DUALX STAR DU PLESSIS FAVOURED FOR VAN GAALEN EVENTBrand du Plessis has become the dominant male athlete at the popular Momentum Health Oatwell DualX, powered by Pepto Pro Series and will once again start as favourite to claim the full-distance overall title when the series visits Van Gaalen in the North West province on Saturday.
Du Plessis won the first two rounds of the 2016 series which gives him the series lead and makes it difficult for anyone to make a come-from-behind challenge to his series title ambitions with three rounds remaining. He also won at the Van Gaalen venue in 2015, so is familiar with the terrain, which will be an advantage.
But while Du Plessis is the clear favourite, he’s not invincible, as former multiple X-Terra World Champion, Conrad Stoltz, showed when he beat Du Plessis into a rare runner-up finish at the opening round of last year’s series.
There’s a crop of rising stars in the offroad duathlon scene that are sure to be out to try and close the gap on Du Plessis on the Van Gaalen course, including Theo Blignaut, Nico Sterk, William Mokgopo, Armand du Toit, Michael Ferreira and Bradley Weiss.
Andrea Steyn has enjoyed a similar dominance to Du Plessis in the women’s division. Steyn won the first two rounds of the series in 2016, but isn’t on the early start list. Should she make a late appearance, she’ll be the firm favourite to repeat her 2015 win at Van Gaalen.But putting her under pressure increasingly are the likes of Carla van Huysteen, Nicolette Griffieon and Susan Sloan, all of whom will fancy their chances of a win should Steyn not start.
The Van Gaalen course is a favourite among DualX regulars. Located at Skeerport, at the foot of the Magaliesberg mountain range, the Van Gaalen route incorporates long sections of stimulating trail through the lush riverside forest, which lends itself to multiple river crossings.
DualX races follow a 5km trail run, 30km mountain bike and 2.5km trail run format. They test an athlete’s stamina, skill and strength and take place at venues that offer beautiful trails and natural obstacles. For those that aren’t up for the full distance, there’s the half distance race over 2.5km trail run, 15km mountain bike and 1.25km trail run.
And for the young, old or those seeking to sample the DualX action, but aren’t quite fit enough, there’s the DualX Quarter (1.25km/7.5km/750m) as well as a kiddies race. There are also team relay options for those running or mountain biking purists that still want to enjoy the event.
At least 1000 participants are expected at the event, which follows a compact schedule that sees the final prize giving held at 12h00.
To enter, or for more information, visit www.dualx.co.za
