{"id":41368,"date":"2021-03-30T19:24:12","date_gmt":"2021-03-30T17:24:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/?p=41368"},"modified":"2021-03-30T19:24:12","modified_gmt":"2021-03-30T17:24:12","slug":"ngubane-van-deventer-crowned-2021-thirsti-africanx-champions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/more-sport\/ngubane-van-deventer-crowned-2021-thirsti-africanx-champions\/","title":{"rendered":"Ngubane, Van Deventer crowned 2021 THIRSTI AFRICANX Champions"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cLet Nature Give You A Run For Your Money\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although Eric Ngubane and Juan Van Deventer (Nedbank 1) had to settle for a 4th<\/sup> place Stage Three finish on Sunday 28 March 2021, the lead that they had managed to build up after Stage One and Two of South Africa\u2019s premier three-day stage race was enough to secure them the coveted tile of 2021 THIRSTI AFRICANX Trailrun Champions.<\/p>\n

\u201cStage Three was interesting,\u201d laughs Van Deventer.\u00a0 \u201cWe tried to mark Lloyd (Bosman) and Ettienne (Plaaitjies) of Team Nedbank 4.\u00a0 At about 17km they made a hell of a move and we just had to hang in there and fight until the finish, which we did.\u00a0 We knew that we had a good lead, so we ran strategically as we didn\u2019t want to burn out in the beginning.\u00a0 The last three kilometres they kind of went out of sight, but we still manged to see them every now and again, so we knew that we were still close enough to take the overall victory.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019m happy and proud of Eric and proud of our teamwork.\u00a0 We pulled it off, that is the main thing.\u00a0 The THIRSTI AFRICANX has been fantastic.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cComing into the race we knew that there was no need for us to break ourselves.\u00a0 We just needed to protect our position,\u201d says Ngubane.\u00a0 \u201cWe wanted to win the title.\u00a0 The THIRSTI AFRICANX Trailrun was very well organised, the routes were<\/p>\n

well-marked and the marshals cheered for us every day.\u00a0 That\u2019s what we are here for.\u00a0 We enjoyed mixing it up with guys who mostly do road races.\u00a0 It means a lot to be the 2021 THIRSTI AFRICANX Champions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eric Ngubane and Juan Van Deventer (Nedbank 1) completed the three stages of the THIRSTI AFRICANX Trailrun in an impressive combined time of 05 hours 08 minutes 36 seconds.\u00a0 Lloyd Bosman and Ettienne Plaaitjies (Nedbank 4) came in second, while Thabang Madiba and Renier Grobler (Murray & Roberts) finished third.<\/em><\/p>\n

The only team to claim all three stage victories at the THIRSTI AFRICANX Trailrun, Vicky van der Merwe and Danette Walley (STS) obliterated the field in the Women\u2019s Team <\/strong>race.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday was so nice,\u201d says van der Merwe.\u00a0 \u201cWe went out with a plan, but things didn\u2019t really go according to that plan.\u00a0 The Nedbank girls ran hard especially on the downhill, they basically sprinted flat out.\u00a0 We literally caught them with 400m to go.\u00a0 This was my first THIRSTI AFRICANX, it\u2019s also the furthest that I\u2019ve ever run.\u00a0 The event was well organised, and we got to experience routes that we\u2019d never get to experience outside of the event.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although Walley has competed at the THRISTI AFRICANX six times and has won at least one stage, this is the first time that she wins all three stages while claiming the overall champion title.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t realise how big an achievement this would be for me, until now, I\u2019m actually really emotional about it.\u00a0 Choosing the correct partner to run with is very important, not just in ability but also in personality.\u00a0 Vicky is really easy going and gets on with everybody.\u00a0 Even when I can see that the route is getting too long for her, she doesn\u2019t complain, instead she just endures.\u00a0 That\u2019s all that I want in a partner.\u00a0 Being able to support each other in the correct way is very important.\u00a0 The THIRSTI AFRICANX Trailrun was fantastic.\u00a0 I am going to be on a high for a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vicky van der Merwe and Danette Walley (STS) completed the three stages of the THIRSTI AFRICANX Trailrun in a well-deserved combined time of 06 hours 36 minutes 21 seconds.\u00a0 Deanne Laubscher and Chrizell Roberts (Nedbank Women) came in second, while Jeannie Henderson and Kate Rees (Old Mountain Goats) finished third. \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

The Mixed Team <\/strong>race was hotly contested, but Comrades Marathon Champion (2016) Charne Bosman and Kallie Burger (40 Strong) proved to be fighting fit, claiming their second stage victory for the weekend as well as the overall victory.<\/p>\n

\u201cStage Three was hard,\u201d admits Bosman.\u00a0 \u201cNico and Natalie Sterk went out hard from the start.\u00a0 My legs didn\u2019t feel that great.\u00a0 We tried to persevere, but every time that we reached a technical section, they would build a lead.\u00a0 Another team passed us with 5km to go, so we thought we\u2019d finish third today.\u00a0 When the tar road opened-up, Kallie decided that we should run 3.20 \/ 3.30 per kilometre.\u00a0 We then managed to create a gap.\u00a0 This was by far the toughest day for me.\u00a0 My first THIRSTI AFRICANX and it was one of the nicest events that I\u2019ve ever done.\u00a0 I like the toughness, you can recover on the slow sections, then you do some technical sections before hitting the flats where you can go again.\u00a0 It\u2019s not just one pace the whole time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is my first AFRICANX and it was awesome,\u201d says Burger.\u00a0 \u201cI am very proud of Charne, she really persevered today.\u00a0 She was a little nervous on the technical sections, but luckily for us the last 5km was open, so we could stretch our legs.\u00a0 We really wanted to win the stage and we did.\u00a0 I\u2019ll definitely come back.\u00a0 The THIRSTI AFRICANX was unbelievable, so well organised, the routes were perfectly marked, it\u2019s just an awesome event.\u00a0 I can see why it\u2019s the premier stage race in South Africa.<\/p>\n

Charne Bosman and Kallie Burger (40 Strong) completed the three stages of the THIRSTI AFRICANX Trailrun in a lightning-fast combined time of 06 hours 09 minutes 12 seconds.\u00a0 Nico and Natalie Sterk (AFRICANX SterkSpan) came in second, while Samantha Bieske and Ryan Eichstadt (The Badgers) finished third<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe 2021 THIRSTI AFRICANX Trailrun was everything that we had hoped for and more,\u201d says Michael Meyer, founder of the event and Managing Director of Stillwater Sports.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve missed the camaraderie, the routes, the venue, the vibe \u2013 everything that makes the AFRICANX experience so special.\u00a0 This year was extra special with THIRSTI coming onboard as the title sponsor and First Ascent as the apparel partner.\u00a0 The THIRSTI product range is phenomenal, while First Ascent is synonymous with world-class design and quality.\u00a0 To have the AFRICANX Trailrun, one of the strongest trail brands in South Africa, join forces with THIRSTI and First Ascent, means we now have three Proudly South African brands, combing their strengths to ensure a truly unique outdoor experience.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cTrail running is a fantastic sport for THIRSTI to be associated with,\u201d says Rob Hoatson, Managing Director of THIRSTI Water.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has high energy, remarkable and engaged athletes and the best kind of camaraderie – all in a beautiful setting provided by nature. Stillwater Sports is a superb partner, and has put on a seamlessly extraordinary event.\u00a0 Thanks for letting us be part of these extraordinary three days.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starting at the Houw Hoek Farm Stall and finishing at the Houw Hoek Hotel, the Stage 3 route included sections of the magnificent Lebanon Trails, which are new to the THIRSTI AFRICANX.\u00a0 The shortest of the three routes, Stage 3 saw runners having to complete a distance of +-23km with a total climb of 450m.\u00a0 Stage 3 was also the much anticipated \u2018Dress Up Day\u2019 and entrants did not disappoint.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

2021 Event Information<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 THIRSTI AFRICANX Trailrun<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Teams of two trail running enthusiasts (male\/female\/mixed) were seen battling it out on a route varying in distances each day.\u00a0 Each stage featured a different route that kept things exciting while leaving runners in awe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Format:<\/strong><\/td>\nThree-day stage race \/ teams of two (male\/female\/mixed)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Festival Village:\u00a0 <\/strong><\/td>\nOn the grounds of the Houw Hoek Hotel (Bot River, Overberg Region \/ Western Cape)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Start Time:<\/strong><\/td>\nFrom 07:00 in batches, 15 minutes apart<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Stage 1:<\/strong><\/td>\nFriday 26 March 2021<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Distance:<\/td>\n+- 24km \/ total climb 650m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Start Venue:<\/td>\nPaul Cluver Wine Estate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Finish Venue:<\/td>\nHouw Hoek Hotel<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Stage 2:<\/strong><\/td>\nSaturday 27 March 2021<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Distance:<\/td>\n+- 31km \/ total climb 850m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Start Venue:<\/td>\nWildekrans Wine Estate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Finish Venue:<\/td>\nHouw Hoek Hotel<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Stage 3:<\/strong><\/td>\nSunday 28 March 2021<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Distance:<\/td>\n+- 20km \/ total climb 450m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Start Venue:<\/td>\nHouw Hoek Farm Stall<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Finish Venue:<\/td>\nHouw Hoek Hotel<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Iconic to the THIRSTI AFRICANX Trailrun, ALL entrants received an event hoodie<\/strong> and an exclusive finisher\u2019s<\/strong> t-shirt <\/strong>and medal, amongst other exciting sponsor gifts!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CHARITY SUPPORT<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/strong>The THIRSTI AFRICANX Trailrun proudly supports The <\/strong>Timothy James Harlow Foundation (TJHF)<\/strong>, a non-profit organisation that searches for opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PLEASE NOTE<\/u><\/strong>:<\/strong>\u00a0 Government Regulations regarding COVID-19 were strictly adhered to during the event.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Follow us on Facebook:\u00a0 <\/strong>@ThirstiWater<\/a> \/ <\/strong>@FIRSTASCENT<\/a> \/<\/strong>@stillwatertrail<\/a><\/p>\n

Follow us on Instagram:\u00a0<\/strong> @thirstiwater<\/a> \/ <\/strong>@firstascentsa<\/a> \/\u00a0<\/strong>@runtheAFRICANX<\/a>\u00a0\/ @stillwater_trail_running<\/a><\/p>\n

Follow us on Twitter:\u00a0 <\/strong>@runtheAFRICANX<\/a>\u00a0\/ @StillwaterTrail<\/a><\/p>\n

Hashtag:<\/strong>\u00a0 #MyAFRICANX #RunTheAFRICANX<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For additional information on the THIRSTI AFRICANX Trailrun please visit www.stillwatersports.com<\/a>, contact Stillwater Sports on 082\u00a0991 0045 or email entries@stillwatersports.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Who is THIRSTI?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

THIRSTI is more than just Natural Spring Water; THIRSTI is a way of life. THIRSTI attracts a young, vibrant market with a thirst for life and authentic experiences.<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

THIRSTI started production at the end of 2015 with their iconic Still and Sparkling ranges. 2019 saw the release of the ultimate sports drink, ISOFIT+, and a bold THIRSTI Flavours range was added in 2020.<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

With its unique taste, attractive design, and a pH level of 8, THIRSTI has made massive strides in its relatively short time in the market with listings in all major retailers throughout South Africa.<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

THIRSTI has a strong focus on event sponsorships across multiple sporting codes and, in 2019, they became the hydration partner to both the Comrades Marathon as well as The Sharks rugby team. Adding to this, was the 2021 announcement of the ASBA Cape Epic official water partnership.<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

For more information about THIRSTI, please visit <\/em>www.thirsti.co.za<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cLet Nature Give You A Run For Your Money\u201d Although Eric Ngubane and Juan Van Deventer (Nedbank 1) had to settle for a 4th place Stage Three finish on Sunday 28 March 2021, the lead that they had managed to build up after Stage One and Two of South Africa\u2019s premier three-day stage race was […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":58746,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[2771,8849,8848,8792,8822,8802,3108],"class_list":["post-41368","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-more-sport","tag-africanx-trailrun","tag-eric-ngubane","tag-juan-van-deventer","tag-thirsti","tag-thirsti-africanx","tag-thirsti-africanx-2021","tag-trailrun"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41368","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41368"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41368\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41368"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41368"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/sport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41368"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}