Xterra South Africa 2009

Posted on April 19, 2009 by Dan Hugo

1st – Shared: Felix Schumann and Lieuwe Boonstra

DNF – Mechanical

xterra-athlete-of-the-year-award

(For last year’s racing…)

10 minutes into the bike course my rear suspension collapsed, forcing a premature finish to my Xterra Grabouw defence. I am privileged to race the best mountain bike available, which by definition has been pushed to technological limits.

Driving back last night my emotional landscape resembled the fire ravaged hillsides we were to race across – void and colourless. But two months a week ago I lay by the road side 3km from yesterdays swim start unsure whether I would ever get to race again. So I could nurture that small emotion: that I felt the rush again, of lining up toes in the sand, edging forward, waiting for the gun.

5 Responses to "Xterra South Africa 2009"

Stefan Boshoff says: April 20, 2009 at 7:25 pm

Hey Dan, I took a picture of you bike when you came walking down the trail yesterday. And I was well inspired and impressed at how well you handled the dissapointment it. I just I had to give it to you. You were relaxed friendly and in no way “cought up” in it as one can so easy be in those sutuations.
My immediate thoughts were “down to earth” must be the smalltown beginnings ; )

Good luck in the states, Im sure youre already on your way. Skop gat vir SA boet.

Stefan
philip says: April 20, 2009 at 7:25 pm

Hi Dan
toughies on the mechanical . sure it will go better on your overseas leg .
holding thumbs for you .
Dan Hugo says: April 22, 2009 at 2:43 am

Thanks Philip.

For sure, best be a better stint. Going to enjoy it either way though, with or without resutls. Feel at least like there has been many a lesson and growth in it all. That in the good moments. As for the mental bad ones…

Thanks for the support.

Dan
Sophie says: April 22, 2009 at 3:32 am

hi there! thought you were going to check out the Air & Space museum in DC, there still might be time … the elephant plate made it back in one piece, thanks again for your help – sounds like your AAA is well on its way! best wishes.
Dan Hugo says: April 28, 2009 at 2:39 am

Hey Sophie,

You survived your travels? Make it to work the next morning? Hope the photos from Namibia werent too painful.

Thanks for the company, did in fact make that connection with time to spare…

Cheers for finding the blog.

Dan