Racing the wind at joBerg2c
The 2016 Old Mutual joBerg2c kicked into race mode on a blustery day for riders.
Day 2 of the Old Mutual joBerg2c is when the real racing starts at the nine-day, 900km event. After a neutral first day, riders crank into a higher gear for the 93km from Frankfort to Reitz, and for the remaining seven days.
Weather conditions on Day 1 were near perfect for a casual meander through the countryside, but a stiff breeze greeted riders as they made their way out of the Frankfort race village on Day 2. It remained that way for much of the day, with the wind alternating between headwinds and crosswinds.
Not that the winners and second-placed team on Day 2 noticed. Team Telkom’s Johann Rabie and Hendrik Kruger got into the racing spirit with a blistering ride, completing the stage in 3:16.41. Team NAD Pro MTB’s Nico Bell and Gawie Combrinck were seconds behind Rabie and Kruger, having made a break with the pair early in the day.
With just 1001m of climbing, the day could hardly be described as brutal. But the wide open spaces offered little respite from the wind and the riding groups that typically form on the first two days of joBerg2c were constantly splintered.
Also battling the wind, but finishing just under an hour after the four elite riders was Old Mutual South Africa CEO Dave Macready and his teammate for the joBerg2c, former Irish rugby captain Dion O’ Cuinneagain. Both are making their joBerg2c debuts, and performing admirably while they’re at it.
The pair are a formidable stage race team, having completed the seven-day Transalp race together, as well as a handful of South African stage races. joBerg2c is a different beast, though, with a mixture of long, flat days in the beginning and long, steady climbs in the middle and end of the race providing the ultimate mountain biking challenge. There’s also the small matter of 250km of single-track to cover over the nine days.
“This was a tough day,” said Macready of the first racing stage. “There was a crosswind that split up the bunches, and headwinds for most of the way, so you needed to work hard out there. I think there will be a lot of tired riders tonight.”
Despite the wind, Macready and O’ Cuinneagain are enjoying the famed spirit and atmosphere of the ride. “I’ve heard so much about joBerg2c and how everything at the event is geared towards making the experience special for the rider, so to experience it now is fantastic. It’s only been two days, but everything has been amazing so far. There are big smiles wherever you go, so even when you’ve had a tough day, it doesn’t take long to start smiling again.”
Macready is also riding joBerg2c for ‘More than Yourself’, an Old Mutual initiative that encourages endurance sport participants to raise money for charitable causes. His efforts in the saddle will help raise funds for the Sunlight Safe House, an emergency shelter for children in life-threatening circumstances. With seven days to come, Macready will have ample time to do his best for the children of Sunlight Safe House.
Day 3 of the Old Mutual joBerg2c takes riders on a 122km journey from Reitz to Sterkfontein Dam. Highlights on the day include the Jabulani (be happy) single-track along an idyllic river setting, as well as the climb and scintillating descent of Mt Paul. The day culminates with a 5km stretch along the Sterkfontein Dam wall, which is a superb way to end if there’s a tailwind blowing, but not much fun if it’s a headwind.
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