Posts Tagged ‘Conrad Stoltz’
Caveman wins XTERRA New Zealand.
I cant believe that after 22 years of pro racing this was only my 2nd race in NZ. Last time was ITU World Cup in Auckland in 1995 or 96. Draft legal road triathlon.
After a rocky start to 2014 (2 punctures in 2 races, a biomechanical at XTERRA South Africa, a random injury, and some minor health issues- eye & skin cancer surgeries) its good to finally get the monkey off my back with a good win in Rotorua.
What a phenomenal course and venue! Beautiful blue lake called “Blue lake” surrounded by green mountains covered with dense tree fern growth 20ft tall.
I was out the swim in 5th or 6th, about 35” behind some Kiwi roadie, followed by Roger Serrano (ESP) and Ben Allen (Aus). After a fair bit of climbing Ben and I filed into Billy T neck in neck- some of the very best and unique single track I’ve ever ridden. Rain
Gearing up for XTERRA New Zealand
Newsflash: New Zealand is stunningly beautiful! After a few long flights from CPT, JHB, Sydney to Auckland, we stayed right on the water (above) for a few days with Princess Hotstuff’s friends. During high tide I swam in the estuary and channel amoungst the boats. Water was surprisingly warm.
Unpacking some cool new toys. The Specialized Compak AirTool travel pump for tyre and suspension is not only long overdue for traveling, but also beautifully engineered from all aluminium. LOOK S-track pedals & since we’re in the “worlds best fly fishing country” travel fly rod.
Brand new bike: I chose the Specialized Sworks “Epic” over the “Epic World Cup” model. This bike has a bit more suspension, the handling a bit more stable, and if I need to, I can put a double chainring on there.
First things first, I pre rode this legendary course a number of times. The Billy T single track is incredibly fun, and I wish the whole 25km bike course could be this much fun…
Grippy soil, flowing, well built trails,
Some interesting sections- VERY different from South Africa’s jerky, rocky trails.
Dont trip over the scenery. Green Lake.
Images straight out of childrens books…
Race venue.
Not called “Blue Lake” for no reason. The run is 2 laps around the lakes under a canopy of huge fern trees.
Cool new goodies- Hoka One One shoes, Thule bacpack and iPad cover & Columbia rain jacket– for the infamous NZ weather.
Leana (Vlooi) de Bruin, Princess Hotstuff (Liezel Wium in her Netball days) and Irene van Dyk.
After a few days training on the course in Rotorua, we went to Hamilton. The highlight was watching Princess Hotstuffs’ old teams (Magic vs Pulse) and her “old” teammates playing a super exciting Netball game- live on TV in front of a packed stadium. The game is huge in NZ!
The lowlight is a costly trip to the eye doctor. I had the pterygium sliced off my eye excatly 6 weeks ago and since then my eyes has been super sensitive to light. Like REALLY sensitive- not being able to drive or be in the sunshine for even short periods. Fortunately its been rainy and cloudy and this course is 99% shaded by tall fern trees.
Race day tomorrow.
“Caveman in the flesh” at Echelon Cyclery, Auckland NZ April 14
Meet Caveman for Q&A, “drinks and nibbles” at Specialized dealer, Echelon Cyclery Auckland NZ on Monday April 14.
Argus MTB Challenge
Caveman getting rid of frustration. Pic by Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust
A week after a disastrous day long cramping episode* at XTERRA Grabouw, I had much pent up frustration to get rid of.
*Cramps caused by Magnesium shortage. Will be taking Mg supplements for the rest of my life. (Normally I dont take any supplements at all)
And of course, “I LOVE RACING!”
Having finished 2nd (to Mannie Heymans) and 1st (on a prototype Specialized 29er) in 2010 at this event before, I was eager to hook it and see what comes out. The race was loaded with serious types getting ready for Cape Epic.
The 1st 15km was flattish (Caveman terrain) so I started like it was a 55km TT. The field strung out nicely and what I lacked on the climbs, Christophe Sauser made up.
It was all fun and games till I started losing air pressure in the rear tyre from a small sidewall cut.
Rear tyre getting dangerously flat. Johnn Rabie, Erik Kleinhans and Kevin Evans following. Pic by Greg Beadle
Pic by Greg Beadle
I could see the 1st aid station, and was hoping there would be a spare wheel at the Tech Zone. When I realized the Tech Zone is not till the 2nd aid station 10km further, I stopped and “bombed” the tyre- tilting it on is side (with the sidewall cut at the bottom) so the sealant would fill the cut. In hindsight I should have plugged the hole http://cialisviagras.net/. Its the 2nd time in 3 races that I has to reach for the tools in the SWAT* box this year. I like the SWAT box a lot, but I hate having to use it! *SWAT = Storage Water Air Tools- located between waterbottle cages on Epic bikes.
Aired up and at it. Its amazing how the lactic acid pools in your legs while fixing a flat. The next few km feels like an eternity. I stopped and aired a few more times, and rolled into the Tech Zone on the rim. Fortunately Specialized had some wheels and Dylan quickly had me on my way again. Pic by Greg Beadle
Pic by Greg Beadle
Stunning vinyard racing and good cornering technique: Drop the saddle, (Command Post) lean the bike, keep body weight over the pedals, look at the exit, finish braking before the corner.
Pic by Princess Hotstuff
Strava file:
Somewhere along the way the leaders were taken off course, of those behind them some waited – and gave them a head start- some didnt, so the results is not what is would have been. Just like last year.
I’m amazed how the biggest MTB race in the country can have something like this happen 2 years in a row…
I think the podium would have been something like Rabie, Evans, Sauser.
Ah well, it could have been worse…
Pic by Greg Beadle
Caveman 3rd at South African Time Trial Champs
51:46 for 40km. 46.6km/h, 423W. Age 40. All photo credits: Liezel Stoltz unless stated.
Hats off to Louis Meintjes, current U23 World Road Race Silver medalist who actually rode a few seconds faster than me to smash U23 Nationals. Keep an eye on the little climber…
Its a huge honour to stand on the podium next to South Africas’ cycling superstar Daryl Impey from Orica GreenEdge.
Daryl wore the Tour de France’s yellow jersey for 2 days last year and was the 1st South African ever to don the coveted jersey. His team also took 2nd at the Team Time Trail (TTT) World Champs last year and he finished 7th in the Tour Down Under last week.
On the 2nd step there is MTN Qhubeka’s TT strongman Jay Thomson. This is Jays’ 4th consecutive 2nd place at SA TT Champs!
Technical stuff: Pacing, riding to power, warm up etc
Click here for Training Peaks power file: http://tpks.ws/rBP
Course: 5 laps of 8.2km on a flat course with slight wind and 1 U turn and 2 other tricky corners. Hot and humid.
Caveman Lap times:
10.20
10.21
10.23
10.21
10.21
Warm up felt awesome, power was good, legs came round nicely after some much much needed massages earlier in the week. Click here for SA TT Champs Warm Up power file
1st 2.5 laps (of 5) felt awesome and went by real quick – holding 430W was no problem and I was sure it was sustainable. HR was good and low still. Into the windy stretch up the back of lap 3 I overcooked it just slightly,
