Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 59, June 2014 | Page 51

Local Heroes Delight ITU World Triathlon Series Cape Town, Western Cape, 27 April The crowds in Cape Town had much to cheer about during the first World Triathlon Series (WTS) event ever to be staged in South Africa, as several local tri stars gave the world’s best triathletes a real run for their money. – BY SEAN FALCONER D ue to the water temperature in Cape Town Harbour being just 11.9 degrees Celsius, the 1.5km swim leg at WTS Cape Town was shortened to 750m, but the bike and run legs were kept 40km and 10km respectively. This meant that the stronger swimmers had less of a chance to open up a gap on the rest of the field and the weaker swimmers had less damage to repair on the later legs. It also meant that the enthusiastic crowds lining the streets around the harbour were treated to incredibly close racing, featuring a number of local stars. In the men’s race, Wian Sullewald and Henri Schoeman were both amongst the leaders throughout the swim and bike legs, but it was Richard Murray who caught Image: Riaan Taylor Race Report the eye as he blitzed the run leg in 30:05 and clawed back a minute on the leaders to finish fifth, just 22 seconds off the podium. Wian ran 32:13 to finish 15th and Henri ran 32:19 to finish 17th, while Wikus Weber was 44th and Eddie van Heerden 48th. In her first WTS race since 2010, Marie Rabie was 16th out of the water amongst the women. She was then part of a 12-rider lead group that built up a lead of just over two minutes on the chasing pack that included Gillian Sanders and Carlyn Fischer. The run belonged to Gill, however, as she clocked 35:08 to pass Mari and 10 other athletes to finish 15th, while Mari finished 27th and Carlyn 30th. Directory If you are a sports practitioner, small business owner, event director or anyone looking to engage our Modern Athletes, then this is the forum for you! Toni Hesp & Associates Special interest in Sport and Orthopaedic treatment and Rehabilitation. TONI HESP For all your race commentary and sound look no further. We specialise in good clear sound with informative race commentary. Our music is up to date. We can also offer timing clocks and lead vehicles. Call today for a quote. 084 250 5150 [email protected] B.Sc. (Hon) Physiotherapy (Wits) B.Sc (Med) (Hons) in Sports Science (UCT) ALLISON VAN VEIJEREN B.Sc. (Hon) Physiotherapy (Wits) SAMANTHA FORD B.Sc .(Hon) Physiotherapy (UWC) Tel: [phone] | Tel: [phone] | Fax: [phone] [email protected] Proud Sponsors of “Dare To Tri” Bacsan in2sportsSA [email protected] 082 490 2999 Specialising in supplying medals, t-shirts and merchandise for all sporting events. We also print race numbers with full colour event and sponsor branding. Anti-Bacterial, Odour Free Wash For All Activewear Eliminates Odours And Sweat From Activewear And Shoes To Purchase or Trade Enquiries contact: [phone] or [email protected] To advertise, contact us on 011 454 1542 or e-mail [email protected] 49