Entries for Sunday’s Cross Triathlon and Duathlon at Buffelspoort Dam near Rustenburg close at midnight tonight (Thursday), with some of the sport’s top competitors expected to take part, organisers said.
Held under the auspices of the International Triathlon Union, this will be the second in a string of four off-road triathlons organised by Spectrum Sport.
The first, held at Sasolburg in January, was won by top triathlete Pieter van der Mescht (Team Future Life) and XTERRA South African champion Carla van Huyssteen (Team Inov-8).
Race director Louis Harmse said the main event would consist of a 600m swim, 20km mountain bike ride and a five to 6km trail run. “The supporting duathlon comprises a 2km run, 20km mountain bike trail and 5km run.”
According to him, the courses were designed to suit all skill levels and would not be overly technical.
“Buffelspoort Dam has the cleanest water in the country and no waves so it’s a swimmer’s paradise. The mountain biking will be fast and flat, while the trail run has only one hill and beautiful jeep and single track.”
Harmse said cross triathlon was a relatively young sport, having started only five years ago, but that interest had been growing steadily.
“It is the future for triathlons. People want to be part of nature and get out of the cities.”
He said Spectrum Sport had started the multi-disciplinary event as a family and development initiative in 2009. “We had 110 athletes at our first event and now, three years later, we have over 400.”
Harmse said a total prize purse of R10 000 would be awarded to individual athletes and teams.
He suggested that families bring their picnic baskets and make a day of it. “The kids’ duathlon events are very popular and there will be a R1 000 prize for the school with the most entries.”
For children aged between five and 10, there will be a 200m, 800m and 400m duathlon, while 11 to 15-year-olds will be required to run 400m, cycle 3km and run another 700m.
The next race takes place at Emerald Resort & Casino in Vanderbijlpark on March 25.
The events wrap up with the African Triathlon Union championships at The Island Estate in Hartebeespoort on April 15, where reigning ITU world champion Conrad Stoltz will lead a strong field.
Participants can enter online at www.cyclelab.com. Registration is from 6am to 8am on race day and a gate fee of R20 is payable per car.
