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

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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.