TOUR DU MAROC AND THEN ON TO EUROPE FOR MTN-QHUBEKA

Friday 23 March sees the start of the UCI 2.2 Tour du Maroc, a 10-day stage race that marks the start of a three-month period of racing abroad for the MTN-Qhubeka Men’s Road Team.

The 2012 team that will take on the North African race comprises Arran Brown, Brad Potgieter, Dennis van Niekerk, Martin Wesemann, Meron Russom and Reinardt Janse van Rensburg.

MTN-Qhubeka has had some success here before, in 2011 the team racked up 4 stage wins with Brown and Janse van Rensburg achieving three of them, the team also finished 2^nd and 5^th in the overall General Classification. This year, the men hope to improve on past results and cement MTN-Qhubeka’s positioning as the leading continental pro team. The Tour du Maroc also serves as preparation for a tough racing programme that will keep them away from home shores until 11 June. The 11-week schedule includes events in Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg as well as a dual program in Africa with races in Eritrea and Gabon.

“Team MTN-Qhubeka is ready to take the next step and perform at the European races,” says Sports Director Jens Zemke. “We will start with a tough program of UCI 1.1 races like Pino Cerami on 5 April and Rund um Köln on Easter Monday directly after arriving from the Tour du Maroc.”

Zemke notes that it will take a few days for the riders to adapt to the colder climate and harder, longer and tougher races. “But I have no doubts that we will surprise competitors in some races,” he says. “The men have showed an amazing will to win and they have already won some important races for us.”

The first stage of the Tour du Maroc kicks off on Friday 23 March from Tangier to Tetouan and is 130km. The team arrived in Morocco on 21 March and the cyclists have been using the time to acclimatise and prepare for the 10 days of racing.

The Tour du Maroc stages are as follows:

·         Stage 1; Friday 23 March 2012: Tangier to Tetouan – 130km

·         Stage 2; Saturday 24 March: Ouezzane to Fez – 150km

·         Stage 3; Sunday 25 March: Fez to Khenifra – 152km

·         Stage 4; Monday 26 March: Khenifra to Midelt – 144km

·         Stage 5; Tuesday 27 March: Midelt to Errachidia – 126km

·         Stage 6; Wednesday 28 March: Errachidia to Tinerhir – 137km

·         Stage 7; Thursday 29 March: Tinerhir to Ouarzazate – 170km

·         Stage 8; Friday 30 March: Ouarzazate to Marrakech – 190km

·         Stage 9; Saturday 31 March: Marrakech to El Jadida – 179km

·         Stage 10; Sunday 1 April: El Jadida to Casablanca – 120km

The remaining program includes the following international events:

·         5 April; Grand Prix Pino Cerami UCI1.1 – Belgium

·         9 April; Rund um Koln UCI1.1 – Germany

·         21 April; Arno Wallard Memorial UCI1.2 – Netherlands

·         22 April; Ronde van Noord Holland UCI1.2 – Netherlands

·         24 – 29 April; La Tropical Amissa Bongo UCI2.1 – Gabon

·         25 April – 1 May; Tour of Bretagne UCI2.2 – France

·         4 – 5 May; Ronde van Overijssel UCI2.2 – Netherlands

·         6 May; Circuit de Wallonie UCI1.2 – Belgium

·         8 May; Challenge du Prince - Trophée Princier UCI1.2 – Morocco

·         9 May; Challenge du Prince - Trophée de l'Anniversaire UCI1.2 – Morocco

·         10 May; Challenge du Prince - Trophée de la Maison Royale UCI1.2 – Morocco

·         16 – 20 May; Fleche du Sud UCI2.2 – Luxembourg

·         26 – 28 May Tour de Gironde UCI2.2 – France

·         30 May 30 – 3 Jun; Tour of Eritrea UCI2.2 – Eritrea

·         10 June; Delta Zeeland UCI2.1 – Netherlands

“We are very excited to be putting together this European racing programme that also sticks to our team roots by including the races on the African continent,” says Team Principal Doug Ryder. “We are hoping to achieve as many UCI points as possible to qualify a rider to the London Olympic Games in August and many more riders to the World Championship in the Netherlands in September. Our team is ready for this challenge after a very successful start to the year in the local calendar, national championships and Tour de Langkawi in Malaysia.”

ENTHOVEN AND IMPEY HAVE CONFIDENCE IN EACH OTHER

Absa Cape Epic old-timers Adrian Enthoven (42) and Delaney Impey (39) will be riding the 2012 event under the team name JAG Craft in the Masters category. This year’s race, which takes place from 25 March to 1 April 2012, will once again take 1200 riders through some of the Western Cape’s most unspoilt territory. The race will kick-off with the prologue at Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville and will finish at the traditional Lourensford Wine Estate.

This will be the fifth Absa Cape Epic for Enthoven. He explains that the race is addictive. “It’s a phenomenal race and a big focus for me every year. I just can’t seem to get enough of it!”

Enthoven will be riding with Impey, who will be particpating in his third Absa Cape Epic. Says Enthoven: “Delaney and I are physically well matched and we share the same goals and ambitions for the race. Although we’ve only teamed up recently, we have developed trust and belief in one another.” Impey is also excited about the race but is aware of what a huge commitment it is. “It’s a fantastic race but requires a lot of personal sacrifice. This year, unlike other years I have really enjoyed the training leading up to the race itself. It’s important to enjoy the training and preparation before the big day,” adds Impey. “Also, I would not be doing the race this year unless I totally believed in the partnership and knew that it would be a successful one. Adrian and I are similar in many ways and no matter what is thrown at us, we’ll keep a level head and get on with the task at hand.”

Enthoven boasts a number of achievements to his name. He has entered 7 Absa Cape Epics, 5 of which he has completed. He came 2nd overall in 2010 and 3rd overall in 2011. In 2008 and 2009, Enthoven finished 11th and 12th overall in the Sani2C and 7th in the MTN Ultra Clarens race in 2011. Last year, with Shan Wilson, Enthoven finished 2nd in the Knysna Garden Route 300 and this year, were the overall winners with partner, Impey.

In terms of training, these two seldom train together but as Impey explains, they both have faith in one another when it comes to training individually. “We both prefer to mostly train alone and put in the time when it best suits our lifestyles and commitments. We both get on with the job at hand and have the confidence that the other is doing the same.”

Enthoven began his training last year November. “I try to ride 20 to 25 hours a week with one week around 30 hours. From the middle of January to now, I then moved to doing intervals and as much racing as possible while still keeping the hours up,” says Enthoven. Impey trains 6 times a week while following power specific workouts. He is coached by Shan Wilson, who will also be riding the Absa Cape Epic this year. “At the beginning of the season, my coach and I sat down and agreed to the goals for the year and this is the programme we stick to and review on an on-going basis.”

Both Impey and Enthoven’s diets consist of eating as healthily as possible with Impey’s having to be strict and managed leading up to the Absa Cape Epic.

Both riders are looking forward to the race this year. Adds Enthoven: “I’m looking forward to what I’m sure is yet another gem of a route by Leon Evans (aka Dr. Evil), and the great vibe that always accompanies this race.”

Impey enjoys spending his free time with his family and this year, he and Adrian will be looking for a good result in the Sani2C which occurs a few weeks after the Absa Cape Epic. Adds Enthoven: “We’re looking for a top 10 overall finish in the Sani2C. In my free time though, I like to take my wife out on a date, read to my children and get in as much sleeping as possible!”

With neither having injuries that could affect their performance at this year’s Absa Cape Epic, Enthoven and Impey are hoping for some podium finishes. Says Enthoven: “There’s a very strong Master’s field this year, so I think a category stage win for us will be difficult. However, I think we have a reasonable chance ending up on the podium if we remain consistent and avoid major mechanicals or crashes.”

With a strong head and a good partnership, Impey believes you can complete the Cape Epic while Enthoven adds that you need to believe in yourself and your ability. “We’re most limited by our minds, not our bodies,” says Enthoven.

Impey gives advice to other participants stating that one must enjoy training. “It’s important in making this event a memorable experience. Far too many people go into the Cape Epic either over trained or hating their bike before they’ve even started.” Along with this, Impey says honest communication and a partner with the same goals and aspirations are vital.

Enthoven concludes: “Always ride close together. Never ride off the front if you are the stronger rider – it is very demoralising for your partner. Also, take good care of your bum – riding a Cape Epic stage with an inflamed saddle sore is no fun! It is a very long race and there’s plenty of time to make up for the positions you’ve lost. Lastly, don’t take unnecessary risks. A good result at the Absa Cape Epic comes with a steady and consistent ride and few mistakes.”

Mountain biking enthusiasts not participating in the Absa Cape Epic are invited to enter the Vineyard Races, which consist of the Vineyard Ride and Vineyard Run, both sponsored by Cape Times. These races promise participants breathtaking scenery and spectacular mountain biking terrain. The Vineyard Run offers a fun run (6km) and a trail run (15km) and the Vineyard Ride offers a 27km and 50km race. Interested riders can register online at www.vineyard-races.co.za.

Lourensford Wine Estate will once again host the finish of the race and the Grand Finale celebrations on 1 April 2012. The Grand Finale will kick off with live entertainment by well-known South African band Freshlyground, a Farmer’s Market, delectable food and wine as well as glorious scenery. Vantage points will be accessible to the general public, so that all may have a piece of the mountain biking action. Entrance is free.

Third Test Jitters

New Zealand's nine-wicket loss to South Africa in the second test was a closer match than the result suggests and the hosts' captain Ross Taylor believes his team are not far away from being competitive in the third test in Wellington.

South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the series on the back of the victory at Seddon Park in Hamilton, which was cemented through superb fast bowling from their pace trio of Vernon Philander, who took 10 wickets, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.

"The score reflected that we got pretty much thrashed ... but it was actually a lot closer than people give it credit for," Taylor told reporters on Thursday.

"We did have our moments in that game and if a couple of bounces of the ball go our way then it could have been a different story.

"We know that we're not far away from competing with this side. We've been on top in a few situations we just haven't been able to ram it home."

New Zealand had their moments in the second test. Taylor and Brendon McCullum had batted them into a strong position on day one and Mark Gillespie tore through the Proteas' batting on day two, but the hosts failed to capitalise.

Philander and Steyn took five wickets for no runs to ruin Taylor and McCullum's start, while South Africa's tail wagged furiously, contributing 165 runs for the final four wickets.

The key to winning the final test in Wellington, which starts on Friday, was someone scoring a big century and being backed up by two or three others, Taylor said.

"In test cricket ... three or four guys need to step up. I wouldn't put it down to one individual," Taylor said. "I think three or four very good individual performances will put us into this game."

BOWLING PRESSURE

South Africa captain Graeme Smith agreed that the efforts of his bowlers in the second test had helped them to victory and his message to them for the final match at the Basin Reserve would be to build on their performances.

"The guys have shown great discipline," Smith said. "It's a sign of maturity in the way that they are thinking and the way that they are executing their plans.

"There has also been great aggression thrown in there. I don't think it will be any different this game (and) you've got to build on that."

The notoriously fickle Wellington weather is expected to be a factor, with rain forecast for each of the first four days of the match.

The wicket block, which had been under covers since last Sunday after a storm swept across New Zealand earlier this week, was markedly green when curator Brett Sipthorpe took the covers off for inspection by both teams on Thursday.

New Zealand are expected to go into the match with just three pace bowlers, having selected four for their last four tests, to accommodate an extra batsman with Dean Brownlie likely to slot into number six after returning from a broken finger.

The biggest question mark for the home side is whether the recalled Daniel Flynn will open the innings, or McCullum will move up to resume his partnership with Martin Guptill.

Smith said he doubted their plans would be any different no matter the composition of the New Zealand side and he was looking for a good performance to set the team up for their tour of England that begins in July.

"We've played really well on this tour in all formats and we would like to round that off with a comprehensive performance in the next five days.

"We want to finish strong and hopefully get on the plane with a big smile on our face."

Olympic Mountain Bike Course Revealed

On a ridge overlooking the Thames Estuary, Britain's top mountain bikers got a first look at next year's Olympic venue on Wednesday as 2012 organisers completed one of their trickiest challenges.


After Games planners had their initial course rejected by cycling's world governing body who claimed it was too easy, work began on an alternative site last year and the resulting 5.1 km track meets all the requirements, LOCOG claims.

The low-lying terrain of London and its eastern approaches is not classic mountain bike terrain, particularly for the world's best pedallers.

However, designers are confident the Hadleigh Farm site, 45 minutes by car from the Olympic Stadium in east London, provides a challenging venue for the men's and women's medal races.

Sebastian Coe, head of London's organising committee (LOCOG), saddled up for a spin in dazzling sunshine on Wednesday, although the former middle-distance great steered well clear of the treacherous rocky sections and steep descents carved into farmland owned by the Salvation Army by course designer Martin Seddon.

"The course is challenging with multiple climbs and descents for the riders to tackle and I believe the mountain bike competition will be one of the most exciting events at the London 2012 Olympic Games," Coe said.

LOCOG's mountain bike manager Martyn Salt said the layout features a combined climb of 170 metres and had involved bringing in 500 tons of rock from northern England.

"We were looking for an overall challenge for the riders, it's not just about going up and down a hill," Salt told Reuters. "This is a particularly demanding course because there is very little flat, and therefore no rest on mind or body.

"Over the course of the race (around eight laps) they'll be climbing higher than England's highest mountain."

Liam Killeen, Britain's best hope for a mountain bike medal after coming seventh in Beijing, said the course was one of the most demanding he had seen despite his initial scepticism.

"They've done a super job, it's very technical," he told Reuters before tackling a bone-jarring section of the lay-out in front of watching media and local schoolchildren.

"It's a strong man's course. It's maybe a bit shorter than some Olympic courses, but physically it's up there with the hardest ones I've seen."

Hadleigh Farm, which houses rare breeds of cattle and sheep, will accommodate 20,000 spectators, paying between 25 pounds and 45 pounds (($40.93 and $73.67), on race days during the Games.

With minimal seating planned, fans will enjoy views across the course from natural vantage points while standing just a few metres away from riders travelling at speeds over 30mph.

"Anybody who comes to watch will be impressed," Killeen said. "It will look really good."

A test event will be held this July with riders from around the world invited to compete.

Worrying times for SA Rugby Journalists

Below are a few quotes from various sources. What worries me is that it seems as if rugby journalists have no clue what they are talking about. As you know by now, the Currie Cup final was won by the Sharks over Western Province. On the day, it was a very one sided final. In fact, it was the largest winning margin in the final since 2003.

So let's begin:

"Even with Dewaldt Duvenage’s inclusion on the bench in doubt because of a back injury, WP should win the kicking game if that is what it comes down to – and it was one of the reasons why the Province management, when told of the wet conditions that greeted us in Durban on Thursday, weren’t exactly cast into a pall of gloom.
The much-maligned Willem de Waal to make his exit from WP and South African rugby as the match-winner in another Currie Cup final? Don’t bet against it. " JOHN BISHOP, News 24

"Assistant Province coach Robbie Fleck believes a spark of individual brilliance by one of his backline Springboks could tip the contest while opposite number Hugh Reece-Edwards is convinced that the Sharks tight five can lay the platform for a win as they did in making history 20 years ago against the Blue Bulls at Loftus." JOHN BISHOP, News 24

"Unlike in 1995, it might just be WP this time who are better equipped to deal with all possible eventualities. For if rain does have a say in this game, it could well be that Province might look back at the early stage of the season, when they were criticised for kicking too much, and be thankful for it." GAVIN RICH , IOL Sport

Even the bookies are dodgy...

"In spite of the Sharks' home ground advantage, the SA bookies SportingBet have this one narrowly in favour of the Springbok-laded Western Province outfit. WP have a one point handicap and enjoy slightly shorter odds than the Sharks for the win. " News 24

"WP and Bulls lead the way" Gavin Rich, SuperSport

This one is just sad....

"Marais reckons though that WP, after a nine-year silverware drought which
stretches back to his last game for the province in the 2001 final, also against
the Sharks, might be the team that wants it the most.
And it is interesting to note that he feels it is the Springboks in the team, in particular Schalk Burger and Jean de Villiers, who drive and inspire that hunger."

So what do we take from all of this? Don't read opinions about sport, rather make up your own from the facts!

Hill with Brad and Kev by bbjsportguy at Garmin Connect - Details

Hill with Brad and Kev by bbjsportguy at Garmin Connect - Details

Currie Cup is a Joke

I don't get it. Please explain it to me as if I am a two year old. How can the Blue Bulls be billed as the best rugby team in the country after winning the final of the Currie Cup?

I hear you say that they won the competition. They beat the Free State Cheetahs in the final, you will go on to say. What rubbish!

Look at the stats before you sprout you so-called rugby knowledge.

I am going to start by looking at the Currie Cup table after the group stages were played. I am getting it from the source that seems to be the be all and end all of rugby in South Africa, www.supersport.com/rugby

ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division | Log

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	TF	TA	BPts	Pts
1	Sharks	14	12	0	2	424	231	193	48	21	6	54
2	Vodacom Western Province	14	10	0	4	445	226	219	51	19	10	50
3	Vodacom Blue Bulls	14	9	0	5	475	299	176	56	28	10	46
4	Vodacom Free State Cheetahs	14	8	0	6	485	280	205	62	27	8	40
5	GWK Griquas	14	8	0	6	404	447	-43	50	52	8	40
6	Xerox Lions	14	7	0	7	391	292	99	43	26	9	37

I have included only the top six in the league as the bottom two should not even be in the competitor.

I want you to have a good look at the top four teams. Have a good look at the amount of games won in their fourteen competitive matches. We are talking percentages here.

The Bulls won 64% of the matches they played. That is less than two-thirds of the games. That's right folks, this team that you claim are the best team in South Africa, and others are proclaiming as the best franchise side in the world will only win less than 2 out every 3 games that they play.

The opposition in the final were the Free State Cheetahs. Their winning percentages are even lower. 57% to be exact. How sad that South Africa's premier rugby competition is played between two teams that cannot win a third of the matches that they play. In fact, one of them struggles to win every second game.

Now, if you please, look at the top two teams in the log. Oops, did I use the the words, "top two"?

Western Province have a winning percentage of 71% while the Sharks winning percentage is 85% yet both of these teams did not contest the final of the competition. Is it just m or something really foul in the nation of South Africa?

Imagine if the last 3 weeks of the English Premiership was contested in a semifinal and final to decide who win the competition. Manchester United play Arsenal and Liverpool take on Chelsea. Chelsea win away from home thanks to an injury time penalty awarded by a blind referee. In the other semi, Arsenal win 3-2 at Old Trafford, again, Rooney fouled someone and the Gunners go to play the final at home and go on to win.

Sound right? Of course not. That is not the way it works.

In England, the team who plays and win the most matches in the league are the League Champions. Once having won, they don't go on to play in a knockout-cup-style competition and only then go on to win. That makes no sense, yet here our amazing rugby brains think it's okay to do.

C'mon SARU, get yourself towards yourself.

And as for every journo that think the Bulls are the best, think about this for a moment. You were beaten by the Shark in both of your league games.

Get a life.