The 2016 Fedhealth XTERRA SA season kicks off this month with the much anticipated Fedhealth XTERRA Buffelspoort (North West Province) the weekend of 22 – 24 January 2016 followed by an exciting introduction to Port Elizabeth with the Fedhealth XTERRA Nelson Mandela Bay the weekend of 29 – 31 January 2016.
Leading XTERRA SA Warrior, Carla Van Huyssteen will kick off her racing season by partaking in all three XTERRA SA events. “XTERRA is a challenging off road triathlon, this is what attracts me to the sport,” says Van Huyssteen. “The nature of the sport sees the events being held in uniquely beautiful parts of the country. XTERRA SA events can be likened to a well-oiled machine. The organisation is very professional, you know that you won’t be disappointed from registration, to on route experience, venue set up and finish. I cannot wait to see what Stillwater Sports has planned for us at XTERRA Nelson Mandela Bay. The more XTERRA’s the better. It’s a really nice change to once again have an ocean swim at an XTERRA SA event. The stronger swimmers will definitely have a bit of an advantage if they can read the sea conditions well. It is going to be great.”
According to Stellenbosch based trail runner/multi-sport athlete, Antoine van Heerden, in order to thrive at XTERRA one needs to be committed on many levels. “One major difference is the technical aspect that mountain biking and trail running brings to the sport. Every XTERRA course is different and will suit a certain athlete more than the other. I enjoy this added dimension that XTERRA racing brings. I enjoy both the mountain bike and run route of XTERRA Buffelspoort. The bike route is fairly flat and fast, with one or two short and steep climbs at the end. The run route crosses under the Buffelspoort dam wall, which is a beautiful sight. I am also excited about the introduction of the Fedhealth XTERRA Nelson Mandela Bay. I really like the concept of combining all three races to form a series. It’s a big step for the sport of XTERRA in South Africa.”
2016 EVENT DATES:
Buffelspoort (North West Province)
| Date: | Event: |
| Friday, 22 January 2016 | Fedhealth XTERRA Kids |
| Saturday, 23 January 2016 | Fedhealth XTERRA Full: 1.5km swim, 26km MTB, 12km trail run |
| Sunday, 24 January 2016 | Fedhealth XTERRA Lite: 400m swim, 19km MTB, 6km trail run |
| Sunday, 24 January 2016 | PUMA Trail Run (6km & 12km) |
Nelson Mandela Bay (Eastern Cape)
| Date: | Event: |
| Friday, 29 January 2016 | Fedhealth XTERRA Kids |
| Saturday, 30 January 2016 | Fedhealth XTERRA Full: 1.5km swim, 28km MTB, 12km trail run |
| Sunday, 31 January 2016 | Fedhealth XTERRA Lite: 400m swim, 12km MTB, 6km trail run |
| Sunday, 31 January 2016 | PUMA Trail Run (6km & 12km) |
Grabouw (Western Cape)
| Date: | Event: |
| Friday, 19 February 2016 | Fedhealth XTERRA Kids |
| Saturday, 20 February 2016 | Fedhealth XTERRA Full: 1.5km swim, 26km MTB, 12km trail run |
| Sunday, 21 February 2016 | Fedhealth XTERRA Lite: 400m swim, 12.5km MTB, 5km trail run |
| Sunday, 21 February 2016 | PUMA Trail Run (5km & 12km) |
The Fedhealth XTERRA Grabouw forms part of the XTERRA World Tour. Athletes competing at this event stand the chance to qualify for the world championship final in Hawaii later in the year.
Follow us on Twitter: @XTERRASA / @Fedhealthmed
Like our FaceBook page: XTERRA South Africa / Fedhealth Medical Aid
For further information on the Fedhealth XTERRA visit www.stillwatersports.com or www.Fedhealth.co.za
