A strong field of young aspiring triathletes was seen toeing the line at South Africa’s premier off-road triathlon, the Fedhealth XTERRA Lite in Grabouw on Sunday, 26 February 2017.
Making his XTERRA Grabouw debut on the day, Jamie Riddle was pulling no punches completing the 400m swim, 15km MTB and 6.5km trail run in a lightning fast combined time of 01 hour 09 minutes 34 seconds. “I loved every second of the race,” says a very happy Riddle. “Coming from a road triathlon background I didn’t know what to expect. XTERRA is definitely more dirty and fun. I loved it.” Samuel Courts came in second, while German XTERRA Warrior, Philipp Sassie finished third.
Reigning XTERRA Lite Grabouw Champion, Hayley Preen was back with a vengeance. “I had my best swim ever today,” says Preen. “I was in third place going into transition. I managed to catch the second lady almost straight away on the mountain bike course and could see the first lady on the climb. I caught her and then went as hard as I could on the single track. From there I was pretty much on my own and proceeded to have a great run. I love the XTERRA Lite and I love the XTERRA off-road vibe.” Preen claimed victory in an impressive time of 01 hour 19 minutes 01 seconds. Shanae Williams came in second, while Bridget Theunissen finished third.
“Fedhealth XTERRA Grabouw is the biggest XTERRA event in the world, and overseas visitors are always in awe about the amazing vibe and culture of the event. The Fedhealth XTERRA Grabouw Lite gives beginner off-road triathletes the chance to prove themselves in the dam, on the tough climbs of the mountain bike route, and on the soft sands of the dam’s beach. And since there’s also an event for kids and more serious XTERRA Warriors, the whole family can share in the fun and fitness,” says Jeremy Yatt, Principal Officer of Fedhealth.
After a tough day on route, the BOS Sport Recovery Zone was a welcomed oasis for tired XTERRA Warriors.
Jamie Riddle in action on the day. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg
RESULTS: 2017 Fedhealth XTERRA Lite
Date: Sunday, 26 February 2017
Venue: Grabouw Country Club
Men
1 Jamie Riddle 01:09:34, 2 Samuel Coursts 01:09:46, 3 Philipp Sassie 01:10:42, 4 Andrew Sparks 01:11:00, 5 Burger Bothma 01:11:54, 6 Xander Van Der Merwe 01:11:58, 7 Cameron Macnair 01:12:12, 8 Ruan Van Zyl 01:12:49, 9 Jamie Penfold 01:12:57, 10 Daniel Mannweiler 01:13:54
Women
1 Hayley Preen 01:19:01, 2 Shanae Williams 01:24:01, 3 Bridget Theunissen 01:26:30, 4 Amy Goodwin 01:26:52, 5 Xanri Haak 01:28:33, 6 Susan Kruger 01:30:43, 7 Janina Orzechowski 01:31:29, 8 Michaela Beaton 01:32:02, 9 Marguerite Van Niekerk 01:34:19, 10 Lee-Ann Louwrens 01:36:17
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For further information on the Fedhealth XTERRA Grabouw contact 082 991 0045, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.stillwatersports.com
