Go from part-time route builder to full-time rider? Challenge Accepted!
Meet 26-year-old Edgar Mutimusakwa, a young man who has been working on the builds for Hollard Joburg Urban MTB Adventure and on the Spruit Fairy’s Spruit maintenance team for the last two years.
Inspired by the race, Edgar began training in 2014 with a dream of one day entering the race. Hearing about his enthusiasm and drive, the Hollard JUMA team decided to make Edgars dream come true with a free entry to the Hollard JUMA 2015.
Russell Willis, Event Organiser comments: “Neil brought him forward and his enthusiasm and dedication was so tangible there was no way we weren’t going to make his dream of riding the Hollard JUMA happen.”
The Spruit Fairy continues: “Edgar has been working with me for the last two years, doing general Spruit maintenance and works one day a week on the Hollard JUMA builds. He is incredibly motivated by this opportunity; he’s been training on the Spruit at least 6 times a week in preparation for the big day. I’d watch out, he’s going to know these routes like the back of his hand.”
His path to the Hollard JUMA hasn’t been easy he began training on a rigid, roughed up and incorrectly sized bike which broke recently, undeterred Edgar arranged to do part time work around a local bike shop in exchange for a second hand frame and donated spares and parts. Back on the bike, he continues his intense training regimen.
Edgar comments: “I’ve always watched the riders come past and over the bridges while we build and I really wanted to try it for myself. So I started riding and I haven’t stopped. I’m so excited to get the opportunity to be in the race, I’ve been training ever second I get and I want to win it.”
Keep an eye out for Edgar’s big smile and silver 26 inch Extralite on the Spruit and don’t forget to give him a wave and some encouragement, this young man is going places.
The Hollard JUMA takes place on the 6th September 2015 and turns Johannesburg into the ultimate mountain biker’s playground. All of the feedback received in respect of the 2014 event has been heard and the Hollard JUMA has implemented some major changes for 2015:
- Separate 22km and 54km routes
- Reversed routes (less bottle necks)
- Fewer road closures on both routes
- 120m floating bridge will be narrower (so bring those swimming caps)
- The 700m Anatomic tunnel will be lit up, just a tiny bit more
- Improved seeding and entry process
- 50 more marshals on call along the Spruit
- Exciting Race Day Village (entertainment for all)
- Medals for all finishers
Entries are open, to enter visit www.juma.co.za. Entry fees are R399 for the 54km and R299 for the 22km.
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