SABC banking on NBA coverage

The American National Basketball Association (NBA) is to play an integral role in resurrecting the idea of a dedicated sports channel, which the SABC intends launching later this year.

After losing the rights for cricket, rugby and, most critically, the domestic soccer league to SuperSport, the SA Broadcasting Corporation is considering a fourth, sports-only channel.

It was earmarked to air in six months, said SABC head of sports Sizwe Nzimande.

“This is about catering for the sports channel so that when we do get it, we will have the right content to interest people,” he said on Tuesday, after the NBA announcement.

“We are hoping to go live on October 1.

“We showed the soccer, cricket and rugby world cups, and now have the best of the best in the NBA.”

The SABC has already broadcast three games – including the fixture between the Los Angeles Lakers and champions Dallas Mavericks two weeks ago, which reportedly attracted 2.1 million viewers.

The NBA matches will continue to be broadcast until the basketball season ends in June; the full season will be shown next year.

Nzimande was tight-lipped about the deal, but said the terrestrial channel had received a “very, very special rate” from its United States partners.

It was an amount that both felt was substantial enough to start the incubation process, Nzimande said.

“The real figure will start after the incubation, with the amount conducive for us and them.

“I want to thank the NBA and their rate that helped this deal to happen.

“Their interest was not money, it was to get the sport onscreen and give exposure to game.

“Also, the Sports Minister (Fikile Mbalula) declared basketball one of the key sports to be played in schools.”

NBA vice president for development in Africa Amadou Gallo Fall said the deal took two years to complete.

“We obviously don't disclose our financial terms, but it's a multi-year partnership that works for both parties,” he said.

“It took two years and we are glad that it's here and our fans have access to the game where the greatest athletes in the world are.”

The highly-successful league surpasses the English Premiership as the most watched sport in the world.

Fall said the NBA would play an integral role in attracting advertising income to the SABC.

“We are going to drive the initiative and get local companies to advertise with the SABC and support the sporting nation.

“With them, we feel our brand is as big as it gets.”

Nzimande saw potential growth in local basketball, encouraged by the huge television figures in the first match shown live.

The game and the local professional league took a nosedive in the mid-90s, which coincided with the broadcaster's dropping of the NBA in 1996.

“Children aspire to be soccer players like (Lionel) Messi, (Wayne) Rooney and Ronaldo because they are all that people see,” Nzimande said.

“If you go back to when it was Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal when we were growing up... The children will now get to see the likes of the Kevin Durandts and the Lebron James of this world.”

Successful Experimental MTB Weekend Draws to a Close at All Africa Challenge

Carl Calverley (Wsquared/Subaru) showed just what he is capable of on the day when he blitzed the rest of the CSA KZN All Africa MTB Challenge 45km Classic field to claim a comfortable victory and close off what has been an intriguing two days of experimental mountain biking events at Cascades MTB Park in Pietermaritzburg.

Having sat comfortably in fourth place during the first of the three 15km laps, Calverley patiently bided his time and trusted his instincts as he settled into a rhythm a little way off the frenetic pace set by early leaders Alan Hatherly (BMC-SA) and Kyle Dorkin (Ellsworth SA).

Having claimed victory in the exciting new Enduro race the day before, Hatherly soon tired and dropped off the pace leaving Calverley and Dorkin to battle it out for the overall honours.

“Alan (Hatherly) and I went out hard in the first lap but then we took it a bit easier in the second,” explained Dorkin. “On the third though Carl (Calverley) came flying through and once he got through he really attacked hard. Fortunately I managed to stay with him and then counter attacked myself and opened up about a minute lead over him.

“As we went into the last bit of single track I crashed and when I tried to get going again my chain got stuck, which took a while to get back on by which time Carl had gone past again and I wasn’t able to close the gap,” he added.

An experienced racer, Calverley had the rest of the elite riders chuckling on the frontline as he strolled up just minutes before the gun and slotted into the front row, however when it came down to it all there was no messing about for Calverley and his true colours beamed through.

“Carl’s been around for a while and when he feels like turning it on then he really lets everyone know about it. He’s a top competitor and really raced well today,” said Dorkin.

“It was an awesome race though. I have never raced the new lap format before, which was really cool and the track was awesome,” he added.

Hatherly, the young pupil from Hillcrest High School, had to settle for fourth overall as he came home behind Mark Malherbe (Coffeeberry Cafe) and ahead of the ever consistent Hilton Frost (Marshalls World of Sport) after a strong start.

“It’s a little frustrating,” said Hatherly. “I’d hoped to finish in the top three but I won my age group and got fourth overall so it’s still pretty good. It was a bit of a World Cup type start, which was really good practice for me but the pace was really hot on that first lap so I kind of knew it [having to slow down and falling back in the field] was coming,” he added.

Natalie Bergstorm deservedly claimed her hat-trick of victories at this weekend’s event having successfully battled it out in the gravity Enduro, cross-country eliminator and the 45km Classic beating the small yet respectable ladies field in all three events.

Bergstrom claimed victory ahead of young talent Ashley Parker-Moffatt (BMC-SA) and Savannah Schuit after former MTB hero Allegra Wykerd had to withdraw after the first lap due to severe lower back pain.

Meanwhile in the 30km event Gareth Cook powered his way to a sizeable victory ahead of the father and son combo Cian and Kevin Leveridge.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS – CSA KZN All Africa MTB Challenge 
45km Classic – Overall Men 
1. Carl Calverley 2:02.03
2. Kyle Dorkin 2:02.49
3. Mark Malherbe 2:04.03
4. Alan Hatherly 2:08.57
5. Hilton Frost 2:11.38

45km Classic – Overall Women 
1. Natalie Bergstorm 2:34.40
2. Ashley Parker-Moffatt 2:39.40
3. Savannah Schuit 2:49.43


30km 
1. Gareth Cook 1:35.06
2. Cian Leveridge 1:48.09
3. Kevin Leveridge 1:48.09


15km 
1. Sean van der Merwe 56.43
2. Jacques Enslin 1:02.13
3. Raymond Kock 1:02.31

Nhlapo Crowned 2012 National BMX Champ at All Africa Challenge

Sifiso ‘Skizo’ Nhlapo (MTN Qhubeka) made it two from two as he raced to victory in the drama filled SA National BMX Championships second leg which, when combined with his win in Saturday’s first leg, saw him crowned the elite men’s national champ at Alexandra Park BMX track on Sunday.

The battle between Nhlapo and fast emerging youngster Kyle Dodd had been of epic proportions throughout the tough two days of racing and, after Dodd claimed a moral boosting victory over Nhlapo in the final moto, the excitement ahead of the main had spectators on the edge of their seats.

Both riders flew out of the blocks and despite Nhlapo taking the early lead the pair found themselves side by side going into the second berm and it was anyone’s race.

Nhlapo however narrowly got his nose in front going into the corner and as Dodd attempted a brave yet somewhat questionable passing manoeuvre on the exit, contact between the two was inevitable.

The resultant collision sent Dodd crashing to the ground leaving his title hopes in tatters whilst the stronger Nhlapo who managed to stay on his bike headed for glory.

“It’s been a really good weekend of racing. Fortunately I managed to have a really good, clean race my side and it’s great to be able to get my first national title in a few years,” said Nhlapo.

“Usually I can’t make it to compete in these Championships because I’m overseas but this year the timing was perfect and I thought I’d come out here and give them a go. Kyle’s (Dodd) a great competitor and has come a long way recently so it was good to have a couple of tight races with him.

“Hats off to Pietermaritzburg for putting on a really good show this weekend. The organisers really put in a lot of effort into things, the track was great and things went really well,” he added.

Nhlapo, who only touched down in South Africa from the United States on Wednesday, now has a couple of weeks at home before heading abroad again to Europe to start his final preparations for the BMX World Championships in Birmingham and then hopefully, the London Olympics.

For Dodd it was a disappointing overall result as his crash in the second leg saw him finish fourth overall however the young talent did well to hide his frustrations and instead lapped up the overwhelming support he received from the local ’Maritzburg crowd.

“You don’t hear much whilst you’re racing but you most certainly hear everything when you’re at the top of the hill and when the crowd made such a noise before the final it really gave me so much motivation to give it my all out there,” said Dodd.

“I had a good start and I saw the line into the first turn so I went for it and got it and then I tried to get Skizo (Nhlapo) at the bottom of the second turn but I had a line that wasn’t quite there and unfortunately we came together but it’s all part of racing and well done to Skizo.

“It’s been a really good weekend for me though and Skizo’s a really tough guy to beat so to have even just taken one win off him is really great,” he added.

Dodd’s crash saw him limp home in sixth position however this exciting young talent is far better than his number four national number board would suggest.

His mishap however opened the door for Miguel Carvalho to claim second place in Sunday’s race with Christopher Austin finishing third and Godfrey Buziba fourth.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS – CSA KZN All Africa Challenge 
SA National BMX Championships – Leg 2 

Elite Men 
1. Sifiso Nhlapo
2. Miguel Carvalho
3. Christopher Austin
4. Godfrey Buziba
5. Bryce Stiebel
6. Kyle Dodd
7. Michael Kimmins

SA National BMX Championships – Overall 

Elite Men 
1. Sifiso Nhlapo
2. Christopher Austin
3. Miguel Carvalho
4. Kyle Dodd
5. Godfrey Buzibo
6. Bryce Stiebel

REINARDT JANSE VAN RENSBURG WINS ANOTHER STAGE

Reinardt Janse van Rensburg wins his first race in Europe by jumping clear 700m from the finish. The bunch had diminished to only 20 riders on the final ascent of the Mur de Bretagne.

122 riders started today’s 154km stage from Missilac to Mur de Bretagne. The racing was aggressive form the start with many riders trying to go clear of the peloton to get a time gap before the final circuits over the infamous Mur de Bretagne, a 2km ascent at 15% gradient.

The bunch split into four distinct groups on the first passage of the Mur and Van Rensburg had team mate Dennis van Niekerk in support in the front split.

“With 6km’s to go I said to Dennis I was feeling good and that he must keep me near the front and then with 700m to go I pushed really hard and got a gap. I am really happy to win for our team” said Van Rensburg.

You can see the video of today’s stage here…

There are three more stages left in the race.

"Great" Britain?

My dad wrote this mail to SkyNews yesterday.
I have to say that I agree with it completely.

Watch any international football, rugby, cricket  or (I am sure) many other sporting events and one will see England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales representing their own countries in their own traditional colours.   And so it should be!!!
So the question is: “When do these countries combine and take part as Great Britain”?
Answer:  “When it suits them” !!!
How farcical it appears to other participating countries when “Great Britain”  (Yaaaay!!! ???) takes part in the Olympic Games as one entity.   Who are you trying to kid?
Why not take it one step further?  Why not combine all the Commonwealth countries into one participating body?  After all, they supposedly all have the Queen as their sovereign leader.
 Neville Gericke
(A South African – Like most of the English cricket team)

What do you think? Leave a comment...

New Zealand World Cup posts record broadcast levels

Last year's rugby World Cup in New Zealand was watched by more young people and women than any
previous tournament with a total increase of 60 percent in hours viewed over the 2007 edition, Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) said on Friday.

In a statement RWCL said that as well as being the most broadcast rugby World Cup ever, the final, in which the All Blacks beat France, was the most-watched event in New Zealand television history "attracting a 98 percent audience share".

Total hours of coverage jumped to 14,595.

"Significantly, viewership amongst the five-45 year age group increased by six percent from 2007, while the audience gender spilt narrowed with females accounting for 45 percent, up from 25 percent for Rugby World Cup 1995," it said.

RWCL chairman Bernard Lapasset said approximately 60 percent of World Cup revenues were generated by broadcast income.

"We are in a highly competitive sports and entertainment market and therefore it is particularly pleasing to see the average viewing age decreasing in line with our decision to fully embrace digital and social media platforms to engage with new fans and promote the tournament and Rugby worldwide," he said.

SA Track Champs Hot Up In ’Maritzburg

Day two of the CSA KZN All Africa Challenge in Pietermaritzburg once again saw Nolan Hoffman put in a world class effort at the SA National Track and Para Cycling Championships, whilst the SA National BMX champs also got underway as riders took part in official practice at Alexandra Park.

Hoffman continued where he left off on day one of the track champs with wins in both the Omnium 4000m pursuit and 1km time trial events and a third place in the 15km scratch which, together with his three victories on the opening day, gave him his first title at this year’s competition.

“I’m really happy with the win and it’s great to have started the champs off with gold,” said Hoffman. “The form has been good my side and I’ve been racing dominantly over the past two days which is obviously great for my confidence and definitely gives me one up on my competitors early on.

“Going into competitions sometimes you’ve got to try force your dominance onto others and I’ve managed to do that over the past two days so I’m really happy with how things have gone so far,” he added.

Hoffman claimed his fourth win in as many starts in the six-leg elite men’s Omnium when he raced to victory in the Omnium 4000m pursuit final early on the second day however, with a long weekend ahead of him and a strong effort by his competitors, Hoffman had to settle for third in the Omnium 15km scratch event.

Instead it was Pieter Seyffert (Westvaal BMC) and Oupa Makuleke (Panda) who enjoyed the limelight temporarily as they managed to break away from the rest of the pack with close on four kilometres to go and with the Omnium front runners playing cat and mouse with each other the pair were left to battle it out between them for the spoils, which Seyffert claimed narrowly.

“Two guys managed to get away in the scratch race but the rest of the guys weren’t too worried about it with it being part of the Omnium. For me it was actually ideal because I was then able to sit back a bit because they were just taking points away from the other guys, which suited me perfectly,” said Hoffman.

Hoffman however came back strongly later on in the day to claim victory in the 1km time trial final, giving him five firsts and a third in the six Omnium events, enough to earn him his first title of the champs, a title that was held by 2011 Omnium Champion Boyd Roberts (Intellibus).

Track legend Wayne Pheiffer suffered an unfortunate fall whilst competing in his master’s sprint event and suffered some nasty abrasions to his face, shoulders and chest as well as a suspected fractured collarbone.

The cycling hero however demanded that his son Brent Pheiffer (Intellibus) stay at the track and compete in the elite men’s 1500m final and compete he most certainly did.

From the onset Pheiffer set off at an incredible pace laying down the gauntlet for the rest of the bunch to change their tactics and come after him far earlier than many would have hoped.

No one however was prepared to follow Pheiffer except for crowd favourite Oupa Maluleke who valiantly accepted the challenge and went after Pheiffer alone.

As the pair circulated alone and tired quickly the sprinters in the pack suddenly sprung into action with just over a lap to go however it was too little too late and against all odds Pheiffer claimed his first title of the champs.

In the elite ladies section Maroesjka Matthee claimed gold in the Sprint final with Tannah Robinson having to settle for second and Dalena Nel third.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS - CSA KZN ALL AFRICA CHALLENGE

SA NATIONAL TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS

DAY ONE – Elite Men

Omnium – Flying Lap Final
1. Nolan Hoffman 14:06
2. James Louter 14:26
3. Jean Spies 14:51

Omnium – 30km Points Final
1. Nolan Hoffman 68 points
2. Evan Carstens 59 points
3. Jean Spies 41 points

Omnium – Elimination Final
1. Nolan Hoffman
2. Evan Carstens
3. James Louter

DAY TWO – Elite Men

Omnium – 4000m Pursuit Final
1. Nolan Hoffman 04.53
2. Jean Spies 04.58
3. James Louter 05.01

Omnium – 15km Scratch Final
1. Pieter Seyffert
2. Oupa Maluleke
3. Nolan Hoffman

Omnium – 1km Time Trial Final
1. Nolan Hoffman

1500m Final
1. Brent Pheiffer
2. Jeanné Nell
3. Oupa Maluleke

Elite Women Sprint Final
1. Maroesjka Matthee 13.25
2. Tannah Robinson
3. Ilze Bole

"The Hoff" Starts Well at SA Track Champs

South African cycling hero Nolan Hoffman got the all new CSA KZN All Africa Challenge underway at Alexandra Park Track on Thursday morning at the 2012 SA National Track and Para Cycling Championships with a display of relentless domination in the elite men’s category.

Fresh off his recent silver medal at the World Track Champs in Melbourne, Australia Hoffmann, racing for the Tasol GT team racked up the early advantage in battle for the elite men’s Omnium by claiming the win in all three of the opening day’s encounters, the flying lap, 30km points and elimination finals.

“It’s not a win as yet,” said a cautious Hoffmann. “I’ve still got to get through three more events tomorrow but it definitely is very comforting to get off to a really good start and get a couple of races under the belt.

“So far so good. It’s always a good thing to start a race in such a dominant manner and I really feel I’m in control of the ship now and am able to steer it where I need to,” he added.

The Omnium, made up by riders’ results over six different events over two days, is just one of a host of titles Hoffmann secured in 2011 and the Tasol GT competitor is focused on replicating last year’s feat as well as successfully defend his aQuellé Tour Durban title on Sunday.

“It’s a really big weekend for us at the team. We’ve set ourselves incredibly high standards so there’s still a long way to go but I came away with six medals last year so I’m really hoping to be able to do the same again this year at the champs,” said Hoffmann.

“It’s great to see Nolan (Hoffmann) and the rest of the team get off to a great start today but obviously we’re also trying to focus on our bigger picture of winning six titles and the Tour Durban title as well,” said Tasol GT team manager Dean Edwards.

“So it’s all about going out there to win but to try do it as smartly as possible and with as minimal effort as possible,” he added.

Despite having been pushed at times by fellow teammate Jean Spies, James Louter and Evan Carstens, Hoffmann looked in complete control for the majority of Thursday’s affair standing head and shoulders above the rest.

“It’s not as easy out there as some think though,” said Hoffmann. “My competition certainly isn’t handing it to me on a silver platter! I’ve just come off some incredible form after Worlds and my preparation period before that so I’m just feeling really good at the moment,” he added.

In the junior men’s section Kellan Gouveris followed in his senior teammate’s footsteps when he too claimed all the titles available on the opening day of the champs which gives him a comfortable lead with just three events to go in the race for the Omnium title.

Meanwhile in the elite ladies category Maroesjka Matthee and Tannah Robinson safely negotiated their way through the qualifiers and semi-finals stages of the sprint race and so will tackle the event’s final on Friday morning.

Friday also sees the second of the event’s three disciplines get underway as riders competing at this year’s SA National BMX Championships take on the recently built six-metre start hill and the rest of the reworked Alexandra Park’s BMX track during official practise from 14:00 onwards.

There is much hype and excitement surrounding this year’s event as it operates under the new one-day champs system for the first time and will see 2008 Olympic competitor Sifiso ‘Skizo’ Nhlapo (MTN Cycling) in action along with the likes of the flying Kyle Dodd and the rest of the elite men’s field.

TEAM BONITAS CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL EUROPEAN DEBUT

Team Bonitas, one of South Africa’s leading professional men’s road cycling teams, arrived back home on Wednesday after a successful six-week stint in Europe where the team not only held its own, but also excelled, against some of the world’s best riders in demanding races and cold conditions.

In keeping with the 2012 progression plan as set by Team Bonitas owner Malcolm Lange and team manager, Barry Austin, the team sacrificed its usual early season domestic success in South Africa’s short, fast summer races in order to put in the appropriate preparation for a first ever European racing campaign.

It was a big-picture plan that had the full backing of all of the team’s sponsors who’d become accustomed to South African podium-topping success during the first quarter over the past three years. However, it was somewhat of a risk considering the relatively low success rate of South African teams racing in Europe in the past. But it was a well-thought out plan and it paid immediate dividends.

The 2012 Team Bonitas European campaign comprises two six-week stints, the first in March and April and the second in July and August. Racing began in Portugal at the four-day Volta a Alentejo stage race from 22-25 March and immediately the South African team made an impact.

Darren Lill won the King of the Mountains title in a hard-fought battle over the four days, while Tyler Day showed his ability to hold his own in an international sprint when he claimed third place on Stage 3.

Next up was the two-day Volta as Terras de Santa Maria on 30 and 31 March, also in Portugal. Team Bonitas sprinter Herman Fouche got the team off to the perfect start by winning the opening 141km stage and claiming the race leader’s jersey. During the same stage, Lill claimed the King of the Mountains leader’s jersey.

The team lost Fouche’s leader’s jersey after the following stage, a team time trial (they didn’t have the benefit of time trial bikes like the European teams did) but Lill managed to retain his King of the Mountains competition lead and claimed his second climber’s title in as many races. Jason Bakke managed to feature at the sharp end of the final 60km stage in the finale, claiming third place to help Team Bonitas complete a successful stint in Portugal.

From Portugal to Spain and up a notch in terms of race grading. The Klasika Primavera Amorebieta was a 171km one-day race graded 1.1 by the UCI. Day spent a large part of the race in a breakaway, which was caught, but Lill managed a top-15 spot to be the top finisher for Team Bonitas.

With morale high and all riders mended from illness or injury, the Castilla y Leon three-stage 2.1-graded race presented the team’s biggest challenge. Besides snow in the mountains, the climbs were long and the competition fierce.

The first two stages saw Team Bonitas riders adjusting in one of the biggest races of their lives. However, by the final stage they’d adapted to the pace and depth of the talent around them. Johann Rabie and Lill showed pluck and got themselves into a 10-rider break. On the second major climb Rabie was dropped, but Lill stayed with the leading group until the final kilometres where a puncture ended his hopes of a high stage finish.

Lill was again in the action at the team’s final race, the 1.1-graded 190km Vuelta Ciclista a La Rioj in Spain. He was joined by Fouche and Bakke in a mid-race move that saw a group of 25 move off the front.  Only Lill was able to stay with the front riders though as the bunch split under pressure on the final climbs and ended up in very respectable 13th place.

Experienced team manager, Barry Austin, was instrumental in getting the appropriate support structure in place for the riders, an essential element that’s often overlooked when South Africans compete in Europe.

He says he wasn’t that surprised by the team’s success:  “We carefully chose a programme that would suit our riders and style of racing and slowly brought them into bigger and bigger races. I think what was ‘surprising’ to many, was the way they pulled together and relished the challenge in Europe.

“We focussed on being a team on the bike. After every race and many team-training sessions we went over what we didn't do that was team orientated. Humans tend to self-preserve and in cycling you must learn that the only path to self-preservation is if you preserve your team first,” explained Austin.

In Austin’s opinion, the riders adjusted quickly to the different conditions, which didn’t only mean adapting to the cold weather.

“Yes, the weather was a big adjustment as a good day in April in Europe was like July in South Africa. But I think the biggest adjustment was not the speed of the race, but the holding of a position in a bunch and seeing how hard so many riders fight to be at the front. Then when entering into the races with the ProTour teams, understanding that the initial break will be made under great pressure and split decisions; and the same in the finale.”

The team arrived back in South Africa on Wednesday, 25 April and departs for the second leg of its 2012 European campaign at the end of July. Races Team Bonits willl compete in will be finalised and announced soon.

Van Persie named PFA player of year

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie was named the English Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) player of the year on Sunday after scoring 27 league goals to revive his club's season.

The Dutch international, 28, tops the Premier League scoring charts and Arsenal's third spot with three matches to go after a poor start to the campaign is in large part down to his stunning contribution.

"If other people are saying it, it is special, but it is even more special if your opponents are saying it," the skilful Van Persie told a gala in London.

"If they make up their minds that I'm the best player it is a big honour."

Without their captain, Arsenal could be languishing in mid-table and fans will shudder at the thought of who would score their goals if injury struck or he was tempted away in the search of trophies.

The London side have won just the 2005 FA Cup since he joined from Feyenoord in 2004.

Van Persie is the third Dutchman to win the award after Dennis Bergkamp (1997-98) and Ruud van Nistelrooy (2001-02). He was the first Arsenal player to claim it since Thierry Henry in 2004.

WALKER YOUNG PLAYER

Far more clinical this season than ever before after becoming the main centre forward, he acknowledged having doubts about the position after previously displaying his flair as a second striker.

"To be fair, when I first went there I wasn't really as confident and I wasn't really sure I could do it," added Van Persie, also favourite to win the English Football Writers' player of the year award later this week.

"It took a bit of time but after a couple of months I slowly realised I could do a good job there."

He took the players' gong ahead of fellow nominees Wayne Rooney of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur's Scott Parker and Manchester City trio Joe Hart, David Silva and Sergio Aguero.

Tottenham winger Gareth Bale won last season's award.

Spurs full back Kyle Walker was named young player of the year after shining at right back for his club and forcing himself into contention for England's Euro 2012 squad.

The PFA's Premier League team of the year was as follows:

Joe Hart (Manchester City); Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur), Vincent Kompany (City), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle United), Leighton Baines (Everton); David Silva (City), Yaya Toure (City), Scott Parker (Tottenham), Gareth Bale (Tottenham); Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United).

Force India tighten security after Bahrain scare

Force India tightened up their security procedures on Thursday after petrol bombs were thrown near a car taking staff back to their hotel from the Bahrain Grand Prix circuit.

The team said two staff, one a data engineer and the other a radio contractor, had decided to return home to Britain after the incident but there was no question of pulling out of a race that local rights activists want cancelled.

Although only one petrol bomb was mentioned by a team spokesman, sources indicated there may have been several more that landed on the highway to Manama on Wednesday evening during clashes in a nearby village between anti-government protestors and police.

The protestors have threatened "days of rage" to coincide with the race, the fourth round of the 20-race season, while organisers have ignored calls to cancel a grand prix scrapped last year due to violent demonstrations during the Arab Spring.

Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley said he had met local race organisers, police advisor John Yates and Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone's right-hand man Pasquale Lattuneddu.

"We just want to make sure the right precautions are being taken," said Fernley, who was accompanied by team sporting director Andy Stevenson.

"We know there are going to be protests, we know there are going to be elements to it, but to make sure everything is minimised from a team point of view."

Fernley said the Silverstone-based team, part-owned by Indian aviation and beer tycoon Vijay Mallya, understood the two staff's reasons for wanting to pull out and respected their decision.

He said some British parliamentarians had requested they pull out of the race but government advice was still that it was safe to travel to Bahrain and contractual agreements with the governing body and promoter had to be respected.

"We obviously expect a few more protests in the next few days, so now what we want is for them (team members) to travel as close as possible together," he explained.

"We, as a team, have engaged security here just to give our guys extra comfort and reassurance that we care about them, which as a team is our first priority. So we are co-ordinating our security with the circuit security.

"We don't want our guys getting into a position or a placewhere they shouldn't be, so we re-route accordingly."

Measures included putting trackers in cars in case they lost their way and not wearing team uniform between the track and hotel in Manama, where the streets have been largely quiet by day before evening protests.

Some teams have also taken to removing parking passes from windscreens, putting them instead on plastic sheets that can be hidden away from the track, so that the cars cannot be identified as race traffic.

"We have security people liaising with the authorities and if anything flares up we get to know about it quickly and we can take appropriate action," said Fernley.

"When we go back at night I will go back to their hotel with the last crew member to make sure they have all got back safely before I go back to mine.

"Our concern is absolutely making sure they are all okay. It's sensible things, nothing outrageous, untoward or sinister, just being sensible."

They Start Them Young

Thirteen-year-old Chinese Guan Tian-Lang shot a five-over-par 77 at the China Open on Thursday when he became the youngest golfer to play in a European Tour event.

Guan, who bogeyed his first hole and quickly slipped to five over par before making a birdie at the seventh, was 107 days younger than his compatriot Lo Shik-Kai at the 2003 Hong Kong Open.

England's Matthew Baldwin set the pace with a first-round 65 to finish a shot ahead of a group of six players including Sweden's Fredrik Andersson Hed.

England's Paul Casey finished on four under par, level with former European number one Colin Montgomerie.

MTB Enthusiasts in for a Treat at All Africa Challenge

Participants of the mountain bike aspect of the exciting new three-prong CSA KZN All Africa Challenge, which takes place in Pietermaritzburg from 25-30 April, will be treated to a feast when they are given the opportunity to try their hand at various new MTB disciplines.

Stirred by the frenzy of activity that arose from the success of local downhill hero Greg Minnaar and cross-country star Burry Stander at the 2012 RockyRoads UCI MTB World Cup the MTB, which took place at Cascades MTB park a month ago, the MTB world will once again head for the ’Maritzburg-based facility next weekend however this time with a slightly lesser knowledge of what lies ahead.

Although those in Europe and America may be familiar with the concept of enduro racing as well as the cross-country eliminator these ideas are somewhat new to the South African mountain biking community, until next weekend that is.

“We always catch onto these things a little slowly here,” said renowned local track builder Nick Floros. “Full credit to the CSA KZN All Africa Challenge though for being able to bring these fresh ideas to the MTB community of South Africa.”

Enduro racing is an interesting hybrid of cross-country and downhill racing with elements of the two being fused together in a manner which enables riders of various abilities to take part in this MTB phenomenon.

“Enduro caters for a large percentage of the MTB community because there aren’t any big jumps and your wheels are on the ground for around 90% of the time,” said Floros. “Everyone starts at the finish line at the bottom of the course and have to make their own way up to the start unassisted, therefore you may not be given a lift by a vehicle or anything else for that matter.

“You have to get yourself up to the top by riding or walking up with your bike. The clock then starts when you start your first descend and it stops when you get to the bottom of the first descend stage. You then make your way up to the second start point, again unassisted, and again the clock starts at the beginning of your descend and stops when you cross the line at the bottom.

“The winner of the event is the person with the shortest combined time of their two descents,” he added.

Despite what some may think, the downhill elements of this race certainly aren’t what the likes of what local downhill star Greg Minnaar and Andrew Neethling are familiar with.

“This is by no means a downhill competition. Your average rider, the ‘weekend warrior’ if you like, whose fairly technically competent but doesn’t have the fitness for a Classic would be perfectly suited to this sort of event,” he added.

Whilst there haven’t been many enduro events in held in South Africa previously, this weekend’s Mr Price Karkloof Classic does have and enduro race in its programme, which Floros hopes will help ignite the enduro interest in the local MTB scene.

The inclusion of the rapidly developing cross-country eliminator in the event’s programme will also give local riders a rare opportunity to get a feel for the most recently included discipline on the 2013 UCI MTB World Cup calendar.

“The eliminator is another exciting race format we’ve included in this programme. It’s such a short, sharp style of racing over a very compact and spectator friendly type of track that riders just have to go flat out the minute the gun goes,” said Floros.

“It’s almost like a flat four-cross type event with no single track at all, which means there are plenty of overtaking opportunities. It’s a really exciting concept and with a good turnout will be absolutely awesome!”

Staged over a course of between 700m and 1200m, unlike its predecessor cross-country Olympic, the cross-country eliminator enables spectators to watch the drama unfold from just one or two points around the course.

The third and final string to the CSA MTB All Africa MTB Challenge’s bow the Classic, with a twist, which takes place on Sunday 29 April also at Cascades MTB Park.

“Sunday’s race should also be a great event, especially with the slight change we’ve made to the race format. We’ve opted to go with a 15km loop, which riders will do either once, twice or three times depending on the distance they chose to take part in,” said Floros.

"For the 45km Classic this means that they will be able to ride the route once and by the time they go around a second time they will be a lot more familiar with things and so will really be able to have a bit of a go on the second and third laps. All in all it should be a great weekend for MTB and cycling in general!”

The CSA KZN All Africa MTB Challenge, which along with the SA National BMX Championships and the SA National Track and Para Cycling Championships make up the CSA KZN All Africa Challenge, take place at Cascades MTB Park in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 April.

SA BMX Champs Part of All Africa Challenge

BMX fans have welcomed the news that iconic South African superstar Sifiso ‘Skizo’ Nhlapo has confirmed that he will jet back for the SA National BMX Championships, which form part of Pietermartizburg’s exciting new CSA KZN All Africa Challenge. 

With the 2010 world champs runner-up desperately trying to regain full fitness and find the form that sent him to the top just a couple of years ago, Skizo along with many other up and coming local riders, will be hungry for a strong performance at Alexandra Park in two weeks’ time. 

“We’re very excited to have Sifiso (Nhlapo) back for the nationals,” said Cycling South Africa’s National Director: BMX, Margot Gerber. “The likes of Kyle Dodd and Dean Holdstock, who have also been going well recently, will also be there so we’re really holding thumbs for a great event!” 

“We’ve moved away from our previous system of three events each with two legs in which you are able to earn points from, to a once-off championship event that falls in line with what the UCI is trying to get everyone to do,” added Eugene Eggar, Cycling South Africa’s National BMX Track Coordinator. 

The CSA KZN All Africa Challenge will be hugely beneficial to all three cycling disciplines however it is the BMX community that is particularly hopeful of what the event may well do for their sport. 

“The track is undergoing a huge rehabilitation at the moment and our aim is that once we’ve had the nationals there then the ’Maritzburg BMX Club will take over the management of the track,” said KZN BMX Commissioner Jason Nichol. 

“This will be a big step forward for BMX in the region because even though Pietermaritzburg has become the cycling capital of South Africa, BMX numbers in the region are still quite low. 

“Hopefully the new track at Alexandra Park, which is more central and visible to the community, will really help grow the sport especially amongst the local community members,” he added. 

Having staged the UCI BMX Supercross there last year, there have been certain changes that have been required before next weekend’s event however, Eggar is happy with the progress. 

“Things have been going really well and it’s going to be absolutely awesome!” said Eggar. “From the babies right through to the elite it really will be a great weekend for BMX in South Africa! 

“The Supercross guys are the top of the top in the world so we’ve had to step things down a bit for our nationals. We’ve taken out the berm jump and made one or two other small changes but we’ve put in a six-metre start hill, which is the biggest size allowed at this level so this track definitely isn’t one that just anyone would manage!” he added. 

Despite participants being unable to qualify for this year’s London Olympic Games through the Nationals, the event is still a UCI category six event and there is still plenty to race for come next weekend. 

“This is not just a Grand National Series event, this is the SA National Champs so the rider who crosses the line first on Sunday will be crowned SA Champ for 2012 and will be given the number one board for the next year and some of the guys will really want to do well ahead of the World Champs in Birmingham in September this year,” said Nichol. 

The SA National BMX Championships form part of the CSA KZN All Africa Challenge and take place at Alexandra Park from 27-29 April. 
More info can be found at www.cyclingsa.com

MTN-QHUBEKA MEN MAKING THE MOST OF EUROPEAN PROGRAMME

Team MTN-Qhubeka is currently running a dual-programme, with some riders remaining in Africa and others competing abroad.

For the MTN-Qhubeka athletes in Europe, there has been much to learn in terms of racing, as well as the chance to embrace new experiences off the bike.

Following the Tour du Maroc, the men’s team moved to Belgium. Coming from hot, windy Morocco, Belgium seemed even cooler and wetter.

Reinardt Janse van Rensburg notes that it was action from the word go, with the team competing in their first race, the GP Pino Cerami, just two days after arriving. As a UCI 1.1 race of 200km, the race attracted the likes of Team Astana, Astana, Quickstep, Lotto, Cofidis and Vaconsoleil as well as 11 other Pro-continental teams and 10 Conti teams.

Janse van Rensburg and Eritrean teammate Merom Russom were the two finishers from the MTN-Qhubeka group. Janse van Rensburg noted that although it was not a spectacular result, he was happy with his performance, especially after 10 days in Morocco and much travelling.

The next race, the Rund Om Koln, was wet and cold. “It was around four degrees Celsius and rained non-stop, which isn’t something any of us are used to,” said Janse van Rensburg. “We got our rain gear on and set off for a 200km trek around Cologne.”

Unfortunately, with 40km remaining, Janse van Rensburg and Bradley Potgieter hooked bars and Janse van Rensburg took a tumble. He got back on the bike and managed to finish in the bunch with no injuries other than a cut on his chin and cheek and a few scrapes.

The third race for the men was Zellig-Galmaarden, a UCI Category 1.2 race of 174km. Regrettably, Arran Brown fell ill and was unable to race, but the rest of the MTN-Qhubeka men lined up on the start to tackle another cold day of ridings. Thankfully, the weather was dry and the 28 teams could focus on the tough circuit without a further obstacle.

“The circuit was tough with 16 climbs, some of them on cobbles and some steep,” explains Sports Director Jens Zemke. “The race started fast and the first breakaway was gone after 15km. Bradley Potgieter was able to bridge over. They had a max gap of 30 seconds, but were caught back after 10km.”

Potgieter dropped out at 70km and Songezo Jim shortly afterwards. Martin Wesemann managed to hang in until somewhere between 130 and 140km before dropping out.

“A break of 13 riders was formed after half of the race on the Muur of Geraardsbergen,” says Zemke. “Another 10 riders joined them awhile later and then Janse van Rensburg also joined this group, which was 40 riders strong. The bunch comprised another 100 riders with Meron Russom and Dennis van Niekerk a minute or two min behind. At the end, the group in front split in several parts and four guys reached the finish with a gap. Janse van Rensburg was around 20th at the end, sprinting for a result.”

Janse van Rensburg was the team’s best finisher, coming in at 24^th position overall.

Despite the tough racing conditions and the fact that most of the team has been sick, the MTN-Qhubeka men are making the most of the opportunities presented to them both on and off the bike.

Dennis van Niekerk says that they enjoyed a day off in Gent, exploring the city and spending time together as a team.

“We rode our bikes to the train station in Ninove and bought a train ticket to Gent,” he says. “It was one of the few nice days we had so far here in Belgium – still cold, but at least the sun came out for a few hours. We had some lunch and coffee and just did some sightseeing around the city. Just before we decided to head back, a storm came over the city so we went and did some shopping in the stores. We had a look at all the stuff Belgium had to offer. There were these funny sweets they sold on the streets called 'belgiese neues'. Apparently they have been around forever and are handmade in the city.”

After their day out, the men headed back to the team house, just managing to catch the last few kilometres of the Brabandse Pijl race being screened on TV, as Thomas Voekler rode away.

According to Zemke, the team cooks together and trains together as well as racing together. “It’s good for their team spirit to suffer together,” he smiles. “The setup here could not be better, with their first class Trek bikes, SRAM groupset and Zipp wheels. The team looks cool and you can’t see a difference between MTN-Qhubeka and the bigger teams from Europe.

“The racing is tough and the men are still waiting for a top ten spot. They are at the start-line of a great future and they will develop during the next few months. It’s nice to see a team growing and I am confident that we will have some respectable results in our hands after the next races. It is quite a lot to do, but we have talented, young guys in the team which will make a big difference in getting to the next level.”

Team MTN-Qhubeka’s next races abroad are the Arno Wallaard Memorial on 21 April, the Ronde van noord Holland on 22 April and the Tour of Bretagne from 25 April until 1 May.

Brown, Potgieter, Van Niekerk, Russom, Janse van Rensburg and Tesfay Habtemariem will tackle this weekend’s races.

The Tour of Bretagne team will comprise Songezo Jim, Brown, Potgieter, Van Niekerk, Russom and Janse van Rensburg.

Grand National marred by Horse Deaths

British horse racing regulators will again be forced to review equine welfare in the Grand National after two horses, including Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and leading fancy Synchronised, were put down on Saturday.

Both Synchronised and According To Pete came to grief, their deaths overshadowing a thrilling victory by 33-1 outsider Neptune Collonges.

The fatalities, following two in last year's event, prompted the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) to defend safety steps taken in a race which has regularly come under scrutiny for the number of equine casualties it produces.

Since 1973, there have been 33 horse deaths in the showpiece steeplechase, a demanding test of stamina and strength of both horse and jockey.

The sight of 40 horses charging at breakneck speed and thundering over 30 fences makes thrilling viewing.
The sight of stricken horses covered by tarpaulins is less palatable.

"We are desperately sad at these two accidents and our sympathies are with the connections of both horses," Aintree racecourse managing director Julian Thick said in a statement.
"When a horse gets hurt, everyone is deeply upset. Safety is the first priority for the organisers of the Grand National and we make every effort to ensure that everyone involved in the event is able to participate in safety.

"Horse racing is a sport that is very carefully regulated and monitored by the BHA, but risk can never be completely removed. The Grand National is a professional and well-organised race and only the best horses and jockeys are allowed to enter."

FENCES MODIFIED

Following a review of the fatalities in 2011 race some fences were modified to improve safety. Changes included lowering the drop side of the infamous Becher's Brook but this was the fence where Synchronised met his fate on Saturday.

Professor Tim Morris, Director of Equine Science and Welfare for the BHA, said the organisation took the responsibility of looking after the welfare of horse and rider "very seriously".
"It is our stated objective to continue to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities which occur in racing," he said.

Five horses were killed during the four-day Cheltenham Festival meeting last month while the Dubai World Cup was also marred by two deaths in a supporting race at Meydan racecourse in the United Arab Emirates.

Paul Nicholls, the trainer of Neptune Collonges, said all elements of risk in the sport could not be removed.

"All sports have an element of risk and we all take a certain amount of risk each day," he told a news conference. "We take every effort to minimise risks but even in Flat races accidents can happen."

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) equine advisor David Muir said organisers needed to reconsider the number of runners, the number of fences, the length of the race and the type and design of the jumps.

"We've said it before, the death of a horse is the unacceptable face of horse racing. I am not happy with
the drop fences and Becher's is a drop fence," he told reporters.
"To be fair, the BHA and Aintree management will look into the race and I believe we will see a rolling change without taking away the ethos of the Grand National over the next few years."

Oscar into 400m finals in PE

Double amputee Oscar Pistorius scraped into the 400 metres final at the South African championships on Friday saying he did not feel the need to push himself in the heats.

Pistorius, who wants to become the first amputee athlete to compete at an Olympics, looked at ease when finishing second in a time of 48.34 seconds in his heat.

He then placed fourth in the semi-final with 47.91 behind top qualifier Lebogang Moeng (46.69) at a windy Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth.

"I'd like to finish in the top three tomorrow. Lebogang is in good shape, he went out very hard in the semi and the heat. I don't know, that's not the tactic I would have chosen,"Pistorius told reporters.
"There's nothing to prove by winning a semi.
"Tomorrow is going to be quite a tough day. Coming out of the 300 today, I was in second place very comfortably. I didn't see a need to push it," he added.

The 25-year-old sprinter, who uses carbon fibre prosthetic running blades, dipped below the Olympic qualifying time of 45.30 in Pretoria last month, clocking 45.20.

He needs to repeat that performance in an international meeting in order to qualify for the South African team.

Pistorius has a busy international schedule planned in order to meet qualifying standard for the London Games, which start in July.

"I'll find out soon whether I'll be running in Doha on May 11. I'm waiting for them to get back to us. Ostrava is guaranteed on the 25th, Hengelo is confirmed on the 27th in the Netherlands. On June 4 it is the Prefontaine Classic in Oregon and on the 11th is the Diamond League in New York," said Pistorius.

Bahrain GP to Go Ahead

Formula One will race in Bahrain as scheduled next week despite continuing anti-government protests, daily street clashes and security concerns for drivers and teams.

The International Automobile Federation said in a statement on Friday that it had received regular briefings from senior diplomatic officials and "independent experts" in the Gulf kingdom and was satisfied it was safe for the grand prix, cancelled last year due to civil unrest, to proceed.

The announcement reinforced the views of Formula One's commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone, who told Reuters at the Chinese Grand Prix on Thursday that the April 22 race was on unless local sporting authorities asked for it to be off.

Team principals, some of them known to be unhappy about competing in Bahrain against a backdrop of continuing violence and opposition from activists, were meeting 81-year-old Ecclestone at the Shanghai circuit later.

Frenchman Jean Todt, the president of the Paris-based FIA, was not due to be at the track until Saturday with his position clearly set out.

"Based on the current information the FIA has at this stage, it is satisfied that all the proper security measures are in place for the running of a Formula One World Championship event in Bahrain," the FIA statement said.

"Therefore, the FIA confirms that the 2012 F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain will go ahead as scheduled."

The race at Sakhir, which brought in more than 100,000 visitors and half a billion dollars in spending when last held in 2010, will be the fourth round of the 20-race season. 

Last year's event was scrapped after an uprising in February by mostly Shi'ite pro-democracy demonstrators demanding a greater say in government and better access to jobs and housing.

Bahrain's monarchy quashed the revolt with the help of security forces from Saudi Arabia, and more then 30 people have been killed.

An explosion shook the capital Manama late on Thursday, damaging two cars, the Interior Ministry said. Al Arabiya television said the blast was caused by a gas container thrown among vehicles on a street.

Some opposition activists have dubbed the race a "tool of repression" and made repeated calls for it to be cancelled.

RATIONAL DECISIONS

The sport's governing body had been expected to wait and see how the situation unfolded after Friday prayers, a time when street protests are often triggered in Bahrain, before making any official decision. 

The words 'current' and 'at this stage' in the statement could leave the door open to a U-turn should circumstances change.

Another factor weighing on a tense situation is the health of jailed rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, on hunger strike for two months, who was moved to a military hospital this week with conflicting reports about his condition.

The FIA statement said the governing body had to make "rational decisions" based on information provided by the Bahrain authorities and Ecclestone.

Todt, who was supported by Bahrain in his election campaign and visited the country last November on a "fact-finding mission" after the calendar was ratified, had made no secret of his desire for the race to go ahead if conditions allowed.

Ecclestone had also been supportive of a race that contributes some $40 million in hosting fees, telling Reuters last month that Formula One would be in Bahrain "for as long as they want us."

The first country in the Middle East to host a grand prix, making its debut on the calendar in 2004, Bahrain has considerable influence in Formula One with a representative on the FIA's decision-making World Motor Sport Council.

The country's sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat also owns 42 percent of McLaren Group, whose team are currently leading the Formula One championship.

Bahrain's Sunni Muslim rulers are eager to bring back the race as part of their efforts to show progress on reconciliation and reform with the majority Shi'ite community that led last year's protests.

Most Formula One drivers, who are sure to have extra security for the race, have shied away from voicing opinions on the political situation and expressed confidence in the sport and teams to make the right decisions.

Australian Mark Webber, who drives for champions Red Bull, suggested on Thursday that the race could be called off "in a flash" if need be.

"Ultimately it's a car race," he told reporters. "There are a hell of a lot of people in the world who don't have a clue there is a grand prix in Bahrain next weekend so let's not get too wrapped up in our own bubble about how important it is."

No AFCON 2013 in Johannesburg?

Johannesburg has become the latest major South African city to balk at being a host for next year's African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which would leave the tournament without the landmark Soccer City Stadium as a venue.

It's the latest and biggest blow to South Africa's troubled bidding process to choose venues for the 2013 African Cup, with newly built stadiums in Cape Town and Durban also looking unlikely to participate because of high costs.

The absence of South Africa's three iconic World Cup stadiums, which hosted the final and semi-finals at the world's biggest football tournament in 2010, would cast doubts over that competition's legacy in the country and the future use of those venues.

"The city has indicated that it is not in a position to host games and has therefore not signed a host agreement," City of Johannesburg spokesperson Gabu Tugwana said in an e-mail to The Associated Press (AP).

The 90 000-plus capacity Soccer City - now known as FNB Stadium - staged the 2010 World Cup final and was expected to also host the 2013 Cup of Nations final. It is the biggest soccer stadium in Africa.

Tugwana did not give reasons for Johannesburg's decision, but potential host cities have reportedly balked at paying high fees to organisers.

An official in Cape Town this week said its bid to be a host city was running over budget because of "critical issues" that were unresolved in the bidding process organised by the South African Football Association (SAFA).

"The City of Cape Town is committed to being a Host City for AFCON 2013 and is excited by this honour and opportunity," Cape Town mayoral committee member Grant Pascoe said in a statement. "However, the City of Cape Town has repeatedly highlighted its concerns with SAFA about certain contractual obligations and the impact that the possible undefined costs could have on both Cape Town and on other municipalities."

Pascoe told the AP that Cape Town officials were waiting for SAFA to provide feedback.

SAFA and its local organising committee have reportedly asked for R20m from each host city to be considered, although LOC chief executive Mvuzo Mbebe said there had been "distortions" in the media over that figure and the financial commitments required by potential host cities.

Mbebe declined to discuss the process in detail in a meeting with reporters last week when South Africa signed the organising agreement with the Confederation of African Football.

SAFA has delayed the initial announcement of the host venues until April 20. South Africa's smaller World Cup stadiums in northern cities like Rustenburg, Nelspruit and Polokwane are now tipped to be included, with Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town missing.

Cape Town Stadium hasn't hosted a major football game since late 2010.

African Cup of Nations organisers have also said attracting crowds and filling stadiums was their top priority next year, meaning some of South Africa's shining new World Cup stadiums may be too big and too difficult to sell out for the lower-profile African Cup.

The recent African Cup in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea had problems with poor crowds and large swatches of empty seats were obvious on television broadcasts - even for some knockout games.

Hicham El Amrani, the secretary general of the Confederation of African Football, conceded that bigger was not necessarily better for the Cup of Nations. Instead, El Amrani said that having full stadiums was "one of the key focuses, if not the priority focus for us."

"We cannot only consider iconic stadiums just for the fact that they are beautiful. They are World Cup stadiums, but they have a capacity of 80 000, or 60 000," he said. "It's a range of factors and parameters that we select, so we don't necessarily go for the most beautiful and biggest four or five venues and then that's it.

"No, if we want to fill the stadiums and attract the fans as well we have to consider the kind of capacity."

CSA-MTB Welcomes Red Bull As a Sponsor for Remainder of National XCO/DHI Series

Cycling South Africa is delighted to welcome Red Bull as an official partner to the South African Mountain Bike National Series for 2012.

Mike Bradley, National Director of Mountain Biking, is super excited about the sponsorship and welcomes Red Bull to the National scene: “Cross-country (XCO) and especially Downhill racing, are the more extreme and technical aspects of the sport, as was witnessed at this year’s opening round of the UCI MTB World Cup in Pietermaritzburg.”

Red Bull will be supporting the remaining 3 events in the series as well as the SA XCO and DHI Championships to be held at Mankele MTB Park (in Mpumalanga) in July.

“Red Bull has had a long association with extreme sports and extreme sportsmen and women, and to have their involvement is both exciting for the sport and the participants alike,” continued Bradley.

The sponsorship is also extended into the 2013 and 2014 series with category rights at the UCI MTB World Champs in 2013 and UCI MTB World Cup in 2014. Red Bull will be the exclusive energy drink supplier at these events.

As Red Bull TV has been named as the official production company of the UCI MTB World Cup Series, there are many aspects that can be gleaned from the relationship going forward for both athletes and fans of top flight mountain bike racing.

Remaining events in the 2012 SA MTB National XCO/DHI Series 

• 14/15 April – Groenkloof Pretoria / Fountains Pretoria – Gauteng
• 26/27 May – Hayterdale Trails, near Addo – Port Elizabeth
• 23/24 June – Cascades MTB Park, Pietermaritzburg – KZN
• 21/22 July – SA Champs – Mankele MTB Park, Nelspruit – Mpumalanga

Excitement of Track Worlds Still Living Strong

South African track cyclist Nolan Hoffman received a hero’s welcome when he arrived home at OR Tambo International early Tuesday morning. 

Silver medallist Hoffman, who rides for the Durban-based Tasol GT Pro Cycling Team, achieved a massive goal when he gave the performance of his life in the 15km Scratch race in Melbourne, Australia last week at the 2012 UCI Track Cycling World Championships, finishing a very close second to the newly crowned world champion Ben Swift (GBR). 

Compatriot Bernard Esterhuizen also represented South Africa and delivered a solid performance in the Sprint qualifying event, setting a national record of 10.234seconds to finish 32nd out of 53 starters, however only the fastest 24 riders qualify for the event proper. 

The 19-year-old also participated in the 1km Time Trial where he recorded his second fastest time ever of 1 min 02.915 seconds, just outside his recently set national record, to finish in 14th position; a credible performance given that it is only his 2nd World Championship event. Esterhuizen blistered around the track and recorded the fastest splits for the first two laps, but then faded towards the end. 

Originally from Durban, Esterhuizen has spent the better part of 2011 and this year at the UCI World Cycling Centre in Aigle, Switzerland where he is being groomed for the 2016 Olympic Games. 

Proud Cycling SA Team Manager William Newman (Cycling SA Vice President) was ecstatic with the performances of the weekend: “Nolan has proven that he is world-class and all of Australia are raving about his performance. We have shown what we are capable of with limited resources. We now need to build on this and ensure that we get results consistently in the future. Nolan is obviously ecstatic about his performance – he has done us all proud!”

Hoffman will not be going to the Olympics however because the Scratch race in which he won the silver medal is not an Olympic event. Nolan has focused his training on the Scratch event and not the Omnium, which is the Olympic event. 

“According to current standings, Nolan has not qualified for the Omnium, which is a specialist event,” continued Newman. “Bernard is the only rider to have qualified for the Sprint.” 

Esterhuizen has qualified for the 2012 London Olympics in the Sprint track cycling discipline via the necessary UCI World Cups and World Championship races, but CyclingSA are still waiting for SASCOC to ratify his selection on the Olympic team. 

“Until we have team confirmation from SASCOC, Bernard will continue his preparations as if he will be on the London Olympics start list,” said Newman.
Next on the cards for Hoffman will be the local 2012 SA Track Cycling Championships, which takes place in Pietermaritzburg from 26th to 30th April. Esterhuizen has returned to Aigle to continue his training regime for the London Olympics. 

Click here to view the race video where Nolan Hoffman claims second place: 15km Scratch UCI Track Cycling World Champs: http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/video/2219252478