Local cyclist Stuart Fitzpatrick completed the race of a lifetime by cycling 1 700km at the Inca Divide in Peru.
The ultra-cycling race featured 50 entrants but only 14 finishers this year and it was the first ultra-distance race for the Aldara Park resident who works at Linden Cycles.
“Every day brought new challenges,” Fitzpatrick told Randburg Sun. “Ultra distance cycling comes down to more than just pedalling your bike. “Some challenges that I faced on a day-to-day basis were navigating myself through the Andes mountains, high altitude [5 000m], language barriers (Spanish), refuelling points for food and drink, finding places to sleep each night of the race and taking care of my body.”
The race, which needed to be completed in 10 days, included 32km of inclination.
Fitzpatrick finished the race in seventh place in just eight days.
“My longest day was 330km which was the furthest ever distance I’ve covered in a single day. The landscapes were incredible, riding up Punta Olimpica [a mountain pass] and through the Huascarán National Park were highlights.”
He added that experiencing the Andean and Inca cultures were special for him, and so was testing his body in harsh environments.
“I’ve been cycling for as long as I can remember. I became more serious during high school and while I completed my studies. I really enjoy the sense of freedom that you get while being on your bike, you’ll be amazed as to where a bicycle can take you.”
He said there was nothing he did not enjoy about cycling.
“I haven’t quite figured out what will be next but we are spoilt for choice if you’ve got an adventurous spirit. Wherever there are big mountains you’ll find me.”
Fitzpatrick said the Atlas Mountain race in Morocco in February had caught his eye, for which he would need to maintain a high level of fitness and also prepare to be mentally tough.
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