Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 56, March 2014 | Page 40

Race Reports Dan & Flora Sweep Titles Dan Hugo Flora Duffy 12km mountain bike and finally a 6km trail run. Herbert Peters from Namibia surprised himself by winning the race. “We don’t have forests and woods to train in back in Namibia, and I was just hoping for a top 10 finish, so I’m astonished and very proud to place first today. This is my first XTERRA event, and it’s awesome to win,” said Peters, who came home in 1:20:10, ahead of Dawie Carstens and Brandon Schlebusch. The women’s LITE title went to Michelle Haines, who was doing her first triathlon: “I heard that XTERRA is really good, so I entered. The course was nice and diverse, while the vibe is awesome and energetic.” She crossed the line in 1:44:35, with Hanmarie Stadler second and Deleen-Marie Steyn third. The atmosphere was tense as SA’s best off-road triathletes and a number of international visitors lined up ahead of a massive field of XTERRA Warriors on the banks of the Eikenhof Dam for the XTERRA SA Champs in Grabouw. A few hours later, local hero Dan Hugo and his girlfriend, Flora Duffy of Bermuda, had the crowd on their feet as they claimed the coveted titles of Totalsports XTERRA South African Champions for 2014. Flora claimed victory in 2:57:07, with former winners Carina Wasle (Austria) second and Carla van Huyssteen (South Africa) third. “Although I was first lady out the water, I was a little further behind, as I usually manage to keep on Dan’s feet,” said the winner. “I struggled a bit, flatting in the beginning of the bike, but I managed to hold it together. This is a fantastic event, so professional, hands down the best.” RUNNERS REVEL ON TRAILS Stellenbosch-based trail running enthusiasts Craig Burns and Danette Smith claimed line honours in the long course 12km of the New Balance Trail Run presented by ISUZU, also run on the Saturday morning. Craig clocked 46:06 to lead home Chad Gordon and Dawid Visser in the men’s race, while Danette was over the line in 55:57, ahead of Chantel Nienaber and Caitlin Leslie. Michael Gombart took top spot on the podium in the men’s 6km, in a time of 28:35, with Wade Bromfield second and Jacques Wattel third. In the women’s race, Mareleen Odendaal was first home in 37:09, followed by Rina Parker and Lizanne Loubser. NEW LITE HEROES EMERGE The day before the full XTERRA saw the XTERRA LITE take place, comprising a 400m swim followed by a D an completed the 1.5km swim, 28km mountain bike and 12km trail run in a time of 2:29:25 to claim his fourth win in Grabouw, and said it was the most meaningful one yet. “I wanted this win for a few reasons. The event doesn’t only keep growing in participants, but it keeps growing in stature and prize purse, too. It’s become a 40 ISSUE 56 MARCH 2014 / www.modernathlete.co.za Herbert Peters Michelle Haines Images: Cherie Vale/Newsport Media & Jetline Action Photo Totalsports XTERRA SA Championships presented by REHIDRAT® SPORT, Western Cape, 21-23 February global event and there are a number of international guys following the event via social media. Also, Conrad Stoltz has set the bar for many years and I really wanted to beat him on his course. My plan was to go out aggressively on the swim, and on the mountain bike I passed Rory Downie of Scotland shortly after he got King of the Mountain, and from there I never saw anybody again,” said an emotional Hugo, who was followed in by fellow South Africans Stuart Marais and Conrad Stoltz.