Tiaan Smit, a member of the Randmark Cycling Club who took part in the 2018 947 Telkom Challenge, managed to be in the top 800, said the new terrain was tough but he was proud with his achievement as it was his first time among 27 000 riders.
“It took me two hours, forty-four minutes and fifty seconds all the way through, without stopping,” Tiaan said.
Tiaan said although he had a smooth ride, there was one obstacle – the hot weather.
Tiaan said he had spent the whole year training so that he stood a better chance of being one of the front runners. He said one of the most important things in a race is fitness.
“You cannot just get on the bike a week before and go race, especially for this challenge. You need to take time to train, there is no other way to do it.”
Reese Shelver, who also took part in the race and was a minute slower Tiaan, said the race is not only about endurance, it is about motivation and being positive as well.
“If you have the right motivation, the people around you will motivate you positively. This will help you feel better about yourself, and get you through the race,” Reese said.
Both riders said the race did not only challenge them physically – they benefited mentally too.
For Tiaan, one of the things he has learned is to ensure that when you ride, you are in the right frame of mind.
Tiaan said the route for the 2018 Challenge was reversed and required more stamina.
“If your climbing skills were good, you would have done well in the race, but I am really proud of what I have accomplished, especially representing Randfontein and Randmark.
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