Ballantine’s Finest Whisky presents the KICK OFF Footballer Of The Season Award nominees

Voting is now open for the KICK OFF Footballer Of The Season Awards presented by Ballantine’s Finest Whisky. The 16 nominees have been identified with voting taking place from 1 April 2015 at www.kickoff.com.

Editor of leading football magazine KICK OFF, Richard Maguire, says: “These 16 footballers are now on the shortlist and will be battling it out to be crowned with the prestigious title as South Africa’s number one footballer of the season.”

He adds: “These players have this season not only proven their worth on the field of play, complemented by their flair and determination, but also with their off the field skills such as leadership, coping under pressure and helping their team to grind out a result. Sportsmanship and of course their behaviour are other major aspects that are taken into consideration.”

Initial voting by the public takes place from 1 April until 13 April 2015, after which a further shortlist of 8 candidates will be announced on 14 April. A final round of public voting to select the Ballantine’s KICK OFF Football Player of the Season will then commence before the awards ceremony on 28 May 2015.

KICK OFF, the continent’s most successful football magazine, partnered up with the world’s second highest selling Scottish whisky, Ballantine’s, in order to honour these outstanding athletes.

Brand manager, Daryl Dixon, explains why Ballantine’s and KICK OFF make a perfect fit for the awards: “Ballantine’s Finest whisky inspires people to have the conviction to stay true. This ethos forms the basis of our global mantra, which is ‘Stay True. Leave an Impression.’ This ties in perfectly with the 16 shortlisted players who have left an impression at their respective clubs over the course of the season and we believe will continue to do so.”

The 16 shortlisted players for the KICK OFF Footballer Of The Season Awards presented by Ballantine’s Finest Whisky, are as follows:
·         Cole Alexander (Polokwane City)

·         Rivaldo Coetzee (Ajax Cape Town)

·         Dean Furman (Doncaster Rovers)

·         Thulani Hlatshwayo (Bidvest Wits)

·         Andile Jali (KV Oostende)

·         Lehlohonolo Majoro (Orlando Pirates)

·         Cuthbert Malajila (Mamelodi Sundowns)

·         Thabo Mnyaname (University of Pretoria)

·         Oupa Manyisa (Orlando Pirates)

·         Mandla Masango (Kaizer Chiefs)

·         Tefu Mashamaite (Kaizer Chiefs)

·         Tsepo Masilela (Kaizer Chiefs)

·         Mulomowandau Mathoho (Kaizer Chiefs)

·         Teko Modise (Mamelodi Sundowns)

·         Thuso Phala (SuperSport United)

·         Dove Wome (SuperSport United)

To vote for your favourite player for the KICK OFF Footballer of the Season Award presented by Ballantine’s Whisky, as well as the Finest Moment of the Season, visit www.kickoff.com. Alternatively you can email forum@kickoff.com (Vote FOTS in the subject line) or send a letter to KICK OFF at PO BOX 16368, Vlaeberg, 8018.

Pretoria’s High Performance Centre partners with Brand ID

The High Performance Centre (HPC) at the University of Pretoria and Brand ID are thrilled to announce a newly formed five year partnership.

Brand ID, a Lifestyle Fashion and Sports Brands distribution business with a family of 25 brands has offered a unique level of partnership to support the high performance culture of the HPC through their global sport brand portfolio.

Says Brand ID‘s CEO Wayne Bebb “we have had a long standing relationship with the HPC and our Speedo brand. We have found them to be a perfect partner and therefore found it opportune to extend the relationship with them further into our broader brand family. Our business prides ourselves on creating unique partnerships between athletic centres of excellence and our business to offer them best in class product to support their achievement goals. It’s a pleasure to engage with the HPC who sees the value in true partnerships”.

The partnership allows the HPC access to the entire Brand ID family of brands with particular focus on Skins, Skilz, Speedo, Mizuno, Canterbury and Brooksfield.

Canterbury needs no introduction and has defined the “world of rugby” as the playground for the brand. Mizuno celebrates its Japanese heritage by providing superior footwear for track, road, trail and field. Speedo positions itself as the number one swimwear brand in the world and produces unrivalled technical product due to its massive investment in research and development. Skilz produces training equipment that acts as a workout partner. By incorporating technology with targeted training to develop athletic enhancement, it encourages optimal workouts and results.  Skins is the number one compression garment in the world offering unrivalled athletic performance and recovery. Brooksfield is a lifestyle brand offering the unique opportunity to also cater for any off field apparel.

Exclusive partnerships of this nature allow for credible endorsement of world class sports brands, demonstrated use of the brand at the HPC and beyond this roll out further shared exciting joint ventures and activations with Brand ID.

Equally excited about this partnership is the CEO of the HPC, Toby Sutcliffe who said that "teaming up with a Company like Brand ID was an easy decision, based on our professional relationship we have built up with Speedo over the past few years. The range of products is a perfect fit with what we are offering our athletes on a daily basis and already our Olympic Gold Medal Rowers, our top athletes, swimmers and triathletes have all reaped the rewards of being associated with some of these exciting, innovative and Lifestyle brands. With the Olympic Games in Rio only just over a year off we are truly excited of what we, with Brand ID and their portfolio of brands, will be able to deliver to our high performance athletes in the lead up to and during the games."

Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon to run via Ou Kaapse Weg

After weeks of intense discussions and close collaboration with the City of Cape Town and key stakeholders, it was confirmed that the Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon route will run along the detour route of Ou Kaapse Weg.

The recent devastating fires that raged along Cape Town’s Southern Peninsula, caused significant damage to Chapman’s Peak’s fragile vegetation. Since the fire, the section of the pass most affected (between Noordhoek to the top lookout point) has been closed regularly due to high winds and threatening rock falls.

“This is not a decision that was made lightly,” says Carol Vosloo, general manager of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC. “We are responsible for every single runner on Race Day, so all decisions were made with this in mind.”

“We remained hopeful that Chappies would be available to us until the very end. But it became clear that the extent of the damage done to the mountain, coupled with the vulnerability of the mountain pass to weather changes, would hold a significant safety risk for our runners and volunteers.

“It was simply a risk we were not willing to take, and we have always been very clear in our intention to place participants’ safety at the forefront of all planning.”

It isn’t the first time that the Ultra Marathon has run over Ou Kaapse Weg.

“Ou Kaapse Weg as a detour route is not a new concept to us, and our team can now move forward to make the necessary logistical changes to facilitate this change,” Ms Vosloo adds.

This detour route was used for four years between 2000 and 2003, when Chapman’s Peak was originally closed while the tunnels and catchment nets were being constructed.

The Ou Kaapse Weg detour route starts in Main Road, Newlands, and takes runners along the scenic South Peninsula route, through Fish Hoek and into Kommetjie.  But, instead of heading towards Chapman’s Peak, runners will turn towards and over Ou Kaapse Weg, from where they will run along the leafy Spaanschemat River Road. They will then join the Half Marathon route at the Ladies Mile / Parish Road intersection before heading onto Southern Cross Drive to follow the Half Marathon route along Rhodes Drive and the M3 back to UCT.

The distance remains the same.

“Although it is disappointing that the Ultra Marathon will not traverse Chappies, a ‘certain’ race over Ou Kaapse Weg is preferable to one that may be interrupted if routed over Chapman’s Peak Drive,” Ms Vosloo concludes.

Record-breaking R1-million bonus stands

Despite the route change, Old Mutual’s R1-million bonus remains in place, rewarding the winning male and female runners who respectively breaks the 56km Ultra Marathon record.

The men’s record of 3:03:44 was set in 1988 by road running legend Thompson Magawana, while Frith van der Merwe set the women’s record a year later in 1989 when she ran 3:30:36.

This will be the 16th year that Old Mutual sponsors this prestigious road race.

The Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra and Half Marathons are scheduled to take place on Easter Saturday, 4 April 2015.  Some 27 000 runners are expected to participate in the event that is globally known as the world’s most beautiful marathon.

For more information, visit www.twooceansmarathon.org.za. Runners can also join the online conversation on www.facebook.com/TwoOceansMarathon, @2OceansMarathon on Twitter and Instagram (and by following and using the #OMTOM2015 hashtag).

SA Track Champs showdown attracts track cycling cream

Craig Dutton/Gameplan Media

The Hector Norris Park Cycling Track in Turffontein will play host to the 2015 South African National Track Championships from 7-11 April and the top names in track cycling are expected to be lining up on the Highveld with an eye on a national championship crown and the South African striped jersey at the end of the event.

Central Commissioner for track cycling in Gauteng and member of the organising committee, Angela Scullard, is hoping that the event draws the best in South Africa to Johannesburg and knows that with the best comes intense competition.

“We are expecting to get the best riders in the country at the national championships in two weeks,” Scullard said. “The likes of Nolan Hoffman and Morne van Niekerk as well as Maroesjka Matthee in the ladies and sprinters like Jean Smith will make the event hugely entertaining and will draw in the crowds due to the high level of competition.”

Cycling SA has allowed provinces, teams and clubs to enter for the team events like Team Sprint and Team Pursuit. At the SA Track Championships, riders will be able to qualify for points for major international competitions.

“The Hector Norris Track is a fast track and we are hoping to see some records broken this year. The last time we had the champs there was in 2007 and there were some records broken so if the conditions are right then we should see records tumble,” said Scullard.

“Hosting the event in Johannesburg does bring with it the difference in conditions compared to the rest of the country. The conditions will play a role for a number of the riders that are coming to the Highveld from the coast.”

Tsogo Sun bets on SA’s oldest sprint race

One of South Africa’s top horseracing events and the only sprint event with four Grade 1 races in one day has been given a major boost by virtue of Tsogo Sun adding its name and prestige to the event – the Tsogo Sun Sprint – scheduled to be held on 23 May 2015 at Scottsville Race Course in Pietermaritzburg.

First run in 1962, South Africa’s oldest, biggest and richest sprint event, previously known as the Golden Horse Sprint, is one of the six top race days held annually in South Africa and is this year offering over R3 million in prize money.

“Tsogo Sun has been a partner to the Golden Horse Sprint for 14 years and is now taking its support to a new level by changing the name to the Tsogo Sun Sprint,” says Jacques Booysen, MD of Tsogo Sun, who explains that Tsogo Sun’s Golden Horse Casino holds the enviable position of being the only casino in Africa to be located on a racecourse.

“We’re excited about this new strategic direction that is seeing the group ‘adopt’ key sporting events to the extent of taking on the naming rights to the event. We believe this is a win-win partnership with the City of Pietermaritzburg that will see the Tsogo Sun Sprint being elevated by the opportunity to leverage the Tsogo Sun brand, as well as for the group, which is extending its reach into the thrilling and fast-paced world of horseracing. In fact, this was an opportunity not to be missed as we recognised that changing the name would raise the profile of the casino, the group and the city.”

Last year the group launched its headline sponsorship of the Tsogo Sun Amashova Cycle Challenge in Durban, which heralded a new beginning for both brands. It was the first time that Tsogo Sun embarked on a title sponsorship and it was a clear indication of Tsogo Sun’s belief in the cycle challenge as one that has enormous potential for growth and appeal to its target market.

“The Tsogo Sun Sprint also holds great potential for growth and we trust that our partnership with the City of Pietermaritzburg will give the event the opportunity to expand beyond its sound foundation to one that appeals to a far wider audience among horseracing enthusiasts and entertainment-seekers all over the country,” Booysen adds. The race day will be marketed by Tsogo Sun in nine provinces for the first time, through all Tsogo Sun casinos, on every casino floor and in every hotel room, and on TV and radio.

Graeme Hawkins, Racing Director of Gold Circle Horseracing and Betting, says that the significant investment by Tsogo Sun will give the Tsogo Sun Sprint a much-valued boost in terms of positioning Pietermaritzburg as a horseracing destination in South Africa. “Scottsville is a lovely track steeped in tradition, and we believe this new partnership with Tsogo Sun in a top event on the horseracing calendar will bring the horseracing aficionados flooding in to experience the thrills and highlights of the day. We’re extremely grateful to Tsogo Sun for coming on board and we trust this will be a worthwhile relationship for the group for many years to come,” Hawkins adds.

Tsogo Sun’s partnership with the City of Pietermaritzburg began in 2014 when the City participated in the race for the first time. The city’s objective is to support an event that takes place in the heart of the city and has the potential to bring footfall into Pietermaritzburg. Mayor of Pietermaritzburg, Chris Ndlela, says the City of Pietermaritzburg is delighted to be a part of the Tsogo Sun Sprint. “We believe that this new alignment with the Tsogo Sun brand will add impetus to the event and will help to position Pietermaritzburg more strongly on the South African map and drive tourism in the area.”

The four Grade 1 sprint races – races with a field of the most elite horses from all around South Africa and offering 1 200 metres of speed, power and skill – include the Tsogo Sun Sprint, an ‘open race’ for both fillies and geldings with a top prize of R1 million; the Tsogo Sun Gold Medallion, a race for two-year-old geldings with a prize of R600 000; City of Pietermaritzburg Filly Sprint, for fillies only with a prize of R600 000; the Allan Robertson (founder of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association of SA in 1921) Championship for two-year-old fillies with a prize of R600 000; as well as smaller charity and other races.

Tsogo Sun’s vision is to be the premier entertainment destination in the catchment area where its properties are located. Sizwe Jantjie, Tsogo Sun Marketing Manager, says, “The sponsorship of this race strengthens the group’s position as the place to go for entertainment and for creating great experiences. The Tsogo Sun Sprint will be an exhilarating day of pace and power, great style and African flair, as well as a host of added entertainment options.”

Knox & Evans back for Nedbank sani2c title defence

With little over six weeks to go until the starter’s gun fires and sends participants of the 2015 Nedbank sani2c on their way, defending champions Kevin Evans and Max Knox have confirmed they will be back again in an attempt to retain their title.

The eleventh edition of the hugely popular three day mountain biking stage race from Glencairn Farm in Underberg to Scottburgh Main Beach on KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast gets underway on 12 May when the Trail event commences and is hotly followed by the start of the Adventure a day later.

The sport’s racing snakes take to the trails for the first time on Thursday 14 May and will come home in front of a sizeable crowd in Scottburgh on Saturday 16 May with Biogen-Volcan’s pairing of Evans and Knox eager to ensure it is them who reach this point fastest.

“In the ten years of the sani2c’s existence, Kevin (Evans) has won it six times and myself three!” explains 27 year-old Knox.

“There has only been one year since the start of this prestigious race that at least one of us haven’t stood on the podium so it’s definitely a race we enjoy and are keen to do well in again in 2015!”

Knox believes the pair’s unrivalled success at the event means the pressure usually associated with the defending champions label is significantly reduced.

“We’ve won it before and there’s no real pressure for us to get number seven or number four respectively.

“We can afford to a bit more laid back in the build up to this year’s event and let the others worry about the racing ahead of time.

“Come race day, we’ll definitely be looking to defend our title though!”

Kyle Gilham/
Gameplan Media

The sani2c carries added sentimental importance for Knox who has close family ties to the race’s start town in the Southern Drakensberg while a disappointing 23rd overall finishing at the recent ABSA Cape Epic has given the duo added motivation to put in another strong showing.

“My uncle lives in Underberg, my cousins own the local Spar up there, I even spent some of my childhood years living there so to take part in the sani2c and do well in that particular race really means a lot to me!”

“Kev and I have received fantastic support from Biogen, Volcan and a few others so far this season and had a really good start to the year with a couple of positive results.

“Epic unfortunately didn’t go according to plan for us so it really would be a special treat for our sponsors if we were able to get the win at sani(2c) again.”

The experienced marathon racing pair have opted for contrasting Cape Epic recovery regimes in the build up to this year’s sani2c however do not believe this will be an issue given the understanding they have of one another’s racing style.

“We’re both busy recovering from Epic at the moment before Kev then looks to ride the (Old Mutual) joBerg2c with a friend as a training block ahead of sani2c.

“Being ten years older than me, that extra mileage is something Kev has learnt works for him however I know that’s not for me. I’ll just be doing the Ashburton race in Clarens between now and sani(2c).

“Our different approaches aren’t an issue for us; we’ve ridden together many times before and we know each other’s racing styles really well.

“We’re both have quite an aggressive, attacking riding style and mentality we’re also quite similar in that we both really enjoy winning and are super competitive,” adds Knox.

While the likes of Scott Factory Racing powered by LCB’s Philip Buys, Matthys Beukes, Arno du Toit and Gert Heyns, Full Dynamix’s duo of Rourke Croeser and Travis Walker as well as Kargo Pro MTB’s Brendon Davids and Alan Hatherly won’t be on this year’s sani2c start line due to their UCI MTB World Cup commitments, Knox still expects a still challenge at the front of the men’s race.

“Even though some of the cross country specialists will be missing this year, it will still be a great field I’m sure and anyone with a number board on the front of their bike is a competitor you have to worry about; you can’t write anyone off.

“The Epic just showed how much stronger the local mountain biking scene is getting and I’m sure it’s going to be another really tough race at this year’s sani2c!” says Knox.

More information can be found at www.sani2c.co.za

2015 Neon Run

It’s the most fun you can have in the dark! South Africa’s electric night-time spectacular has gone national with Neon Run™ 2015 taking place with five fun-filled festivals at major city centres.

Join thousands of runners, joggers and walkers decked out in all manner of glow and neon paraphernalia as they complete the course and manoeuvre through glow stations before celebrating at the post-race party with a dazzling laser light show.

The Neon Runs take place in the following South African centres:

 11 April – Port Elizabeth, St George’s Park
 18 April – Cape Town, Kenilworth Race Course
 25 April – Bloemfontein, Chevrolet Park
 9 May – Durban, Sun Coast lawns, Sun Coast Casino
 16 May – Johannesburg, Wanderers Stadium

Performing will be some of South Africa’s top musicians and DJs.

5FM’s Nick Hamman will serve as master of ceremonies for all five neon events with Cape Town based DJ Chris Taylor – known for playing uplifting progressive house and electro – as resident DJ for Neon Run South Africa™. 5FM DJ Vic Naidoo will appear in all five cities; Roger Goode will take to the stage in Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and Johannesburg and DJ Fresh will appear in Bloemfontein and Durban.

Also on the line-up are explosive electro-swing act Goodluck (Port Elizabeth); Grassy Spark with their unique fusion of ska-blend and other genres (Cape Town); Sama winning house band Mi Casa (Cape Town and Johannesburg);

Afrikaans kwela folk artist Oros in ‘n Lang Glas (Bloemfontein); rock 'n roll and Indie Kwela pop band Desmond & the Tutus (Bloemfontein and Durban); electro, rock, dance, folk and hip-hop group iScream & the Chocolate Stix (Durban); Rubber Duc (Johannesburg) with their folk-swing-hop sound  and The Illustrators (Johannesburg).

Gates open at 15h00 with music throughout the event while the race starts at 18h30.

A beer tent and food stalls are available.

The cost is R250 per person, under 11s play R90 while if four people or more book the price is R200 a person. Every ticket includes entry into race, the music festival, glow sticks and an official Neon Run head band.

People purchasing tickets for Neon Run™ will have the option of donating money to the Neon Run™ Fire Fighters & Victims Aid Fund. This voluntary donation can be anything from R1 upwards, which will go directly to the fund, and will be added onto the cost of the original ticket.

The 2015 tour includes more UV, neon paint, graffiti walls and lasers than ever before with participants at each event in line to win amazing prizes including the use of a Mitsubishi car for a year. Those Discovery members taking part also get Discovery points.

Partners for Neon Run South Africa 2015 include 5FM, Discovery Vitality, Flying Fish, Four Fire, Lorna Jane, Medal Paints, Mitsubishi Motors, Nu Tickets, Orbit, Planet Fitness and Thirst.

Tsogo Sun Duke of Edinburgh Cup to meet winter clothing needs of over 2 200 Diepsloot children

Children of Diepsloot will be the main beneficiaries of this year’s prestigious Tsogo Sun Duke of Edinburgh Cup amateur golf tournament, which will be played on Monday 20 April at the Country Club Johannesburg, on both the Woodmead and Rockland Courses.

The tournament represents the South African leg of the Duke of Edinburgh Cup, which is played annually in 10 different countries with the aim of raising funds to benefit children and young people in need.

“Tsogo Sun is proud to have been associated with the Duke of Edinburgh Cup for more than 10 years and it has always been a highlight on our annual calendar. Over the years we have raised a considerable amount for underprivileged children – and we look forward to the contribution we will make to children’s lives this year through the tournament,” says Noëleen Bruton, Group Marketing Director of Tsogo Sun.

More than 2 200 children from Grade 1 to Grade 7 at Muzomuhle Primary School, Diepsloot’s oldest and largest school, will benefit from funds raised through the charity-driven golf tournament this year. Tsogo Sun is handing over 2 200 anoraks, 400 pairs of school shoes and 300 school jerseys to help see the children through the winter months. “Many of these children go to school without either shoes or jerseys so we worked in partnership with the school to identify each child’s greatest needs,” says Bruton.

Unlike previous years, this year’s tournament was not made available to the public to purchase fourballs, but is by invitation only, giving Tsogo Sun the opportunity to thank their loyal and supportive card members. The winning pair from each of the two golf courses will qualify for one of amateur golf’s most coveted prizes – an invitation to participate in the exclusive Duke of Edinburgh Cup 2015 World Finals in England.

“The Duke of Edinburgh Championship is a truly memorable experience for everyone who participates – and this year we are delighted to directly impact over 2 200 school children by donating much-needed shoes and warm clothing,” says Bruton.

Top contenders & winning predictions for the 2015 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon

With the 2015 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon just over a week away, the top contenders are readying themselves for a battle that promises to be an exhilarating display of long distance running.

In the men’s race, the big question is whether Hendrick Ramaala will have what it takes to take the crown. The SA Half Marathon record holder and multiple national champion has little Ultra Marathon experience – last year’s Two Oceans Marathon was his first foray into a race longer than a standard marathon – but according to respected athletics writer and statistician, Riël Hauman, the 43-year-old veteran enjoys the benefit of extensive international competition experience.

“He’d certainly not want to repeat the mistake of 2014 when he allowed Lebenya Nkoka to run away from him after the climb up Constantia Nek – and then finished much fresher than the winner in second place,” says Hauman.

“Only three South Africans have won in the last eleven years, but Ramaala could become the fourth if he judges his race correctly.”

Other gold medal contenders include Warinyane Lebopo (LES), who was fourth last year (and sixth the previous year), Michael Mazibuko (6th in 2014), Peter Muthubi, Motlokoa Nkhabutlane, who was second in 2011 but had a bad run last year and would surely be out to redeem himself, Moses Moeketsi Mosuhli (LES), who has four top ten finishes but did not finish in 2014, and Lucky Miya (21st in 2014).

Cape Town fans will have their eyes on Mthandazo Qhina, who was second in 2013 and ninth last year, and "local" Zimbabwean Bernard Rukadza, who last ran in 2011.

“But let’s not forget Ethiopia's Teshome Gelana, one of the fastest marathon runners in the field, who finished second in the Tiberias Marathon earlier this year in 2:12:33,” adds Hauman.

Gelana has an excellent performance record in international marathons. His compatriot Ketema Tadesse, who was fifth last year, is also running.

The women’s field will also be hotly contended, with some impressive names lining up at the start.

“Charné Bosman is a great candidate as the first South African winner since 2001 in the women’s race. She was second in 2013 and continued to take fifth (as the first South African) in the Comrades Marathon that same year before having had to pull out of the longer Ultra last year for health reasons.
“She is fully recovered and is South Africa's best Ultra Marathon runner at the moment. She has raced two comfortable marathons so far this year and should be ready.”

But Hauman also warns that Bosman’s focus on the Comrades Marathon in May could play a role in her race strategy next weekend.

“Defending champion Nina Podnebesnova (RUS) should start as favourite. She has not shown her hand since her comfortable win last year, apart from finishing second in the Russian Half Marathon Championships in September – in a personal best of 73:34 – so it will be interesting to see how she performs on 4 April.”

Ultra novice, Tanith Maxwell, has emerged as the dark horse for the Ultra Marathon. Maxwell is one of the country's best marathoners of the last ten years, who set her PB of 2:32:33 in the 2010 Berlin Marathon. Earlier this year she won the Cape Peninsula Marathon and finished second in the Gran Canaria Marathon (2:39:45). Her preparations have not been without problems, though, and she did not finish the Durban City Marathon.

Other top SA ultra runners in the race are Melanie van Rooyen, Julanie Basson and Zola Pieterse, who was eleventh last year. There are also the 2014 runner-up, Ethiopian Shitaye Gemechu Debellu, who won the Dallas Marathon last year, 2003 winner Simona Juhász-Staicu, who finished in the top five in all five her attempts, US ultra star Devon Yanko, whose third position in her 2012 Two Oceans Ultra debut is an indication of her ability, and Britain's Holly Rush, seventh in the Comrades two years ago.

In the Half Marathon, Lusapho April, fresh from a magnificent fourth place in the New York City Half Marathon in 61:21, should start as favourite (he won in 2010 and 2011 and was second in 2008 and 2013).

His Half Marathon time is easily the fastest by a South African this year, and he also leads the 15 km list with his 44:12 – in fact, the latter is the quickest in the world in 2015.

An experienced international marathoner who has twice won the Hannover Marathon, April will be challenged by athletes like Joel Mmone, who was second last year and earlier in March set a new personal best of 28:37 for 10 km, Sibabalwe Mzazi (third in 2014), Sibusiso Nzima, Xolisa Tyali, Derocious Makhobalo, who earlier this year was fifth in the SA 10 km but has not run the Two Oceans Half Marathon before, and David Manja, who was 19th last year.

The women’s race is wide open, with neither Dinah Lebo Phalula nor René Kalmer running. Mapaseka Makhanya, who came fourth in 2014, will line up at the start again, together with 2013 winner and course record setter Meseret Mengistu Biru (ETH) and Irvette van Zyl, who was second three years in a row (2010-2012).  Biru ran 72:43 two years ago (she has a PB of 69:31) and since then won the Cape Town Marathon (2:30:57) and Soweto Marathon.

Biru should start as favourite, but could be challenged by the likes of Christine Kalmer and Jenna Challenor, who ran brilliantly in last year's World Half Marathon Championships and has already won three races this year, as well as Nolene Conrad, who recently set a new PB of 33:20 for 10 km.

“And then, of course, there’s Cape Town’s big little hope, the precocious Annie Bothma in her first senior year,” says Hauman.

“She set a WP junior record of 79:09 for the Half Marathon last year and this year has brought her 10 km PB down to 34:39. The only thing counting against this youngster – who will surely develop into a star over the next decade and more – is that the tough course may not suit her frail build.

Watch the drama unfold on 4 April 2015.

For more information, visit www.twooceansmarathon.org.za. Runners can also join the online conversation on www.facebook.com/TwoOceansMarathon, @2OceansMarathon on Twitter and Instagram (and by following and using the #OMTOM2015 hashtag).

German Pro, Till Schramm, to donate R25 000 to SA Triathlon Development

Top German pro triathlete, Till Schramm, is heading to Port Elizabeth, SA, to take on the world’s toughest sportsmen in the Standard Bank IRONMAN African Championship -- and to donate
R25 000 to triathlon development in SA.

Schramm is sponsored by Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo which is donating R25 000 (R1 000 per development team member) to the South African Triathlon Development programme. In addition, he has entered IRONMAN on March 29 on a charity ticket which includes a donation of R13 000 to the IRONMAN 4 the Kidz Charity Trust that assists destitute children.

Schramm will hand over the R25 000 donation in PE on March 25, and will host a short training run
with some development athletes afterwards. He will visit the Khayalethu Children’s Home -- which
will benefit from his charity entry – on Thursday 26 March.

“Contributing in this way is important for me and Alpecin because we believe in giving back to the sport and society where we are able to,” said Schramm.

Paul Wolff, South African Triathlon Development Manager and IRONMAN 4 the Kidz Trustee said: “We see IRONMAN as so much more than just a race. It’s an example of overcoming odds and offers a positive message not only to athletes but also the communities that the event touches.  It is encouraging to see professional athletes giving something back to the sport by playing an active role in its development as well as supporting worthy initiatives.”

Schramm, 29, from Cologne, Germany, is based in Dubai and, come March 29, faces stiff competition from around 70 other pros in his debut Standard Bank IRONMAN African Championship. He will be among a field of 2 100 of the world’s toughest, vying for a total prize purse of US$150 000 and world championship qualifying points.

Pressed on his race goal, Schramm says: “I hate the pressure that goes with predictions, but my aim is a top five finish.”

Schramm is in good shape, having notched up several podium finishes recently. “I finished second in the Dubai International in November 2014, achieving the fastest run-split behind Slovenia’s David Plese. Since then I have won a few smaller races this year and feel ready for Africa."

PMB MTB Festival’s marathons clear early season cobwebs

The Pietermaritzburg MTB Festival’s brand new 50km Classic, 20km Ride and 10km Fun Ride events at Cascades MTB Park on Sunday 5 April are set to kick start the world famous KwaZulu-Natal mountain biking winter season, giving riders a chance to test themselves on the course that hosted the UCI MTB Marathon World Champs last year.

With the crowd-pulling favourites like the Sappi Karkloof Classic, Nedbank sani2c and BSi Steel dusi2c as well as the popular Quattro ROAG Series' remaining eight legs all drawing near, the 50km and 20km events represent a golden chance to clear away the cobwebs for many.


Participants of the 50km Classic, 20km Ride and 10km Fun Ride events that take place at the Pietermaritzburg Mountain Bike Festival on Sunday 5 April can expect courses of immense beauty and vast mountain biking variety. Darren Goddard/Gameplan Media

“More and more people are feeling the pinch of the current economic times and going away on holiday during the Easter period appears to be less and less common these days,” says event director Alec Lenferna.

“Many MTB lovers will be looking for recreational opportunities during the Easter long weekend and mountain bikers will be hard pressed to find an excuse not to be part of the Pietermaritzburg MTB Festival!”



Few visitors to the province are expected to pass up the rare opportunity to tackle a top class race outside of their regular riding circles.

“Many of those likely to be heading down from Gauteng and surrounds – looking to take advantage of the extra-long holiday weekend – are avid cyclists as well.

“We are therefore looking forward to welcoming all those from up-country to Cascades this Easter, especially for Sunday’s 50km, 20km and 10km events!” said Lenferna.

The three-day mountain biking fiesta’s full schedule offers riders the chance to both participate in one or more of the wealth of events across the variety of disciplines and/or watch some of the top local and international stars in action.

“The Pietermaritzburg MTB Festival’s programme includes events for all ages and abilities across all major mountain biking disciplines so there is something suitable for and of interest to everyone,” said Lenferna

“We expect Sunday’s mass participation events to be very popular as the courses have been designed with the area’s extensive natural beauty and uniquely African experiences in mind.”



Amateur and social riders alike can look forward to a challenging yet manageable outing while the 50km Classic course’s inclusion of much of the routes used for last year’s UCI MTB Marathon World Championships and Rainbow Challenge offers beauty and MTB variety of international appeal.

Riders start by contouring their way out of Cascades’ forests and heading for Albert Falls Dam before a trip through the Edmonds’ Farm brings them to the uniquely African cycling experience of a journey through Mt Verde’s game reserve.

The day’s one and only tough climb out of the valley and up to Otto’s Bluff will get the heart beating and blood pumping however the extra bead of sweat is soon justified as at the top, cyclists are treated to the breath-taking views of Albert Falls Dam, Karkloof, Hilton College and surrounds before going through the downhill gate as they start the final stretch home.

The home ‘straight’ adds a final pinch of spice to the day’s mix as riders are kept on the edge of their seats with a maze of twisting, turning cross country-like obstacles all the way to the finish line.

The 2015 Pietermaritzburg MTB Festival takes place at Cascades MTB Park from 3-5 April. More information on the Pietermaritzburg Mountain Bike Festival and the event’s full programme can be found at http://www.cyclingsa.com/2015-pmb-mtb-festival

Every step was well worth it!

Michelé before

Michelé after

Today, I will be doing a Skype chat with Michelé Sturman.

She sent me a wonderful story on how she lost weight without going to extreme measures.

The combination of correct eating and cardio exercise has helped Michele to drop from 89.8kg to 60kg in 7 months, a drop of 29kg!She now runs or exercises 5 to 6 times per week to maintain this loss.
Michele says “I was very focussed and the more I would lose the weight the more I wanted to do it – I craved it! My biggest hurdle was my mind and I was totally determined to do it and very excited! I was also motivated, which is critical for successful weight loss. A positive mind set makes a huge difference.
My lifestyle has changed significantly and my attitude towards food and my body. I lost the weight over a 7 month period. Smarter eating habits require care and thought.
I still log my daily food / meals. I didn’t see it as a diet but living a healthier and smarter life.”
Slimming down isn't easy, it takes time and commitment to reach your weight-loss goals, it's definitely not impossible. 

I will be chatting with Michelé on Skype but also trying to have a Google Hangout too so that you can join in. Please have a look later on.

Pedalling 4 Pompe raises funds for rare diseases

2015 was the third year in which ‘Pedalling 4 Pompe’ entered as a charity bond at the Cape Town Cycle Tour on Sunday 8 March 2015 and despite being both amateurs at cycling and at the fundraising process, this year they managed to raise R97 140 for the Rare Disease Society of South Africa (RDSSA).

‘Pedalling 4 Pompe’ is the main fundraising initiative of the RDSSA and encourages participants to ride for a cause and raise funds for better care and to create awareness about rare diseases and their impact on patients’ lives.

Kelly Du Plessis, founder and chairperson of the RDSSA said: “What began as a simple challenge among friends and family to raise awareness about Pompe Disease, ‘Pedalling 4 Pompe’ has evolved into a charity initiative that seeks to help children and adults with rare conditions.”

All the funds raised from the cycling event will go towards assisting patients with treatment costs, aiding potential patients with costs associated with diagnosis as well as funding the development of rare disease specialists in South Africa.

For more information visit: http://rarediseases.co.za/join-cycle-team/

For further information about the Rare Disease Society of SA:
Email: info@rarediseases.co.za
Twitter: @RarediseasesSA

Mpumalanga's Malaga Hotel | Adventure Sports Paradise

Here is something that crossed my desk yesterday...

I have not been to the hotel, yet, and will hopefully be able to do a full review.
What I found interesting about the write up is the re-angle of the venue. From simply being a stop over on a route to a place, the hotel is now boasting that it is becoming a venue for all the sports that are available in the area.

I too think that Waterval Boven has always been overlooked. It's that town before Waterval Onder.
If you have been to this spot, let me know please. Would love to know more...

The beautiful, Malaga Hotel, situated on the banks of the Eland’s River in Waterval Boven in Mpumalanga has been stylishly renovated and is under new management.  The luxurious 3 star hotel is perfect as a country retreat for a family leisure trip or as a stopover en route to the Kruger National Park or Mozambique. But what the hotel is fast becoming known as, is the adventure sports capital of SA with incredible rock climbing, trail running, mountain biking, fishing and hiking on offer in the area.
The 52 well-appointed rooms offer world-class service and stylish comfort and all boast private balconies with garden and mountain views. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with a menu featuring farm-fresh country fare and organic homegrown vegetables..
The beautiful Panorama Route that includes: the Blyde River Canyon, Pilgrim’s Rest, Sabie, Grasskop, God’s Window, waterfalls, Pinnacle (rock formation), Burk’s Luck Pot Holes and Three Rondavels (mountain range), along with the Kruger National Park, is easily accessible from the hotel. The area is renowned for Adventure Sport and is situated at one of South Africa's top rock climbing destinations with breath taking waterfalls and scenic views. Other facilities include the Deluxe Spa with jacuzzi and sauna and a volleyball court. A beautiful kids playground facility makes the hotel even more suitable for the whole family!
For more information or to make a booking, please visit http://www.malaga.co.za or call 013 257 5300.

Add a little sparkle to your healthy lifestyle

The pressure of inadequate hydration can cause fatigue, and this ultimately affects everyone’s productivity levels – from school children, to fitness fundis, domestic executives, as well as professionals.  The far-fetched idea of members of society resorting to carrying around hydration packs is definitely drastic, but if we don’t take care of our daily hydration needs – this is exactly what we would all need to do.

Fortunately, there is a much more fun, practical, and beneficial way to keep one’s hydration at desirable levels.  It’s also a delicious way to facilitate a healthy lifestyle on a daily basis.  With just a simple press, anyone can turn ordinary water into fresh sparkling water, and flavoured sparkling water in seconds.  It’s also encouraging to know that people who own a SodaStream machine drink one liter of water more/

From an aesthetic point of view, a SodaStream machine isn’t only a stylish, and absolutely ultimate must-have kitchen appliance – it’s also a positive enabler for health and fitness fundamentalists.

With the Sugafree SodaStream flavours range, you get to enjoy the flavours, and not feel any guilt.  It’s definitely a product you’ll use all the time – Fill up the bottle and drink it at home, take it to the gym, to work, to the park, everywhere.  It’s not just about drinking water, it’s an exciting hydration experience that supports healthy living in a cost-effective and proudly-green kind of way.

For a flavorful glass of nutritious sparkling water – try adding a slice of lemon to your just-carbonated morning glass, a bit of mint to your mid-afternoon replenishment, or some cucumber for your dose of evening hydration.

And when the time comes for you to cater for a family braai, a kids birthday party, or just a normal Saturday night in with family or close friends, SodaStream will have you covered.  You’ll be able to make everything from sparkling water, to flavoured low-sugar sparkling water, and even exquisite cocktails for everyone.

A few good reasons to stay hydrated
Enhancing mental clarity: A loss of just 2% in body water can cause short term memory loss and difficulty in concentration. Good hydration helps you stay mentally alert all day long.
Improving digestion: A digestive system without enough fluid will become constipated. Fluid is essential for nutrients to pass through the membranes of the intestines.
Softening skin texture: Proper hydration makes it possible for water to move through all the membranes so that the largest organ in your body, your skin, is soft and pliable. The aging process is slowed.
Wrinkles are less pronounced. Baggy skin tightens.

Busting a few myths about hydration
Myth – Everyone should drink 8 glasses of water a day:  Although it’s a nice reminder that most of us should aim to drink more, the truth is that not everyone requires 8 glasses of water a day to maintain adequate hydration. The amount of fluids that each person needs varies based on activity level, gender and body size. Other sources of fluids that contribute to hydration include carbonated drinks, juice, milk, coffee, tea, fruits, vegetables and other foods with higher water content.

Myth – Only water really hydrates you:  Not true. Many beverages with high water content contribute to the body’s hydration status, including carbonated soft drinks, juices, tea and even coffee to a certain extent. In addition, 20% of your hydration regularly comes from the food you eat.

Myth – Thirst is a good indicator and my body’s main signal that I need to drink:  Many people can use thirstiness as an indicator to rehydrate, but that may not always be reliable. As many of us know, thirst signals are easily ignored when it’s inconvenient to drink, and we do this regularly, so it’s tough to rely on thirst as a signal to drink. In addition, physical activity, high temperatures, stress and fatigue may increase water loss making it necessary to consume more than you usually need.

2015 Slow-Mag Maratho

The 23rd edition of the highly anticipated annual Slow-Mag Marathon will take place on Sunday the 26th April 2015 at Benoni Northern Sports Club in Albert Bekker Park, Gauteng. This year the Slow-Mag Marathon is an Official CGA Half Marathon Championship event and is yet again a Comrades qualifier. Runners are invited to take part in the Ultra (50km), Full (42.2km), Half (21.1km) Marathon, 10km and Family Fun Run (5km).

The annual Slow-Mag Marathon is more than a Comrades qualifier and official CGA event.  This is a fun day for the whole family to enjoy outdoors in the warm Gauteng autumn weather. There is something for runners and walkers as well as their supporters who have come along to enjoy a morning out. Secure parking, music and entertainment, morning coffee, a cash bar, food stalls and a variety of children’s activities will ensure that a good time is had by all.

Starting times are as follows:
06h30 for Ultra, Full and Half Marathon
06h40 for 10km and 5km Family Fun Run

Venue: Benoni Northerns Sports Club, Albert Bekker Park, corner of O’Reilly Merry & Brodigan Street, Northmead, Benoni

GPS co-ordinates:

Latitude: 26°10’23.16”S
Longitude: 28°19’42.33”E

Pre-entries online or instore.
Pre-entry closing date: 17th April 2015.

ONLINE: www.enteronline.co.za

IN-STORE:
- The Sweat Shop, Irene: 012 665 0048
- The Sweat Shop, Dunkeld West Centre, Jan Smuts Ave: 011 325 2567/8
- The Sweat Shop, Fourways: 011 467 5966
- The Bedford Runner, 2 Bedfordview Arcade, Van Buuren Rd: 011 450 1847
- The Randburg Runner, Sanlam Court, cnr 5th and 4th Ave, Linden: 011 888 9644
- Run away Sports, 302 Freesia St, Lynwood Ridge, Pretoria: 012 361 3733
- Sportsmans Warehouse, Boksburg Value Mart: 011 823 3350
- Woodstock Cycles, Benoni, O’Reilly Merry Street: 011 849 1305

No postal or faxed entries.
Late entries will be taken at BNAC on Saturday 25th of April from 10am to 5pm and on the morning of the race from 4.30am.
T-Shirts for all entrants at the finish line.

Race info and Enquiries:
Tel: Race office 076 819 2122/ 079 836 4019
Email: bnacraceorganisers@gmail.com
Tel: Madge Attwell 083 573 1011

Legends of the Pedal unite at gala dinner

The Legends of the Pedal organisation assembled together at a glitzy black-tie gala dinner held at Ongegund Lodge, a magnificent wine estate set on the outskirts of Somerset West in the Western Cape, on 4 December 2014.

Photo: (from left to right) Johnny Koen, Freddie Joubert and William Newman at the Legends of the Pedal gala dinner in the Western Cape on Thursday 4 December 2014. Credit: Annelene Coetzee.

The momentous occasion takes place once a year and celebrates the colourful lives of the legends of cycling from days gone by. Guests are required to wear formal attire while those previous champions wear their high-merit representative sports blazer and tie for The Legends of the Pedal Gala Dinner. No fewer than 19 of the esteemed Legends of the Legends of the Pedal attended the prestigious event on Thursday 4 December.

The Legends of the Pedal began in 2007. Founder Johnny Koen, a name familiar to all cycling enthusiasts as the man behind the lens on SABC’s Pedal Talk, recognised that cycling had been an active sport in South Africa since 1881, yet there was nothing in place to honour “the old guys”. No one knew who they were, and what their achievements were. Pedal Talk producer, Carina Grobler, wanted to talk to the elite band of guys – the record makers from the old days, and feature them on the show.

Photo: Four new Legends were inducted into the Legend of the Pedal fold: Sammy Davids, Freddie Joubert, Cathy Carstens, Linus van Onselen. Credit: Annelene Coetzee

“It began by hosting an interview with some legendary cyclists to depict “a day in the life” of these guys,” said Johnny Koen. “The legends started with three guys who had a cheap lunch at an Italian restaurant in Emmarentia one day. Today, the Legend of the Pedal gala dinner hosts 150 people and is oversubscribed – it's a sold out event!”

Lawrence Whittaker was the first person to be inducted as a Legend of the Pedal and was the first President of Cycling South Africa (Gotty Hansen was the last President of the South African Cycling Federation – as it was previously known). A few reputable South African cyclists took a poll and they came up with 50 names that they recognised seen as legends of South African cycling. Out of those names, 30 were selected to be part of the Legends of the Pedal.

The gala dinner is a get together to re-establish relationships and to raise some funds for any of those wanting legends. The sell-out event raised a record sum of approximately R80 000 for the Legends of the Pedal Benevolent Fund, which assists any Legends in need, and which is kindly managed and administered by Legends William Newman and Johan Nicol on their behalf.

“We’ve got the talent in cycling,” said Koen. “Until Penny Heyns claimed two Olympic gold medals at the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996, Legend of the Pedal Tommy Shardelow was the most acclaimed Olympian from a bygone era. Tommy competed in the 1952 and 1956 Olympics, winning silver medals in the 4000m Team Pursuit and 2000m Tandem events in 1952.” Shardelow was the guest Legend of Honour on Thursday evening at Ongegund Lodge in Somerset West.

Four new Legends were inducted into the Legend of the Pedal fold. Sammy Davids, the first champion cyclist of colour since South Africa’s re-admission into the international sporting arena; Cathy Carstens, the first “Lady Legend” and previous World Champion; Linus van Onselen, double World Champion; and Freddie Joubert, who has dedicated 60 years+ of his life to cycling. Joubert was a cyclist, administrator and is still operating as a Commissaire today.

The owner of Ongedund Lodge, Alwyn Gey van Pittius, went out of his way to ensure that the “Legends” were provided with five-star treatment, from the moment they arrived until the moment they left. Van Pittius is a keen mountain biker and a past athletics National Champion and record holder. The Ongedund Lodge sponsors the entire evening and is the single biggest contributor to the Legends of the Pedal Benevolent Fund. Koen expressed sincere gratitude to Van Pittius and the Ongedund Lodge for all their contribution and support of the Legends of the Pedal.

Brief CVs of those Legends of the Pedal who were in attendance at the 2014 Legends of the Pedal Gala Dinner:

Eddie Kriel
SA 20km, Tandem (with Hennie Wentzel!), Ind Pursuit and Team Pursuit Champion
Springbok
Married to Susan Binneman

Elrick Kulsen
1986 1st Springbok of Colour
Multiple SA Champions Track
Manager CSA National Teams
Coach/manger CSA National Paracycling Teams

Phil Liggett
The Voice of Cycling
Honorary Legend of the Pedal: he virtually lives here.
9 Olympic Games
4 Winter Olympics
TdF since 1973
Emmy Award Winner
2005 MBE
2007 American Hall of Fame

Martin Edward Charles Nefdt
The Self-Proclaimed Mayor of Perridgvale
Springbok
Multiple National Champion, Sprint, 5 Times Tandem, 1000m TT and 1500m
1500m in 73 One of the Very Best Races we have seen

William Newman
Elected not to Race in the Window Dressed Era“No normal sport in an abnormal society”

Multiple Tour de Boland Winner
The Best SACOS rider of All Time
Held all of the SACOS Records+ Captained the SACOS National Team
First Legend to be elected as the President of CSA

Johan Nicol
The Son of William Nicol, the Administrator of the then Transvaal
SA Junior TT Record stood for 25 Years
SA Senior TT Record
SA 10-Mile Record
Still an Active Cyclist: MTB

Rowan Peacock
Rome Olympic Games
1965 First SA Rider to Beat the 5 min Pursuit Barrier: 4:55
Twice Boxing Day Winner
1970 All SA TT Records 1500m TO 100km

Roy Peacock
Represented WP and Captained Natal
3 Times SA Team Pursuit Champion

Children Lizelle and Roy both Represented SA at Swimming

Andy Theron
Multiple SA Pursuit Champion
Boxing Day Winner
1973 SA Hour Record 44.7 km at Pretoria vs. Eddy Merckx’s 49.473 at Mexico City
1973 SA Record Pursuit 4:52 when the WR was 4:46… still stands on a “bicycle” no aero equipment… 6 secs off World Record

Tin Thiart
Extremely Popular
1969 Springbok
Twice Boxing Day Winner
SA Champion
Rembrandt Tour Rider

Theo von Ruben
Has had a CSA Racing License since 1967
Winner All Senior EP Championships but the Sprint
World Masters Games 10km Champion
World Masters Games Omnium Champion

Lawrence Whittaker
Natal Colours
Co Founder CTCT
Winner 1st CTCT
1st President CSA
The Bridge Between Then and Now: Racing & Recreational

Chris Willemse
Only Rider Ever to Win Juvenile, Junior and Senior National Road Titles
Took Part in 5 SA Road Championships and Won 5 Medals
Boxing Day Winner
Multiple SA and RSA Games National Titles on the Track
Youngest VP of SACF

Gauteng claim SA Canoe Polo Champs gold

The Gauteng Barbarians produced an upset win over the Gauteng Men’s team at the end of the South African Canoe Polo Championships on the weekend, winning the final of the Senior Men’s division at Emmarentia dam.

Teams from Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape entered an assortment of men’s and mixed teams in two categories: U21 and Senior. Traditional rivals Gauteng and KZN were given more than a run for their money by the teams from the Western Cape.

The Saturday's action involved the teams fighting it out during the pool stages of the competition which continued into the early part of Sunday before the teams moved on to the semi-finals and finals later in the day.

The competition was fierce as teams vied for a place in the play-off games with spectators being treated to some hard-fought matches on both days and culminated in an all Gauteng final in the senior category and a north-south derby in the Under-21 age group final.

In the Under-21 category, the Gauteng Scouts proved their mettle, playing for the first time in a competition of this nature and enjoying games of a high standard against their rival teams. The true competition in this category was between Gauteng U21 and the Aurecon Western Cape U21 teams. The final was a hotly contested game that had parents and spectators cheering loudly. After 20 minutes, there was still no score, so the game went to Golden Goal. The Western Cape team just pipped the Gauteng team to the post.

In the senior division, there were surprises in store. KZN’s mixed team played Western Cape, who beat them in the play-off for 3rd and 4th place. The real competition and undoubtedly the match of the tournament was the senior final, between two Gauteng teams: Gauteng Men and Gauteng Barbarians. The battle was fought between the two local sides, with the score see-sawing back-and-forth, ending in a draw. The game went to Golden Goal and the Gauteng Barbarians paddled away with the gold much to the delight of their supporters.

The final results for the tournament were:
U21: Gold - Aurecon Western Cape U21; Silver - Gauteng U21; Bronze - Gauteng Scouts.
Senior: Gold - Gauteng Barbarians; Silver - Gauteng Men; Bronze - Western Cape

For any further information go and have a look at the Canoeing South Africa website atwww.canoesa.org.za. 

A chat with Lewis Hamilton

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton knows he has plenty of rivalry for the 2015 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award next month, including major sports stars like Novak Djokovic, Rory McIlroy and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Rory’s done an amazing job.  Ronaldo, what a great player he is, Djokovic, I mean he’s killed everything,” said British two-time world champion Hamilton, in an interview with Laureus.com.

But also in the interview, the Mercedes AMG Petronas driver surprisingly revealed that if there was one place he would like to seemore competition, it is on the race track, when this year’s Formula One season gets under way in Melbourne on March 15.

In 2014, Hamilton, with 11 Grand Prix wins, and team-mate Nico Rosberg, with five, won all but three races on the calendar, giving the Mercedes AMG Petronas team a comfortable victory in the World Constructors’ Championship.

A perfect season on the face of it, but Hamilton told Laureus.com: “I like to race, I really like to race. The 2015 cars are going to be evolutions of last year’s cars, so it’ll be the same people that we were racing with last year.  Red Bull, Williams, and then you’re hoping that it’s a bit of a better year for those like McLaren and Ferrari, so that we have more people to race. The more the merrier.

“There was one year the first seven races were won by a different driver, a different team, that’s what people want to see. But, most importantly, if the cars are close you can have real races where you’re overtaking and battling and that’s what I love doing. That’s what racing’s about.”

Having just turned 30 in January, Hamilton also revealed his thoughts about the future, insisting he will know when it’s time to stop, though he believes that will be a long way down the road.

“If I’m lucky enough to be able to live out my whole Formula One career then I think I’ve got a good seven, eight years left in me. I’m sure I could go longer, but I think there’s only 22 seats in Formula One, so you’ve got to imagine that there’s going to be kids coming up along the way. I don’t plan on hogging my seat, particularly if I’m not competitive in my later years. I’ll definitely stop.

“Of course I look ahead to try and imagine what my life will be like in the future, but to be honest, generally the way I live my life is day by day, because I honestly believe you never know when it’s going to be your last day, so I want to make sure that I enjoy as much as I can whatever it is I’m doing, workwise or in my personal life.

“I’ve been so fortunate to have this incredible career, the incredible life that I have, the family, good people around me, so I try and enjoy it. There’s so many youngsters or people in the world who would love to be doing what I’m doing.” 

Hamilton said he is ‘very grateful and proud’ to be one of the six Nominees for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award, following his thrilling victory in last year’s world championship. Also nominated are Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, world golf No.1 Rory McIlory, Spain’s World MotoGP champion Marc Márquez, tennis world No.1 Novak Djokovic and Renaud Lavillenie, the French pole vaulter who broke Sergey Bubka’s 21-year-old world record.

The names of the winners of the Laureus World Sports Awards will be announced in Shanghai on April 15. Hamilton was also thewinner of the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year Award in 2008.

He said: “I think 2014 was definitely one of the best, if not the best year of my career, it was just an exceptional year, where the team came together, did an amazing job with the car. We had some ups and downs. Even though we were at the front of the field the majority of the time, it was still a challenge to try and improve all the time. But we want to be better this year, we want to try and dominate even more.”

“I’ve never won the big Award at Laureus and obviously seen the greats that have. So, you know, I’d be massively privileged if I was amongst those. Knowing how prestigious the Laureus Award is I feel very, very grateful and proud to be amongst the great athletes that have been nominated. “

So can he win a second straight world title – the third in his career? With the first Grand Prix just more than a week away, Hamilton said: “I feel fresh, I feel fit.  I will plan to drive as good as I did last year, but I want to be better.  I hope that we have the package and I hope that we have some good races, but I’m just grateful that I get to race again.” 

TomTom GPS Sports Watches now Compatible with Nike+Running App

TomTom today announces that its range of TomTom Runner and Multi-Sport GPS Sport Watches will now connect to Nike+.  Users can now track their progress, challenge their friends and share their successes with the Nike+ running community and earn NikeFuel.

“This is the next step in a partnership with Nike that began in 2011 with the launch of the Nike+ Sportwatch, which was powered by TomTom,” says Corinne Vigreux, Managing Director and Founder, TomTom Consumer. “We’re excited to add an industry-leader like Nike+ to the list of platforms available to TomTom users.”

“Whether it’s an athlete’s first or fastest run, Nike+ has been there to provide inspiration and information to motivate all runners. Together with best-in-class partners, we can now deliver these experiences to even more runners, regardless of where they run or the device they prefer,” says Adam Roth, VP of Nike Global Running Brand Marketing. “This expansion is all about the runner – giving him or her even more ways to access the benefits of being a Nike+ Running member.”

TomTom GPS  Sport Watches automatically sync activities to multiple running sites and apps including Nike+, TomTom MySports, RunKeeper, MapMyFitness, Jawbone, Endomondo and Strava.  Activities can also be uploaded manually to other open platform communities.

TomTom GPS Sport Watches track real time information including time, distance, pace, speed, heart rate and calories burnt during an activity.

For more information visit www.tomtom.com/sports

Cycling SA denounces racism in sport

Press release sent out today:

Cycling South Africa reports that a case of racism has been brought to its attention. The matter involved the rider Dusty Day who referred to fellow cyclist Luthando Kaka by the derogatory “K-word” during a road race on 15 February 2015.

The matter was presented to Cycling SA’s Disciplinary Committee (DC). As per the DC process, when a charge is brought against a member and there is “prima facie” evidence to support the charges, the person is placed under provisional suspension immediately while the DC process is completed. In this case Mr. Day was provisionally suspended immediately.

A few days later, Mr. Day laid a counter charge against Mr. Kaka, and following the same disciplinary process, Kaka was placed under provisional suspension. Upon representation from Kaka’s advisors to Cycling SA, by mutual agreement between the parties, Kaka’s provisional suspension was lifted on 27 February 2015 until the finalisation of the disciplinary hearing.

Cycling SA awaits the finalisation of the DC process after which further statements will be made.

Cycling SA would like to place on record its utter disappointment at this very unfortunate incident and we view the matter in a very serious light. There is no place for such racial behaviour in our sport and society.

Cycling SA further reiterates its zero tolerance approach to racism in any sport. No person should be treated the way Luthando Kaka was treated and we apologise to Luthando on him having been subjected to this very embarrassing and humiliating experience.

It relates to this story as published by DestinyConnet.com