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Flying Journo ’ s
EPIC PASSION
Thanks to his expert reporting and incredible ‘ hands-on ’ coverage of events via radio , social media posts and videos , and through his incredible photography , Jeff Ayliffe has built a huge reputation in sports journalism in South Africa , and one of his favourite events to cover is the Absa Cape Epic . – BY ROXANNE MARTIN
hrough the years , Jeff has worked on some of the biggest sporting events South Africa has to offer , and you will be hard-pressed to find an adventure-based or endurance sport that Jeff hasn ’ t reported on . Amongst his favourite events to work on he includes sailing ’ s Volvo Ocean Race , mountain biking ’ s Absa Cape Epic , as well as trail running ’ s Otter Trail Run , and he says these events have provided some of the best moments of his career . “ During the 2015 Otter Trail , I was running alone with Swiss runner Marc Lauenstein , filming his record-breaking run , and it was such an honour to be there alone – to watch and feel this legend at work , that moment is one of my career highlights ,” says Jeff .
A natural thrill-seeker – Jeff has made close to 3000 skydives , competed internationally for South Africa in the sport , and also ran a skydiving school – he is often rewarded on assignments with thrilling moments that make him thankful for the opportunity to do what he does . “ Covering the Volvo , I have raced with some of the top sailing teams in the Pro-Am , and I get to set up on the mast or on the rigging in 30 knot winds , reporting on the race . It ’ s a thrill every time ,” he says , adding that a visit to the Kyalami Race Track produced a moment that he will never forget . “ Sitting in the passenger seat of a BMW touring car with Williams Formula One driver Thierry Boutsen at the wheel , it was raining and we went through a mineshaft corner at 170 kilometres per hour . That was a definite career highlight !”
EPIC LOVE AFFAIR
Jeff has worked on the Absa Cape Epic for seven of the 14 years that it has taken place , and he has gained a deep understanding of the race , allowing him to get to know the riders and bring many great stories to light . “ My secret is that I live like the riders , including sleeping in the tented village ,” explains Jeff , even though he says that always being on site means he is invariably always working . “ I really don ’ t mind that , though , because I don ’ t view the Epic as a job , I ’ m always finding something to do , someone to interview .”
42 ISSUE 96 JULY 2017 / www . modernathlete . co . za