Cool weather greeted a spectacular field of adventure seekers at the start of the Fedhealth XTERRA Lite at the Buffelspoort Dam today (Sunday, 22 January 2017). Nico Sterk obliterated the field in the men’s race, crossing the finish line in 01 hour 15 minutes 47 seconds. Hayley Preen was the lady to beat with an impressive finish time of 01 hour 29 minutes 59 seconds.
RESULTS: 2017 Fedhealth XTERRA Lite Buffelspoort
Date: Sunday, 22 January 2017
Venue: Buffelspoort Dam
Men’s Race
1 Nico Sterk 01:15:47, 2 Xander Van Der Merwe 01:18:09, 3 Cameron Macnair 01:18:46, 4 Phillip van der Leeuw 01:22:11, 5 Hanno Erwee 01:25:54, 6 Roelof Snyman 01:26:52, 7 Justin van der Linde 01:28:38, 8 Matthew Wilkinson 01:29:14, 9 Steve Willson 01:30:43, 10 Gareth Greer 01:31:33
Women’s Race
1 Hayley Preen 01:29:59, 2 Bridget Theunissen 01:32:31, 3 Susan Kruger 01:39:38, 4 Kyra Hempel 01:46:00, 5 Lara Dando 01:47:07, 6 Leilani Scheffer 01:47:34, 7 Kimberly Joscelyne 01:47:52, 8 Nicola Mattheus 01:50:47, 9 Keri-Ann Nash 01:53:19, 10 Sarah Venter 01:53:45
Teams Race
1 RHS Dream Team 01:18:00, 2 Mike & Mechanics 01:30:58, 3 Sea Biscuits 01:32:50, 4 The Jockstraps 01:35:32, 5 Warwicko 01:39:50, 6 Korn Ferry 01:40:19, 7 Flash 01:42:22, 8 Van Der Tonder 01:45:06, 9 Team Armstrong Boys 01:47:05, 10 Last Minute 2 01:47:38
Sterk, who was unable to compete in the Fedhealth XTERRA Full race on Saturday due to illness, was happy to toe the line on the day. “I was very emotional yesterday having to watch the XTERRA Full race. I am glad that I was able to get rid of that frustration today. The XTERRA Lite is a nice stepping stone into the sport of triathlon. The course varies and athletes are presented with a good challenge.” Xander Van Der Merwe came in second, while Cameron Macnair finished third.
Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg
Preen made her Fedhealth XTERRA Buffelspoort debut on the day, having only ever competed at the Fedhealth XTERRA in Grabouw. “I’ve taken a gap year to focus on triathlon. So I’ll be taking part in all three XTERRA Lite races,” says Preen. “The XTERRA Buffelspoort Lite is much easier than the XTERRA Grabouw Lite. My swim was better than usual. I managed to catch the leading ladies early in the mountain bike leg. The run was tough though as I was struggling with the altitude. I love XTERRA because I love the trails.” Bridget Theunissen came in second, while Susan Kruger finished third.
South Africa’s premier off-road triathlon, the Fedhealth XTERRA Lite in Buffelspoort saw athletes having to complete
a 400m swim, followed by a 19km MTB and then finally a 6km trail run. Featuring some exciting route upgrades, even the XTERRA regulars were kept on their toes.
“Many of us want to start living a more active life, but don’t always know where to start,” says Jeremy Yatt, Principal Officer of Fedhealth. “The Fedhealth XTERRA Lite offers just that: a well-organised swim, MTB ride and trail run that’s perfect for beginner triathletes. And, since the Fedhealth XTERRA also offers a Kids and Full event, there is something for every member of the family to do. We invite families to come make a weekend out of it!”
Next on the Fedhealth XTERRA SA Calendar:
| Event: | Dates: |
| Fedhealth XTERRA Nelson Mandela Bay / Eastern Cape | 10 – 12 February 2017 |
| Fedhealth XTERRA Grabouw / Western Cape | 24 – 26 February 2017 |
Follow us on Twitter: @XTERRASA / @Fedhealthmed
Like our FaceBook page: XTERRA South Africa / Fedhealth Medical Aid
For further information or to enter the Fedhealth XTERRA Buffelspoort, Nelson Mandela Bay or Grabouw contact 082 991 0045 or visit www.stillwatersports.com
ENDS
Issued by: NEWSPORT MEDIA
On behalf of: STILLWATER SPORTS
For further information, please contact Jacky McClean via e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
