(Javier Gomez – Current World Number 1)
Stellenbosch is a world class venue to be based in, and although I take it for granted most the time, its great to see foreigners using The Bosch as a winter base when they could go anywhere in the world. There have been quite a few passing by over the past few weeks, but here are just a few that move in my circles.
Seeing Gomez in person has been a bit surreal. Not quite the body geometry I expected. But I guess all those limitations are more in my mind than his. Although I’ve only seen him swimming in the pool, he has astounded my expectations. How’s it possible the be the best swimmer and the best runner on the circuit?
(Tim Don – 2006 ITU World Champion)
Tim first came to Stellenbosch as part of the British Triathlon Training Camp, and since 2000 used it as his winter base of choice.
(Ricarda Lisk – 5th ITU World Champs 2007 in Hamburg)
Rici is perhaps more the reason Gomez has come to Stellenbosch than Stellenbosch itself, but she is based downstairs from my apartment with South Africa’s leading ITU girl Mari Rabie. She’ll be based in Bosch for most of the summer.
(Will Clarke – 5th at ITU World Champs 2006 in Hamburg)
Will is threatening to buy some property in the Bosch. He’s been training like a demon, and left no road or trail untraveled. While out for the past month he’s made the famous Four Passes Ride his own to all our locals amazement.
(Will winning Under23 World Champs)
(Andreas Raelert – 12 and 6th at Sydney and Athens)
Only just getting to know Andreas this past week, but hoping to get him to join for Christmas in Langebaan as he hasnt been out of the Bosch for the 2months he’s been here. Andreas is pushing real hard in hope of qualifying as the third and final German to the 2008 Games. It’ll be his third.
(Christoph Sauser – World Mtb Marathon Champion 2007)
Sauser is a annual regular in Stellenbosch. He’s arguably the most professional professional I’ve seen, and a real inspiration.
(Thomas Frischneckt – 3rd Mtb World Champs 2007)
Didnt get to meet him, but a mountain biking Icon as well.
(T-Mobile Cycling Team)
Ruth said she nearly drove off the road when seeing the team going up Hellshoogte, with the young blonde guy who won that early mountain stage this year, with plenty emotion after, was on the front of the group.
(Gerolsteiner Cycling Team)
Didnt see the Gerolsteiner team, but heard of them frequenting the coffee shops and confectioneries.
One Response to "Foreign Sports Icons Training in Stellenbosch"
I saw Gerolsteiner guys in Giovanni’s in Greenpoint, Cape Town, and they seam fat and lazy. But I guess not everything is in the looks (I hope for their sake).