Former Springbok rugby captain and Durban North resident, John Smit missed out on his chance to ride the Liberty TransCape MTB Encounter last year, but that has only heightened his anticipation for this year’s event.
The seven-stage mountain-bike race, powered by Volvo, takes place from February 2 to 9 and will end at Holden Manz Wine Estate in Franschhoek in the Western Cape.
The 591km journey, which starts in George next Sunday after registration on Saturday, will take competitors through some of the most popular and scenic trails in South Africa.
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Smit who led the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2007, was all set for last year’s event before unforeseen circumstances forced his withdrawal, but he is on track for next month.
“I am very happy to say I will be riding this year and can’t wait to see what the race and the journey hold for the week,” the ex-Bok hooker said. “Everyone I have spoken to loves it, so I really can’t wait.”
The 40-year-old will be riding with his good friend Shane Chorley, representing ASG.
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“Shane is a proper cyclist, or should I say he was a proper cyclist until he partnered with me.” joked Smit. “But this should be one of the more memorable events we have done.”
Having retired from rugby in 2011, Smit took up cycling in 2013 and said it had played a big role in his life.
“It has been one of the best transitional tools for me after my rugby career and joining the ‘real world’, he said. “It has kept me fit and I enjoy being on the trails in this beautiful country. It’s given me a balance between work and play that I think is critical in life.”
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