Modern Cyclist Magazine Issue 1, September 2014 | Page 35

Michael Lord (Somerset
West) claimed gold at the
Totalsports XTERRA Lite Pezula.
PHOTO CREDIT: Cherie Vale /
NEWSPORT MEDIA

I

n fact, this victory marked a hat-trick for the reigning
Totalsports XTERRA South Africa Champion Dan Hugo, who
finished in a deserving time of 1:32:42.
Women’s champion Carla van Huyssteen also successfully
defended her title in an impressive finishing time of 1:55:53.

Reigning Totalsports
XTERRA Pezula
Champion Carla van
Huyssteen successfully
defended her title.
PHOTO CREDIT ~ Cherie
Vale / NEWSPORT MEDIA

Stuart Marais claimed the
2nd spot on the podium.
PHOTO CREDIT ~ Jetline
Action Photo

“I’m really in a happy space right now, living the dream,” said
Hugo. “I am currently at the end of a racing block, today’s
race hurt a lot. It literally felt like I was hanging on by a few
strings, but I am having the greatest year and it’s mainly
because of the people that are here today. I am also happy
to have won all three Totalsports XTERRA SA events this year”.
Stuart Marais claimed the second spot on the podium,
followed by Bradley Weiss in third place.
According to van Huyssteen, the route was tough, but
amazing. “It’s definitely a lot tougher on Big 5 legs, but this is
such a cool route. You’re kept on your toes at all times. It’s
a hard run, a hard bike, a hard run and then you’re done.
Coming back as the defending champion, you’re always
worried. You know what to expect, you know what pain lies
ahead, but then crossing the finish line first is always a great
feeling”.
Hanlie Booyens came in second, while Esther Lategan finished
third.
Michael Lord from Somerset West claimed victory in the men’s
TOTALSPORTS XTERRA Lite competition, completing the course
in a time of 55:56. “The route was a lot drier compared to last
year,” said Lord. “I had a really good day. The Totalsports
XTERRA Pezula features a really nice course. It favours the
mountain biker as the two runs are quite short. It’s the perfect
event for athletes that don’t enjoy swimming. Taking part at
XTERRA Pezula has become a tradition for me.”

Jessica Alcock was the lady
to beat in the TOTALSPORTS
XTERRA Lite. PHOTO CREDIT:
Cherie Vale / NEWSPORT
Media

Harrie Malan came in second, while Eben Kruger finished third.
Jessica Alcock was the woman to beat in the TOTALSPORTS
XTERRA Lite completing the course in 1:08:07. Liandi Van Der
Westhuizen came in second, while Famke Allan finished third.

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