Xterra Shongweni – Race Report

I got race number 369 scribbled on my arm and leg at registration this morning, and seems that must be my lucky one. I had a cracker second outing at Shongweni, to win my third local DueSouth Xterra, with Kent Horner in second, and Fraser Cartmell rounding out the podium of a picture perfect venue capped by stunning weather.   

(Running across a weir, mid way through the 9km run of the Xterra at Shongweni)

I was granted my wetsuit wish, despite the Shongweni dam water being a notch below luke warm, but not the ‘short swim’ wish. It felt a solid 1500m, and I lost my due 1min20 to Fraser and Kent who’d swam together. Two laps of 13km made up the ride. I knew I’d have to more than close, to build a run buffer consider their running abilities.

As we started the first single track, I could see the chopper hovering not too far ahead, and someone shouted 50sec. I felt encouraged having closed 30 in a few kilometers. It was a rush, having to chase. Havent for a while. At moments, the buzz was exhilarating, having the chopper noise, closing, carving corners, feeling good, sucking on air. I closed at 7km, hit passed as hard I could, without looking left or right.

I rode well, my Specialized Epic was sublime, and I felt I had the extra gear when needed. Few mistakes with aggressive lines, and I was four minutes clear heading out onto the run. The bike course had had few water crossings, and an incredible bridge across a section of the dam.

(We ran through this dam wall, in a darkish tunnel…)

The run was more impressive though, with some real out of the ordinary terrain to traverse. The most impressive of which was a weir crossing, to come back through a dam wall tunnel.

(I could jump the first couple, then hit the ladders)

I was moving well on the run, and kept digging. It was only till after the first lap of the figure of eight, that I heard the four min off the bike split, so till that point, I felt like a wounded dear being hunted.

I was stoaked coming in. Felt like sibling rivalry with Fraser. Good laughs. I consider myself lucky this time. He’ll have the better of me soon. Kent caught Fraser after some run confusions, and came home just in front of Cartmell.

(Post race fatigue)

(Dylan van der Merwe, Fraser Cartmell and myself)

I got some of my personal branding on Fraser…

Some of the pre race day moments:

(Pre race starvation avoidance)

(The view from our balcony. A very glorified tent.)

(Tucking into a Portuguese bun with some washing in the backdrop)

(Desperate times. We undershopped.)

(Starting a rainy pre-ride. Dylan and Fraser.)

I am sitting in Spur, my steak is waiting, I’m ravenous… So I’ll write more tomorrow, and get some real race moment photo’s up.

I had Shy filming for me again, and she walked her way to some exciting bits on the course, so there’ll be a good video up soon. Later….