RE:CM Knysna200

pic Brad Thomas

RC:CM Knysna 200, 3 days, 200km

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

Till then, cheers.

Kevin Evans

 

Provisional results:

1^st Woolcock/Luus (RE:CM) 7hrs44min

2^nd Stewart/Evans (FedGroupITEC) 7hrs51min

3^rd Pfitzenmaier/Cooper (Bridge/Momsen) 8hrs00min

SA Marathon Champs, Induna, Hazyview

Podium

South African Marathon Champs, Hazyview, 110km, 2400m

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thanks again to everyone involved for your support, it’s great to be able to start racing at the sharp end again.

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!

Till then, cheers.

Kevin Evans

Provisional results:

1^st James Reid (Privateer) 4hrs40

2^nd Nico Bell (Westvaal/Columbia) 4hrs41

3^rd Kevin Evans (FedGroup/Itec) 4hrs41

Nedbank Sani2c

Podium finishers :)

Nedbank Sani2c, Underberg-Scottborough, 3 days

Day1, Underberg-Mackenzie, 82km, 1200m

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.

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.

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.

Our only podium for the day was from a fantastic ride by team manager Bridgette and her partner Jackie. Top ride to finish third.

The race is normally decided on the second stage, and I doubt it will be a bunch finish tomorrow, but who knows!

Day2, Mackenzie-Jolivet, 102km, 1950m

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.

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.

At the end of the day, Max and Nico won, followed by Brandon and Neil. Gawie and myself were 5^th, around ten minutes behind on the stage.

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.

Day3, Jolivet-Scottborough, 84km, 1000m

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.

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.

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.

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.

Brandon and Neil finished third on the stage behind RE:CM with Max Knox and Nico Bell finishing fourth.

Max and Nico won the overall title, with team FedGroupITEC taking a great second place and Team Contego finishing third.

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.

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.

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.

Till then, cheers.

Kevin Evans

 

Provisional results:

1^st Max Knox/Nico Bell (EAI/Westvaal) 9:44:50

2^nd Brandon Stewart/Neil Macdonald (FedGroupITEC) 9:46:19

3^rd Louise Knipe/Gert Heyns (Contego/Giant) 9:49:02

4^th Lourens Luus/Waylon Woolcock (RE:CM) 9:50:48

5^th Kevin Evans/Gawie Combrinck (FedGroupITEC) 9:51:43

MTN Ultra Marathon, Gravel Travel, Wellington

Family support!

MTN Ultra Marathon, Wellington Gravel Travel, 110km, 2950m

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Till then, cheers.

Kevin Evans

 

Provisional results:

1^st Max Knox (EAI)

2^nd Lourens Luus (RE:CM)

3^rd Mathys Beukes (Scott)

10^th Kevin Evans (Fedgroup-Itec)

Old Mutual Joberg2c

Took this pic whilst riding, stage 1.

Old Mutual Joberg2C, 9days, 900km,

The Old Mutual Joberg2C has quickly established itself in four years, as one of the must do stage races in South Africa. Besides being the longest, it is also without a doubt, one of the best events to show case our beautiful country. The event is definitely about a journey.

In a very brief description, you start in the very dry town of Heidelberg, just outside of Johannesburg, wind your way for three days through the arid and rocky countryside of the Freestate, to the magnificent Sterkfontein Dam, before literally dropping off the escarpment and descending through the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains, before hitting the lush cane plantations and forests of the Kwazulu-Natal province, and finally, rolling up onto the beach in Scottborough.

The first day is as always a ‘neutral’ stage with no racing as such, but by no means an easy day. The racing then begins the following eight days, and the physically challenging route, combined with great competition, makes for a very hard week on the bike.

Whilst the racing was on in the front, I was riding the ‘solo’ category this year, and using the event as preparation for the rest of my season due to obvious setbacks. It’s not easy riding solo, for one, I know you need to stay out of the mix of the racing in the front, but you also want to try and gauge yourself against the others. I think I managed to balance this well, as I would ride some days up front, others just inside the top twenty, taking it easier where I needed to be more progressive. I did however spend a large majority of the race riding completely on my own, in the middle of some of the most beautiful parts of our country, I guess essentially what I signed up for.

The racing was made easier with our fantastic sponsors, and in the thick of the suffering that happens at the back of the race, Scott Field (Fedgroup) soldiered on through the whole race to complete his second Joberg2C journey. Crusader Logistics Stu and Cath Roos had supplied us the ‘Chillbox’ truck for our accommodation, and without this, the results and atmosphere created by the team would have been impossible.

Brandon and Neil would roll onto the beach as the overall winners for 2013, Neil’s second win in the event, but Brandon’s first and probably biggest win of his career. Bridgette and Brad finished inside the top ten in the mixed category, whilst I won the solo race, and finished fourth overall. More importantly for me however, was the fact that I finished healthy, body feeling good and without any issues. I’m happy to say that my health is back to normal, and can start progressing forward finally!

Our equipment, Scott Sparks were flawless, tires (Maxxis Ikons) bomb proof, and nutrition from USN superb.

Thanks again to everyone for making our journey that much easier, Grant, Tannie, Lucky, Stacey, Sue and Kobus, no one sees the ‘behind the scenes’ and how hard you guys worked for us.

Next race, I will try fly the flag at the MTN Ultra Marathon in Wellington. This will only be my second Ultra for the season, and will great to see how the form is moving.

Till then, cheers.

Kevin Evans

 

Provisional results:

1st Stewart/Macdonald (FedgroupItec) 34hrs11

2nd Woolcock/Luus (RE:CM) 34hrs22

3rd Pfitzenmeier/Cooper (Bridge) 35hrs02

MTN Ultra Marathon, Barberton

Post Race Pic: Zoon Cronje

Kevin Evans

MTN Ultra Marathon, Barberton, 124km, 3020m

The MTN Ultra Marathon series as per usual kicked off over the weekend in Barberton. I’ve always said that this is the race where the new teams and riders come show who’s been doing what over the off-season. It’s usually a good indicator as to who has early season form. With my two trips to the hospital in the off season, and only a month on the bike, I could only but watch the race unfold in front of me, and would have to settle for a good day in the saddle as training and not quite racing.

The team had a fantastic training camp leading up to the race, but the race was never part of our bigger picture in terms of building up towards bigger goals.

Anyhow, back to the race, the guys were clearly in no mood to hold back, and the attacks started already on the first climb, with guys going hard to test each other.

I can’t comment, once again, on what happened at the head of affairs, but it sounded fast with new names appearing at the head of affairs.

As usual the race was really well organized, well attended and up to the usual standards we’ve come to expect from Advendurance.

Neil Macdonald was the best of our team, riding into 7^th place, followed by Brandon Stewart in 10^th, and youngster and newcomer to the Ultra Marathon step-up, Brad Stroberg in 12^th. I managed 13^th place, but thoroughly enjoyed my ride and for a change, taking in the beautiful scenery and vistas that we are usually so oblivious too.

Meanwhile Max Knox rode the race that was expected of him and managed to fend off the rest of a good quality field and win his fourth Barberton Ultra.

The race was also a perfect testing ground for the team to test out all our new equipment. The Scott Sparks ran like a dream, Syncros wheels and Maxxis tires were put through their paces and came out tops. USN nutrition fueled us all the way, Gaerne shoes and Look pedals providing superb platforms, and Transition lenses allowing for the ever-changing light. All made to look good in our top of the line Decca clothing. And of course, safely driven by KIA. But the big thanks of course goes to Fedgroup-Itec for making the team possible, a great bunch of riders, and a fun start to an action packed year.

The Fab Five

Our team will continue with its progressive build up, and keep the main goals for the season in the back of our minds, and take only the positives out of this race.

Next race, Brandon, Bridgette and I will compete at the Herald mountain bike race in Port Elizabeth whilst Brad and Neil will race a Kia sponsored event in Johannesburg.

Till then, cheers.

Kevin Evans

 

Provisional results:

1st Max Knox (Specialized) 5hrs17min

2nd Mathys Beukes (Contego)

3rd Charles Keey (Blend/Cannondale)

4th Lourens Luus (RE:CM)

5th Waylon Woolcock (RE:CM)

7^th Neil Macdonald (Fedgroup-Itec)

10^th Brandon Stewart (Fedgroup-Itec)

12^th Brad Stroberg (Fedgroup-Itec)

13^th Kevin Evans (Fedgroup-Itec)

 

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