Terence and Johan were invited to take part in the 2010 Sun Int Charity Tour, They rode approx 1600 km in 7 days...the week before the Argus. Herewith an comment on some of the first days... the summary of the tour could be followed at the blog adress ( bottom of the page)
Schweizer-Reneke to Christiana
by Tamara on March 6, 2010
The team was looking forward to lunch today after having covered just over half of today’s distance and they seemed to be in desperate need of the break.
According to the 2010 Cycle Challenge Team Captain, Ernest Horn, some of the team members have been taking strain today. Earlier on, the team was maintaining a speed of 38 - 40km/hour but the route became steeper. Nonetheless, they held thumbs that the wind direction would be in their favour. There were more breaks this afternoon due to the heat so it was essential that the team had the opportunity to take in more liquids and to reapply sunscreen at regular intervals.
They hoped to sustain a speed of 35km/hour throughout the afternoon and this goal was reached. Ernest went on to highlight the performances of Terence Parkin, Johann Reyneke and Richard Sainsbury.
“Terence (an Olympic Champion) and Johann (an elite rider) are excellent cyclists and they pulled in front and took the wind to help the team,” says Ernest. This requires strength. He went on to compare the cycling formation to that of a flock of birds, where the bird flying in front has to be strong enough to be in that position. He also went on to say that we have learnt to emulate this by observing nature. “One can save up to 35 percent more energy, depending where you ride in the formation.”
Ernest also mentioned that Richard Sainsbury excelled in the role of domestique. (A domestique is a cyclist who works for the benefit of his team and leader.) “Richard had to work the hardest as it is his duty to help slower riders to catch up with the group.”
Everyone on the 2010 Cycle Challenge gets the opportunity to lead the team whether or not they are strong or weaker riders. When it is a particular person’s turn to lead the group, the rest of the team will follow the speed of the leader.
At the end of the day, everyone is in good health and happy to put their feet up before having an early night. Tomorrow, we’re off to Kimberley.
Extract from the Blogsite of the TOUR http://tablebay.suninternational.com/
by Tamara on March 6, 2010
The team was looking forward to lunch today after having covered just over half of today’s distance and they seemed to be in desperate need of the break.
According to the 2010 Cycle Challenge Team Captain, Ernest Horn, some of the team members have been taking strain today. Earlier on, the team was maintaining a speed of 38 - 40km/hour but the route became steeper. Nonetheless, they held thumbs that the wind direction would be in their favour. There were more breaks this afternoon due to the heat so it was essential that the team had the opportunity to take in more liquids and to reapply sunscreen at regular intervals.
They hoped to sustain a speed of 35km/hour throughout the afternoon and this goal was reached. Ernest went on to highlight the performances of Terence Parkin, Johann Reyneke and Richard Sainsbury.
“Terence (an Olympic Champion) and Johann (an elite rider) are excellent cyclists and they pulled in front and took the wind to help the team,” says Ernest. This requires strength. He went on to compare the cycling formation to that of a flock of birds, where the bird flying in front has to be strong enough to be in that position. He also went on to say that we have learnt to emulate this by observing nature. “One can save up to 35 percent more energy, depending where you ride in the formation.”
Ernest also mentioned that Richard Sainsbury excelled in the role of domestique. (A domestique is a cyclist who works for the benefit of his team and leader.) “Richard had to work the hardest as it is his duty to help slower riders to catch up with the group.”
Everyone on the 2010 Cycle Challenge gets the opportunity to lead the team whether or not they are strong or weaker riders. When it is a particular person’s turn to lead the group, the rest of the team will follow the speed of the leader.
At the end of the day, everyone is in good health and happy to put their feet up before having an early night. Tomorrow, we’re off to Kimberley.
Extract from the Blogsite of the TOUR http://tablebay.suninternational.com/
