SA Deaf Cyclists in Taipei - Invitational Team to Tour de Formosa

SA's Deaf Cyclists feature in Taipei at the Tour de Formosa Invitational Race. Particpating for RSA is Johan Reyneke (& this time round as coach/manager), Terence Parkin and Ashley Abrahams (cyclists) along with the other invitational teams such as France, USA, the Czech Republic, Tapei (Taiwan) & Australia.

I'm adding this while the athletes are asleep and resting for tomorrow's long 173Km reportedly flat race on stage 2 of the Tour De Formosa route.

A message from RSA. "Well done to Terence on his excellent sprint finish to take 3rd place of the first stage." Johan, relax & enjoy managing and to Terence and Ashley, "good luck - May the wind be from behind." We are "thumbs up" for you guys and really wish you well. Best wishes from us all back home













Photo top: Note Ashley in front row (left) and Terence in back row to the right. Photo bottom : Brochure of the Invitational Deaf Tour de Formosa Race. (Note Reece Emerson from Australia whom we met at the World Champs in 2006 as he features well on the brochure and also note that Taiwan has 5 cyclists participating while all the other countries were allowed a team of two (2).

Weekend Cycling News

Paul Klopper finished the OFM Classic 110 km in a time of 3h45. He says the wind and heat were a handicap.
Well done Paul!! Keep up the good work!!

Cristo Botha did not race this weekend but did not neglect his training. Keep them legs going Chris!

Bennie Botha also did training and will be racing at Simonsvlei this weekend. Hou aan oefen Bennie!!

Tapei news from Johan

Received SMS from Johan: S A Time 4.00 am ( Taiwan 10.00 am )

The first stage of the race started at 4.00 am ( SA Time). 15 Deaf cyclers started the first leg of 150 km. Johan was allocated a Bakkie with a driver to be the back up vehicle. The estimated finishing time is 9.00 am ( 15h00 Taiwan )
After the race they are scheduled to visit one of the largest Bicycle factories in the world.
There will be a prize giving ceremony at the end of the day (for today"s event ).
We'll post the results as soon as they become available.

Received this SMS from Johan: 10h35:17
Die race het oraait gegaan. 1ste Nick USA, 2de Berand Frank, 3de Terrence. Tyd 3h54. Afstand 145km. spoed 35km/h. Tweede en derde plekke was gelyk 30 sek agter wenner. Ashley het nie klaar gemaak nie. Die laaste 20km wasvir hom moeilik. Môre is dit gelyk pad, 180 km ! Hulle kyk nie na tyd van leader nie net punte vir 1, 2, 3 plekke.

Latest Taipei News SA 1.30 am

SMS Johan SA 1.30am:
Die kos van gisteraand nie lekker nie, kry nog nie internet nie... anders ok

SMS Johan SA11.30am Cyclists went to warm up and do shopping/browsing, racing tomorrow. all the cyclists in the same hotel, Johan reported that he is doing fine with all the arrangements and communication. Terrence and Ashley fine

REMINDER !! Burger Cycle Tour 98km

die Burger Fietstoer .... Please see the last date that u could enter
ENTER HERE
Click here to download the Entry Form in PDF format.
EVENT DATE: Sunday 30 November 2008
ENTRIES OPEN: 25 September 2008
ENTRIES CLOSE: 10 November 2008 (Limited to 8 000)
Distance PPA Member Non-PPA Member Provisional Starting Times
98km Road R150 R170 05h50
44km Road R80 R90 07h30
24km MTB R70 R80 07h45

Taipei News

9.20 am our time: SMS from Johan; Landed in Taiwan, booked into hotel..all Good...

Program: 4.00 Pm Meeting with reporters
5.00 Pm News Conference
6.00 Pm Dinner and intro of all athletes
8.00 - 9.00 Meeting officials

News From Terrence, Johan & Ashley - Taipei - TOUR de Formosa

Re packing suitcases to make sure the weight is within the limits. 25kg to include Bike! plus 7kg hand luggage !

Before departing, had a bit of trouble exchanging money, must be an Absa client or have proof of our physical adress, new laws, fortunately that was sorted out as well

EMAIL FROM JOHAN

Hallo daar,

Ons is by die Singapore lughawe, wag nou ve die volgende vlug... Sjoe die vlieg was so lank gewees... O ja, ek het nounet klaar die burger inskryf gedoen... So alles is nou weer reg... Sal probeer om weer by internet te kom in Taipei... Lekker slaap... (sent 1.00 am sat) Johan

We will keep the news updated!