tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-219895162024-03-13T11:07:05.758+02:00BBJ Sport GuySport! Sounds simple enough but we know that it never is. Award winning Sport Presenter, Jon Gericke, brings you the action from behind the TV and radio. Sport that should be read!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger726125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-33321732943536389792015-09-29T15:59:00.001+02:002015-09-29T15:59:53.740+02:00Rugby World Cup 2015 off to a record-breaking star<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable"><tbody>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tournament proving to be the most accessible Rugby World Cup to date, attracting record numbers in stadia and fanzones and through broadcast and social engagement figures<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Total match attendance nears the one million mark, including record-breaking attendances at Wembley Stadium and The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nearly 400,000 spectators attend the official fanzones to soak up the atmosphere of the tournament<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">#RWC2015 trends globally on all match days and official Rugby World Cup App downloaded by more than two million fans<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rugby World Cup 2015 set to be the biggest tournament to date with sales of more than 2.39 million <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Limited tickets for great matches still on sale at tickets.rugbyworldcup.com <o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Rugby World Cup 2015 organisers England Rugby 2015 and Rugby World Cup Limited today announced record-breaking engagement at the halfway point of the pool stage, as total match attendance approaches the one million mark.<br />
<br />The fantastic tournament atmosphere and compelling rugby is capturing the hearts and minds of fans nation and worldwide, with official fanzones full to capacity, #RWC2015 trending globally on all match days, and TV viewing figures reaching record levels.<br />
<br />Rugby World Cup 2015 is on track to be the biggest Rugby World Cup to date, and total match attendance figure to date has reached 972,921, helped by two record-breaking attendances at Wembley Stadium - 89,267 fans attended the Ireland v Romania match there, surpassing the previous weekend's record-breaking Rugby World Cup crowd of 89,019 for New Zealand v Argentina.<br />
<br />The most competitive tournament to date, it is not just the top teams that are attracting the attention. Playing in front of packed stadia, teams including USA, Georgia, Japan and Namibia have received strong support with Romania playing in front of 140,000 fans across just two pool matches.<br />
<br />The official fanzones throughout England and in Cardiff have seen fans keen to soak up the match atmosphere and feel part of the international event, with 378,000 visitors to date passing through the doors since opening. Brighton's Madeira Drive set the standard during Japan's electrifying 34-32 Pool B win over South Africa which saw 20,000 fans visit the fanzone to enjoy the action. The Cardiff Arms Park fanzone atmosphere was electric as Welsh fans relished their team's 28-25 defeat of host nation England. Leicester, Manchester, Milton Keynes and Newcastle will all be opening up their fanzones to fans in the coming weeks as Rugby World Cup 2015 comes to their area.<br />
<br />Rugby World Cup Limited has confirmed the tournament has attracted some of the highest broadcast audience figures around the globe, including in Japan, the host nation for Rugby World Cup 2019. The 20 million audience there for Japan v Scotland represents the second-highest ever national TV audience in Rugby World Cup history, behind the 20.7 million viewership for the Rugby World Cup 2007 France v England semi-final. In the UK, a peak audience of 9.4 million UK viewers tuned in to host broadcaster ITV's coverage of the Rugby World Cup 2015 opening ceremony and kick-off match between Fiji and England on 18 September. The England v Wales match was watched by an average of 10.4 million viewers, the largest rugby audience in the UK since the 2007 final.<br />
<br />Overall, Rugby World Cup 2015 is shaping up to be one of the most spoken about sports events on the planet with social media activity on track to surpass the total volume achieved across the whole of New Zealand 2011 by the end of this weekend. The official Rugby World Cup App, available at <a href="http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/">www.rugbyworldcup.com</a>, has already been downloaded by more than two million fans. The digital content offering, delivered in four languages, has seen more than 18 million visitors to rugbyworldcup.com and one million users of the official #RWC2015 hashtag as it has trended globally on all match days, and video views on social platforms in excess of 60 million.<br />
<br />World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "Rugby World Cup 2015 is proving to be a very special and record-breaking global celebration of rugby that has fan experience at heart. This is already the most talked about rugby event ever on social media and the most talked about sporting event of 2015 in the UK, and there is no doubt that the unforgettable moments are inspiring new audiences around the world to get active and get into rugby.”<br />
<br />England Rugby 2015 Managing Director Stephen Brown said: "We're delighted that fans new and old have taken Rugby World Cup 2015 to their hearts, and are embracing all the excitement, drama and passion that comes with hosting such an exciting world-class event on home soil. We are thrilled to secure two Rugby World Cup record breaking attendances within the first two weeks of the tournament and approach a total of one million fans enjoying such compelling rugby in our match venues. There is a true celebration of rugby taking place across the country, and to see nearly 400,000 fans pass through our fanzones on matchdays and non-matchdays, really reflects the reach of this event. We're confident that this is just the start and with a limited number of tickets for some great matches still on sale at <a href="http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets">www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets</a> fans can still be part of the action.”<br />
<br />Fans are being urged to snap up the remaining tickets via official channels so as not to miss out on the spectacle. Tickets are still available at <a href="http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets">www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets</a> and supporter tours and hospitality are available at <a href="http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/supportertours">www.rugbyworldcup.com/supportertours</a> and <a href="http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/hospitality">www.rugbyworldcup.com/hospitality</a> respectively. <br />
<br />Fans can also take advantage of the Official Resale Service via <a href="http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets">www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets</a> if they can no longer attend matches. This is the official, safe and secure way to sell to tickets to fans at face value. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-9527612821717651072015-09-08T16:19:00.001+02:002015-09-08T16:32:55.685+02:002016 Cape Town Cycle Tour entry applications open tomorrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A reminder to all prospective 2016 Cape Town Cycle Tour riders: Online entry applications open on Wednesday, 09 September 2015 at 1pm and will stay open for two and half weeks, closing on Monday, 28 September at 1pm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Entry applications amount to an indication of interest only and do not ensure entry. Cycle Tour entries will be awarded at random, regardless of whether interest is registered on the first or the last day of the application period.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">In August 2015, the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust (CTCTT), organisers of the annual iconic event, announced a new online entry application process for 2016 which has been introduced to eliminate the quick sell-out of entries and improve cyclists’ overall experience. David Bellairs, a CTCTT director, says: “This is the first time Cycle Tour has moved away from the first-come-first-serve entry mechanism, and we believe this new system will ensure a more equitable and inclusive process for all prospective riders. We want to remind applicants that they do not need to rush to be the first in line as soon as the portal opens. Instead, they are able to apply for an entry at their convenience during the allocated period, giving all eager riders a fair chance to access the online portal to register their interest and to update their details at the same time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Cape Town Cycle Tour takes place on Sunday, 06 March 2016 and is limited to 35,000 riders. All entry applicants must follow the clear three-step process to apply for a 2016 entry. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">How to apply for a public entry to the 2016 Cape Town Cycle Tour:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">From Wednesday, 09 September at 1pm until Monday, 28 September at 1pm, prospective local and international riders can apply, free of charge, for an entry at </span><a href="http://www.capetowncycletour.com/"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">www.capetowncycletour.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">During the week of 2 October, successful applicants will receive an email notification from the Cycle Tour Events Office, advising them that their application has been successful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Securing an entry:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Successful applicants will have until Monday, 26 October at 1pm to make payment which will secure their entry. Payment not received by this date, or should the applicant opt to decline the entry awarded to them, will result in that entry being made available to a previously unsuccessful rider. Local general entries will cost R470 per rider.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Corporate Group entries will no longer be available this year, so those who have made use of these in the past will need to follow the public entry application process. A certain number of the entries will be made available via charity groups at varying costs and unsuccessful applicants or corporate group riders are encouraged to support a worthy cause by entering via one of the successfully listed charities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Follow <a href="http://www.twitter.com/CTCycleTour" target="_blank">@CTCycleTour</a> on Twitter or like the official Cape Town Cycle Tour page on Facebook (</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/CTCycleTour"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">www.facebook.com/CTCycleTour</span></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">) for regular updates.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">For any event queries, or assistance with entries, please contact the Cycle Tour Events Office during office hours on 087 820 7223 or visit </span><a href="http://www.capetowncycletour.com/"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">www.capetowncycletour.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-54877191484949448322015-08-06T07:50:00.003+02:002015-08-06T07:50:59.120+02:00Tough day for SA quartet in Europe<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
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It was day of struggles, tough conditions and frustration for the four South African juniors competing in international championships in Sweden and Germany on Wednesday.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Ivanna Samu traded places with compatriot Kaleigh Telfer at the Annika Invitational Europe, while Woo-Ju Son slipped and Danielle du Toit continued to battle in the RB German Junior.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Samu from Ruimsig overtook Telfer to lead the home challenge with a 74 in the second round at Bro-Bålsta GolfKlubb.<u></u><u></u></div>
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The reigning Nomads SA Girls champion birdied the first and negated the damage of a triple bogey at eight and two birdies with further gains at nine, 13 and 14.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Samu will start the final round in a tie for 25<sup>th</sup> on three over 149 with Line Hansen from Denmark and Fiona Liddell from Germany.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Telfer from Bryanston offset three bogeys with three birdies, but a double bogey saw her sign for a 76 and she trails Samu by one stroke.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Overnight leader Sophie Lamb from England held on to pole position with a 71, but will contend with Ana Pelaez from Spain, who fired a 69 to grab a share of the lead.<u></u><u></u></div>
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“The weather was quite up and down,” said Womens Golf South Africa president Karen Olivant.<u></u><u></u></div>
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“It rained for most of the first nine holes and the wind was really gusting, but the sun came out after the girls turned and then it got really hot.<u></u><u></u></div>
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“Ivanna and Kaleigh are really enjoying the experience, especially making so many new friends and the workshops with Annika after the rounds.”<u></u><u></u></div>
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Meanwhile Gauteng golfer Woo-Ju Son lost her footing and Danielle du Toit from Gauteng North continued to struggle to come to terms with the par-72 layout at Golfclub Heidelberg.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Son opened with a 74 in the Global Junior Golf Tour event to tie for third, but slipped to joint 14<sup>th</sup> on 12 over 156 after carding an 82 in round two.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Woo-Ju hit her drives beautifully but birdies were very hard to come by,” said Womens Golf South Africa vice-president Sally Greasley.<u></u><u></u></div>
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“She played steady golf, but dropped three shots on the front nine. Her chipping and putting woes continued on the back nine continued and she missed short putts for par at 10 and 12.<u></u><u></u></div>
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“She stemmed the bleeding with four pars and made her first birdie at the tough par five 17<sup>th</sup> after hitting a fantastic second shot into the green.<u></u><u></u></div>
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“The 18<sup>th</sup> hole is uphill all the way and Woo-hit another great shot into the green to set up a birdie chance, but her putt lipped out and she closed with a bogey.<u></u><u></u></div>
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“Danielle had another lacklustre day and signed for another 85. She picked up a birdie at three, but pulled her drive at four and went out of bounds. She followed the bogey with a triple at the fifth.<u></u><u></u></div>
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“Her par at six was the only ray of sunshine amid a string of bogeys and she turned six over. Matters didn’t improve on the back nine and she just couldn’t find any momentum.<u></u><u></u></div>
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“They know they are both better golfers than their scores reflect and both girls headed straight for the putting green after the round because they know the pins will be tough on the last day. I am pleased that Danielle, despite all the struggles, is staying very positive and embracing the experience.”</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-29983527619018556322015-08-05T18:53:00.001+02:002015-08-05T18:53:09.909+02:00Incredible 1st and 2nd place for MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The 2nd stage of the Tour of Denmark would see MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung put in an incredible team performance, resulting in a 1st and 2nd finish on the stage! Edvald Boasson Hagen was our victorious rider while Kristian Sbaragli finished in 2nd place.</span></em></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">It would be a long stage at 235km in length but in the end it all came down to the final 30km's. The early breakaway riders had just been caught after our African team, particularly Nic Dougall and Theo Bos, and Astana had done the majority of the early chasing. Countless attacks then went off the front in the closing kilometers but each time the aggressors were pegged back, most often by our riders as we looked to set up the bunch sprint.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Even when we hit the final 3 laps of the local 4.5km circuit, riders kept flying off the front. Jaco Venter and Andy Stauff followed just about everything in order to keep the race together and then Jacques Janse van Rensburg also put in a massive turn on the circuits climb to bring back a dangerous move on the final lap. With just 2.5km to go, the umpteenth attack came from Magnus Cort Nielsen (Denmark), and he quickly built up a sizable gap. It was only thanks to Gerald Ciolek burying himself on the front that the Nielsen was eventually caught inside of 1km to go.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Ciolek kept going up until the final corner at 400 to go and then it was down to Edvald and Kristian for the sprint. Edvald went pretty long, starting his sprint at around 300m to go with Kristian on his wheel. Our Norwegian champion had such an intense turn of speed though that nobody was going to be able to come around him. There was no reason for Kris to try and come around either as he comfortably crossed the line in 2nd to give our team our first ever 1, 2 finish in Europe. It is also our 15th victory of the season.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Edvald Boasson Hagen - Rider</span></strong><br /><em style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">It was a pretty long stage but I felt really good. The final was hard enough to suit our team and the guys were excellent in chasing down all the small attacks. Gerald was fantastic to lead us out into the final kilometer and to make sure Cort Nielsen was brought back. I had a good position in the final corner and just took it from there. I am really happy to take this win and it's also extra nice to have Kris finish 2nd. </span></em></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Michel Cornelisse - Sport Director</span></strong><br /><em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;">It is always great when a plan comes together and works perfectly. Many times the plan doesn't always work out but today it did and we can only be very happy with our victory. Yesterday we were a bit </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">disappointed</span><span style="line-height: 18pt;"> with the results but today made up for it. We also pulled back 10 seconds on the GC so now a top 5 overall is still possible. The team were really excellent. </span></span></em></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">About MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung </strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Team </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">MTN</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">-Qhubeka p/b Samsung was founded in 2007, steadily working its way up from a regional team to now being a Continental Pro team with bases in South Africa and Italy. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">MTN</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">-Qhubeka p/b Samsung’s goal is to give talented African riders a path into the pro peloton while raising funds for Qhubeka. In 2015, MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung are inviting you to help them mobilise 5,000 kids on bicycles. To contribute to the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: firebrick; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><em>#BicyclesChangeLives</em></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> Campaign, click </span><a href="http://teammtnqhubeka.us5.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=4ea750c8dd5c222433ae6091f&id=5dd78d45fc&e=d900c78eec" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Qhubeka is an Nguni word that means </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">“to progress”</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">, </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">“to move forward”</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">. Qhubeka (</span><a href="http://teammtnqhubeka.us5.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=4ea750c8dd5c222433ae6091f&id=e61d4c2995&e=d900c78eec" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" target="_blank">qhubeka.org</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">) is World Bicycle Relief's program in South Africa. World Bicycle Relief (</span><a href="http://teammtnqhubeka.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4ea750c8dd5c222433ae6091f&id=ffc4856861&e=d900c78eec" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" target="_blank">worldbicyclerelief.org</a><wbr style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"></wbr><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing education, health and economic opportunities by providing simple, sustainable transportation. Since World Bicycle Relief’s founding in 2005, it has delivered more than 220,000 specially designed, locally assembled bicycles to people in need. To contribute to the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: firebrick; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><em>#BicyclesChangeLives</em></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> Campaign, click </span><a href="http://teammtnqhubeka.us5.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=4ea750c8dd5c222433ae6091f&id=96d2ca3e7b&e=d900c78eec" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">MTN</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> (</span><a href="http://teammtnqhubeka.us5.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=4ea750c8dd5c222433ae6091f&id=c493ff3dca&e=d900c78eec" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" target="_blank">mtn.co.za</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">) is a long-time supporter of Qhubeka and the team. Launched in 1994, the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">MTN</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> Group is a leading emerging market operator, connecting 219.2 million subscribers in 22 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Learn more about the team at </span><a href="http://teammtnqhubeka.us5.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=4ea750c8dd5c222433ae6091f&id=3710710db5&e=d900c78eec" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" target="_blank">www.<wbr></wbr>teammtnqhubeka.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Enjoy our fanzone at </span><a href="http://teammtnqhubeka.us5.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=4ea750c8dd5c222433ae6091f&id=fc17b59f3d&e=d900c78eec" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" target="_blank">www.teammtnqhubeka.com/Fanzone</a><wbr style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"></wbr><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-77865340553403838622015-08-05T18:50:00.001+02:002015-08-05T18:50:16.242+02:00Gearing up for Tsogo Sun Amashova cycle challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Durban is gearing up for thrilling action at the Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic 2015 on 18 October. Offering prize money of over R100 000, the race, which is one of South Africa’s largest cycling events, runs from Pietermaritzburg City Hall to Durban through spectacular scenery, ending at Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, with the prize giving at Tsogo Sun’s Suncoast.<br />
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The main Tsogo Sun Amashova race is 106km long, with two shorter ‘fun ride’ options of 35km, which starts at Hillcrest and ends at Suncoast, and the 65km half challenge, which starts at Cato Ridge and ends at Suncoast. All three races will have full road closure.<br />
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This is the second year that Tsogo Sun is the headline sponsor of the race and last year’s Tsogo Sun Amashova proved a huge success, drawing a record number of over 10 000 entries, and enticing South African’s to experience the thrill of the race while enjoying a family beach weekend away.<br />
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“The Amashova has been going for 29 years – but the headline sponsorship by Tsogo Sun has given it a new lease on life, adding activities and appeal to the event and attracting the attention of riders from elsewhere in the country and even from Europe,” says Noëleen Bruton, Director of Marketing Group of Tsogo Sun. “We are proud to be associated with this fantastic KwaZulu-Natal tradition – and we anticipate pulling out all the stops to ensure that all our Amashova guests experience a brilliant weekend away.”<br />
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Once again, the fun Mini Shova for children will take place the day before the big race at Suncoast, with distances of 1km for 3-5 year olds and 5km for over 5s – giving the children the opportunity to share in the thrills of the weekend.<br />
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As the headline sponsor, Tsogo Sun has created a series of exciting accommodation packages at its different hotels in Durban and uMhlanga, and transport has been arranged by the race organisers to the main race start from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, as well as safekeeping for bikes both before and after the race. “Both the race and a weekend in Durban are exciting! This is a wonderful opportunity for riders and their families to make an adventure of the weekend, enjoying the challenge of the race, the magnificent countryside, as well as the attractions of the area – and there are many!” says Bruton.<br />
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Says Neil Fraser, Group Sales Director of Tsogo Sun, “This second Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic underscores our belief in this cycle challenge as one that has enormous potential for growth and appeal to our target market. Cycling has grown to the point where it has now become ‘the new golf’ in South Africa. We believe our partnership with Amashova is giving the race the opportunity to grow to a cycle challenge that appeals to a far wider audience of novices, serious riders and families. We’re looking forward to our second bigger and better than ever Amashova – and to welcoming a host of new riders to the starting line – and of course to our many hotels in the area.”<br />
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Annie Batchelder, Race Director for the Tsogo Sun Amashova, says the Amashova is South Africa’s oldest classic cycle race. “It’s become a favourite for many of our top cyclists – and we’ve no doubt it will continue to grow in popularity and size with Tsogo Sun behind it.” Batchelder says the race has also contributed significantly to local communities with its social investment programmes, which includes having built a road safety bike park at Ethembeni School in Inchanga, and many other projects.<br />
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Serious and casual riders from KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and elsewhere in the country are encouraged to get their entries in for the Tsogo Sun Amashova as well as their bookings for great value accommodation package deals at Tsogo Sun’s hotels. All bookings can be done on <a href="http://www.shova.co.za/">www.shova.co.za</a>.<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-4900233802879865042015-08-05T18:48:00.001+02:002015-08-05T18:48:28.827+02:00Rambo continues dream season with hat-trick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Christiaan Bezuidenhout stitched up his third title on the country’s premier golf development Tour with wire-to-wire victory in the IGT Tour’s Pro Squad Classic on Wednesday.<br />
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Bezuidenhout had to contend with strong winds in the final round at Centurion Country Club, but the Wanna Be A Champion player prevailed to triumph on five-under-par 211 less than two weeks since he claimed a five-stroke victory in the Sishen Open.<br />
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The 19-year-old Delmas golfer closed with a three over 75 to finish well clear of Sunshine Tour regular TJ Bekker, Conway Kunneke and NJ Arnoldi.<br />
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The former number one ranked amateur in South Africa turned pro in March. In addition to three victories, he boasts three runner-up finishes and two third places in 10 starts in six months. His worst finish was a tie for 11th in the Gary Player School for Champions Classic in June.<br />
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“My main aim has been to gain consistency and to learn to produce under pressure, because it is a very different kind of pressure when you play for money,” he said.<br />
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“I am really pleased with my preparation for the European Tour’s First Stage Qualifying in September. I have a lot of work to do before I leave, but I feel that I am moving in the right direction.”<br />
Bezuidenhout said the conditions were tough and definitely affected his performance.<br />
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“It’s winter, so the fairways are hard and the greens even harder,” he said.<br />
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“The wind varied between three and four clubs, and you constantly had to adjust your game plan, because it changed direction so much. It was incredibly difficult to control the ball and get anywhere near the pins, but I didn’t help myself, either.”<br />
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Bezuidenhout followed a birdie at the par-five 12th with three bogeys on the trot.<br />
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“I hit three bad shots in a row and got punished for it, but I kept it in play after 15 and turned two over and got back to level with two quick birdies after the turn.”<br />
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Disaster struck when his tee shot at six rolled into the hazard and walked off with a triple bogey.<br />
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“By this time I was really mad at myself for making so many rookie errors,” he said.<br />
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“I guess the adrenaline was still pumping and I hit a huge tee shot at seven. I had 180 meters to the pin and I hit an eight-iron to two feet and made the birdie, only to drop at again at the eighth.<br />
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“I still had a nice lead, so I decided just to lay up at 18 instead of trying to drive the green, and two-putted for par.”<br />
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Bezuidenhout said he found it difficult to celebrate after such a poor round.<br />
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“A win is a win, but I have to be honest, I’ve never played that badly and won,” he grimaced.<br />
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“Anyhow, onwards and upwards, as they say.”<br />
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GFG Academy’s Bekker carded a 73, Wanna Be A Champion stable-mate Arnoldi battled to a 75 and Kunneke signed for a frustrating 76 to share second on 215, while amateur Ruan Korb from Centurion Academy returned a 74 to take sole fifth on three over.<br />
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Meanwhile Danie Pretorius and amateur Chris van Tonder made the most of their early tee time<br />
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First out of the blocks, Pretorius from the Robbie Stewart Golf Academy enjoyed a string of seven birdies after a bogey at 11 and Van Tonder also mixed seven birdies with three bogeys.<br />
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The duo posted a pair of 68s to vault to joint sixth on four over alongside professional Siphiwe Siphayi (75) and amateurs Jandre Fullard (75) and Andrew Williamson (77).<br />
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FINAL RESULT<br />
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(All players RSA unless otherwise specified; amateurs indicated as AMA)<br />
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211 - Christiaan Bezuidenhout 68 68 75<br />
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215 - TJ Bekker 72 70 73, NJ Arnoldi 69 71 75, Conway Kunneke 69 70 76<br />
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219 - Ruan Korb (AMA) 74 71 74<br />
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220 - Chris van Tonder (AMA) 79 73 68, Danie Pretorius 78 74 68, Jandre Fullard (AMA) 73 72 75, Siphiwe Siphayi 73 72 75, Andrew Williamson (AMA) 72 71 77<br />
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221 - Pieter Kruger 74 75 72, Matthew Vogel 72 72 77<br />
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222 - Keegan Steyn (AMA) 73 74 75, Gideon Pienaar 74 71 77<br />
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223 - Herman Minnie 82 71 70, Carlos Arroyo (AMA) 73 73 77<br />
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224 - Garth Wolter 74 74 76<br />
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225 - Andi Dill (AMA) 71 80 74, Pieter Muller (AMA) 77 74 74, Bryn Flanagan 70 72 83<br />
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226 - Ted Hendriks 71 75 80<br />
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227 - Divan Marais (AMA) 78 74 75, Simon Kruger 77 74 76, Christiaan Pretorius 74 79 74, Hilton Hughes (AMA) 77 76 74, Carrie Park (AMA) 73 73 81, CJ Levey (AMA) 71 74 82<br />
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228 - Louis Taylor (AMA) 76 74 78, Sheldon Steyn ZIM 73 73 82<br />
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229 - Andre Van Heerden (AMA) 79 77 73<br />
<br />
230 - Tyron Mc Comb 73 79 78, Gregory Royston (AMA) 74 77 79, Niel Meyer 76 77 77<br />
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231 - Michael Jooste (AMA) 76 77 78, Gary Daoust (AMA) 77 77 77, Ruan Conradie (AMA) 78 77 76<br />
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232 - Wian Verster 76 78 78<br />
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233 - Gareth Akers (AMA) 77 76 80<br />
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234 - Reynhard Reynecke (AMA) 77 74 83, Peetie van der Merwe (AMA) 77 74 83, Shaun van Tonder 78 76 80<br />
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235 - Marc de Jager (AMA) 79 74 82, Niel Theron (AMA) 79 77 79, Cole Dodgen (AMA) 75 81 79<br />
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237 - Maxime Deffontaine (AMA) BEL 75 81 81<br />
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238 - Slade Fick (AMA) 77 78 83<br />
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239 - Mark Bright 76 79 84<br />
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242 - Ryan Ciapparelli 75 81 86<br />
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245 - Zillan Du Pisani (AMA) 80 76 89<br />
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WDN - Joubert van Eeden (AMA) 77 76 WDN, Godfrey Mphaga 78 75 WDN, Hendrikus Stoop (AMA) 81 71 WDN<br />
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N/R - Jaco Mouton 72 80 N/RUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-53820160124997459332015-08-02T05:55:00.001+02:002015-08-02T05:55:35.328+02:00Doping in Athletics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Athletics looks set to be plunged into a new doping crisis after IAAF test data leaked to two news organisations showed hundreds of suspect samples from athletes, including Olympic and world championship medallists, the BBC reported on Sunday.<br />
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Britain's Sunday Times newspaper and German broadcaster ARD/WRD say they had been given access to the results of 12,359 blood tests given by more than 5,000 athletes over 11 years. When analysed by scientists, the tests showed more than 800 athletes had given blood samples that were "highly suggestive" of doping or "abnormal", reported the BBC, who added they had also seen the documents.<br />
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Although abnormal blood tests are not in themselves proof of doping, the release of the data will be an embarrassment to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) less than a month before its world championships in Beijing.<br />
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"We have to wait for the transcript of this before commenting," IAAF General Secretary Essar Gabriel told reporters on Sunday. IAAF President Lamine Diack, who is stepping down later this month, said he was not aware of the programme.<br />
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"If you have seen it you can tell me what it says," he said, speaking at the International Olympic Committee session in Kuala Lumpur.<br />
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The IAAF introduced biological passports for athletics as part of its drug testing regime in 2009, which help in the detection of abnormal fluctuations in red blood cell counts. Athletes, most notoriously in cycling, have used blood transfusions and the stimulating agent Erythropoietin (EPO) to increase their red blood cell count, which can help improve performance in endurance events.<br />
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The BBC report said a third of medals in endurance events at the Olympics and world championships between 2001 and 2012 were won by athletes who have recorded "suspicious tests".<br />
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Cheating by the use of banned substances has long been a scourge of athletics, from the systematic doping in the former East Germany, through Ben Johnson's disqualification from the 1988 Olympics to the BALCO scandal in the United States.<br />
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Sebastian Coe, who is expected to be elected the new president of the IAAF later this month, has said he will set up a new anti-doping body specifically for athletics. The Briton is running against fellow former Olympic champion Sergey Bubka in the election, which will take place on Aug. 19 in Beijing. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-66791382381740366912015-06-09T08:24:00.001+02:002015-06-09T08:24:18.255+02:00The ideal companion for those living an active life – Huawei Talkband B1 from DCC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For those living an active life, whether on land or in the water, the latest Huawei Talkband B1, wearable technology that tracks health and fitness, from distributor Drive Control Corporation (DCC) is the ideal companion. Featuring activity recordings, sleep tracking, calories burned, Bluetooth 4.1 as well as Near Field Communication (NFC) fast pairing, the Huawei Talkband B1 is the ideal solution to complement your active life and keep you connected.<br />
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“Most of us live a high-paced on-the-go lifestyle, juggling work, gym and other activities. Furthermore, many of us try to live the ‘healthy’ lifestyle, increasing our exercise during the day and eating healthily. Having a device that can track health activities, provide information and advice while updating this information to your smartphone is the perfect solution,” says Terence Narayanan, Huawei Product Specialist at DCC.<br />
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When active, one often finds it difficult to monitor your smartphone or take calls. However, the inclusion of NFC, Bluetooth 4.1 technology as well as an earpiece, users can easily sync their smartphone to the Huawei Talkband B1 and take calls no matter where they are. The Huawei Talkband B1 also monitors all your movements by recording the number of steps you have taken and the calories you have burned. Now you can stay on top of your fitness with ease by managing your steps and monitoring your calories daily.<br />
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Ensuring a good night sleep is essential for healthy living, and more often than not, we experience interrupted sleep patterns. The Huawei Talkband B1 monitors your sleep including the hours you have slept and the quality of your sleep. Understand the quality and quantity of your sleep by syncing your sleep patterns with sleep tracker software on your smartphone, allowing you to view, monitor and take action in order to improve your sleep.<br />
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“The battery life featured on the Huawei Talkband B1 is impressive – providing six days of regular use time, seven hours of talk time and 14 days of standby time. This is all possible with the 90 mAh battery, ensuring you are keeping track of your lifestyle, all the time. Life is busy and we all try to cram as much into one day as possible. Striving towards an active life and quality sleep can provide users with an improved quality of life. Let the Huawei Talkband B1 help you manage and monitor your active life,” concludes Narayanan.<br />
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The Huawei Talkband B1 can be used in water or on land – whether you are running, surfing, swimming or more. It is IP57 rated which means it is waterproof (can be immersed in 1 metre of water for 30 minutes) and is protected against dust.<br />
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The Huawei Talkband B1 is available immediately from DCC and select retail outlets.<br />
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For more information, visit <a href="http://www.drivecon.net/">www.drivecon.net</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-55661841141902199022015-05-11T09:09:00.003+02:002015-05-11T09:09:59.110+02:00The Nissan LeafIt was a Wednesday night and I was driving home when I looked at my fuel gauge to see that I was running low. I had 13 kilometres left, according to the trip computer, and the dashboard had lit up to tell me to fill up. It was late, 10pm, and I had to find a place to fill up quickly.<div>
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To the average motorist, this has happened many times. You simply pull in to the nearest service station and ask the attendant to fill up your car with petrol. But this was no ordinary car, this was the <a href="http://www.nissan.co.za/Vehicles/Leaf.aspx" target="_blank">ALL ELECTRIC NISSAN LEAF EV</a>.</div>
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Pretty, isn't it? </div>
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It's bigger than it looks in the picture. The Leaf will easily take 5 adults and their luggage in a massive boot. The handling is amazing with the centre of gravity really low due to the batteries underneath the chassis.</div>
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See that cable running from the little tower into the car? That's the quick charger. It will charge your car from 3% to 90% in about 40 minutes. That is what I needed at 10pm on that fateful Wednesday night. </div>
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Currently, there are a limited number of quick charging stations in South Africa. Luckily for me, there are two within 10km of my home and I was able to charge at another on that Wednesday night. But let me start from the beginning.....</div>
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I was lucky enough to drive the amazing Leaf for three days last week. The car is all electric. There is no backup engine to charge the batteries. While driving, when you coast to a stop and apply the brakes, there is a charging action that extends the life of the batteries. The drive is eerily quiet with no engine noise whats so ever. This does mean that you have to keep a careful eye on the spedometre aas the car tends to get up to speed very quickly with 80Kw under the bonnet and what feels like unlimited torque. There are no gears so the car just keeps on going and going until you look down at the split dash and see that you have easily reached 100km/h.</div>
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Inside, the car has all the mod cons one would expect. Heated seats and steering wheel. (The streering was a first for me). Climate control, touch screen panel, rear facing camera as well as a beeper so that pedestrians can hear your car coming at low speed because it is so quiet. (You can switch the beeper off if you want.)</div>
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Outside, the car is a sleek and aerodynamic. I am not a fan of the lights in font, but they must be there for a reason.</div>
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Now the charging.....</div>
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Nissan claim a range of 190km on a single charge. I can say that that might me so under perfect conditions and very gentle driving. The temperature must be right, the traffic must be flowing and you must have managed your batteries very well. </div>
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When one buys a Leaf, you are given a charging cable that can plug into a regular South African plug as well as a charging station installed at home. One dealer I spoke to says that the installation of the charging station is included in the hefty price of the vehicle. I asked what happens should you move house and he didn't have an answer for me.</div>
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The Leaf will charge overnight, just like a cell-phone and be ready to go the next morning. Should you experience load-shedding, then the handy travel charger can be plugged in anywhere to slowly charge your car. It might actually be a better idea to find a plug at your office and charge the car while it is sitting idle during the day.</div>
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The Leaf is not your ONLY car. With the short range, you will not be driving to Cape Town in it. Highway driving sucks the juice out of the batteries too quickly and you will be charging every 50km or so. This is a city car, designed VERY well for the city.</div>
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Sadly at almost R500,000 it is a very expensive city car. </div>
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I hope that Nissan make a smaller version of the Leaf that is more affordable. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-4215441204931726792015-04-21T11:09:00.000+02:002015-08-02T05:58:09.816+02:00Winners of Duke of Edinburgh Cup set for royal treat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.montecasino.co.za/whatson/2010_images_events/spot_duke_of_edinburgh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.montecasino.co.za/whatson/2010_images_events/spot_duke_of_edinburgh.jpg" /></a></div>
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The four winners of South Africa’s top amateur annual golf tournament – Tsogo Sun’s Duke of Edinburgh Championship – were revealed after a day of nail-biting play on 20 April on the Rockland and Woodmead courses of the Johannesburg Country Club, winning a once-in-a-lifetime chance to participate in the exclusive Duke of Edinburgh Cup 2015 World Finals in England.<br />
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The winners are Mr Mervin Mudaly and Mr Kevin Naidoo from Pietermaritzburg, representing Golden Horse Casino, who won on the Rockland course, and Mr Man Chan and Mr Zhao Jin Chen from Johannesburg North, representing Silverstar Casino, who won on the Woodmead course.<br />
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The tournament represents the South African leg of the Duke of Edinburgh Cup, which is played annually in 10 different countries with the aim of raising funds to benefit children and young people in need. Tsogo Sun has been associated with the tournament for more than 10 years and has raised over R8 million for charitable causes over the years.<br />
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The much sought-after prize for the winning pair on each course is a golfer’s dream come true. It includes a trip to London, hotel accommodation for five nights from 27 September to 1 October 2015, entry to the 36-hole Duke of Edinburgh Cup World Final which will be held over two days at the Buckinghamshire and Mill Ride Golf clubs near Windsor, an invitation to play at the Royal Household Golf Club at Windsor Great Park and attendance at a royal champagne reception and prize-giving dinner in the state apartments of Windsor Castle where all contestants and their guests will be introduced to a senior member of the British Royal Family who will be in attendance at the dinner.<br />
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This year’s tournament was by invitation only, giving Tsogo Sun the opportunity to thank their loyal and supportive card members.<br />
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“The Duke of Edinburgh Championship is a highlight on our annual calendar; it is a leading tournament in the country and always provides an exciting day’s play, and it also gives us a wonderful opportunity to raise funds for underprivileged children,” says Noëleen Bruton, Director of Marketing for Tsogo Sun.<br />
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This year more than 2 200 children from Grade 1 to Grade 7 from Muzomuhle Primary School, Diepsloot’s oldest and largest school, benefitted from funds raised through the charity-driven golf tournament. On 24 March, Tsogo Sun handed over 2 200 anoraks, 400 pairs of school shoes and 300 school jerseys to help the children cope through the winter months. Tsogo Sun worked in partnership with the school to identify the children’s needs and how to positively impact these children’s school experience.<br />
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“We’re delighted to be involved in this highly prestigious event every year and we believe it is a truly memorable experience for all the players – particularly the winners – as well as the worthy beneficiaries of the funds we raised. We heartily congratulate the four worthy winners and wish them an exciting and successful trip to the Duke of Edinburgh Cup finals in September,” says Bruton.<br />
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Tsogo Sun’s portfolio includes over 90 hotels and 14 casino and entertainment destinations throughout South Africa, Africa, the Seychelles and Abu Dhabi. The Group operates in all segments of the hotel market from Deluxe to Budget. For further information, visit tsogosun.com.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-71434611435733516202015-03-30T11:05:00.000+02:002015-03-30T11:05:07.588+02:00Ballantine’s Finest Whisky presents the KICK OFF Footballer Of The Season Award nominees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Voting is now open for the KICK OFF Footballer Of The Season Awards presented by Ballantine’s Finest Whisky. The 16 nominees have been identified with voting taking place from 1 April 2015 at www.kickoff.com.<br />
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Editor of leading football magazine KICK OFF, Richard Maguire, says: “These 16 footballers are now on the shortlist and will be battling it out to be crowned with the prestigious title as South Africa’s number one footballer of the season.”<br />
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He adds: “These players have this season not only proven their worth on the field of play, complemented by their flair and determination, but also with their off the field skills such as leadership, coping under pressure and helping their team to grind out a result. Sportsmanship and of course their behaviour are other major aspects that are taken into consideration.”<br />
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Initial voting by the public takes place from 1 April until 13 April 2015, after which a further shortlist of 8 candidates will be announced on 14 April. A final round of public voting to select the Ballantine’s KICK OFF Football Player of the Season will then commence before the awards ceremony on 28 May 2015.<br />
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KICK OFF, the continent’s most successful football magazine, partnered up with the world’s second highest selling Scottish whisky, Ballantine’s, in order to honour these outstanding athletes.<br />
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Brand manager, Daryl Dixon, explains why Ballantine’s and KICK OFF make a perfect fit for the awards: “Ballantine’s Finest whisky inspires people to have the conviction to stay true. This ethos forms the basis of our global mantra, which is ‘Stay True. Leave an Impression.’ This ties in perfectly with the 16 shortlisted players who have left an impression at their respective clubs over the course of the season and we believe will continue to do so.”<br />
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The 16 shortlisted players for the KICK OFF Footballer Of The Season Awards presented by Ballantine’s Finest Whisky, are as follows:<br />
· Cole Alexander (Polokwane City)<br />
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· Rivaldo Coetzee (Ajax Cape Town)<br />
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· Dean Furman (Doncaster Rovers)<br />
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· Thulani Hlatshwayo (Bidvest Wits)<br />
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· Andile Jali (KV Oostende)<br />
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· Lehlohonolo Majoro (Orlando Pirates)<br />
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· Cuthbert Malajila (Mamelodi Sundowns)<br />
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· Thabo Mnyaname (University of Pretoria)<br />
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· Oupa Manyisa (Orlando Pirates)<br />
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· Mandla Masango (Kaizer Chiefs)<br />
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· Tefu Mashamaite (Kaizer Chiefs)<br />
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· Tsepo Masilela (Kaizer Chiefs)<br />
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· Mulomowandau Mathoho (Kaizer Chiefs)<br />
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· Teko Modise (Mamelodi Sundowns)<br />
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· Thuso Phala (SuperSport United)<br />
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· Dove Wome (SuperSport United)<br />
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To vote for your favourite player for the KICK OFF Footballer of the Season Award presented by Ballantine’s Whisky, as well as the Finest Moment of the Season, visit <a href="http://www.kickoff.com./">www.kickoff.com.</a> Alternatively you can email <a href="mailto:forum@kickoff.com">forum@kickoff.com</a> (Vote FOTS in the subject line) or send a letter to KICK OFF at PO BOX 16368, Vlaeberg, 8018.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-80101122611093705302015-03-28T10:00:00.000+02:002015-03-28T10:00:04.947+02:00Pretoria’s High Performance Centre partners with Brand ID<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The High Performance Centre (HPC) at the University of Pretoria and Brand ID are thrilled to announce a newly formed five year partnership.<br />
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Brand ID, a Lifestyle Fashion and Sports Brands distribution business with a family of 25 brands has offered a unique level of partnership to support the high performance culture of the HPC through their global sport brand portfolio.<br />
<br />
Says Brand ID‘s CEO Wayne Bebb “we have had a long standing relationship with the HPC and our Speedo brand. We have found them to be a perfect partner and therefore found it opportune to extend the relationship with them further into our broader brand family. Our business prides ourselves on creating unique partnerships between athletic centres of excellence and our business to offer them best in class product to support their achievement goals. It’s a pleasure to engage with the HPC who sees the value in true partnerships”.<br />
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The partnership allows the HPC access to the entire Brand ID family of brands with particular focus on Skins, Skilz, Speedo, Mizuno, Canterbury and Brooksfield.<br />
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Canterbury needs no introduction and has defined the “world of rugby” as the playground for the brand. Mizuno celebrates its Japanese heritage by providing superior footwear for track, road, trail and field. Speedo positions itself as the number one swimwear brand in the world and produces unrivalled technical product due to its massive investment in research and development. Skilz produces training equipment that acts as a workout partner. By incorporating technology with targeted training to develop athletic enhancement, it encourages optimal workouts and results. Skins is the number one compression garment in the world offering unrivalled athletic performance and recovery. Brooksfield is a lifestyle brand offering the unique opportunity to also cater for any off field apparel.<br />
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Exclusive partnerships of this nature allow for credible endorsement of world class sports brands, demonstrated use of the brand at the HPC and beyond this roll out further shared exciting joint ventures and activations with Brand ID.<br />
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Equally excited about this partnership is the CEO of the HPC, Toby Sutcliffe who said that "teaming up with a Company like Brand ID was an easy decision, based on our professional relationship we have built up with Speedo over the past few years. The range of products is a perfect fit with what we are offering our athletes on a daily basis and already our Olympic Gold Medal Rowers, our top athletes, swimmers and triathletes have all reaped the rewards of being associated with some of these exciting, innovative and Lifestyle brands. With the Olympic Games in Rio only just over a year off we are truly excited of what we, with Brand ID and their portfolio of brands, will be able to deliver to our high performance athletes in the lead up to and during the games."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-35566786155744573282015-03-27T14:00:00.000+02:002015-03-27T14:00:05.582+02:00Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon to run via Ou Kaapse Weg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After weeks of intense discussions and close collaboration with the City of Cape Town and key stakeholders, it was confirmed that the Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon route will run along the detour route of Ou Kaapse Weg.<br />
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The recent devastating fires that raged along Cape Town’s Southern Peninsula, caused significant damage to Chapman’s Peak’s fragile vegetation. Since the fire, the section of the pass most affected (between Noordhoek to the top lookout point) has been closed regularly due to high winds and threatening rock falls.<br />
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“This is not a decision that was made lightly,” says Carol Vosloo, general manager of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC. “We are responsible for every single runner on Race Day, so all decisions were made with this in mind.”<br />
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“We remained hopeful that Chappies would be available to us until the very end. But it became clear that the extent of the damage done to the mountain, coupled with the vulnerability of the mountain pass to weather changes, would hold a significant safety risk for our runners and volunteers.<br />
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“It was simply a risk we were not willing to take, and we have always been very clear in our intention to place participants’ safety at the forefront of all planning.”<br />
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It isn’t the first time that the Ultra Marathon has run over Ou Kaapse Weg.<br />
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“Ou Kaapse Weg as a detour route is not a new concept to us, and our team can now move forward to make the necessary logistical changes to facilitate this change,” Ms Vosloo adds.<br />
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This detour route was used for four years between 2000 and 2003, when Chapman’s Peak was originally closed while the tunnels and catchment nets were being constructed.<br />
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The Ou Kaapse Weg detour route starts in Main Road, Newlands, and takes runners along the scenic South Peninsula route, through Fish Hoek and into Kommetjie. But, instead of heading towards Chapman’s Peak, runners will turn towards and over Ou Kaapse Weg, from where they will run along the leafy Spaanschemat River Road. They will then join the Half Marathon route at the Ladies Mile / Parish Road intersection before heading onto Southern Cross Drive to follow the Half Marathon route along Rhodes Drive and the M3 back to UCT.<br />
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The distance remains the same.<br />
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“Although it is disappointing that the Ultra Marathon will not traverse Chappies, a ‘certain’ race over Ou Kaapse Weg is preferable to one that may be interrupted if routed over Chapman’s Peak Drive,” Ms Vosloo concludes.<br />
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Record-breaking R1-million bonus stands<br />
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Despite the route change, Old Mutual’s R1-million bonus remains in place, rewarding the winning male and female runners who respectively breaks the 56km Ultra Marathon record.<br />
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The men’s record of 3:03:44 was set in 1988 by road running legend Thompson Magawana, while Frith van der Merwe set the women’s record a year later in 1989 when she ran 3:30:36.<br />
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This will be the 16th year that Old Mutual sponsors this prestigious road race.<br />
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The Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra and Half Marathons are scheduled to take place on Easter Saturday, 4 April 2015. Some 27 000 runners are expected to participate in the event that is globally known as the world’s most beautiful marathon.<br />
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For more information, visit <a href="http://www.twooceansmarathon.org.z/">www.twooceansmarathon.org.z</a>a. Runners can also join the online conversation on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TwoOceansMarathon">www.facebook.com/TwoOceansMarathon</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/2oceansmarathon" target="_blank">@2OceansMarathon</a> on Twitter and Instagram (and by following and using the #OMTOM2015 hashtag).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-71841509895089827412015-03-27T12:29:00.001+02:002015-03-27T12:29:54.676+02:00SA Track Champs showdown attracts track cycling cream<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gameplanmedia.co.za/cyclingsa/2015ACTCD2Hoffman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.gameplanmedia.co.za/cyclingsa/2015ACTCD2Hoffman.jpg" height="400" width="336" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10.6666669845581px;">Craig Dutton/</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10.6666669845581px;">Gameplan Media</span></td></tr>
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The Hector Norris Park Cycling Track in Turffontein will play host to the 2015 South African National Track Championships from 7-11 April and the top names in track cycling are expected to be lining up on the Highveld with an eye on a national championship crown and the South African striped jersey at the end of the event.<br />
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Central Commissioner for track cycling in Gauteng and member of the organising committee, Angela Scullard, is hoping that the event draws the best in South Africa to Johannesburg and knows that with the best comes intense competition.<br />
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“We are expecting to get the best riders in the country at the national championships in two weeks,” Scullard said. “The likes of Nolan Hoffman and Morne van Niekerk as well as Maroesjka Matthee in the ladies and sprinters like Jean Smith will make the event hugely entertaining and will draw in the crowds due to the high level of competition.”<br />
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Cycling SA has allowed provinces, teams and clubs to enter for the team events like Team Sprint and Team Pursuit. At the SA Track Championships, riders will be able to qualify for points for major international competitions.<br />
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“The Hector Norris Track is a fast track and we are hoping to see some records broken this year. The last time we had the champs there was in 2007 and there were some records broken so if the conditions are right then we should see records tumble,” said Scullard.<br />
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“Hosting the event in Johannesburg does bring with it the difference in conditions compared to the rest of the country. The conditions will play a role for a number of the riders that are coming to the Highveld from the coast.”<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-50676657328109893662015-03-27T09:01:00.003+02:002015-03-27T09:01:57.701+02:00Tsogo Sun bets on SA’s oldest sprint race<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of South Africa’s top horseracing events and the only sprint event with four Grade 1 races in one day has been given a major boost by virtue of Tsogo Sun adding its name and prestige to the event – the Tsogo Sun Sprint – scheduled to be held on 23 May 2015 at Scottsville Race Course in Pietermaritzburg.<br />
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First run in 1962, South Africa’s oldest, biggest and richest sprint event, previously known as the Golden Horse Sprint, is one of the six top race days held annually in South Africa and is this year offering over R3 million in prize money.<br />
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“Tsogo Sun has been a partner to the Golden Horse Sprint for 14 years and is now taking its support to a new level by changing the name to the Tsogo Sun Sprint,” says Jacques Booysen, MD of Tsogo Sun, who explains that Tsogo Sun’s Golden Horse Casino holds the enviable position of being the only casino in Africa to be located on a racecourse.<br />
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“We’re excited about this new strategic direction that is seeing the group ‘adopt’ key sporting events to the extent of taking on the naming rights to the event. We believe this is a win-win partnership with the City of Pietermaritzburg that will see the Tsogo Sun Sprint being elevated by the opportunity to leverage the Tsogo Sun brand, as well as for the group, which is extending its reach into the thrilling and fast-paced world of horseracing. In fact, this was an opportunity not to be missed as we recognised that changing the name would raise the profile of the casino, the group and the city.”<br />
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Last year the group launched its headline sponsorship of the Tsogo Sun Amashova Cycle Challenge in Durban, which heralded a new beginning for both brands. It was the first time that Tsogo Sun embarked on a title sponsorship and it was a clear indication of Tsogo Sun’s belief in the cycle challenge as one that has enormous potential for growth and appeal to its target market.<br />
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“The Tsogo Sun Sprint also holds great potential for growth and we trust that our partnership with the City of Pietermaritzburg will give the event the opportunity to expand beyond its sound foundation to one that appeals to a far wider audience among horseracing enthusiasts and entertainment-seekers all over the country,” Booysen adds. The race day will be marketed by Tsogo Sun in nine provinces for the first time, through all Tsogo Sun casinos, on every casino floor and in every hotel room, and on TV and radio.<br />
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Graeme Hawkins, Racing Director of Gold Circle Horseracing and Betting, says that the significant investment by Tsogo Sun will give the Tsogo Sun Sprint a much-valued boost in terms of positioning Pietermaritzburg as a horseracing destination in South Africa. “Scottsville is a lovely track steeped in tradition, and we believe this new partnership with Tsogo Sun in a top event on the horseracing calendar will bring the horseracing aficionados flooding in to experience the thrills and highlights of the day. We’re extremely grateful to Tsogo Sun for coming on board and we trust this will be a worthwhile relationship for the group for many years to come,” Hawkins adds.<br />
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Tsogo Sun’s partnership with the City of Pietermaritzburg began in 2014 when the City participated in the race for the first time. The city’s objective is to support an event that takes place in the heart of the city and has the potential to bring footfall into Pietermaritzburg. Mayor of Pietermaritzburg, Chris Ndlela, says the City of Pietermaritzburg is delighted to be a part of the Tsogo Sun Sprint. “We believe that this new alignment with the Tsogo Sun brand will add impetus to the event and will help to position Pietermaritzburg more strongly on the South African map and drive tourism in the area.”<br />
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The four Grade 1 sprint races – races with a field of the most elite horses from all around South Africa and offering 1 200 metres of speed, power and skill – include the Tsogo Sun Sprint, an ‘open race’ for both fillies and geldings with a top prize of R1 million; the Tsogo Sun Gold Medallion, a race for two-year-old geldings with a prize of R600 000; City of Pietermaritzburg Filly Sprint, for fillies only with a prize of R600 000; the Allan Robertson (founder of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association of SA in 1921) Championship for two-year-old fillies with a prize of R600 000; as well as smaller charity and other races.<br />
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Tsogo Sun’s vision is to be the premier entertainment destination in the catchment area where its properties are located. Sizwe Jantjie, Tsogo Sun Marketing Manager, says, “The sponsorship of this race strengthens the group’s position as the place to go for entertainment and for creating great experiences. The Tsogo Sun Sprint will be an exhilarating day of pace and power, great style and African flair, as well as a host of added entertainment options.”Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-36334525963378740162015-03-26T16:28:00.002+02:002015-03-27T09:02:19.971+02:00Knox & Evans back for Nedbank sani2c title defence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With little over six weeks to go until the starter’s gun fires and sends participants of the 2015 Nedbank sani2c on their way, defending champions Kevin Evans and Max Knox have confirmed they will be back again in an attempt to retain their title.<br />
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The eleventh edition of the hugely popular three day mountain biking stage race from Glencairn Farm in Underberg to Scottburgh Main Beach on KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast gets underway on 12 May when the Trail event commences and is hotly followed by the start of the Adventure a day later.<br />
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The sport’s racing snakes take to the trails for the first time on Thursday 14 May and will come home in front of a sizeable crowd in Scottburgh on Saturday 16 May with Biogen-Volcan’s pairing of Evans and Knox eager to ensure it is them who reach this point fastest.<br />
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“In the ten years of the sani2c’s existence, Kevin (Evans) has won it six times and myself three!” explains 27 year-old Knox.<br />
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“There has only been one year since the start of this prestigious race that at least one of us haven’t stood on the podium so it’s definitely a race we enjoy and are keen to do well in again in 2015!”<br />
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Knox believes the pair’s unrivalled success at the event means the pressure usually associated with the defending champions label is significantly reduced.<br />
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“We’ve won it before and there’s no real pressure for us to get number seven or number four respectively.<br />
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“We can afford to a bit more laid back in the build up to this year’s event and let the others worry about the racing ahead of time.<br />
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“Come race day, we’ll definitely be looking to defend our title though!”<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gameplanmedia.co.za/mtb/marathonworlds/2014MaxKnox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://gameplanmedia.co.za/mtb/marathonworlds/2014MaxKnox.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10.6666669845581px;">Kyle Gilham/</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10.6666669845581px;">Gameplan Media</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The sani2c carries added sentimental importance for Knox who has close family ties to the race’s start town in the Southern Drakensberg while a disappointing 23rd overall finishing at the recent ABSA Cape Epic has given the duo added motivation to put in another strong showing.<br />
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“My uncle lives in Underberg, my cousins own the local Spar up there, I even spent some of my childhood years living there so to take part in the sani2c and do well in that particular race really means a lot to me!”<br />
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“Kev and I have received fantastic support from Biogen, Volcan and a few others so far this season and had a really good start to the year with a couple of positive results.<br />
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“Epic unfortunately didn’t go according to plan for us so it really would be a special treat for our sponsors if we were able to get the win at sani(2c) again.”<br />
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The experienced marathon racing pair have opted for contrasting Cape Epic recovery regimes in the build up to this year’s sani2c however do not believe this will be an issue given the understanding they have of one another’s racing style.<br />
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“We’re both busy recovering from Epic at the moment before Kev then looks to ride the (Old Mutual) joBerg2c with a friend as a training block ahead of sani2c.<br />
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“Being ten years older than me, that extra mileage is something Kev has learnt works for him however I know that’s not for me. I’ll just be doing the Ashburton race in Clarens between now and sani(2c).<br />
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“Our different approaches aren’t an issue for us; we’ve ridden together many times before and we know each other’s racing styles really well.<br />
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“We’re both have quite an aggressive, attacking riding style and mentality we’re also quite similar in that we both really enjoy winning and are super competitive,” adds Knox.<br />
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While the likes of Scott Factory Racing powered by LCB’s Philip Buys, Matthys Beukes, Arno du Toit and Gert Heyns, Full Dynamix’s duo of Rourke Croeser and Travis Walker as well as Kargo Pro MTB’s Brendon Davids and Alan Hatherly won’t be on this year’s sani2c start line due to their UCI MTB World Cup commitments, Knox still expects a still challenge at the front of the men’s race.<br />
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“Even though some of the cross country specialists will be missing this year, it will still be a great field I’m sure and anyone with a number board on the front of their bike is a competitor you have to worry about; you can’t write anyone off.<br />
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“The Epic just showed how much stronger the local mountain biking scene is getting and I’m sure it’s going to be another really tough race at this year’s sani2c!” says Knox.<br />
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More information can be found at <a href="http://www.sani2c.co.za/">www.sani2c.co.za</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-33613034873269817162015-03-24T17:30:00.002+02:002015-03-24T17:30:48.188+02:002015 Neon Run<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It’s the most fun you can have in the dark! South Africa’s electric night-time spectacular has gone national with <a href="http://www.neonrun.co.za/" target="_blank">Neon Run™ 2015</a> taking place with five fun-filled festivals at major city centres.<br />
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Join thousands of runners, joggers and walkers decked out in all manner of glow and neon paraphernalia as they complete the course and manoeuvre through glow stations before celebrating at the post-race party with a dazzling laser light show.<br />
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The Neon Runs take place in the following South African centres:<br />
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11 April – Port Elizabeth, St George’s Park <br />
18 April – Cape Town, Kenilworth Race Course <br />
25 April – Bloemfontein, Chevrolet Park<br />
9 May – Durban, Sun Coast lawns, Sun Coast Casino<br />
16 May – Johannesburg, Wanderers Stadium<br />
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Performing will be some of South Africa’s top musicians and DJs.<br />
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5FM’s Nick Hamman will serve as master of ceremonies for all five neon events with Cape Town based DJ Chris Taylor – known for playing uplifting progressive house and electro – as resident DJ for Neon Run South Africa™. 5FM DJ Vic Naidoo will appear in all five cities; Roger Goode will take to the stage in Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and Johannesburg and DJ Fresh will appear in Bloemfontein and Durban.<br />
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Also on the line-up are explosive electro-swing act Goodluck (Port Elizabeth); Grassy Spark with their unique fusion of ska-blend and other genres (Cape Town); Sama winning house band Mi Casa (Cape Town and Johannesburg);<br />
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Afrikaans kwela folk artist Oros in ‘n Lang Glas (Bloemfontein); rock 'n roll and Indie Kwela pop band Desmond & the Tutus (Bloemfontein and Durban); electro, rock, dance, folk and hip-hop group iScream & the Chocolate Stix (Durban); Rubber Duc (Johannesburg) with their folk-swing-hop sound and The Illustrators (Johannesburg).<br />
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Gates open at 15h00 with music throughout the event while the race starts at 18h30.<br />
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A beer tent and food stalls are available.<br />
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The cost is R250 per person, under 11s play R90 while if four people or more book the price is R200 a person. Every ticket includes entry into race, the music festival, glow sticks and an official Neon Run head band.<br />
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People purchasing tickets for Neon Run™ will have the option of donating money to the Neon Run™ Fire Fighters & Victims Aid Fund. This voluntary donation can be anything from R1 upwards, which will go directly to the fund, and will be added onto the cost of the original ticket.<br />
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The 2015 tour includes more UV, neon paint, graffiti walls and lasers than ever before with participants at each event in line to win amazing prizes including the use of a Mitsubishi car for a year. Those Discovery members taking part also get Discovery points.<br />
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Partners for Neon Run South Africa 2015 include 5FM, Discovery Vitality, Flying Fish, Four Fire, Lorna Jane, Medal Paints, Mitsubishi Motors, Nu Tickets, Orbit, Planet Fitness and Thirst.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-35406861537628008752015-03-24T17:00:00.002+02:002015-03-24T17:00:44.973+02:00Tsogo Sun Duke of Edinburgh Cup to meet winter clothing needs of over 2 200 Diepsloot children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFzaY3zQO7fwYQUTN-tXHBAKrv1CGgtmtItYaN3qDgQ_kxBK1gKYuNnwRzOAWvVVlyMIX8QBDgVGMDQNgFCifLJ_81Dw7d-X_HzntMHhWA7TzeWD9r6i_v4peYxDWXT3qXvI9/s1600/Noeleen+Bruton+-+Group+Marketing+Director+of+Tsogo+Sun,+Priya+Naidoo+-+T...+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFzaY3zQO7fwYQUTN-tXHBAKrv1CGgtmtItYaN3qDgQ_kxBK1gKYuNnwRzOAWvVVlyMIX8QBDgVGMDQNgFCifLJ_81Dw7d-X_HzntMHhWA7TzeWD9r6i_v4peYxDWXT3qXvI9/s1600/Noeleen+Bruton+-+Group+Marketing+Director+of+Tsogo+Sun,+Priya+Naidoo+-+T...+(2).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Children of Diepsloot will be the main beneficiaries of this year’s prestigious Tsogo Sun Duke of Edinburgh Cup amateur golf tournament, which will be played on Monday 20 April at the Country Club Johannesburg, on both the Woodmead and Rockland Courses.<br />
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The tournament represents the South African leg of the Duke of Edinburgh Cup, which is played annually in 10 different countries with the aim of raising funds to benefit children and young people in need.<br />
<br />
“Tsogo Sun is proud to have been associated with the Duke of Edinburgh Cup for more than 10 years and it has always been a highlight on our annual calendar. Over the years we have raised a considerable amount for underprivileged children – and we look forward to the contribution we will make to children’s lives this year through the tournament,” says Noëleen Bruton, Group Marketing Director of Tsogo Sun.<br />
<br />
More than 2 200 children from Grade 1 to Grade 7 at Muzomuhle Primary School, Diepsloot’s oldest and largest school, will benefit from funds raised through the charity-driven golf tournament this year. Tsogo Sun is handing over 2 200 anoraks, 400 pairs of school shoes and 300 school jerseys to help see the children through the winter months. “Many of these children go to school without either shoes or jerseys so we worked in partnership with the school to identify each child’s greatest needs,” says Bruton.<br />
<br />
Unlike previous years, this year’s tournament was not made available to the public to purchase fourballs, but is by invitation only, giving Tsogo Sun the opportunity to thank their loyal and supportive card members. The winning pair from each of the two golf courses will qualify for one of amateur golf’s most coveted prizes – an invitation to participate in the exclusive Duke of Edinburgh Cup 2015 World Finals in England.<br />
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“The Duke of Edinburgh Championship is a truly memorable experience for everyone who participates – and this year we are delighted to directly impact over 2 200 school children by donating much-needed shoes and warm clothing,” says Bruton.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-82616961082738857692015-03-23T08:58:00.000+02:002015-03-23T08:58:24.776+02:00Top contenders & winning predictions for the 2015 Old Mutual Two Oceans MarathonWith the 2015 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon just over a week away, the top contenders are readying themselves for a battle that promises to be an exhilarating display of long distance running.<br />
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In the men’s race, the big question is whether Hendrick Ramaala will have what it takes to take the crown. The SA Half Marathon record holder and multiple national champion has little Ultra Marathon experience – last year’s Two Oceans Marathon was his first foray into a race longer than a standard marathon – but according to respected athletics writer and statistician, Riël Hauman, the 43-year-old veteran enjoys the benefit of extensive international competition experience.<br />
<br />
“He’d certainly not want to repeat the mistake of 2014 when he allowed Lebenya Nkoka to run away from him after the climb up Constantia Nek – and then finished much fresher than the winner in second place,” says Hauman.<br />
<br />
“Only three South Africans have won in the last eleven years, but Ramaala could become the fourth if he judges his race correctly.”<br />
<br />
Other gold medal contenders include Warinyane Lebopo (LES), who was fourth last year (and sixth the previous year), Michael Mazibuko (6th in 2014), Peter Muthubi, Motlokoa Nkhabutlane, who was second in 2011 but had a bad run last year and would surely be out to redeem himself, Moses Moeketsi Mosuhli (LES), who has four top ten finishes but did not finish in 2014, and Lucky Miya (21st in 2014).<br />
<br />
Cape Town fans will have their eyes on Mthandazo Qhina, who was second in 2013 and ninth last year, and "local" Zimbabwean Bernard Rukadza, who last ran in 2011.<br />
<br />
“But let’s not forget Ethiopia's Teshome Gelana, one of the fastest marathon runners in the field, who finished second in the Tiberias Marathon earlier this year in 2:12:33,” adds Hauman.<br />
<br />
Gelana has an excellent performance record in international marathons. His compatriot Ketema Tadesse, who was fifth last year, is also running.<br />
<br />
The women’s field will also be hotly contended, with some impressive names lining up at the start.<br />
<br />
“Charné Bosman is a great candidate as the first South African winner since 2001 in the women’s race. She was second in 2013 and continued to take fifth (as the first South African) in the Comrades Marathon that same year before having had to pull out of the longer Ultra last year for health reasons.<br />
“She is fully recovered and is South Africa's best Ultra Marathon runner at the moment. She has raced two comfortable marathons so far this year and should be ready.”<br />
<br />
But Hauman also warns that Bosman’s focus on the Comrades Marathon in May could play a role in her race strategy next weekend.<br />
<br />
“Defending champion Nina Podnebesnova (RUS) should start as favourite. She has not shown her hand since her comfortable win last year, apart from finishing second in the Russian Half Marathon Championships in September – in a personal best of 73:34 – so it will be interesting to see how she performs on 4 April.”<br />
<br />
Ultra novice, Tanith Maxwell, has emerged as the dark horse for the Ultra Marathon. Maxwell is one of the country's best marathoners of the last ten years, who set her PB of 2:32:33 in the 2010 Berlin Marathon. Earlier this year she won the Cape Peninsula Marathon and finished second in the Gran Canaria Marathon (2:39:45). Her preparations have not been without problems, though, and she did not finish the Durban City Marathon.<br />
<br />
Other top SA ultra runners in the race are Melanie van Rooyen, Julanie Basson and Zola Pieterse, who was eleventh last year. There are also the 2014 runner-up, Ethiopian Shitaye Gemechu Debellu, who won the Dallas Marathon last year, 2003 winner Simona Juhász-Staicu, who finished in the top five in all five her attempts, US ultra star Devon Yanko, whose third position in her 2012 Two Oceans Ultra debut is an indication of her ability, and Britain's Holly Rush, seventh in the Comrades two years ago.<br />
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In the Half Marathon, Lusapho April, fresh from a magnificent fourth place in the New York City Half Marathon in 61:21, should start as favourite (he won in 2010 and 2011 and was second in 2008 and 2013).<br />
<br />
His Half Marathon time is easily the fastest by a South African this year, and he also leads the 15 km list with his 44:12 – in fact, the latter is the quickest in the world in 2015.<br />
<br />
An experienced international marathoner who has twice won the Hannover Marathon, April will be challenged by athletes like Joel Mmone, who was second last year and earlier in March set a new personal best of 28:37 for 10 km, Sibabalwe Mzazi (third in 2014), Sibusiso Nzima, Xolisa Tyali, Derocious Makhobalo, who earlier this year was fifth in the SA 10 km but has not run the Two Oceans Half Marathon before, and David Manja, who was 19th last year.<br />
<br />
The women’s race is wide open, with neither Dinah Lebo Phalula nor René Kalmer running. Mapaseka Makhanya, who came fourth in 2014, will line up at the start again, together with 2013 winner and course record setter Meseret Mengistu Biru (ETH) and Irvette van Zyl, who was second three years in a row (2010-2012). Biru ran 72:43 two years ago (she has a PB of 69:31) and since then won the Cape Town Marathon (2:30:57) and Soweto Marathon.<br />
<br />
Biru should start as favourite, but could be challenged by the likes of Christine Kalmer and Jenna Challenor, who ran brilliantly in last year's World Half Marathon Championships and has already won three races this year, as well as Nolene Conrad, who recently set a new PB of 33:20 for 10 km.<br />
<br />
“And then, of course, there’s Cape Town’s big little hope, the precocious Annie Bothma in her first senior year,” says Hauman.<br />
<br />
“She set a WP junior record of 79:09 for the Half Marathon last year and this year has brought her 10 km PB down to 34:39. The only thing counting against this youngster – who will surely develop into a star over the next decade and more – is that the tough course may not suit her frail build.<br />
<br />
Watch the drama unfold on 4 April 2015.<br />
<br />
For more information, visit <a href="http://www.twooceansmarathon.org.z/">www.twooceansmarathon.org.z</a>a. Runners can also join the online conversation on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TwoOceansMarathon">www.facebook.com/TwoOceansMarathon</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/2OceansMarathon" target="_blank">@2OceansMarathon</a> on Twitter and Instagram (and by following and using the #OMTOM2015 hashtag).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-47362690931661703062015-03-20T12:16:00.001+02:002015-03-20T12:24:38.351+02:00German Pro, Till Schramm, to donate R25 000 to SA Triathlon Development<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/f3/fb/6a/f3fb6a412344274c8056d22799df4a0c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/f3/fb/6a/f3fb6a412344274c8056d22799df4a0c.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
Top German pro triathlete, <a href="https://twitter.com/TillSchramm" target="_blank">Till Schramm</a>, is heading to Port Elizabeth, SA, to take on the world’s toughest sportsmen in the <a href="http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/emea/ironman/south-africa.aspx" target="_blank">Standard Bank IRONMAN African Championship</a> -- and to donate<br />
R25 000 to triathlon development in SA.<br />
<br />
Schramm is sponsored by <a href="http://www.alpecin.co.za/en/products/caffeine-shampoo.html" target="_blank">Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo</a> which is donating R25 000 (R1 000 per development team member) to the South African Triathlon Development programme. In addition, he has entered IRONMAN on March 29 on a charity ticket which includes a donation of R13 000 to the IRONMAN 4 the Kidz Charity Trust that assists destitute children.<br />
<br />
Schramm will hand over the R25 000 donation in PE on March 25, and will host a short training run<br />
with some development athletes afterwards. He will visit the Khayalethu Children’s Home -- which<br />
will benefit from his charity entry – on Thursday 26 March.<br />
<br />
“Contributing in this way is important for me and Alpecin because we believe in giving back to the sport and society where we are able to,” said Schramm.<br />
<br />
Paul Wolff, South African Triathlon Development Manager and IRONMAN 4 the Kidz Trustee said: “We see IRONMAN as so much more than just a race. It’s an example of overcoming odds and offers a positive message not only to athletes but also the communities that the event touches. It is encouraging to see professional athletes giving something back to the sport by playing an active role in its development as well as supporting worthy initiatives.” <br />
<br />
Schramm, 29, from Cologne, Germany, is based in Dubai and, come March 29, faces stiff competition from around 70 other pros in his debut Standard Bank IRONMAN African Championship. He will be among a field of 2 100 of the world’s toughest, vying for a total prize purse of US$150 000 and world championship qualifying points.<br />
<br />
Pressed on his race goal, Schramm says: “I hate the pressure that goes with predictions, but my aim is a top five finish.”<br />
<br />
Schramm is in good shape, having notched up several podium finishes recently. “I finished second in the Dubai International in November 2014, achieving the fastest run-split behind Slovenia’s David Plese. Since then I have won a few smaller races this year and feel ready for Africa."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-60980163217316302192015-03-20T09:38:00.002+02:002015-03-20T09:38:20.598+02:00PMB MTB Festival’s marathons clear early season cobwebs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7lGb5Gny4fQxi7hHhV7Ne1stDoJTSfcpM-lbhEfeapT5e26_cNT0SkRANceSPC0Dt0F51uFBHED3XH5B-SNmJlyzgxCRb0qZbE3LGpDqFTpGhOdhvDin493nqZ_5DS8wFNxd/s1600/unnamed+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7lGb5Gny4fQxi7hHhV7Ne1stDoJTSfcpM-lbhEfeapT5e26_cNT0SkRANceSPC0Dt0F51uFBHED3XH5B-SNmJlyzgxCRb0qZbE3LGpDqFTpGhOdhvDin493nqZ_5DS8wFNxd/s1600/unnamed+(1).jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Pietermaritzburg MTB Festival’s brand new 50km Classic, 20km Ride and 10km Fun Ride events at Cascades MTB Park on Sunday 5 April are set to kick start the world famous KwaZulu-Natal mountain biking winter season, giving riders a chance to test themselves on the course that hosted the UCI MTB Marathon World Champs last year.<br />
<br />
With the crowd-pulling favourites like the Sappi Karkloof Classic, Nedbank sani2c and BSi Steel dusi2c as well as the popular Quattro ROAG Series' remaining eight legs all drawing near, the 50km and 20km events represent a golden chance to clear away the cobwebs for many.<br />
<br />
<br />
Participants of the 50km Classic, 20km Ride and 10km Fun Ride events that take place at the Pietermaritzburg Mountain Bike Festival on Sunday 5 April can expect courses of immense beauty and vast mountain biking variety. Darren Goddard/Gameplan Media<br />
<br />
“More and more people are feeling the pinch of the current economic times and going away on holiday during the Easter period appears to be less and less common these days,” says event director Alec Lenferna.<br />
<br />
“Many MTB lovers will be looking for recreational opportunities during the Easter long weekend and mountain bikers will be hard pressed to find an excuse not to be part of the Pietermaritzburg MTB Festival!” <br />
<br />
Few visitors to the province are expected to pass up the rare opportunity to tackle a top class race outside of their regular riding circles.<br />
<br />
“Many of those likely to be heading down from Gauteng and surrounds – looking to take advantage of the extra-long holiday weekend – are avid cyclists as well.<br />
<br />
“We are therefore looking forward to welcoming all those from up-country to Cascades this Easter, especially for Sunday’s 50km, 20km and 10km events!” said Lenferna.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKKiX1aZ06jy-uCHi-UHnFO-sgiWO2lQ7xSxtLHYv1hxnXKS8wS5ahUhn-t4jqdzICx7ycmLf1YE_0mGyiDTouq3t9E1ehDcP0tNOvMK6Yg0P-xUE-TGYsmnk0riblCp-5qMq/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKKiX1aZ06jy-uCHi-UHnFO-sgiWO2lQ7xSxtLHYv1hxnXKS8wS5ahUhn-t4jqdzICx7ycmLf1YE_0mGyiDTouq3t9E1ehDcP0tNOvMK6Yg0P-xUE-TGYsmnk0riblCp-5qMq/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The three-day mountain biking fiesta’s full schedule offers riders the chance to both participate in one or more of the wealth of events across the variety of disciplines and/or watch some of the top local and international stars in action.<br />
<br />
“The Pietermaritzburg MTB Festival’s programme includes events for all ages and abilities across all major mountain biking disciplines so there is something suitable for and of interest to everyone,” said Lenferna<br />
<br />
“We expect Sunday’s mass participation events to be very popular as the courses have been designed with the area’s extensive natural beauty and uniquely African experiences in mind.” <br />
<br />
Amateur and social riders alike can look forward to a challenging yet manageable outing while the 50km Classic course’s inclusion of much of the routes used for last year’s UCI MTB Marathon World Championships and Rainbow Challenge offers beauty and MTB variety of international appeal.<br />
<br />
Riders start by contouring their way out of Cascades’ forests and heading for Albert Falls Dam before a trip through the Edmonds’ Farm brings them to the uniquely African cycling experience of a journey through Mt Verde’s game reserve.<br />
<br />
The day’s one and only tough climb out of the valley and up to Otto’s Bluff will get the heart beating and blood pumping however the extra bead of sweat is soon justified as at the top, cyclists are treated to the breath-taking views of Albert Falls Dam, Karkloof, Hilton College and surrounds before going through the downhill gate as they start the final stretch home.<br />
<br />
The home ‘straight’ adds a final pinch of spice to the day’s mix as riders are kept on the edge of their seats with a maze of twisting, turning cross country-like obstacles all the way to the finish line.<br />
<br />
The 2015 Pietermaritzburg MTB Festival takes place at Cascades MTB Park from 3-5 April. More information on the Pietermaritzburg Mountain Bike Festival and the event’s full programme can be found at http://www.cyclingsa.com/2015-pmb-mtb-festival<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-68274085258626348662015-03-20T09:05:00.002+02:002015-03-20T09:13:16.469+02:00Every step was well worth it!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZuRSeyylepA9h17LxUUH6u2MqUFlBZibCwpHZR5qgIvvs5_sq2vT29rgjVxW_CEGzJR9po5kYmpIhTByCV-QdyCQWp7-_9WqoUiwAQ1LB4yYahYB4Q5d_-3etCuXiAahgq4A/s1600/Michele+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZuRSeyylepA9h17LxUUH6u2MqUFlBZibCwpHZR5qgIvvs5_sq2vT29rgjVxW_CEGzJR9po5kYmpIhTByCV-QdyCQWp7-_9WqoUiwAQ1LB4yYahYB4Q5d_-3etCuXiAahgq4A/s1600/Michele+before.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Michelé before</span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRiRG3G2YPnBurd6vI9-LGtScT5cle57dIxVoAGgdcCzGIWGLs2nRlr36lT7kRit4Qjem__vYv8NfFIDLpl82d_43_lXDXk0y3xYPDhdbDjUSi1F3jodAY2ZPCyxtinLRXAyp/s1600/_MG_3332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRiRG3G2YPnBurd6vI9-LGtScT5cle57dIxVoAGgdcCzGIWGLs2nRlr36lT7kRit4Qjem__vYv8NfFIDLpl82d_43_lXDXk0y3xYPDhdbDjUSi1F3jodAY2ZPCyxtinLRXAyp/s1600/_MG_3332.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Michelé after</span></td></tr>
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Today, I will be doing a Skype chat with Michelé Sturman.</div>
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She sent me a wonderful story on how she lost weight without going to extreme measures.</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The combination of correct eating and cardio exercise has helped Michele to drop from 89.8kg to 60kg in 7 months, a drop of 29kg!She now runs or exercises 5 to 6 times per week to maintain this loss.<br />Michele says “I was very focussed and the more I would lose the weight the more I wanted to do it – I craved it! My biggest hurdle was my mind and I was totally determined to do it and very excited! I was also motivated, which is critical for successful weight loss. A positive mind set makes a huge difference.<br />My lifestyle has changed significantly and my attitude towards food and my body. I lost the weight over a 7 month period. Smarter eating habits require care and thought.<br />I still log my daily food / meals. I didn’t see it as a diet but living a healthier and smarter life.”<br />Slimming down isn't easy, it takes time and commitment to reach your weight-loss goals, it's definitely not impossible. </blockquote>
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I will be chatting with Michelé on Skype but also trying to have a Google Hangout too so that you can join in. Please have a look later on.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-70904993246706764802015-03-20T08:56:00.000+02:002015-03-20T08:56:00.205+02:00Pedalling 4 Pompe raises funds for rare diseases<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8wJ0O24rIH5hL0QDuuGvZfMWyHuEbBIhQjo2GUZC8XZvSOJaRaGe0H5IlyI8dCCNE7ZnyDJ9BpTVsnAZA-1s4jSUJ6gX6GQ4xn3deOjNJSGpSaCnoxWLDWQrr40EbwI2m__z/s1600/Pedalling+4+Pompe+cycle+team+(L%2Bto%2BR)%2BDarrell%2C%2BJacqui%2C%2BIan%2B%26%2BKea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8wJ0O24rIH5hL0QDuuGvZfMWyHuEbBIhQjo2GUZC8XZvSOJaRaGe0H5IlyI8dCCNE7ZnyDJ9BpTVsnAZA-1s4jSUJ6gX6GQ4xn3deOjNJSGpSaCnoxWLDWQrr40EbwI2m__z/s1600/Pedalling+4+Pompe+cycle+team+(L%2Bto%2BR)%2BDarrell%2C%2BJacqui%2C%2BIan%2B%26%2BKea.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
2015 was the third year in which ‘Pedalling 4 Pompe’ entered as a charity bond at the Cape Town Cycle Tour on Sunday 8 March 2015 and despite being both amateurs at cycling and at the fundraising process, this year they managed to raise R97 140 for the Rare Disease Society of South Africa (RDSSA).<br />
<br />
‘Pedalling 4 Pompe’ is the main fundraising initiative of the RDSSA and encourages participants to ride for a cause and raise funds for better care and to create awareness about rare diseases and their impact on patients’ lives.<br />
<br />
Kelly Du Plessis, founder and chairperson of the RDSSA said: “What began as a simple challenge among friends and family to raise awareness about Pompe Disease, ‘Pedalling 4 Pompe’ has evolved into a charity initiative that seeks to help children and adults with rare conditions.”<br />
<br />
All the funds raised from the cycling event will go towards assisting patients with treatment costs, aiding potential patients with costs associated with diagnosis as well as funding the development of rare disease specialists in South Africa.<br />
<br />
For more information visit: <a href="http://rarediseases.co.za/join-cycle-team/">http://rarediseases.co.za/join-cycle-team/</a><br />
<br />
For further information about the Rare Disease Society of SA:<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:info@rarediseases.co.za">info@rarediseases.co.za</a><br />
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/RarediseasesSA" target="_blank">@RarediseasesSA</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-24002783210442525202015-03-19T15:00:00.000+02:002015-03-19T15:00:01.035+02:00Mpumalanga's Malaga Hotel | Adventure Sports Paradise<div class="tr_bq">
Here is something that crossed my desk yesterday...</div>
I have not been to the hotel, yet, and will hopefully be able to do a full review.<br />
What I found interesting about the write up is the re-angle of the venue. From simply being a stop over on a route to a place, the hotel is now boasting that it is becoming a venue for all the sports that are available in the area.<br />
<br />
I too think that Waterval Boven has always been overlooked. It's that town before Waterval Onder.<br />
If you have been to this spot, let me know please. Would love to know more...<br />
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The beautiful,<a href="http://www.malaga.co.za/" target="_blank"> Malaga Hotel</a>, situated on the banks of the Eland’s River in Waterval Boven in Mpumalanga has been stylishly renovated and is under new management. The luxurious 3 star hotel is perfect as a country retreat for a family leisure trip or as a stopover en route to the Kruger National Park or Mozambique. But what the hotel is fast becoming known as, is the adventure sports capital of SA with incredible rock climbing, trail running, mountain biking, fishing and hiking on offer in the area.<br />The 52 well-appointed rooms offer world-class service and stylish comfort and all boast private balconies with garden and mountain views. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with a menu featuring farm-fresh country fare and organic homegrown vegetables..<br />The beautiful Panorama Route that includes: the Blyde River Canyon, Pilgrim’s Rest, Sabie, Grasskop, God’s Window, waterfalls, Pinnacle (rock formation), Burk’s Luck Pot Holes and Three Rondavels (mountain range), along with the Kruger National Park, is easily accessible from the hotel. The area is renowned for Adventure Sport and is situated at one of South Africa's top rock climbing destinations with breath taking waterfalls and scenic views. Other facilities include the Deluxe Spa with jacuzzi and sauna and a volleyball court. A beautiful kids playground facility makes the hotel even more suitable for the whole family!<br />For more information or to make a booking, please visit <a href="http://www.malaga.co.za/">http://www.malaga.co.za</a> or call 013 257 5300.</blockquote>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21989516.post-30178673491090414302015-03-19T09:00:00.000+02:002015-03-19T09:00:05.397+02:00Add a little sparkle to your healthy lifestyle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMIs-2Nkdq9KXFiGbeJjNRaMazSJ-q_8RLLK2puHKZQLrzZTDVb3xljBIwo-6SI8IlZVfPLkpVjXfWSsjh3OpfpV3J7CStBclRRa-IRJXG3qmcC8VAn5mKWMSpVMCrbHEyrO_/s1600/Sodastream+Blue+New+size.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMIs-2Nkdq9KXFiGbeJjNRaMazSJ-q_8RLLK2puHKZQLrzZTDVb3xljBIwo-6SI8IlZVfPLkpVjXfWSsjh3OpfpV3J7CStBclRRa-IRJXG3qmcC8VAn5mKWMSpVMCrbHEyrO_/s1600/Sodastream+Blue+New+size.jpg" height="400" width="370" /></a></div>
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The pressure of inadequate hydration can cause fatigue, and this ultimately affects everyone’s productivity levels – from school children, to fitness fundis, domestic executives, as well as professionals. The far-fetched idea of members of society resorting to carrying around hydration packs is definitely drastic, but if we don’t take care of our daily hydration needs – this is exactly what we would all need to do.<br />
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Fortunately, there is a much more fun, practical, and beneficial way to keep one’s hydration at desirable levels. It’s also a delicious way to facilitate a healthy lifestyle on a daily basis. With just a simple press, anyone can turn ordinary water into fresh sparkling water, and flavoured sparkling water in seconds. It’s also encouraging to know that people who own a SodaStream machine drink one liter of water more/<br />
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From an aesthetic point of view, a SodaStream machine isn’t only a stylish, and absolutely ultimate must-have kitchen appliance – it’s also a positive enabler for health and fitness fundamentalists.<br />
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With the Sugafree SodaStream flavours range, you get to enjoy the flavours, and not feel any guilt. It’s definitely a product you’ll use all the time – Fill up the bottle and drink it at home, take it to the gym, to work, to the park, everywhere. It’s not just about drinking water, it’s an exciting hydration experience that supports healthy living in a cost-effective and proudly-green kind of way.<br />
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For a flavorful glass of nutritious sparkling water – try adding a slice of lemon to your just-carbonated morning glass, a bit of mint to your mid-afternoon replenishment, or some cucumber for your dose of evening hydration.<br />
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And when the time comes for you to cater for a family braai, a kids birthday party, or just a normal Saturday night in with family or close friends, SodaStream will have you covered. You’ll be able to make everything from sparkling water, to flavoured low-sugar sparkling water, and even exquisite cocktails for everyone.<br />
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<b><u>A few good reasons to stay hydrated</u></b><br />
Enhancing mental clarity: A loss of just 2% in body water can cause short term memory loss and difficulty in concentration. Good hydration helps you stay mentally alert all day long.<br />
Improving digestion: A digestive system without enough fluid will become constipated. Fluid is essential for nutrients to pass through the membranes of the intestines.<br />
Softening skin texture: Proper hydration makes it possible for water to move through all the membranes so that the largest organ in your body, your skin, is soft and pliable. The aging process is slowed.<br />
Wrinkles are less pronounced. Baggy skin tightens.<br />
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<b><u>Busting a few myths about hydration</u></b><br />
<b>Myth</b> – Everyone should drink 8 glasses of water a day: Although it’s a nice reminder that most of us should aim to drink more, the truth is that not everyone requires 8 glasses of water a day to maintain adequate hydration. The amount of fluids that each person needs varies based on activity level, gender and body size. Other sources of fluids that contribute to hydration include carbonated drinks, juice, milk, coffee, tea, fruits, vegetables and other foods with higher water content.<br />
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<b>Myth</b> – Only water really hydrates you: Not true. Many beverages with high water content contribute to the body’s hydration status, including carbonated soft drinks, juices, tea and even coffee to a certain extent. In addition, 20% of your hydration regularly comes from the food you eat.<br />
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<b>Myth </b>– Thirst is a good indicator and my body’s main signal that I need to drink: Many people can use thirstiness as an indicator to rehydrate, but that may not always be reliable. As many of us know, thirst signals are easily ignored when it’s inconvenient to drink, and we do this regularly, so it’s tough to rely on thirst as a signal to drink. In addition, physical activity, high temperatures, stress and fatigue may increase water loss making it necessary to consume more than you usually need.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0