo catching me, and unfortunately for him, some sticks
got stuck in his wheel forcing him to stop and remove them, giving me just
enough time to successfully defend my Plett title for the third time. Timo
rolled in for second whilst Neil had a sprint with Conrad Viljoen from Port
Elizabeth, for third and forth place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Alan, Sam, Danie, Leon, Sean and the Club100 guys and girls had put a
lot of effort into making the race a success, and I look forward to the event
next year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Next race, will again be a ‘home town’ race when the full squad comes
down for the Knysna Oyster Festival, two big days of a well attended cycle
tour, and one of my favorite events for the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Till then, cheers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe"
filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="Description: Signature" style='width:150pt;height:65pt;visibility:visible;
mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file://localhost/Users/kevin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="Signature"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Kevin Evans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:line
id="Line_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style='position:absolute;left:0;
text-align:left;z-index:251662336;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;
mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page' from="0,10.6pt" to="6in,10.6pt"
o:gfxdata="UEsDBBQABgAIAAAAIQApm/tGBAEAAB4CAAATAAAAW0NvbnRlbnRfVHlwZXNdLnhtbKSRzU7DMBCE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" strokecolor="#279ddd"/><![endif]--><span style="height: 15px; left: -1px; mso-ignore: vglayout; position: relative; top: 10px; width: 437px; z-index: 251662336;"><img height="5" src="file://localhost/Users/kevin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image003.png" v:shapes="Line_x0020_5" width="437" /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br clear="ALL" style="mso-ignore: vglayout;" />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Provisional results:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">1<sup>st</sup> Kevin Evans (FedGroupITEC)
3hrs03min<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">2<sup>nd</sup> Timo Cooper (Bridge/Momsen)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">3<sup>rd</sup> Conrad Viljoen (Challenging
diabetes)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">4<sup>th</sup> Neil Macdonald (FedGroupITEC)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-90420551836408597592013-06-24T08:36:00.000+02:002013-06-24T08:36:53.040+02:00RE:CM Knysna200<!--StartFragment-->
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GetWlmDyRPY/UcfonvG8N6I/AAAAAAAAAwk/2cKMvpHQB2I/s1600/181281_10152886817100705_413822254_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GetWlmDyRPY/UcfonvG8N6I/AAAAAAAAAwk/2cKMvpHQB2I/s320/181281_10152886817100705_413822254_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic Brad Thomas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">RC:CM Knysna 200, 3
days, 200km</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">The RE:CM Knysna200 has to be fast becoming one of the most underrated
events on the calendar, and has doubled in size since I rode it last year for
fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">The Knysna200 is the ‘smaller brother’ of the Garden Route300 held in
late February. Although from what I hear, the 200 uses the hardest parts of the
300, but condenses it into a shorter distance, making it a tough three days of
riding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">The race starts in three different locations, all within 20km of each
other, and finishes every day at Thesen Island in Knysna, where great food and
post race beverages, namely Mitchels Beer awaits the riders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">The first day saw us riding the famous Petrus se Brand routes, starting
at the Knysna Elephant Park. The stage is tough, and our race times over this
route were quick. Same as last year, we had perfect conditions to start with,
and soon into the race, the RE:CM duo of Waylon and Lourens made it clear that
they wanted to win their ‘own’ event. Brandon and I were able to follow them,
and settled for second place after a sprint finish. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Stage 2, which starts out in Millwood, and goes past the old Knysna
Gold Mines, saw the weather playing the biggest factor. However with the speed
of the front three teams, we were joined by Bridge/Momsen for the first 30km,
meant we would finish the stage just before the worst of the weather made its
way into Knysna. It would be a tough day for the ‘weekend’ warriors, and the usual
stunning scenery would be hidden behind low lying dark clouds unfortunately.
Luckily hot soup awaited us the finish, a welcoming sight! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Again it came down to a sprint between us and RE:CM, this time however
we just managed to edge them into second place, with less than a second separating
us going into the last stage. We had some pressure to perform as our manager
had made the trip down to watch us, as well as Greg from Kathea who had put his
golf game on hold for us!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">The weather had been miserable the whole of Saturday night, and the
best part of the final stage, was the start which was no further than 200m away
from my front door in Harkerville. The overnight rains had taken its toll on
the fantastic trails of Harkerville, and the normally quick singletracks, had
to be ridden with caution. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Our biggest problem came within in the final 20km, when Brandon I ran
out of brake pads. Knysna terrain is well known for its sand and grit, and I
underestimated the severity of the final 57km stage. Pity as this potentially
cost us the race as we had to run down the last two descends to rather take
caution, settling for third on the stage, but at least maintain our second
place overall. Waylon and Lourens had similar issues but had managed to get a
little further than us, nonetheless, were worthy winners of their ‘own’ event!
Nico and Timo would hold onto third overall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Next race, for me will be the Plett MTB Race. Its great to be racing
the next couple weeks at home before heading abroad. Neil will join me for
Plett, and the full squad will be here for the Oyster Festival the following
week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Till then, cheers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe"
filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="Description: Signature" style='width:150pt;height:65pt;visibility:visible;
mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file://localhost/Users/kevin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="Signature"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Kevin Evans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:line
id="Line_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style='position:absolute;left:0;
text-align:left;z-index:251662336;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;
mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page' from="0,10.6pt" to="6in,10.6pt"
o:gfxdata="UEsDBBQABgAIAAAAIQApm/tGBAEAAB4CAAATAAAAW0NvbnRlbnRfVHlwZXNdLnhtbKSRzU7DMBCE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" strokecolor="#279ddd"/><![endif]--><span style="height: 15px; left: -1px; mso-ignore: vglayout; position: relative; top: 10px; width: 437px; z-index: 251662336;"><img height="5" src="file://localhost/Users/kevin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image003.png" v:shapes="Line_x0020_5" width="437" /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br clear="ALL" style="mso-ignore: vglayout;" />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Provisional results:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">1<sup>st</sup> Woolcock/Luus (RE:CM) 7hrs44min<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">2<sup>nd</sup> Stewart/Evans (FedGroupITEC) 7hrs51min<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">3<sup>rd</sup> Pfitzenmaier/Cooper (Bridge/Momsen)
8hrs00min<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-12635951870533277252013-06-02T20:52:00.000+02:002013-06-02T20:52:06.183+02:00SA Marathon Champs, Induna, Hazyview<!--StartFragment-->
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlQxmuzQ7xg/UauUM3v3CfI/AAAAAAAAAwU/9N0mtsFdus8/s1600/20130601_141551+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlQxmuzQ7xg/UauUM3v3CfI/AAAAAAAAAwU/9N0mtsFdus8/s320/20130601_141551+-+Version+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Podium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">South African Marathon
Champs, Hazyview, 110km, 2400m</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">The 2013 South African Marathon Championships was held at Induna
Adventures, just outside Hazyview in the Lowveld. I last raced this course in
2008, and 2007 I had actually won the SA marathon title on the same route. Jaco
and his team always put together a great route, with a superb mixture of
trails, climbing and testing jeep tracks, to ensure a worthy winner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">It was a strong field on the start line, and the race would always be
hotly contested when there’s a national title up for grabs. This would be my
tenth consecutive marathon championships, and was going to have to rely on
experience to count in my favor. I had decided to race my Scott Scale RC,
choosing the lighter hardtail over the full suspension as I knew the course
would be fast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">The marathon consisted of two loops of around 37km, with the last loop
being repeated a second time to make up the tough 110km. The first loop was fast
as riders were looking to try split up the group, but it remained a strong
field with about 12 guys, and all the favorites.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">The only meaningful move happened shortly after the start of the second
loop, where Darren Lill and Nico Bell put in a move that slipped away. Whilst
there was no real concern from the remaining bunch, it didn’t take much than
the tough climbs to real them back. We then hit the technical single-track in
the final 10km back to the start/finish area. It was a tricky section as you headed
into the forested part of the course, and the light change was difficult on the
eyes. I was grateful for my Oakley Racing Jackets with Transition lenses at
this point! It was in this section that I had some bad luck, clipping a tree
and breaking my shoe buckle. This meant I would have to race the last forty odd
kilometers with a shoe that I could not tighten. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">We raced through the final feed zone and onto our last lap, grabbing
our last bit of USN nutrition, and the race was taking its toll on the riders
as the group was being slimmed down. I put in a hard effort, followed by a
counter attack by Brandon, just before the last few climbs, which narrowed the
front bunch down to only five riders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">We were all together when we hit the last technical section, and as we
entered it, James Reid made sure to use his cross-country skills to good use,
and went in first. Unfortunately for me, a mistake, which may have cost me a
shot at the title, went into this section behind Darren, who came unstuck on
the first corner. I had to wait for him to get back on his bike, and then try
to chase Nico and James as they had now gained around a thirty second
advantage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">The trails from there to the finish were too fast and James was too
quick on the final descend to the finish where he would be the ‘surprise’
winner of the national title. I say surprise but he was the smartest on the
day. He was patient and bided his time as he watched all the big names race
each other. Nico was a very close second place, whilst I came in third a minute
later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Considering where I’ve come from in the short space of time, I was
happy with my result and it was a good showing from our team. We rode as best
as we could, and had the most amazing support from our manager Bridgette, who
ensured we were well looked after before and during the race.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Thanks again to everyone involved for your support, it’s great to be
able to start racing at the sharp end again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Next race, Brandon, and I are heading to my neck of the woods for the
three day RE:CM Knysna200. I thoroughly enjoyed this event last year, although
I’m sure this year, will be slightly faster than riding with Sandi! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Till then, cheers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe"
filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="Description: Signature" style='width:150pt;height:65pt;visibility:visible;
mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file://localhost/Users/kevin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="Signature"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Kevin Evans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br clear="ALL" style="mso-ignore: vglayout;" />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Provisional results:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">1<sup>st</sup> James Reid (Privateer) 4hrs40<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">2<sup>nd</sup> Nico Bell (Westvaal/Columbia)
4hrs41<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">3<sup>rd</sup> Kevin Evans (FedGroup/Itec) 4hrs41<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-89217106339548642462013-05-20T07:50:00.000+02:002013-05-20T07:53:25.068+02:00Nedbank Sani2c<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r1G6tAs3JCA/UZm5UJ9k1QI/AAAAAAAAAwE/QoabuLD1fF8/s1600/photo%5B6%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r1G6tAs3JCA/UZm5UJ9k1QI/AAAAAAAAAwE/QoabuLD1fF8/s400/photo%5B6%5D.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7291802450049047954" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Podium finishers :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Nedbank Sani2c,
Underberg-Scottborough, 3 days<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Day1,
Underberg-Mackenzie, 82km, 1200m<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The Nedbank Sani2c has become one of the most iconic events on
the South African calendar. So popular that the organizers had to make it into
three races held over three days. Our race, known as the ‘race’, is the last to
start, after the ‘trail and ‘adventure’, and after nearly three thousand riders
have hit the trails before us, it makes for a fast and smooth course, but takes
nothing away from the super trails.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The start was pleasant, temperature wise, as Underberg has some
fresh mornings to say the least. The pace however was hot, and the competition
was super close this year. After the twin oaks single-track, where the race
normally splits up, there were about 9-10 teams all together. This would change
the dynamics of the stage. Personally I was having a better day, as I was
starting to find some long lost form returning to the legs. My partner, Gawie
Combrinck from Westvaal/Columbia was battling with the flu that caught me the
previous week, and was struggling through the end of the stage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">By the finish it was almost a bunch sprint of around five
teams, with Team Cannondale/Blend winning the stage, with all the top teams
finishing on the same time, Brandon and Neil right up there. Gawie and I
managed to only loose around one minute, which keeps us in the loop for the
race, should we feel better for tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Our only podium for the day was from a fantastic ride by team
manager Bridgette and her partner Jackie. Top ride to finish third.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The race is normally decided on the second stage, and I doubt
it will be a bunch finish tomorrow, but who knows!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Day2,
Mackenzie-Jolivet, 102km, 1950m<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">This would be the second time I’ve had to descend down the
mighty Umkomaas in slippery wet and muddy conditions. Combined with mist and an
early start, with poor visibility, I was just happy to make it through the
stage in one piece.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">We got to the bottom of the valley in ‘bits and pieces’ as
teams were separated in the technical conditions. After a few kilometers of
easy rolling along the river, the teams were all back together and the racing
heated up. Team Contego had taken a few risks and made a big gap down the
valley, and we would basically be chasing them for the stage. Max Knox and Nico
Bell also had a small gap, but were quickly joined by Brandon and Neil. Gawie
and myself were trying to follow RE:CM and although he was a bitter better
today, the flu still had the better of him on the steep climbs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">At the end of the day, Max and Nico won, followed by Brandon
and Neil. Gawie and myself were 5<sup>th</sup>, around ten minutes behind on
the stage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">With only around 10minutes separating the first five teams, the
racing will still be on tomorrow, and it won’t be an easy day, that’s for sure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Day3,
Jolivet-Scottborough, 84km, 1000m<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Farmer Glen decided to mix things up a little for the final
stage, with a new ‘reverse’ order of starting. The A batch would start at 11am,
whilst all the rest of the riders would start at 7am. The reason for this would
be to have all the riders at the finish when the top guys came in. I have to
say that it was a great idea and worked really well. The slower riders that we
caught towards the end were gently pulled aside by the lead bikes, and the
enthusiasm and support from them whilst racing past was fantastic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Back to the racing, the start was really fast, and there was a
serious tempo being set by most of the top teams. We had decided we wanted to
have a hard day of racing, one for training, and two because we had nothing
really to lose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Gawie and I took over the pace making up front, and the group
of around five teams rolled quickly through the trails. Once we were through
the beautiful Vernon Crooks Reserve, I knew from Joberg2c that the route had
changed and the ‘railway’ track was approaching. This was where we made our
move, and with Brandon and Neil riding the single-track behind us, they just
rode steady which allowed Gawie and I a chance to get our initial gap. Once we
had a gap, we put our heads down and powered through the last 20km of the
stage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The finish was really special, the Nedbank floating bridge
along the lagoon was unique, but it was the support and the crowds at the
finish that made it even more special. Personally for me it was an emotional
win as I’ve battled some health issues for the past seven months. The body is
good, and the form is slowly returning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Brandon and Neil finished third on the stage behind RE:CM with
Max Knox and Nico Bell finishing fourth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Max and Nico won the overall title, with team FedGroupITEC
taking a great second place and Team Contego finishing third.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Our FedGroupITEC third team of Bridgette Stewart and Jackie
Moore took third place overall in the ladies race, rounding out a very
successful three days of racing for the team.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Again big thanks to all the sponsors, Scott bikes performed
flawlessly, USN kept us fuelled to the finish, and KIA Motors carried our super
back up crew of Grant, Sue and Lucky. Thanks again for all the support, on and
off the bike.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Next race, Brandon Neil will race the Nissan Trailseeker in
Johannesburg, whilst I’ll be flying the flag on golf tour for a change of
scenery. Then it’s final preparation for SA Marathon Championships at Induna,
Hazyview in two weeks time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Till then, cheers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe"
filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="Description: Signature" style='width:150pt;height:65pt;visibility:visible;
mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file://localhost/Users/kevin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="Signature"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Kevin Evans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:line
id="Line_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style='position:absolute;left:0;
text-align:left;z-index:251662336;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;
mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page' from="0,10.6pt" to="6in,10.6pt"
o:gfxdata="UEsDBBQABgAIAAAAIQApm/tGBAEAAB4CAAATAAAAW0NvbnRlbnRfVHlwZXNdLnhtbKSRzU7DMBCE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" strokecolor="#279ddd"/><![endif]--><span style="height: 15px; left: -1px; mso-ignore: vglayout; position: relative; top: 10px; width: 437px; z-index: 251662336;"><img height="5" src="file://localhost/Users/kevin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image003.png" v:shapes="Line_x0020_5" width="437" /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br clear="ALL" style="mso-ignore: vglayout;" />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Provisional results:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">1<sup>st</sup> Max Knox/Nico Bell (EAI/Westvaal)
9:44:50<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">2<sup>nd</sup> Brandon Stewart/Neil Macdonald
(FedGroupITEC) 9:46:19<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">3<sup>rd</sup> Louise Knipe/Gert Heyns (Contego/Giant)
9:49:02<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">4<sup>th</sup> Lourens Luus/Waylon Woolcock (RE:CM)
9:50:48<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">5<sup>th</sup> Kevin Evans/Gawie Combrinck
(FedGroupITEC) 9:51:43<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291802450049047954.post-72888158133834887632013-05-13T10:54:00.000+02:002013-05-13T10:54:02.339+02:00MTN Ultra Marathon, Gravel Travel, Wellington<!--StartFragment-->
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rkSgaI7S6jo/UZCqBIRnyzI/AAAAAAAAAv0/3EjYJh6BqVM/s1600/photo%5B5%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rkSgaI7S6jo/UZCqBIRnyzI/AAAAAAAAAv0/3EjYJh6BqVM/s400/photo%5B5%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family support!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">MTN Ultra Marathon,
Wellington Gravel Travel, 110km, 2950m</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Almost exactly one year later, including four trips to the hospital,
and I finish the 2013 MTN Gravel Travel one position worse than the previous
year. Although scratching my head for some positives to take out of this race,
I have to remember that it was only five weeks ago, in the same town, whilst
spectating at the Epic, that I had only just gone for my first ride. And after
all that I’ve been through, the body is still fine, and the problems I had are
a thing of the past.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">So moving on, at least this year’s race was bathed in great weather, and
a really tough and technical course was set for us to race. The track would
have no less than nearly sixty kilometers of flowing single-track, and three
thousand meters of climbing, making it slow and demanding. As all the riders
knew, the last forty kilometers is really tough, and so the pace wasn’t too
fast from the start. However it didn’t take long before the top riders started
to increase the tempo. This would be just too fast for me, recovering from a
lingering cold post Joberg2c, I would have to settle for my own pace on the
day, and use it for good training.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I had a few moments when I thought I may just throw the towel in for
the day, I had Kari and Rubes with me for seconding, and the temptation to stop
was great. On the other hand, I just pressed on with the task at hand, and
decided to not think too much about the direct outcome of the race, but rather
the good riding and training adaptions I would be making.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">As we all knew, the last forty kilometers was brutal, and many of the
top riders would feel the effects of a super hard course in the final section. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I cannot comment what happened at the head of the race, but it sounded
like Max Knox was the dominant rider as expected, whilst Lourens Luus put in
another great ride to take second place ahead of a class field of riders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I would scrape in for tenth place, and only just made the podium call
up to round out the first ten. But having considered all I’ve been through, and
where I’ve come from, I was quietly happy with my form and build up thus far.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Thanks to Kari and Ruby for coming with me, and watching me suffer
through not quite some of my finest five hours. Always there for me through
thick and thin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Next race sees us making the trip back to Underberg for the Nedbank
Sani2c. We will have two teams, Brandon and Neil, and guest rider for
FedGroupITEC, Gawie Combrinck and myself. It’s a super competitive field this
year with a few subtle route changes. I’m looking forward to some different
dynamics whilst racing with a partner, it has been awhile!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Till then, cheers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe"
filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="Description: Signature" style='width:150pt;height:65pt;visibility:visible;
mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file://localhost/Users/kevin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="Signature"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Kevin Evans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:line
id="Line_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style='position:absolute;left:0;
text-align:left;z-index:251662336;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;
mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page' from="0,10.6pt" to="6in,10.6pt"
o:gfxdata="UEsDBBQABgAIAAAAIQApm/tGBAEAAB4CAAATAAAAW0NvbnRlbnRfVHlwZXNdLnhtbKSRzU7DMBCE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" strokecolor="#279ddd"/><![endif]--><span style="height: 15px; left: -1px; mso-ignore: vglayout; position: relative; top: 10px; width: 437px; z-index: 251662336;"><img height="5" src="file://localhost/Users/kevin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_image003.png" v:shapes="Line_x0020_5" width="437" /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br clear="ALL" style="mso-ignore: vglayout;" />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Provisional results:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">1<sup>st</sup> Max Knox (EAI) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">2<sup>nd</sup> Lourens Luus (RE:CM) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">3<sup>rd</sup> Mathys Beukes (Scott)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">10<sup>th</sup> Kevin Evans (Fedgroup-Itec)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06664738568284180325noreply@blogger.com0