RONALDO DOUBLE HELPS REAL SINK BARCA

Cristiano Ronaldo continued his fine goal scoring record at the Nou Camp with a brace as Real Madrid beat Barcelona 3-1 to go through to the final of the King's Cup 4-2 on aggregate.

The Portuguese hit a first half penalty and then knocked in a rebound after the break as Real took full advantage of their counter-attacks.

Raphael Varane headed the third after 68 minutes while Jordi Alba got a late consolation.
Real Madrid will now take on the winners of Sevilla and Atletico Madrid who play on Wednesday, the capital side enjoying a 2-1 lead from their first leg.

Ronaldo has now scored in his last six visits to the Catalan capital and came out on top in his personal battle with Lionel Messi, who was largely anonymous in the game.

The Argentine, however, has the chance to respond when the pair meet again in the league at the weekend.
This was the vital game though for Real who trail leaders Barcelona by 16 points in La Liga after a poor campaign and it is their best chance of picking up some silverware outside of the Champions League, in which they are evenly poised against Manchester United after a 1-1 first leg draw at the Bernabeu.

"We knew how to play Barcelona and tactically we came out on top," said Real 'keeper Iker Casillas. "We were well positioned on the pitch and in all areas we were in control.

"It was a very strong performance and in defence we were superb. Cristiano was phenomenal. It was a 10 out of 10 performance and we deserve to be in the final.

"Cristiano is a vital player for us but while he had an excellent performance so did the whole team. He is a reference for us and has showed his capabililty not just in this game but in other Clasicos.

"Hopefully this result can now be a turning point for the side because this is a difficult stadium to play in. Now we are looking to do well in the Champions League and La Liga."

There were no surprises in the Barcelona lineup with Andres Iniesta preferred in attack to David Villa which allowed space for Cesc Fabregas in midfield.

Jose Mourinho chose Varane, who did so well in the first leg, ahead of Pepe to partner Sergio Ramos in the heart of the Madrid defence while finally there was no space for the rejuvenated Kaka with Angel Di Maria starting on the right wing.

Barca began at a high-tempo with Iniesta firing wide from 20 yards and then Messi screwed an angled shot with his weaker right foot past the post from the edge of the six-yard box before two minutes were even on the clock.

While Barca had their usual attacking ethos they were not pressing with the same intensity high up the pitch and so when Real did pick up possession they were able to play their way out of defence.

Cesc had another effort which was comfortably blocked by keeper Diego Lopez before the visitors took the lead from a penalty after a breakaway which showed the danger they possess in attack, as well as Barca's suspect defence which has now not kept a clean sheet in 12 matches in all competitions.

Ronaldo knocked the ball around Gerard Pique inside the area and his former Manchester United teammate brought him down for a spot-kick which the Portuguese converted.

Barca were hoping for a penalty of their own moments later but the referee waved away appeals for a foul by Alvaro Arbeloa on Cesc and it showed how the home side were becoming more frustrated at their inability to create clear-cut chances.

Real were defending well while they continued to threaten through Ronaldo counter-attacks.
Barca did win a free-kick on the edge of the area for a foul by Arbeloa after on Iniesta for which he was booked after 37 minutes and Messi's shot went a whisker past the post.

Barca attacked with renewed vigour after the break but it was Real who scored again after 57 minutes.
Di Maria skipped round Carles Puyol and 'keeper Victor Valdes could only parry his shot to Ronaldo who kept his composure to slot home.

The Catalan side looked stunned and lost their shape at the back as Real cut them apart. Varane got their third as he outjumped the Barca defence at a corner to head in off the crossbar.

A minute from the end Barca did finally get on the scoresheet with Alba knocking in a ball over the top from Iniesta.

Giniel de Villiers is Bridgestone/SA Guild of Motoring Journalists Motor Sportsman of the Year

Giniel de Villiers, who finished third overall and first in the class for petrol-engined 4x4 vehicles in the 2012 Dakar Rally, received the Bridgestone/Guild of Motoring Journalists Motor Sportsman of the Year award for 2012 at a function in Johannesburg this evening.

Driving a South African-built Toyota Hilux in the all-South African Imperial Toyota team’s first attempt at the world’s longest and toughest motor race, the former SA touring car and off road champion and 2009 Dakar Rally winner scored his fourth Dakar podium in five races and has now completed each of the 10 Dakars he has competed in.

There were five other nominations for the prestigious award, which was first won in 1964 and has been sponsored by Bridgestone South Africa for the past 20 years.

Darryl Curtis, a multiple former off road and enduro motorcycle champion, who finished a remarkable 22nd out of less than 100 finishers in the 2012 Dakar Rally in South America at his first attempt.

Kelvin van der Linde won the Engen Volkswagen Cup in his first year of senior circuit racing to become the youngest ever VW Cup and senior circuit racing national champion.

Duncan Vos and Rob Howie won the Absa South African Off Road Championship in a Castrol Toyota Hilux and were also 10th overall in the Dakar Rally in the Imperial Toyota team’s second Hilux at their first attempt.

Wade Young beat 400 top international and South African motorcycle riders to become the youngest-ever winner of the Roof of Africa Rally in Lesotho, an event that has the reputation of being one of the toughest of its kind in the world. He also won a silver medal for South Africa in the FIM International Six Day Enduro.

Winner of the Colin Watling Award for special achievement in motor sport by someone other than a competitor was Glyn Hall, leader of the Toyota Motorsport team who won the South African off road drivers’, co-drivers’ and manufacturers’ championships, finished second in the national rally championship and placed third and 10th in the international Dakar Rally in Toyota Hilux 4x4s built by the team in their Johannesburg workshops.

Also nominated for the Colin Watling Award was Clare Vale, a racing driver who is chairperson of the Women in Road Safety Forum, an organisation she founded in 2011. It is a gathering of influential and powerful women in motoring dedicated to highlighting the need for more to be done in promoting road safety.

BLIND ADVENTURER HEIN WAGNER TO TAKE ON ANTARCTICA MARATHON

Blind adventurer and motivational speaker Hein Wagner will take on this year’s Antarctica Marathon with seasoned athlete Mike Bailey as part of the 100-man race. It will be the first time in history that a blind person participates in this extreme endurance event, which takes place on 7 March 2013. As part of their preparation, the duo will train in the cold room at Cape Union Mart’s Adventure Centre at Canal Walk, Century City, from this week onwards.

Wagner has set aside the fact that he has been totally blind from birth to live a fulfilling and abundant life and never hesitates or stands back for any challenge. “I’ve taken on many daring adventures such as the Absa Cape Epic, mountain climbing, sailing from Cape Town to Rio, running several marathons and becoming the fastest blind driver in the world (he holds the World Land Speed record for a blind driver) and am excited to tick this one off my bucket list. Mike Bailey approached me around five years ago with the idea to participate in seven marathons on seven continents. I asked him which one was the most difficult of the lot and his answer was the one in Antarctica. Luckily, I’ve already participated in the New York, Hong Kong and Cape Town marathons.”

With regards to their training for this challenging race, Bailey comments: “We’ve probably had about 6 to 7 runs together over the past 3 months. We ran a 30km training run last week and will probably run about 15km together this weekend and then a couple of short runs of 5 to 6km. I think it will be great to train in the cold room for a number of different reasons such as getting the right layers of gear together and learning what parts of the body get cold and what to do about it. It will also help us to mentally adjust to the minus 18 degrees and being confident that our bodies can adjust to these temperatures.” Adds Wagner: “It will further assist us in getting the balance right between generating enough heat to keep the body core warm relative to the outside temperature. We only started training in the cold room on Saturday and that was because there was a fault with the treadmill, which the technician fixed on Saturday afternoon. We’ll try and train there every day from now until next Wednesday and increase the time we spend in the cold room up to about 1 hour and 30 minutes.”

Bailey continues: “Looking on the Antarctica marathon website, the normal temperature is between minus 10 to plus 5 excluding wind chill. The wind chill factor is the biggest unknown factor. Last year, the winds were at 60km per hour, the previous year 40km and this is normal for this time of the year!”

The marathon offers two options – a half marathon of 21.1 km and a full one of 42.2 km, which is the one Wagner and Bailey will be competing in.  Says Wagner: “The biggest challenge of this race is the unpredictable weather. On a nice day it can be minus ten Centigrade, with little wind, but just the next day it can be colder with gale force, icy winds. In my case the wind plays a major role – the harder it blows the less I can hear what’s going on around me, especially instructions from Mike. The terrain is also very uneven with ice and slush making up most of it.”

Bailey adds: “Just to give you some perspective - reading glasses mist up in 15 seconds, a 2 litre coke freezes solid in 20 minutes, your extremities - toes, fingers and ears - feel the cold the most. It takes a long time to warm up and the rubber under your running shoes goes rock hard and freezes, as there is no friction to keep it flexible. We’d like to thank Adidas for the running shoes and gear and Matrix Fitness for sorting out the treadmill. It will definitely make a huge difference to our training.”

Not only is the race treacherous, but the journey there as well. They depart from the world’s most southern city, Ushuaia, on a Russian reconnaissance boat. It takes around two days to get to Antarctica and the route will take them through the Drake Passage. Adds Wagner: “While exploring this most pristine corner of the planet, we’ll come face-to-face with Antarctic gems such as icebergs, penguins, seals and whales. Historians and scientists will provide lectures on board and wildlife excursions during landings in remote areas among seal colonies and penguin rookeries and at research bases. We’re also sponsored by Sat 4 Rent, which uses the latest satellite technology so that we can stay in contact with interested parties and our loved ones in South Africa.”

Wagner still wants to pilot a Boeing filled to the brim with passengers from London to Cape Town, a dream that could become a reality soon!  He will participate in this extreme race to promote the abilities of those living with disabilities and to raise funds and create awareness of the VisionTrust, a non-profit organisation he founded in mid-2008, which strives to make the world as we know it a more accessible place for persons living with disabilities. The fundraising goal for this adventure is R500 000.00 after expenses. With the above funds raised for this adventure, the VisionTrust will be able to reach more of its objectives such as assisting an additional 20 blind previously disadvantage individuals to obtain access to the appropriate software and equipment to do such basic things as reading the daily newspaper, access to the Internet as well as e-mail, and study materials.

Follow their progress on Hein Wagner’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/HeinWagner. 

Preview: Omloop Het Nieuwsblad

Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung has the honour of starting the prestigious Omloop Het Nieuwsblad this weekend. The race is the traditional opener of the Classics season and a big motivation for many of the world’s top teams.

The team rode the race course on Wednesday, upon completing it, Head Directeur Sportif, Jens Zemke said, “We’ve had a good recon on the circuit, the sky was blue and we had cold winter temperatures but we could already feel the big interest in our team as we were followed by Belgium TV and some journalists.

“This will be the first Hors Categorie race for Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung and we want to earn respect from the crowd. Our colors are new in the peloton and we want to show that we are going for good results.”

Gerald Ciolek will again captain the team after a successful Trofeo Laigueglia last weekend where the German finished fifth. When quizzed on what would be a successful race for the team, Zemke said, “I would be happy if people say, ‘have you seen the African team? They are doing well.’ If nobody crashes and we can bring Gerald Ciolek in a good spot this would be great for us.”

Former Giro d’Italia stage Ignatas Konovalovas will also be on hand to share his experience with the younger riders.

“I know that I need to race a lot to get good condition, so I’m still missing a lot, but after last week’s race, I am very happy,” Konovalovas said.

“With guy like Gerald I think our focus is clear for the race. It will be to help him the best we can. We’ve already ridden the race route and seen the different details of the race and we’re motivated,” the Lithuanian concluded.

Omloop Het Nieuwsblad lin up: Gerald Ciolek, Ferekalsi Debesay, Ignatas Konovalovas, Andreas Stauff, Martin Reimer, Youcef Reguigui, Kristian Sbaragli, Johann Van Zyl
Staff: Jens Zemke (Directeur Sportif), Bastian Buffel (Soigneur), Yvonne Houweling (Soigneur), Werner Lenk (Mechanic), Heiko Heinrici, (Mechanic).

Armstrong shows the middle finger

Lance Armstrong won't interview under oath with the US Anti-Doping Agency to reveal all he knows about doping in cycling, his attorney said on Wednesday.

USADA officials had told Armstrong he must speak with them if he wanted to reduce his lifetime ban from sports. Wednesday was the deadline for him to agree to the interview under that offer.

After more than two months of negotiations, Armstrong's attorney Tim Herman said the disgraced cyclist won't participate in a process designed "only to demonise selected individuals."

Armstrong said previously he was willing to participate in an international effort to clean up a sport that was based mostly in Europe.

For years, Armstrong denied using performance-enhancing drugs. But last year, USADA released a report that detailed extensive doping on his seven Tour de France-winning teams and stripped him of those titles. Armstrong admitted last month that he doped to win those races.

"We remain hopeful that an international effort will be mounted and we will do everything we can to facilitate that result," Herman said in a statement. "Lance will not participate in USADA's efforts to selectively conduct American prosecutions that only demonise selected individuals while failing to address the 95 percent of the sport over which USADA has no jurisdiction."

Armstrong is facing several legal challenges, and testifying under oath to USADA could have exposed him to further troubles.

Armstrong was the subject of a two-year federal criminal investigation that was dropped in February with no charges filed, but the Department of Justice is still considering whether to join a federal whistle-blower lawsuit filed by former Armstrong team-mate Floyd Landis.

Armstrong also has been sued by Dallas-based SCA Promotions to recover more than $12mn in bonuses. He also has been sued by The Sunday Times in London to recover a libel judgment that Armstrong won against the paper.

Team Bulls to ride HotChillee’s Cape Rouleur

HotChillee today announced that Team Bulls, the German-based professional mountain bike squad, will be riding in the 2013 Cape Rouleur. The team, made up of some of the world’s most prolific mountain bikers, will cycle the more than 600km of the Cape Rouleur with amateur participants.

The six Team Bulls riders taking part are Karl Platt, four times winner of the ABSA Cape Epic, and seven times winner of the Trans Alps; Stefen Sahm, three times winner of the ABSA Cape Epic with Platt; Urs Huber, Platt’s partner for the ABSA Cape Epic 2013; Thomas Dietsch, the reigning French Champion and World Cup winner in 2007; Tim Böhme, Diestsch’s partner for the ABSA Cape Epic 2013, bronze medallist in the 2011 European Championships and fourth the same year in the World Champs; Simon Stiebjahn, Stefen Sahm’s partner for the ABSA Cape Epic 2013 and reigning European U23 Champion. All six Team Bulls riders will also be in action at the 3rd Nashua Grape Escape, set to take place in the Boland from 28 February to 2 March 2013.

There will be some stiff competition for the desirable Yellow Leader’s Jersey, which Platt took home after the inaugural Cape Rouleur in 2012. With more professional cyclists riding HotChillee events, there will be two jersey categories; one for the professionals and one for the amateur cyclists, providing recognition of the best amateur riders in the event.

The Cape Rouleur consists of a Prologue, followed by three stages over 3 days and finishing with a Festival Ride. The Cape Rouleur takes riders through stunning South African scenery in the Western Cape, passing sites such as the Paarl Monument, Perdeberg National Reserve and Betty’s Bay. During the event Franschhoek, the heart of gastronomy and wine in the country, becomes the riders’ race village and provides the perfect setting to relax and socialise after a hard day in the saddle. Following the third stage there will be a Celebration Dinner for riders and guests.

The Cape Rouleur follows HotChillee’s winning multi-stage format, with rolling road closures, timed race sections, motorbike outriders, support vehicles from vehicle partner Hertz and an extensive support crew and mechanics from local retail partner Cycle Lab. It is organised to bring enthusiasts close to the professionals’ grand tour experience, and with cycling professionals and legends such as Team Bulls cycling the event, it provides cycling enthusiasts the ride of their lifetime.

Karl Platt says: “I can’t wait to get on my road bike and take part in the Cape Rouleur again. It’s a tough challenge, with beautiful scenery. The HotChillee community is fantastic and I’ve met some great people. The organisation and support crews are faultless, making the whole experience unforgettable. The best thing about the event is being able to battle it out in the timed race sections and once the hard work is done, you can go back to a sociable peloton. A great mix of competition and fun.”

Friedemann Schmude, Manager of Team Bulls, says: “I´m happy that my team can be part of the Cape Rouleur 2013. The format is a great chance for both sides - professionals and amateurs - to not only race together but to also socialise and enjoy time on the bike in a beautiful and well-organised setting. Karl Platt had a great experience last year and used the Cape Rouleur as part of his ABSA Cape Epic preparations; this was an important part of the build-up. I expect my riders to benefit from the mixture of tough racing and relaxed kilometres to reach the peak of their fitness.”

Meet the new team on the block.

Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung Introduction

ROSS DETHRONES EVANS TO WIN SLAM DUNK CROWN

Terrence Ross of the Toronto Raptors dethroned defending champion Jeremy Evans of Utah to win the NBA Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday in a worldwide vote on social media.

After a judging panel of retired NBA players that included Chinese legend Yao Ming narrowed the field to the finalists, Ross slammed two spectacular dunks through the rim to win 58 percent of fan votes via Twitter and websites.

"It's a dream come true," Ross said.

Evans opened with a windmill dunk over a covered painting, then lifted the cover to reveal his own painting of the dunk he had just performed.

Ross answered by making a running start from the side of the hoop, taking a ball bounced off the side of the backboard and catching it then jamming it through the hoop -- all while wearing a jersey of ex-Raptor star Vince Carter.

Evans slammed in a one-handed dunk on a run from the side in response but Ross finished by leaping over a ballboy, passing the ball between his legs and slamming it into the basket with his right hand.

Other winners in the All-Star festivities ahead of Sunday's NBA All-Star Game were Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Three-Point Contest and Portland Trail Blazers rookie Damian Lillard in the Skills Challenge.

Yao and his fellow judges eliminated New York's James White, Indiana's Gerald Green, Denver's Kenneth Faried and Eric Bledsoe of the Los Angeles Clippers in the opening round of the dunk contest.

Green and White missed on their second dunks, neither completing a move within the time limit.

Green had cut down the net to attempt two dunks with one ball on the same leap, missed every attempt, then managed the trick after the time limit had expired and the dunk did not count for the competition.

In the three-point event, Irving made 17 of his first 18 three-point attempts in the final round on his way to scoring 23 points and defeating San Antonio's Matt Bonner, who finished with 20.

Irving scored 18 points in the preliminary round to advance past New York's Steve Novak with 17 and Indiana's Paul George with 10. Bonner had eliminated Golden State's Stephen Curry with 17 and Ryan Anderson on New Orleans with 18.

Lillard outclassed a Skills Challenge lineup that included Houston's Jeremy Lin and 2012 winner Tony Parker of San Antonio to win the obstacle course event in which players dribble, shoot and pass.

In the opening round, Lillard completed the course in 28.8 seconds to oust Asian-American Lin and Frenchman Parker.

Lin, whose parents are from Taiwan, completed the course in 35.8, while Parker struggled to finish in 48.7. Parker failed to match Dwyane Wade and Steve Nash as multiple winners in the decade-old event.

Philadelphia's Jrue Holiday, whose preliminary run of 29.3 ousted Detroit's Brandon Knight and Atlanta's Jeff Teague, opened the final at 35.6 but Lillard followed in 29.8 seconds and punctuated the effort with a finishing slam dunk.

Heroics and heartbreak on final day of Dusi

The final day of The Unlimited Dusi canoe marathon saw both heroics and heartbreak for the leading men as Lance Kime raced his way to his maiden victory in the three day journey from Pietermaritzburg to Durban whilst the winner of both the first and second stages, Sbonelo Zondi, watched his fairytale go up in smoke as he had to settle for third.

Having started a minute and eight seconds apart Zondi and Kime swapped positions three times throughout the day with Zondi poised to become the first ever black paddler to win a K1 title in the race’s history.

It wasn’t to be though as he watched his slender lead slip away when a rare error at the daunting Pumphouse rapid saw him take a devastating swim and left the door open for Kime to surge into the lead for the third and decisive time.

Kime capitalised and with just 12km to go he managed to fend off a charging Hank McGregor, who also slipped past Zondi after his disappointing swim, and power home to a remarkable victory.

"Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be in this position," said Kime shortly after crossing the line. “I’ve been working really hard and have probably done the most tripping on the river before Dusi that I ever have and it all just paid off!”

" The support, SMSes and tweets that I have received over the last few days, especially the last 24 hours, with everyone saying to me 'you can do it'. I didn't really believe I could do it until everyone told me I could!”

Kime worked hard across the short stretch across Inanda dam at the start of the day to close the gap between himself and Zondi to just twelve seconds by the time the pair got to the bottom of Tops Needle rapid.

Once Kime hauled Zondi in he worked hard to maximise his lead going into the Burma Road portage. However the world class running abilities of Zondi saw him surge back to the front of field at the top of Burma Road with a little over a minute and a half separating the two.

“It was a real roller-coaster ride,” explained Kime. “I knew that he was going to be unbelievably strong on Burma Road, so I had to do everything I could to make up time before that and after that, because I knew even if I had a lead going into the hill, he would probably put in with the lead.”

“When I got to the top of Burma Road, he had run from 20 seconds behind me to nearly two minutes ahead, and that was a lot of time to make up on one hill!”

“I knew that it was going to be a very, very tough task to catch him by the finish, but you always keep that hope in the back of your mind. After all it's the Dusi and you I knew there was still Pumphouse (Weir and rapid).”

“We saw it three years ago with Ant Stott and Michael Mbanjwa's race ending there. I knew it was possible that something could happen there. Then there's also Mango and Dog's leg rapids. There are always little chances of slip-ups, so I carried on hard.”

“When I saw him swimming in the pool, right at the bottom of the rapid I paddled over his boat. It was really heart-breaking for him, but, at the same time, I got probably the biggest adrenalin rush of my life. Suddenly I was paddling into the lead of the Dusi on the third day with only flat water to go!”

Kime’s effort was both a stage record and an overall race record, the second and third records, of a possible four, to have fallen in the men’s race this year.

“I don’t think I would have gone anywhere near the record if it hadn’t been for the competition this year,” said Kime. “I had it in the back of my mind when I took the lead today. I wondered if we’re near the record because we had a good full river today, especially coming into Durban. It was a lot higher than we expected at Blue Lagoon.”

“I think I got the record purely because of the final kilometre. I paddled faster than I have in my life. It was probably the loudest crowd that I have ever had in my life and that just pushed me to a whole new level. “
Zondi’s error at Pumphouse cost him crucial time that not only saw Kime go past him but with a waterlogged boat and his pumps failing he was then forced to stop at Mango rapid, allowing double world marathon champ and Team Best 4 Kayak Centre captain Hank McGregor through as well.

Zondi, a product of the Change a Life Academy, tried desperately to hang onto McGregor’s wave but the young star’s efforts were no match for the rejuvenated 35 year old legend of paddling who powered away after Kime.

“I managed to close over a minute on Lance (Kime) across the dam. I shot Tops Needle from the top and as I was exiting Tops Needle I could see the two orange lifejackets in front of me and I knew I was about a minute and 20 seconds behind them (Kime and Zondi)” said McGregor.

“I managed to close the gap even more and at the Burma Road takeout I was about 45 seconds behind. I had decided I was going around (Burma Road) and I was praying for water.”
“I came into the first pool and the water wasn’t moving and I realised the water had gone. We’d run out of water and I knew I was going to lose time having chosen to paddle rather than portage. It was just a matter of trying to keep my head together.”

“I managed to get through Island One cleanly, but Island Two was huge. It ate me for breakfast! Somehow I managed to pop out and stay in my boat though which was all I wanted to do!”

“When I came around Burma Road, I found out I was five minutes behind. I promise you it’s like someone dropping a ton of bricks on your head. I had worked so hard to try to catch these guys and made up so much time, put in so much effort and now I was five minutes behind them (Kime and Zondi).”

“I looked behind and saw Andrew Birkett putting in 300 metres behind me and I it was like ‘oh my word, race on’!”

“When I came past Eric (Zondi) and saw he was swimming I felt for but I then tried to put my head down and catch Lance but it was just too far.”

“He (Kime) deserves it though – he’s a champion! These guys are the future of our sport!”

Having watched victory slip from his grasp a disappointed Zondi settled for third place, still a remarkable effort and one which has signalled his arrival to the big stage of river marathon racing in South Africa.

“All I can say is that I’m still very very happy to be on the podium today,” said Zondi.

“When I got to Pumphouse, I relaxed but when I got to the bottom I didn’t raise my paddle and it got stuck underneath the water. My paddle was full of water when I tried to pull it up and that’s why I swam.”

“My boat went through to under the bridge. I thought that maybe my race was over, but I didn’t give up because the crowd was shouting. I ran along the bank to see if my boat was broken.”

When I got to my boat I saw it was full of water. I tried to pump but I had to stop to empty. Before I could empty my boat, I saw Hank coming and I tried to hang onto his wave but I had to laugh because this guy is a machine and he just put the hammer down.”

“Then I had to keep pushing though because I knew Andy (Birkett) was coming up behind me and I wanted to do my best to still finish on the podium.”

Birkett, after technical difficulties and a swim at Thombi rapid on day two, had to settle for fourth with valley icon Thulani Mbanjwa finishing fifth.

Kime also claimed the under 23 title with his Team Best 4 Kayak Centre team mate, Birkett, in second and Siseko Ntondini finishing third.

In the under 18 boys race Damon Stamp was squashed between the Wilson twins as the three made it one, two three for Maritzburg College. Travis Wilson claimed pole position, Stamp second and Tyler Wilson third with Travis breaking both the overall race and the third stage records in the process.

More information can be found at www.dusi.co.za

SUMMARY OF RESULTS
THE UNLIMITED DUSI CANOE MARATHON - DAY THREE

OVERALL
1.Lance Kime (U23) 2:15.38 8:00.29
2.Hank McGregor 2:17.43 8:04.38
3.Sbonelo Zondi 2:22.07 8:05.50
4.Andy Birkett (U23) 2:19.58 8:09.17
5.Thulani Mbanjwa 2:20.46 8:13.11
6.Ant Stott 2:27.25 8:27.52
7.Jason Graham 2:23.45 8:28.44
8.Cam Schoeman 2:26.02 8:30.59
9.Jacques Theron 2:23.43 8:34.40
10.Zonele Nzuza 2:26.48 8:36.46
11.Siseko Ntondini (U23) 2:25.29 8:38.41
12.Loveday Zondi 2:28.45 8:38.42
13.James Speed (U23) 2:21.40 8:38.47
14.Gavin Shuter (U23) 2:25.53 8:39.06
15.Shaun Rubenstein 2:25.03 8:42.00
16.Lucas Mthalane 2:25.08 8:42.00
17.Mmeli Cele (U23) 2:24.04 8:43.18
18.Murray Starr (U23) 2:30.15 8:43.36
19.Travis Wilson (U18) 2:30.23 8:43.36
20.Nhlanhla Cele 2:25.46 8:44.38

U23 MEN
1. Lance Kime 2:15.38 8:00.29
2. Andy Birkett 2:19.58 8:09.17
3. Siseko Ntondini 2:25.29 8:38.41

U18
1.Travis Wilson 2:30.23 8:43.36
2.Damon Stamp 2:32.22 8:51.44
3.Tyler Wilson 2:36.38 9:14.08

Federer want to meet Mandela

Tennis idol Roger Federer will travel to South Africa at the weekend, arriving in Johannesburg to inspect a project of his charity foundation and hopefully get a rare chance to meet Nelson Mandela.

Getting a meeting with South Africa's revered former president is atop the Federer wish list as he travels to the homeland of his mother for a periodic visit to check on the work of the Roger Federer Foundation.

"I'm really hoping to be able to meet Nelson Mandela. We have been reaching out to him," said the Swiss world number two after losing a quarter-final match Friday at the Rotterdam World Tennis to France's Julian Benneteau.

"It would be amazing and a dream come true. I only have a few days, but I want to visit one of the projects of the foundation. I'm looking forward to it since I haven't been to South Africa in some time."

The trip fits perfectly with Federer's entry in the Dubai ATP event, where he will be defending his 2012 title starting Febuary 25.

Federer met in Rotterdam with his women's squash counterpart, Malaysian Nicole David, a six-time world champion and key mover in the campaign to get her sport added to the Olympic lineup for 2020.

Federer gave his public support to that effort as he received a squash racquet during a brief presentation by David.

"I used to play squash with my dad a lot," he said. "It would be amazing to get squash into the Olympics."

Serena takes the number one spot

All week, Serena Williams played down the prospect of returning to No. 1, but when it happened, she couldn't stop the tears from flowing.

The 15-time Grand Slam winner replaced top ranked Victoria Azarenka Friday after coming from a set down to beat former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open.

It ended of an emotional two-and-half year journey for Williams marked by a string of injuries and doubts about whether she could dominate the women's game again. After clinching victory with an ace, Williams held up one finger and wiped away the tears flowing down her cheeks as she addressed the cheering crowd.

"I never thought I would be here again," Williams said. "Oh my gosh, I've been through so much. I never thought I would be here. Thank you Jehovah (she is a Jehovah Witness) for giving me another chance."
At 31, Williams becomes the oldest player to attain the top spot. Chris Evert held the No. 1 ranking in 1985 just shy of her 31st birthday.

No. 1 was not a priority two years ago for Williams. Just returning the court was a challenge.
Shortly after winning Wimbledon in 2010, she cut her feet on broken glass while on her way out of a restaurant in Germany. That led to two operations on her right foot. Later, she got clots in her lungs and needed to inject herself with a blood thinner. Those shots led to a pool of blood gathering under her stomach's skin, requiring another hospital procedure.

Williams lost the top spot to Caroline Wozniacki in 2010 and tumbled down the rankings. But she made a comeback worthy of a No. 1 in 2012, winning Wimbledon, the Olympic gold medal, the U.S. Open and the season-ending WTA championships. She lost only one match in 2012 after her first-round exit at the French Open.

"There were often times that I never thought I'd play again. Then I thought I'd never be able to win tournaments or Grand Slams," Williams said. "No. 1 was so far off. It was always a dream, but I was No. 1 when tragedy struck, and it was just an awful thing to happen. So I'm happy that I'm back."

Among those to pay tribute to Williams becoming No. 1 was Maria Sharapova, the American's next opponent, who said it proved the staying power of the game's older players.

"It just shows you how the generations have shifted a bit," Sharapova said. "Maybe five, 10 years ago you saw a lot of the younger players achieving much more success and winning Grand Slams. And now you see Li Na and Serena doing so well ... It just shows you how if you stay healthy and you're able to keep working hard, the things that you're able to achieve in tennis at that age."

Kvitova, who has never beaten Williams, called her a deserving No. 1.

"She played so well last season. She won almost everything," she said. "That just took some time to be No. 1 for her and she is right now, and she deserves it."

It wasn't a dominating performance on Friday from the 15-time Grand Slam winner. Erratic at times and appearing to favor her right ankle that she injured at the Australian Open, Williams committed 31 unforced errors throughout the match and hit eight double faults.

She also struggled early on with the Czech's serve and forehand in the first set. But her own serve saved her, especially in the second set when she went on to win 13 of the final 14 points - pumping her fist several times and screaming, the first signs of emotion to be seen so far in the tournament.

Down 4-1 in the decider, Williams broke Kvitova when she double faulted to make it 4-3. Though it seemed the match would go to a tiebreaker, Williams broke with a wicked crosscourt backhand to make 6-5 and won it with one of her 14 aces

"I stuck in there, and I just never gave up. I always felt like if I can just keep fighting and I can just try to do it," Williams said. "I definitely did not play great. With that being said, Petra played unbelievable, and she was just hitting shots I had no chance to get; I don't think anyone on this tour could have gotten."

Azarenka, meanwhile, stayed on course to retain her Qatar Open title after dispatching Sara Errani 6-2, 6-2 to also reach the semis. She was joined by Sharapova, who advanced by beating 2011 U.S. Open champion Sam Stosur 6-2, 6-4.

Agnieszka Radwanska beat Caroline Wozniacki 6-2, 7-5 to set up a meeting with Azarenka.
Azarenka won all 14 net points in the match to make it 12 straight victories in 2013, including winning a second consecutive Australian Open title.

"The score never tells the whole story, really. We had a lot of really long rallies. I was expecting that. She's a very good fighter," Azarenka said. "I really felt like I took big advantage of the important moments, stayed aggressive, and really dictated my game."

The third-ranked Sharapova, looking for her third title in Qatar, broke Stosur twice to lead 4-1 in the first set. She took a 3-0 lead in the second before Stosur staged a brief comeback, but she missed a chance to level at 4-4. The Russian closed it out when her backhand clipped the net and dropped over.

"I really started playing well when I had to and being aggressive at the right times," Sharapova said. "On the important points when I had to, I came up with really great first serves."

Modern Dusi shaped by sixties icon Gordon Rowe

When Gordon Rowe passed away in New Zealand a few weeks ago, some of the younger paddlers gearing up for The Unlimited Dusi that starts at Camps Drift on Thursday 14 February might not have understood the part played by the iconic former winner in shaping the famous three day race into its current format.

Johannesburg based Gordon "Gordie" Rowe won the Dusi in 1959 with his partner Harry Fisher, in the days when paddlers were forced to enter in pairs and race the entire race together. They went on to win four titles in six years, breaking most of the race records in the process.

It was their 1963 win however that shook the race when they pioneered the portage over the now notorious Burma Road, on the outskirts of Durban. Racing on a low river they outsmarted Paul Chalupsky and Robbie Knudsen by running over the steep hill to set up their victory, a tactic that is used to this day by many top contenders.

Rowe moved to Durban and started the kayak manufacturing business Kayak Centre, which is still one of the market leaders in the industry.

When his competitive days were over, his passion for the race took him into administration. As an official of the Dusi, he was instrumental in the implementation of a number of checkpoints that forced the paddlers to navigate certain sections of the river.

Most notably, he changed the Dusi course to ensure the racers paddled through the confluence of the uMngeni and uMsindusi rivers, a section that includes the exciting Confluence, Washing Machine, The Cascades and The Slide rapids, previously missed by the paddlers who took a long portage now used on the Non-Stop Dusi course.

Rowe's change was the single biggest alteration to the Dusi course, lengthening it and ensuring that those that succeeded in the race were sound river paddlers instead of simply robust portagers.

Rowe was a true pioneer, and set off on numerous adventures exploring Southern African rivers, many of them paddled by him for the first time.

He is still revered by many for his brave descent of the crocodile-infested Cunene river with Willem van Riet and an early descent of the Zambezi.

In the words of contemporary John Lee, Rowe was "a true adventurer, always the gentleman, and as tough as nails."

Gordon Rowe relocated to New Zealand where he passed away on November 30th 2012.

The Unlimited Dusi starts on the 14th of February at Camps Drift, and the race ends at Blue Lagoon in Durban on 16 February 2013. More information can be found at www.dusi.co.za

Who said what at AFCON 2013

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations ended Sunday with Nigeria taking the title and AFP reviews who said what during the three-week competition:

"You don't want to know what was going through my mind in the last few minutes." -- Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi after a tense finish to a 1-0 final win over Burkina Faso.

"You have to be big when you lose and small when you win." -- Burkina Faso coach Paul Put reacting with dignity in defeat.

"It feels great -- this is my sixth Nations Cup, and my last. I was praying to God I could win it. I feel so blessed, so grateful to God." -- emotional Nigeria captain Joseph Yobo on what it meant to be handed the trophy.

"There were a lot of doubters when I first arrived in Ouagadougou to take up my post. I believe many were hoping for a Jose Mourinho-type coach, not Paul Put." -- Put on initial reactions to his appointment.

"Everyone realised that this referee did not officiate well." -- CAF president Issa Hayatou on Tunisian referee Slim Jdidi's bad day at the office in the Burkina Faso-Ghana semi-final.

"The fact that Burkina made the final is a positive sign for the development of football in Africa." -- Hayatou again on the improbable Burkinabe journey in South Africa.

"I want to kiss him!" -- Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi after unheralded Sunday Mba scored the winner to put them into the semi-finals at the expense of Ivory Coast.

"It is over." -- Didier Drogba's terse evaluation of his Africa Cup of Nations career which ended in frustration when Ivory Coast failed to justify their favourite's tag for the fifth consecutive tournament.

"The coach was not a help! Me, I was on the pitch, so I couldn't do both jobs (coaching and playing)." -- Togo captain Emmanuel Adebayor's bleak appraisal of coach Didier Six's contribution to the quarter-finalists' campaign

"My boys lost with dignity, pride and passion." -- South Africa coach Gordon Igesund after the hosts' last-eight defeat to Mali.

"I get goosebumps when speaking of Mali. There is nothing that compares with the joy of giving to a country that is suffering." -- Mali captain Seydou Keita's emotional take on how his semi-finalists have helped lift the mood back home where Malian, African and French troops are confronting Islamist extremists.

"The worst pitch in South Africa." -- Nigeria captain Vincent Enyeama's scathing critique of the Nelspruit ground.

"The pitch wasn't awful, it was the colour of the grass which wasn't good." -- CAF president Issa Hayatou defends the much-maligned Mbombela Stadium surface.

Entries open for twelfth Cape Argus Pick n Pay MTB Challenge

Entries for the 12th annual Cape Argus Pick n Pay MTB Challenge are open and riders are encouraged to enter early to secure their place in this ever-popular and growing event.

The Cape Argus Pick n Pay MTB Challenge takes place on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 March, 2013.  Boschendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch will play host to the two-day event which sees thousands of riders from across the country participating in a weekend of family fun and challenging dirt track races.

Family Fun

Saturday 2 March is a family-focused day that includes a 13km fun ride - perfect for novice riders and families with children - and a 29km route that is suitable for intermediate riders who seek to improve their abilities and showcase their talents.

David Bellairs, Director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust, says the Saturday is perfect for anyone looking for a fun day out with the whole family. “On offer is a number of family-oriented activities, great dirt track routes and the glorious setting of Boschendal Wine Estate. Family members can also take a meander through the estate as they wait for riders to finish their respective routes.”

Saturday also marks the final day of the new-look Nashua Grape Escape, which finishes at Boschendal.  Friends and family members are invited to enjoy the festive atmosphere as they cheer their favourite riders home.

Fat tyre fun

Sunday 3 March is dedicated to the more experienced riders who enjoy some stiff competition.  On offer are a 35km route aimed at riders who want to challenge themselves, as well as a 52km route that will test skill and endurance.

In order to cater to the extreme riders, a more intense 75km route designed by trail king Meurant Botha will challenge even the most experienced rider.  David Bellairs says the aim of this new route is to give the riders competing in the Nashua Grape Escape the opportunity to ride an ultra-distance race the day after their three-day event ends, effectively turning it into a four-day stage race. “This route is very tough, so riders will have to adhere to strict seeding and ability requirements to qualify."

Enter Now

There will once again be a combination medal for those riders that complete either the 52km or 75km mountain bike route as well as the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, which takes place the following weekend.

Entries close on Friday 15 February, and no late entries will be accepted.

Registration will take place over two days:
Thursday, 28 February, from 11am to 6pm, at the Limpopo Room at the River Club in Observatory.
Friday 1 March, from 11am to 6pm at the Dirtopia Trail Centre at Delvera Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.

Riders can enter now by visiting www.mtbchallenge.co.za.

FAST PACE PROMISED FOR THIS YEAR’S ABSA CAPE EPIC

One of the favourite teams to take top honours at this year’s Absa Cape Epic, Robert Mennen (27) of Germany and Austria’s Alban Lakata (33), will participate again as team Canyon Topeak Ergon. Lakata has participated in 5 previous editions of the Absa Cape Epic, whereas this will be Mennen’s second attempt at a podium finish. Together, they boast excellent experience to face the fast pace promised during this year’s event, which takes place from 17 to 24 March in the Western Cape.

Both Lakata and Mennen boast an impressive list of victories behind their names. Lakata was the Craft Bike Transalp winner last year, the 2010 Marathon World Champion, silver medalist at the 2009 Marathon World Championships, the 2008 Marathon European Champion, five times Austrian Marathon National Champion and has one World Cup win behind his name. He has won two Absa Cape Epic stages and finished in third place overall in 2010 with Kevin Evans. Mennen is also last year’s winner of the Craft Bike Transalp, silver medalist in last year’s Marathon German Championships, bronze medalist in the Cross Country German Championships last year, the 2012 Bike Marathon Willingen Winner and finished in 12th place at the 2012 Marathon World Championships. He also finished in 2nd place at the UCI World Series Kitzalp Marathon.

Weighing in at 79kg and with a height of 1.84m, Lakata only started mountain biking in 2000. “My career goal is to win this prestigious race,” he says of the Absa Cape Epic. Twenty seven year old Mennen weighs in at 70kg and is 1.8m tall. “I started mountain biking in 1998. The Absa Cape Epic is one of the most beautiful bike races in the world and only a real mountain biker can win this race,” he says.

Having won last year’s Transalp with Mennen, Lakata is confident of their abilities. “We won the Transalp, which is also a tough race, and last year we finished in fifth place in the GC, only 1 minute and 25 seconds behind the third team. This year finishing on the podium is a goal!” Adds Mennen: “The route looks tough, but every time I watch last year’s DVD, I want to do this event again.”
To the questions of how often they train together, Lakata jokingly comments: “We’ll do the Andalusia Bike Race together this month. That should be enough. We’re not married.” Mennen comments that they know each other very well. “We also get along very well. Alban is a very experienced and clever rider, and we’re both focused and know how hard we can push each other. We believe that we have more potential than finishing in 5th place again. Last year was my first Absa Cape Epic and I learnt a lot. Until now my training has gone very well and Alban is also on the right track. Our aim is to improve last year’s results and finish on the podium!”

Lakata’s training programme consists of two gym sessions per week, 2 interval training sessions on the bike per week and two longer rides (4 to 5 hours) per week on the road. “With regards to my diet, I eat carbs in the morning, a mix of carbs and protein for lunch, and protein for dinner. I think being healthy is the most important factor in the Cape Epic.” Says Mennen: “Where I live, it was winter and now it’s spring. We don’t have much snow and most of the time it’s between zero and 10 degrees. I do running, spinning, biking as well as long distance rides on the road.”

Lakata is looking forward to the two stages in Stellenbosch.  He finds the last stages more difficult “because you struggle with the lack of sleep. And crossing the finish line is like getting handcuffs off! My hardest Absa Cape Epic was in 2008, when I got really ill in the middle of the race and my team forced me to carry on! And my favourite memory was when Kevin Evans, my partner in 2010, helped me to get through the last stages of the 2010 Epic. I know it’s a team event, you win and also lose together, but at that time he behaved like a real friend! Riding in the leader jersey is fantastic, and losing it is not all that great!” To him, the one word that describes this iconic event is ‘awesome’.  Mennen reckons you need “a big portion of luck, be well and fit, and have good legs”.

Lakata’s advice to youngsters is “set realistic goals and try to reach them. When you have, set new realistic goals…”
Lakata says finding the right person to share his life was his greatest achievement off the bike.  In his free time, he enjoys drinking coffee. His other ambition for 2013 is “to win a medal at the World Marathon Championships in my home country”.

Nike's New Kit is Pretty!

DELIVERS STYLE AND PERFORMANCE
Just in time for the spring race season, Nike introduces a collection to suit all types of runners - whether they're seeking a new personal best or a fresh look to complement their morning run.

NIKE SPHERE: WARMTH WITHOUT WEIGHT
Runners going out for springtime runs need to be prepared for all sorts of weather. They want to stay warm without taking on heavy, bulky layers. Runners can keep both comfortable and stylish in apparel featuring Nike Sphere technology, which provides warmth without the weight. The innovative fabric uses a 3-D structure to create space between the body and the garment, where air can be held and warmed by the body’s own natural heat. The fabric’s structure also allows moisture to escape, helping to maintain excellent breathability. The Nike Running Spring 2013 Collection offers three silhouettes featuring Nike Sphere technology for women:

NIKE SPHERE BOMBER JACKET
Keep the wind out with the sleekly fitted Nike Sphere Bomber Jacket. The full-zip jacket is water repellent, wind resistant and extremely light, so it won’t weigh runners down. The lightweight taffeta fabric features a Nike Sphere and Dri-FIT mesh zoned lining to help keep runners at their optimal temperature. The sleeve cuffs pull down over the hands for extra warmth.

NIKE SPHERE HALF-ZIP
Combining the warmth and breathability of Nike Sphere technology, the Nike Sphere Half-Zip’s fabrication offers a soft feel against the skin and a stylish design. The collar has an asymmetrical half-zip that exposes a loose fit gusset for added warmth and a unique look. Sleeve cuffs can be pulled over the hands for extra warmth and thumbholes hold them in place, helping to keep hands warm and cozy over the miles.

NIKE SPHERE FULL-ZIP
The Nike Sphere Full-Zip's runner-specific hood with drawcord provides added protection from the elements, while a full zipper means the jacket is easy on and off and allows for personalized ventilation. The hoody’s fabrication provides excellent breathability and a soft feel against the skin, and Nike Sphere stars for insulated, lightweight warmth. The fitted design is flattering to the body’s natural curves and adds to the jacket’s high style and function.

BOTTOMS: FIT TO PERFORM
In cold weather it’s important to keep the body warm from top to bottom. Whether runners prefer a long tight or capris, the Nike Running Spring 2013 Collection mixes things up with fun prints and designs – all fit to perform.

NIKE TECH TIGHT
A classic member of the Nike Running family, the Tech Tight works just as well on its own or as a layer. Nike Dri-FIT fabric helps keep runners warm, dry and comfortable during their most intense cold weather workouts, while back-of-the-knee mesh delivers further ventilation at just the right spot. Ankle zippers make the tights easy on and off, and flat seams add to the smooth look and comfort. The back zipper pocket uses a vapor barrier for dry storage, while hits of reflectivity help keep runners visible in the dark.

NIKE ENGINEERED PRINT TIGHT
Stand out from the pack in these striking running tights highlighted with dramatic, diagonal stripes. The Nike Engineered Print Tight helps runners in all kinds of weather stay visible, and Nike Dri-FIT fabric will help to keep them warm, dry and comfortable. A zippered back pocket with sweat barrier secures small items, while flat seam construction adds to the comfortable feel.

NIKE RELAY CAPRI
A versatile, youthful, shorter running tight, the Nike Relay Capri offers a great combo of innovation and style. Nike Dri-FIT fabric helps runners stay dry by pulling sweat away from the skin to the surface of the garment, where it can evaporate quickly. Ergonomic seaming with flat-seam construction maps the natural contours of the body for reduced areas of irritation, optimal range of motion and a flattering fit. A zipper pocket provides secure small item storage and reflective elements help keep runners visible, and the jacquard "Just Do It" printed elastic on waistband lends an iconic look.

NIKE RELAY PRINT CAPRI
The all-over screen print gives the Nike Relay Print Capri a bold look and is ideal for layering or wearing on its own. The Nike Dri-FIT fabric pulls sweat away from the skin to the surface of the garment, where it evaporates quickly. The "Just Do It" on the elastic waistband adds a special design detail and a strong pop of color. A tight fit, enhanced by spandex, reduces areas of irritation and adds support. A back zipper pocket provides secure storage for a small media player or other small items while on the run.

TOPS: BUILT FOR LAYERING
One of the keys to running in unpredictable weather is layering tops that can help keep runners dry and warm. Nike Running’s Spring 2013 long-sleeved options have a soft touch on the skin and offer comfort and performance for a seamless, no-distraction run.

NIKE DRI-FIT KNIT LONG-SLEEVE
Ultra-soft Nike Dri-FIT fabric makes this an ideal top for running, either on its own or as a layer. Engineered design enhances range of motion, and the fabric provides lightweight cooling and breathability. The seamless knit construction offers a soft, comfortable feel, while the Dri-FIT material wicks sweat away from the skin. Worn solo, the top's reflective elements help keep runners visible, and the material has a soft heather effect for a fashionable look.

NIKE SOFT HAND HOODY
Find cozy, lightweight warmth even on drizzly, cool days with the Nike Soft Hand Hoody. A brushed Nike Dri-FIT fabric of a polyester-cotton blend helps keep runners dry and comfortable and feels great to the touch. The hood and long sleeves with thumbholes offer additional options for warmth – the hands can be covered with pullover mitts as well. A zippered pocket helps keep small items secure in this feminine silhouette with a very flattering fit.

Certain styles mentioned above are currently available at Nike Stores in South Africa.

Substitution entries for Cycle Tour open

Cyclists who missed the entry cut-off for the 2013 Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour in September 2012 have one last chance to secure an entry after substitution entries opened Friday, 1 February 2013.

Substitute online or manually

The entrant withdrawing may ask for the substitute entrant to refund their entry fee but they may not ask for more than they originally paid. PPA members paid an entry fee of R300 and non-PPA members paid an entry fee of R330.

A substitution fee of R150 is applicable to all substitution entries.

Cyclists who have internet access are encouraged to make an online substitution application:
• The entrant withdrawing must release their entry by following the link for substitution entries on www.cycletour.co.za
• The substitute entrant must then go to www.cycletour.co.za from 1 February to 22 February 2013 and enter their details
• Pay the substitution fee online.
• Download a consent letter for the cyclist withdrawing, who must complete the form and fax it to 086 593 5590.
• Organisers will e-mail a confirmation letter to the substitution entrant within 5 working days of receiving the consent letter.

Cyclists can also follow a manual application procedure:
• You can request a substitution entry form by phoning 021 681 4333.
• Post the completed entry form, the signed consent form of the person withdrawing, as well as a cheque / postal order to Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust, PO Box 777, Rondebosch, 7700.  This must reach the organisers by 22 February. No late substitutions will be accepted.

Please note that cyclists who choose to withdraw will not receive a refund.

All new entrants will receive a new race number and start in the group for which they qualify, depending on experience and their results in seeding events. This number can be collected at the Cape Argus Lifecycle Expo that will be held at the Good Hope Centre from 7 - 9 March.

Cyclists wishing to secure a substitution entry but do not know of anyone withdrawing, must please go to www.cycletour.co.za and add their name to the online waiting list. There will be a non-refundable admin fee of R50 payable by credit card at the time of adding their name.

Riding for a cause

If a rider in any charity or corporate group no longer wants to take part in this event, he or she can offer their place to someone else as a substitute entry. The rider will need to provide a letter of cancellation to the Group Administrator who will send this on to the Cycle Tour Group Entries Team to make the necessary changes.

The substitution entry will only be applicable to the same charity or corporate group as the rider that made their entry available for substitution.

All substitutions will be R200 per change. Transfers (pre-entered riders) will be charged R200 to join a charity or corporate group as this is the difference in entry fee. The R200 fee will be payable to the charity or corporate group and not the Race Office.

Use your own race number

Organisers have requested that cyclists not allow anybody else to use the race number that has been allocated to them. While it seems harmless, the consequences could be life-threatening.

“Vital details, such as medical and emergency contact information, are linked to your race number. Your race number is our first port of call in an emergency situation. As part of our safe cycling initiative we therefore urge all cyclists to only use the race number allocated to them,” says Director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust, David Bellairs.

According to Bellairs those participating with another cyclist’s race number will be disqualified, while the original entrant will be suspended from future events.

For more information, visit www.cycletour.co.za.

Ant Stott: It would take a miracle

Looking through Dusi results sheet from 1995 to 2012, Ant Stott’s name stands out as one of the most consistent competitors of all time having stood on the senior podium in 12 of his 18 The Unlimited Dusi Canoe Marathons, however, the widely liked KZN paddler's days at the top of the tough three day challenge may be nearing an end as he makes the step up into the full time working world.

Stott competed in his first Dusi in 1993, and it took him only two years to reach the top of the Junior podium, firstly in 1995 in a K1, and retaining the title the following year in a K2 with Jason Callister. He achieved his first senior K2 title in 1998 with Kelby Murray, at the age of 19.

“If I could give juniors coming through the ranks one piece of advice as they make the transition from juniors to seniors, it would be to not get discouraged and give up too soon – it can be done!” encouraged the Team Matelec star.

It took Stott six years to claim another win, taking the K2 title with Martin Dreyer in 2004 by a monstrous 23 minutes. He had to wait until 2007 to stand on the top step of the podium in a K1, a feat that he repeated in 2009.

It has not all been plain sailing however, and victory has slipped out of Stott’s grasp more times than he cares to remember.

“I think I have finished second eight times. I have more bad than good luck on the Dusi – the one year my partner even fell and broke his ankle, but we continued, finishing third.”.

So can Stott give reigning Dusi Champ Andy Birkett a run for his money in 2013?

“For me to win the Dusi in 2013 would take a miracle – like the top ten guys breaking their boats kind of a miracle! I haven’t been able to run properly in a year and a half due to an Achilles injury, and in order to win Dusi, and keep up with the likes of Andy Birkett, you need to be running at your very best.”

“I think making it into the top ten is a realistic goal for me this year. To get a top ten this Dusi is not a joke – you have to be a serious athlete as all of the big names will be there,” said Stott.

Despite his nagging injury hampering his training and build up to the big race many of his rivals will however still be weary of Stott's wealth of experience, especially on the Dusi course, and his ability to put in big performances when they count the most.

The Unlimited Dusi starts on the 14th of February at Camps Drift, and the race ends at Blue Lagoon in Durban on 16 February 2013. More information can be found at www.dusi.co.za

MOENG AND JOUBERT WIN SA MARATHON CROWNS

Benedict Moeng comfortably won a pedestrian men's race, while Cornelia Joubert came out tops in a closely fought women's battle at the SA Marathon Championships in Oudtshoorn on Sunday.

Moeng crossed the line in an unimpressive time of two hours, 17 minutes, 32 seconds (2:17:32), easily holding off Lucky Mohale by more than two minutes.

Mohale finished second in 2:19:38 and defending champion Coolboy Ngamole, who stepped on the podium for the fourth year in succession, was third in 2:21:39.

Joubert, meanwhile, held off a strong challenge to secure the women's crown in 2:46:13, with the first four women dipping under two hours, 50 minutes.

Kim Laxton bagged the silver medal in 2:47:25 and Melanie van Rooyen clinched bronze in 2:48:35.

The championships were expected to play a significant role in team selection for the World Athletics Championships in Moscow, Russia, in August, but nobody managed to reach the relatively undemanding qualifying standards.

Moeng missed the men's qualifying mark of 2:17:00 by 32 seconds, and Joubert was more than three minutes outside the women's standard of 2:43:00.

BLANCO SUSPEND SANCHEZ OVER DOPING ALLEGATIONS

Blanco -- formerly the Rabobank team -- said Saturday they have suspended Spanish rider Luis Leon Sanchez provisionally amid accusations he was linked to Spanish doctor Eufemiano Fuentes in the Operation Puerto blood doping racket.
The Dutch team said it is investigating and would in the meantime not select Sanchez.
"The object of this investigation is to verify or refute revelations which appeared in the Dutch press on the subject of the role of our rider in the Fuentes affair," Blanco said in a statement.
Spanish police believe Sanchez was a client of the doctor in 2006 while riding for the Liberty Seguros team -- something the 29-year-old denies.
Sanchez has won several major titles, including the San Sebastian Classic in 2010 and 2012, the 2009 Paris-Nice, the Tour Down Under in 2005 and four stages of the Tour de France.
Last Wednesday, a Spanish judge refused to demand that Fuentes, the suspected mastermind of one of the sporting world's biggest blood doping rackets, provide the names of athletes implicated in the scandal.
The ruling in the so-called "Operation Puerto" case could avert a huge fall-out from the high-profile trial, with suspects across the drug-tarnished world of cycling and perhaps in other sports potentially at risk.
The Canary Islands doctor, 57, was detained when police seized 200 bags of blood and plasma, and other evidence of performance-enhancing transfusions, revealing a huge doping network after a months-long investigation dubbed "Operation Puerto".
Fuentes on Tuesday said his activities had stretched beyond cycling, which is still reeling from the aftermath of revelations that Lance Armstrong cheated his way to a record seven Tour de France wins.
"I worked with individual sportspeople, privately. It could be a cyclist in a cycling team, a footballer in a football team, an athlete, a boxer," he told the court.

Cochran out to make Midmar Mile record her own

Excitement amongst the country’s open water swimming fraternity is building rapidly as commencement of the festivities marking the 40th anniversary of the world’s largest swimming event, the aQuellé Midmar Mile, draws nearer.

With records aplenty set to tumble at this year’s spectacle one of those likely to fall is one of the event’s more heart moving feats as Lorna Cochran looks to become the oldest person ever to have completed the 1600m swim.

Having taken part in the event for the first time at the tender age of 74 years old, Cochran is now aiming to become the oldest ever finisher at 89 years of age, bettering Colin Cable’s record for the oldest ever finisher set back in 1999.

Should Cochran succeed in completing the swim, she would be four months older than Cable was when he made the record his own and would also break her own record as the oldest female finisher ever, a title she has consistently re-raised since breaking it for the first time as an 83 year old in 2007.
Cochran is at least five years older than the oldest male entrant in 2013 and a huge 12 years older than the next oldest female to have entered this year’s race.

Yet, should she set the record in 2013, it could be in danger from another source in 2014.
Petrus Meyer, a 90-year-old from Pietermaritzburg, became the oldest ever entrant this year, but he suffered a late setback impacting on his ability to swim this time around. He is, however, aiming to participate in the Midmar Mile next year.

On checking the entries, event organiser Wayne Riddin phoned Meyer personally, expecting that the entry had been incorrectly filled in. To his surprise, he said he got to speak to a very young sounding 90-year-old.

For Meyer though he will have to keep his training going a little longer and patiently wait his turn to give the record a go in 2014 and in the meantime this year’s 40th aQuellé Midmar Mile anniversary could well and truly be a year to remember for Lorna Cochran as she readies herself to make the record hers, for now anyway.

The aQuellé Midmar Mile takes place on 9 and 10 February at the Midmar Dam, just outside Howick in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. For more info visit www.midmarmile.co.za