the event, the camaraderie, and parts of this beautiful country that I have never seen before.
A GREAT MOTIVATOR
Bruce Campbell will be racing hard in his 35-39 category, but it won’ t just be for the leader jersey.
Bruce has overcome two rare, debilitating illnesses in his lifetime to become a top amateur sportsman. At the age of six, he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, which left him completely paralysed. After fighting his way to recovery, he took up triathlon, representing South Africa at the 2014 Cross Triathlon World Champs in Germany.
Just when he thought triathlon could become his career, illness struck again. Unexplained pain would leave him unable to run or work, hindering his professional ambitions. After months of tests and scans, he was told he had another rare genetic condition – Pompe disease.
Pompe causes abnormal glycogen build-up in cells due to the body lacking the enzyme to break down glycogen for energy. This means that when energy is required, the body metabolises muscle instead.
Bruce’ s body was slowly breaking down muscles like his heart and lungs, which left him with chronic,
debilitating pain. Relief only came when he was connected to the Rare Diseases South Africa NPO, where he discovered that there was medication that could help( after initially being told this wasn’ t the case).
During his recovery process, he started walking short distances before he was able to build his strength and fitness to the extent that he is once again able to tackle endurance events.
For Bruce, then, racing in the Age Grouper category is also a way to raise awareness for these rare diseases and inspire others.
“ I’ m thrilled and amped that Nedbank Gravel Burn has created the Age Grouper race,” says Bruce.“ This is an innovation that means there’ s something on the line for every rider, no matter your level. It creates a real buzz. Suddenly, you’ re not just riding for fun, you’ re riding for your category, your pride and maybe even a podium. At other stage races I have done, it feels like I am just making up the numbers and not really in competition with anyone, as I am nowhere near the level of the professional riders. But now I will be able to see where I place within my age division. It’ s going to make every climb, every corner and every sprint to the finish
HOW THE CATEGORIES STACK UP
THE |
MEN’ S |
FIELD |
( 82 %) |
Racing |
13 % |
19-34 |
3 % |
35-39 |
8 % |
40-44 |
10 % |
45-49 |
16 % |
50-54 |
19 % |
55-59 |
17 % |
60-64 |
9 % |
65-69 |
5 % |
70-74 |
1 % |
that much more electric!”
THE |
WOMEN’ S |
FIELD |
( 18 %) |
Racing |
25 % |
19-34 |
6 % |
35-39 |
8 % |
40-44 |
10 % |
45-49 |
17 % |
50-54 |
15 % |
55-59 |
15 % |
60-64 |
5 % |
65-69 |
0 % |
70-74 |
0 % |
The Age Grouper category has been a motivator for Bruce since it was announced, helping him train with focus and determination.“ Knowing category honours are up for grabs adds an extra layer of strategy and focus. It’ s not just about surviving the distance – it’ s about pacing smart, choosing when to push, and making sure you’ re in the mix when it counts. It turns the ride into a real race, and I’ m here for it! It gave me so much more motivation to get out of bed on dark, cold winter days and level up my training in order to arrive at the race in the best shape I can be.”
Excited to race, from left: Carol McCallum, Jenna Borril, Stephen Salt and Bruce Campbell.
77 NEDBANK GRAVEL BURN