The 2019 XTERRA racing season kicked off at the Elgin Grabouw Country Club (Western Cape) on Saturday, 23 February 2019 with Jamie Riddle (originally from PE now residing in Stellenbosch) and Linda Detering (Hout Bay) showing their mettle in the XTERRA Lite.
Riddle successfully defended his XTERRA Lite title in an impressive time of 59 minutes 35 seconds. “It was a really good race,” said Riddle. “I came here in good form. I had a good block. I went to Namibia and had a good racing season. The swim is one of my strengths, so I wanted to take it out really hard. On the bike I just tried to keep a strong pace until the guys caught me. One of the guys caught me on the technical part. I tried to stick with him as long as I could. We entered transition together. I broke away at the beginning of the run. I really enjoy this race and use it as training and preparation for my road season. The MTB was more technical than last year, but still doable for everyone while the run was beautiful with nice single tracks. XTERRA Lite is really enjoyable all round. It makes you strong especially on the hills. It’s such a beautiful place to race. I really enjoy the scenery. It feels great to successfully defend my title. It shows form.” Khan Nothnagel came in second, while Maniora Regis finished third.
Making her XTERRA debut on the day Detering claimed gold in the women’s race in a deserving time of 01 hours 11 minutes 03 seconds. “I’m studying in Gemany and just wanted to enter as many events as possible while I’m back home. I’ve heard that XTERRA Grabouw is one of the cool events to do,” said Detering. “I was boxed in on the swim and struggled to get a good stroke in. On the bike my chain came off, so it was a bit frustrating. I just told myself to go all out on the run and gave my all. I loved the XTERRA Lite route. It was so beautiful, just amazing. Winning today was unexpected especially because I had a bad bike and because it’s my first XTERRA. I didn’t have any expectations. I’m 100% doing this event again. It is so much fun.” Hannah Newman came in second, while Susan Kruger finished third.
“Although only half the distance of the Full Race, the XTERRA Lite routes should not be underestimated,” advises Michael Meyer, Managing Director Stillwater Sports. “XTERRA Warriors were faced with a 400m swim in the beautiful Eikenhof Dam, a +- 14km mountain bike (MTB) route and a +- 6.5km trail run route. There was an option to enter individually or as part of a team. The MTB route included its fair share of hills and single track. It is however doable and definitely left lasting memories. The trail run route posed its own challenges, but the effort was rewarded with spectacular views and a lasting feeling of accomplishment.”
NEXT UP: XTERRA South African Championship (Elgin-Grabouw Country Club, Western Cape)
| Date: | Event: |
| Sunday, 24 February 2019 | XTERRA (full event) |
| Format: 1.5km Swim, +-27km MTB, +-12.4km Trail Run | |
| Entry Fee: Individual Entry / R1200.00 | |
| Entry Fee: Team Entry / R1500.00 |
EXCITING NEWS: The XTERRA Grabouw (Full Race) will serve as a selection race for the 2019 ITU Cross Tri World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain. In order to be considered for the SA team athletes must be fully licensed with TSA before race day. For further information please visit: www.triathlonsa.co.za
Entrants and spectators can enjoy a hot Rialto coffee before, during and after the action. XTERRA Warriors can give their all on route knowing that leading Health and Wellness brand, GNC will keep them hydrated in the Recovery Zone. The team from EPT will be offering free massages to all entrants post-race, while Spur will ensure that entrants and spectators will not go hungry. Athletes will also be treated to a free foot massage in the Falke Foot Zone.
XTERRA Warriors are encouraged to support Olympic’s ‘shoe drive’ by donating old shoes at registration.
Twitter: @XTERRASA
Facebook: XTERRA South Africa
Instagram: @xterrasa
For further information or to enter XTERRA Grabouw please contact 082 991 0045 or email [email protected]
ISSUED BY: Newsport Media
ON BEHALF OF: Stillwater Sports