Last weekend, held in the picturesque mountains of the Lowveld, the popular annual race, the Big Induna would be the 2013 South African Marathon Championships. Typical of the area, there was a lot of climbing and challenging single track that would separate the men from the boys, so to speak.
Yolande Speedy raced for the first time since she broke her collar bone and four ribs on the second last day of the ABSA Cape Epic. Needless to say, she pushed through the pain and courageously won the ladies category with partner Catherine Williamson.
After what has seemed like a painfully long road to recovery, Speedy competed for the first time on Saturday at the SA Marathon Champs. Not too sure what to expect, she gave it her all, as is her nature. She placed 6th and rode a time of 3:46 a great time and respectable result! “It was great to be back racing again, been way too long! I’m happy to say that my ribs and shoulder felt 100%, now it’s just the legs that need some work!”
Amy McDougall unfortunately was forced to forfeit when she crashed and broke her front wheel.
Marcel Marais, Edwill O’Neill and Stephan Reyneke raced their first ultra-marathon. A baptism of fire on this course! Edwill and Stephan had to pull out as they were both sick, but Marcel was elated to have completed his first ultra-marathon and was happy with his time of 5:58!
Danielle Rheeder placed 2nd in the Junior ladies category in the Half Marathon. This was her first South African Championship race, she was up against the best in the country but this talented young rider pushed herself to her limit, not knowing what to expect but determined to do the best she could. “It was hard racing from the start. I was in second place throughout the whole race. I gave it my all until the end! I am happy with my result!” Michelle Benson placed 4th in the junior ladies category despite suffering from a bad bout of the flu.
It is always great to see the athletes put 100% into their racing and being there for each other through the good and tough times.
The Academy’s next challenge will be the USN Cup #4 next Saturday.
Yolande Speedy raced for the first time since she broke her collar bone and four ribs on the second last day of the ABSA Cape Epic. Needless to say, she pushed through the pain and courageously won the ladies category with partner Catherine Williamson.
After what has seemed like a painfully long road to recovery, Speedy competed for the first time on Saturday at the SA Marathon Champs. Not too sure what to expect, she gave it her all, as is her nature. She placed 6th and rode a time of 3:46 a great time and respectable result! “It was great to be back racing again, been way too long! I’m happy to say that my ribs and shoulder felt 100%, now it’s just the legs that need some work!”
Amy McDougall unfortunately was forced to forfeit when she crashed and broke her front wheel.
Marcel Marais, Edwill O’Neill and Stephan Reyneke raced their first ultra-marathon. A baptism of fire on this course! Edwill and Stephan had to pull out as they were both sick, but Marcel was elated to have completed his first ultra-marathon and was happy with his time of 5:58!
Danielle Rheeder placed 2nd in the Junior ladies category in the Half Marathon. This was her first South African Championship race, she was up against the best in the country but this talented young rider pushed herself to her limit, not knowing what to expect but determined to do the best she could. “It was hard racing from the start. I was in second place throughout the whole race. I gave it my all until the end! I am happy with my result!” Michelle Benson placed 4th in the junior ladies category despite suffering from a bad bout of the flu.
It is always great to see the athletes put 100% into their racing and being there for each other through the good and tough times.
The Academy’s next challenge will be the USN Cup #4 next Saturday.
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