TRAC Tour Road Race 2014 -Race Report by Sam Sanders

Having been off the bike and not doing much training for 3 weeks, I was quite apprehensive about the TRAC Tour. I must admit that I was totally unprepared for the event and had no idea about the format of the race or even the route profiles- something which, in retrospect was probably a good thing because had I have known the intensity and level of difficulty of the race, I might never have entered, but I am happy that I did. 

This race was definitely an eye-opener as to the depth of road racing at the top level; it is tactical and particularly physical. The attacks are relentless and to stay with the bunch you must be able to respond or you get shelled. Working your way back onto the bunch takes massive effort and being alone for 90+ km’s is no fun at all. It just makes you realise how ferocious road racing can be and that it too is a sport of perseverance.

All in all I had a fantastic experience albeit I had no top results, I got to acquaint myself with a completely different aspect to cycling other than mountain biking. Both sports take place on two wheels, but the disciplines themselves are as different as the bicycles you use to participate.

The organisation, as I experienced the race, was faultless. And as usual, the support and back up provided by Valencia, Infinta and the team were above reproach. Our athletes performed to the best of their abilities in a field of professional and seasoned cyclists. In particular Tyneale Terry proved her iron will, on the podium for each stage, and our best young rider Demarco Pillae already making his mark in the U/16 category.

A special mention has to be made to our Coach and manager Bosseau Bosshoff from Infinta. Boss, through the support of Naeem and Valencia has brought an element of professionalism and organisation to Team Valencia. Through his guidance and experience he has helped to bring together a wonderful group of exciting and talented riders to form a team- the Dream Team.

Congratulations to all our athletes on your stellar performances and your flawless behaviour on the tour. Lastly and gratefully, a massive thank you to Valencia, Infinta and our support team.

The N4 TRAC Tour - Race Report by Tyneale Terry

The TRAC Tour was an amazing experience! It was my first proper tour and I enjoyed the competition from the other junior girls :) There were 4 very long stages, but I was always up to give it my all!!

I was very happy to have won the Time Trial on day 3! It was by far the hardest but I it was my best result at the end of the tour.

My hard work payed off with a 2nd place at the end of the Tour! The event was well organised and I just want to say thanks to my coach Bosseau Boshoff, Justin Victor and everyone else that supported this event, making it possible for all the Valencia riders.

I am looking forward to some more tours!

African Duathlon Champs by Dylan Nortje

The day had finally come to compete in my second ever Duathlon. It was SA and African Duathlon Champs held at Baba's Lodge  just outside of Pretoria. Our race was scheduled to start after the long distance men had finished, but there was a delay giving us more time to get warmed up and in "the zone'. 

Eventually it was time to start, I got as far to the front of the line as what i could manage. Before I realised what was happening, the count down begun, the gun went off and the race began with a mad dash straight into a single track forest! The run popped out onto a gravel road where the leading group split away from the rest of us. After completing two laps of the semi flat sandy run course it was time to transition and head out for a 20 km time trial. The first 7 km was extremely fast until I was struck with a puncture in my front tyre. Fortunately enough I was given a front wheel and was back on track. I tried to hunt down the lead group who by then had pulled about a 5 minute gap on me. Coming into transition I racked by bike slipped on my shoes and sprinted out the transition area in what seemed to be the fastest 2,5 km run of my life. 

The gap the leaders had pulled was to large to close. Over all it was an awesome race and i am more than happy with my position. A huge thank you to all the support from family and friends back home.