Cyclist endures 38 hours in the seat to complete gruelling 750km milestone
Boksburg mountain biker Robert Rostoll rode for 38 hours before finishing this year’s Transcape MTB Race.
Rostoll, along with his Team Speztic teammate Albert van der Berg, completed the gruelling race in 38:00:37 hours, good enough for seventh in the men’s teams and 17th overall.
Following a widely successful inaugural edition of the race last year, the second edition began at the Knysna Waterfront in early February and finished at the La Couronne wine estate in Franschhoek over a seven-day period.
“The scenery along the race was spectacular and for some this alone provides sufficient reason to ride.
“Although there are too many climbs to mention, some of the more famous climbs traversed during the race include the Montagu Pass, Rooiberg Pass, Grootvadersbosch Conservancy and the Rusty Gate climb,” said Rostoll, an open fanatic of the Transcape MTB Race, on describing the tour experience.
“The camaraderie during the race was exceptional and were witness to something which rarely happens.
“It just so happened that some of the slower riders were at the right place when the bunch broke up, so they ended up in the leading pack.
“Whenever a hill came and they dropped off too far, the leaders in the men’s team, Fanie and Johan Venter from Team Barloworld Toyota Centurion, would drop back and pace them back into the bunch.
“This truly shows what remarkable sportsmen they are.
“On another occasion the men’s leaders had a serious crash. The entire leading bunch, including some world-class athletes such as Esther Süss and Sharon Laws, stopped and helped them up.
“We all then had a slow ride for about 30 minutes to ensure that they were able to continue before racing on. This provided a further example of how being a part of a small field can bring out the best in people.
“What added to an already great experience was the incredible food. As with the inaugural race, a celebrity chef, Nick van Wyk, accompanied us on the tour and ensured that we had only the best meals after a hectic day of riding.
“Furthermore, the sponsors also provided an array of outstanding wines to finish off each stage.
“The Transcape MTB Race is definitely one for the bucket list and I would recommend it to anyone.”
