Jozi triathlon excites Moodie
Triathlon is a special sport. You get to race with like-minded people – from the pros, elite and age-group as well novice athletes."
Benoni triathlete Casper Moodie has expressed his excitement at the inaugural SEESA Jozi Triathlon event at Ebotse Golf and Country Estate on October 21.
Moodie, an experienced campaigner in the sport, thanked the organisers for bringing this ‘magic sport’ to Benoni, adding there was no better host than this picturesque estate.
“It is going to be a spectacular day in Benoni. I am very excited. Triathlon is a special sport. You get to race with like-minded people – from the pros, elite and age group as well novice athletes,” he said.
With the moniker, swim, cycle and run your way to happiness and a fitter and better you, the event will include the super sprint (200m, 10km and 2km, sprint (750m, 20km and 5km) and standard (1.5km, 40km and 10km) races for individuals, teams and schools.
Furthermore, there will be an additional teams relay super sprint with teams of four taking on each other in the 200m swim, 5km cycle and 1km run, all repeated four times.
The event organiser, Glen Gore, confirmed the event was happening pending approval from the City of Ekurhuleni.
“We are excited to launch this event. The vision is clear, as we are looking at returning the old Energade Series that was so popular in the 90s and early 2000s.
“We also have ambitions to host the national championships and if all goes well, bring a World Cup Triathlon back to the shores of South Africa. We must start small, and this race is the launch pad for bigger and better to come,” he said.
Moodie, a national criterium and time-trial champs gold medallist, tipped first-timers to train cautiously and not overthink the event.
“When the word triathlon and all three disciplines come in, people want to train hard and longer. Just relax. If you are a cyclist, continue cycling but get comfortable with running and swimming.”
The Comrades Marathon Bill Rowan medallist added that although planning for the swim is done in the pool, it was important to train in open water before race day.
“In the pool, the water is clear and clean, but when the horn goes off on race day and you stick your head into the water it is dark. It can be scary. Try to familiarise yourself with open water before race day.”
He stressed the importance of being comfortable with all three disciplines (swimming, cycling and running), advising newbies to at least train for 30 minutes to an hour three times a week.
“If on a weekend, you can ride for an hour, I would advise that you put on your running shoes and do a 10-minute run straight off the bike to get the body used to the transition,” he said.
Moodie stated rehydration was important due to the warm weather in October, saying the athletes will burn lots of calories while swimming and they needed to start eating and drinking fluids on the transition to the bikes and the running.
Ebotse estate manager Thasan Moodley told the Benoni City Times they were honoured to host the event.
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