Triathlon SBR Magazine - Swim Bike Run

22/07/2024

With just over a week until the Olympic Games triathlon we checked in with Rio bronze medalist Henri Schoeman

Henri was sick in bed only a few days before the Rio games but managed to recover in time to race like a boss and grab third behind the dominant Brownlee brothers.

He was injured in Tokyo so is hungry for another shot as one of SA’s best medal hopes. His build up has been solid post injury recovery with some superb wins including Super League.

Here’s what he had to say:

“Hi Paul, I’m feeling good. I’ve seen both sides of the Games and a big takeaway is to not waste energy on things I cannot change or control.

Success would be walking away from the race knowing there was nothing more I could’ve done. It’s the Olympic Games, anything can happen.

Preparation has gone well and I’ve really enjoyed pushing myself in training.

The swim has the flow of the water in the Seine which makes position important, the bike course is flat with some cobbles adding a technical aspect but it’s pretty straightforward. Same with the run.

Tokyo was a big heartbreak for me. It took a very long time to pull myself together mentally after such a debilitating experience. The injury from that race was near career ending and getting back from that was definitely one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.

I’m focusing on the present, not what could’ve been or what could possibly be. I’m doing everything as well as I can do it as it comes.”

We wish king Henri the best possible prep and a clean enough Seine river to show the world how fast our swim ace is. It’s all about getting into the lead pack on the bike, ideally a breakaway with the best.

🏁🇿🇦🇫🇷🏅

05/06/2024

How much exercise is too much?

Mark Allen 6x ironman world champ was officially recognised as “the fittest man on earth” and his legendary ‘ironwar’ arch rival 6 x world champ Dave Scott was possibly the toughest, most committed athlete ever. He changed the game. Ultimately as we have seen over & over, life rewards resilience and discipline. They say it’s the hard yards that make the difference in the pursuit of anything worthwhile. 10 000 hours makes perfect.

But then we see many cases of over achievers taking things too far.

Dave Scott, , posted a video a week ago that he would undergo 10 hour open heart surgery. To quote him - "Many of you have become aware of the complications from excessive long-distance training compounding over the years and I’m certainly a testament to that over my career. My heart has taken a tremendous load over the years and now I’ve been forced to deal with some negative effects from the stress."

Mark addressed this critical subject in person with us. With the benefit of experienced hindsight and a huge amount of his own plus coaching data, Mark was very clear with his advice.

Listen carefully, his words of caution could change or even save your life..

05/06/2024

Mark Allen, 6x ironman world champ was officially recognised as “the fittest man on earth” and his legendary ‘ironwar’ arch rival 6 x world champ Dave Scott was possibly the toughest, most committed athlete ever. He changed the game.

Ultimately as we have seen over & over, life rewards resilience and discipline. They say it’s the hard yards that make the difference in the pursuit of anything worthwhile. 10 000 hours makes perfect.

But then we see many cases of over achievers taking things too far.

Dave Scott posted a video a week ago that he would undergo 10 hour open heart surgery. To quote him - "Many of you have become aware of the complications from excessive long-distance training compounding over the years and I’m certainly a testament to that over my career. My heart has taken a tremendous load over the years and now I’ve been forced to deal with some negative effects from the stress."

Mark addressed this critical subject in person with us. With the benefit of experienced hindsight and a huge amount of his own plus coaching data, Mark was very clear with his advice.

Listen to what he has to say - it could change or even save your life.

20/04/2024

It will be Captain Matty Trautman’s 10th Ironman African Championship on Sunday.

In his first race as an amateur in 2014 he finished an insane 20th overall, including a stacked field of professionals.

The fast rising star who started triathlon relatively late in life, after round the world solo yacht racing, was considered to be our next great hope to win Kona.

A freak accident in 2017 left him with metal rods in his spine and even the surgeon said he was unlikely to ever race again.
That doctor didn’t know the steely determination of this muscled super hero.

After a long slow build Matt is back running like he did when he was winning races pre crash, and barring another mechanical like he had when he was leading the charge here a year ago, we think he’s going to win his first home championship on his 10th attempt. How much of a fairytale would that be.

We got to shoot the breeze on the beach 48hrs before the start and to hear why the kaptein is ready to prove that 39 is just a number, what he suggests to manage this course, and why patience always pays. 🏁🇿🇦

Watch the interview here:

It will be Captain Matty Trautman’s 10th Ironman African Championship on Sunday. We got to shoot the breeze on the beach 48hrs before the

19/04/2024

This weekend is the 19th edition of ISUZU IRONMAN African Championship and the third edition of ISUZU IRONMAN® 70.3® Nelson Mandela Bay.

We are super stoked to welcome back the 10-time IRONMAN and
IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion Daniela Ryf who is racing this as one of her final 8 races around the world as part of her retirement tour.

Having won the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nelson Mandela Bay in 2018, as well as the ISUZU IRONMAN African Championship in 2017 the ‘Angry Bird’ is no stranger to racing here. She has also been an ardent supporter of Qhubeka Charity racing the Old Mutual Wealth Double Century as part of the star studded Breitling team. She has been here training for a while and seems in her best mental and physical state to throw down the gauntlet to the rest in her last African race. Go Dani go!!

Daniela Bleymehl of Germany who won in 2022 will be looking to reclaim her crown but our meisie from Pretoria South African Magda Nieuwoudt who came seventh last year and a superb third in 2022 will have massive local support and not make that easy for either of them. Gooi mielies Magda!! 🌽

This is what Magda had to say when we caught up earlier this week:

“I am excited and scared and nervous like any other athlete toeing the line. Any Pro that says they are excited actually means we are scared as hell 😀😀 the difference is just once that canon fires I feel absolutely in control and want to be the best ME on the day.

My prep for this race went amazing & I am actually in better form than anticipated for this race. Taking into account it is my FIRST race of the season for what is to be a loooong season for me, as I will be doing 4 x full distances between now and October 🤯

I am very happy with the Internationals coming to the race as it means a lot for Ironman South Africa if the race gets supported with the pro’s, obviously the big name - Daniella Ryf, then Bleyhmel, Zimmerman and many more that will make the job hard on the day. Marlene de Boer is also coached by Yvonne (who coaches me) so I know she will be good. I think on the day the girls strenghts are a lot the same but you won’t be able to just run them in, so it would be key to have a solid swim and keep the pack on the bike.

No one can ever predict the weather but seems like we will have it mild with temps but obviously the wind will be there. I always think the tougher the weather the better for me as I know our Saffas is very resilient and can stuck it out during hard conditions

I will definitely fight for a spot on the Podium and I ask every Saffa supporter to carry me on the run with the support so I don’t feel any pain to go harder 😛

Let’s just hope the angry bird doesn’t make it too hard on the bike 😀 but there are some good running legs from the girls racing. So I will control, adjust, attack when needed”

Probably the most familiar face on Hobie Beach on Sunday will be adopted Saffa Susie Cheetham who has raced and won here for many years. She is married to Rob a South African and is back racing after becoming a mom. She loves it here and we love her.

In the men’s field, our boytjie Kaptein Matt Trautman who punctured last year while controlling the pack and 3rd in 2022 is our pick for his first Ironman African Championship win. We are ALL right behind this awesome humble human who after a spine breaking crash 5 years ago many said would never race again 🏁🇿🇦🌈

This is what Matty had to say when we chatted before he left for Gqberha:

“The prep has been really good and consistent, a bit more focus on the run in the build up so hopefully that shows on Sunday. Weather looks good for a fast day, couple of strong swimmers who will be up the road to chase and then also some powerhouses on the bike. Will need to stay in the mix and then execute a strong run to get that elusive W in PE.” ⚓️

Also familiar with racing here are Dane Mathias Petersen and Swede Rasmus
Svenningsson who came third and fourth respectively last year.
We are rooting for fun guy and ex Olympic rower Cameron Wurf, who comes fresh off a podium finish at his home race, IRONMAN 70.3 Tasmania in
February. The Ineos team rider will be looking to get stuck into the rolling bike course where he clocked the fastest bike split last year.
His fellow Aussie mate Josh Amberger - Triathlete who was tenth at Singapore T100 last weekend and led this race before will likely be onto the bike first.

They will all be racing for the title of IRONMAN African Champion and one of four slots per
gender to the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship and a chunk of the $150,000 prize
money.

Good luck to them and the over 2000 amateurs lining up at sunrise on Sunday. Weather looks grey and some rain & wind to set the mood for a cracker battle 🏁🤺🗡️⚔️

10/03/2024

The PTO T100 series got off to a cracker start in Miami last night!

Sadly our lad Bradley Weiss battled with a glute injury and the stifling heat got the better of our adopted Saffa Emma Pallant too.

Here’s what a disappointed Brad had to say afterwards:

“Hey Paul, sadly a day to forget unfortunately. Had a shocker from the start. Not really sure why as all felt good pre race. Was just off the mark. Had to go all in on the bike to try and get myself back into contention and tore/strained my right glute in the process. Had to DNF towards the end of the bike, could feel I was doing damage. The glute is still very angry this morning, hopefully it’s not to serious. Overall a day to forget. Very disappointing as I felt I was in decent shape coming into this one”

Photos courtesy of Triathletes Organisation

06/03/2024

The South African Triathlon Championships is happening in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) on the weekend of 6 & 7 April 2024

The Africa Triathlon Premium Cup, SA Champs Age Groups and Open races are all held over the Standard (Olympic) distance of 1500m swim, 40km bike and 10km run. The Provincial Champs and Open races are non drafting format while the star studded Elites race the spectator friendly draft legal format. The Junior and Para races are then held over the Sprint distance of 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run.

Click the link below for more info:
https://www.bikeruntri.co.za/post/south-african-triathlon-championships

11/02/2024

Yesterday was an exciting spectacle for the crowds watching a stacked field at the 2024

With 16 pro & elite contenders plus almost 850 age groupers racing the Standard, Sprint and Supersprint races, it was the biggest short course race in South Africa.

A massive congratulations to 26 year old rising star on a superb wire to wire win!

Despite heavy predicted wind and a shift to Plan B swim course, a breathless morning greeted the athletes who danced away on the beach to old school rock classics.

Nick was first into the yacht Marina, and after catching a big wave all the way to shore, he exited the water to loud applause with a massive 2 minute lead.

He held most of that advantage on both the bike and run keeping out of sight of a charging kaptien, SA long distance ace who was comfortably in 2nd spot on the podium, ahead of wild card who took bronze, after winning his first pro race at IM Durban 2023.

Nick also secured the title of Western Province Champion ahead of Matty T and neo pro .tri

The ladies race was also a wire to wire win for after her wins at Durban Ultra, Cape Town Tri and 70.3 Mossel Bay

The Sprint distance races, which faced some strong wind that came up later, were dominated by star couple & Dutch Olympic team lead candidates and They are in SA before they head north to secure points for Paris.

What an exciting day for triathlon at Club Mykonos for the Blue Lagoon Triathlon, the home of CTTA (WP) Champs 🏁💙❤️

All the winners were back in the water among 230 swimmers this morning for the Strandloper Sunday swims held in perfect conditions over 3800m, 1 mile or 800m

24/01/2024

As we head into an Olympic year we celebrate an athlete who has championed the sport as pro athlete, coach and academy founder for a decade, then taken a short break to mother a beautiful baby boy, and now aiming to do the unthinkable of securing a spot on the start line in Paris!

Yes it seemed audacious when she first touted the idea of a working mom leap frogging a queue of talented and ambitious younger rising stars who themselves were fighting hard for the holy grail of exclusive races. But fast forward 6 months and she has travelled to Africa Cup races far afield like South Korea and Namibia, and in her laser focused style has brought home the bacon.

who founded academy in Stellenbosch, won the African Championship title at age 34 in Egypt and has since racked up enough points to be the most likely lady to wear the rainbow nation colours on July 31st in the heart of Paris.

With a fantastic swim and a 34 minute 10km, this happier and faster than ever mom has the ideal makeup and experience to be in the mix at the sharp end.

We saw fellow Stellenbosch local race in Sydney 2000 as part of an exceptionally long pro tri career. Proof that triathlon is uniquely healthy and sustainable when done right. Note don’t overdo the long distance, race lots of short stuff to stay sharp.

We can’t wait to witness this exciting journey unfold Vix. Chase down that birth (excuse the pun) then go dig us some precious metal momma. We are so proud of your shining example.

Hopefully you’ll have one of our younger ladies with you and 2 men to take on the mixed relay. 🏁🇿🇦🌈

21/12/2023

What to give your fun loving, active, outdoorsy friends for Xmas?

You can inspire someone you care about to hit go on their New Years Resolutions or show a sporty spice that you get them.

Fill a stocking of someone you love with one of these big fat glossy, coffee table, healthy lifestyle holiday readathons.

On shelves countrywide at Woolies, Exclusive Books etc - check out our digimags available on our website www.BikeRunTri.co.za

16/12/2023

R460 000!!! 💰💰💰

wins the Challenge Family World Bonus 2023

South African Magda Nieuwoudt won this year’s Challenge Family World Bonus, and along with it, a $25,000 bonus.

Lekker Magda Nieuwoudt - we are all beyond proud of you! 🏁🇿🇦🤙🏽👏🏽

09/12/2023

Back and strong as ever! Huge congrats to for a phenomenal performance at the Bahrain Ironman 70.3. 2nd place with a 22min swim, sub 2hr bike and 1:10 run is insanely fast!

He and coach dad Joe deserve so much credit!

Your resilience and determination inspire us all! 👏🏽🏁🇿🇦🌈

30/11/2023

If you like watching people suffer it’s called schadenfreude. We all do it and very often we long to be among them, kinda fomo-masochism.

Dot watching The Munga and Freedom Challenge are highlights for us that can keep you up for hours at night. These riders are beyond tough and mad. We love them.

Right now the hard man from Nam Drikus Coetzee is flying in front of the 1070km Munga by nearly 100km with only 200km to go - as always, pushing solo for a record win. He needs to go sub 50hrs.

On the ladies side, debutant Jenny Close is in an astounding 5th place overall.

Both are seasoned triathletes so individual time trial and ultra distance sufferfests are not new to them.

Possibly 2 records on the cards but we all know the final third is when sleep monsters and deep fatigue set in.

Tune in to follow the carnage live here, and keep an eye out for road pro Willie Smit in second and further back cricket ace Gary Kirsten, Bok Jannie Duplessis and handsome presenter Dr Michael’s Mol.

https://themunga.com/munga-mtb-2023-tracking/

22/11/2023

It’s good to see tri in South Africa growing. We love to witness young ambitious athletes race with the seasoned pro's, promoting our sport to new generations as they chase their dreams.

We chatted to neopro David Sher after his first pro race this past weekend at IRONMAN 70.3 Mossel Bay.

Read his reflections on his first pro race via the link in our bio

22/11/2023

It’s good to see tri in South Africa growing. We love to witness young ambitious athletes race with the seasoned pro's, promoting our sport to new generations as they chase their dreams.

We chatted to neopro David Sher after his first pro race this past weekend at IRONMAN 70.3 Mossel Bay.

Head over to the link in bio to read his reflections.

06/11/2023

Kirsten Schut 1st female Age Grouper overall at Ironman Florida in a crazy fast 9:09!!

That would have been top 10 Pro. Wow congratulations Kirst!!

As far as I know only Annah Watkinson has gone under that time, as a pro.

She and Mark Pellew, who was 3rd 45-49, have a mega 2024 planned.

They will race all the Continental Champs - so they’re just warming up. Watch this space 🇿🇦🏁

03/11/2023

Trail running takes some getting used to, especially long ones or when it’s the final leg of a tri and your concentration and coordination starts to breakdown.

With UTCT and various off road triathlons just around the corner, we compiled a few tips to nail the trail from podium-topping athletes & running coaches, Landie and Christiaan Greyling.

Click the link in our bio to read their useful advice.

28/09/2023

It’s been a sore point for many but in 2 weeks, for the first time in the 40+ year history of an iconic endurance event, professional and age group women will have their own edition of the IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i on October 14.

Over 50 of the world’s top professional female triathletes, including defending champion, Chelsea Sodaro, will fight for a slice of the $375,000 USD female professional prize purse and the title of IRONMAN World Champion. Along with over 2000 age group athletes registered for this historic event.

There won’t be a men’s race but this might be the strongest ladies field ever assembled on the big island.

The stacked pack attack includes last year’s runner up, Lucy Charles-Barclay, 2019 winner Anne Haug, five-time IRONMAN World Champion Daniela Ryf, and IRONMAN European Champion Laura Philipp, amongst others rumoured to include the insanely talented 2 x 70.3 World Champ Taylor Knibb.

Follow the link in our bio on 14 October to view live race day coverage.

27/09/2023

It’s extremely rare for an athlete to turn professional only 3 years after they started a new sport. Most take 10 years or more having started as youngsters.

Meet our latest Saffa rising star to join the elite ranks of triathlon. We've had our eyes on him since he stormed into the spotlight chasing and at Blue Lagoon in 2022 after only 18 months in the sport.

A year later he laid down a massive marker by dominating Ironman 70.3 Durban 2023 by a huge margin.

We’re stoked to see him level up and got to hear from him after his debut pro race at IRONMAN 70.3 Belgium.

Find out where he comes from, what drives him and what his future goals are by clicking the link in our bio.

.3

24/09/2023

We all know our pro triathletes work extremely hard for relatively modest earnings.

This makes misfortunes like sketchy penalties, injuries or mechanicals even more heart breaking.

The Challenge Family series bonus is a biggie at $125 000 shared with $25 000 to the winner. That’s half a million Saffa Rond!!!

Guess who’s leading the ladies race to the big pot of gold?

Yes it’s our rainbow nation warrior and she’s currently in the lead pack in San Remo Italy, a crazy steep hilly course.

The best 6 races count and our humble hard working meisie from pretoria has had some tough years, but she’s been on fire in 2023 with a new bike and loads of confidence. She can do this!!

Jump over to the live coverage and give her the support she deserves. Let’s help her make up for the bok loss last night.

Gooi mielies Maggies!! 🌽🏁🇿🇦🏆💰👑🌈

10/09/2023

becomes the first ever VinFast IRONMAN World Champ in Nice, France today 🇫🇷

After a massive bike lead the Kona runner up in 2022 closed out a solid run, finishing in an impressive 08:06:22 for the 140.6 mile course.

Sam showed that a biker can win the race on a tough course.

10/09/2023

No doubt many of you are crying too after was penalised 5 mins at VinFast IRONMAN World Championship Nice France

Brad is in fantastic shape and was lying in 4th place near the top of the big climb, looking exceptional after a brilliant front pack swim.

Brad was clearly distraught, he was demonstrating furiously with the official in the tent. Clearly he felt it was unjustified.

He’s now back up to 7th, less than 5 minutes from a podium place as we near the end of the bike. Let’s hope he can keep his emotions in check. There are some big name runners behind him and he runs well. Go Brad, we’re all behind you bru!!!

Jan Frodeno seemingly not having the day many of us wished him as his last pro race.

One to watch on the Ironman tracker app is Sanele Seluleko Shange our first ever black athlete in Kona last year and massive talent who had an awesome swim. A great chance for an AG top 10 or even podium.

Thanks to our Saffa sharp shooter Kevin Sawyer - Photographer who’s sending us pics live from Nice

Watch the live coverage online and follow your favourites on Ironman Tracker app.

Will Sam Laidlow follow up this crazy fast bike lead to the end? He was so close in Kona last year.

🏁🇿🇦🌈

04/09/2023

The comeback trail continues as our boy Henri does it again!

Congrats on a stacked field 3rd place podium this weekend

🇿🇦🌈🏁

29/08/2023

We caught up with a frustrated but humble as always kaptein to hear what he had to say after competing in the 70.3 World Champs in Finland on Sunday:

"Racing the Europeans in Europe is never easy, especially at a championship event. To no one’s surprise, being in the front swim pack was also critical to getting into the top 5 in the end. I came out the water just ahead of some of the strong bikers and we set about trying to make some in roads into the swim deficit. It was hard to get any splits or reference as to how we were doing on the one-loop course, but it was full focus working through the large bike packs along the way. After making my way up from 34th out the water into the top 10, things finally settled down with a smaller chase group having formed, when I got pinged with a blue card - 5min penalty. No explanation was given, at the time I was a bit off the back, maybe 30-40m from the guys in front on a fast narrow twisty section of the course. In hindsight I assume the card was for ‘blocking’ or not staying far enough over to the right side of the road. Not long after Lionel Sanders passed me and got shown a red card DQ from the same ref for crossing the imaginary centre line. The road was closed to traffic and it was a one-loop course, hard to argue that safety was the issue. Was obviously pretty disappointed at the time, but I stayed with the group and rolled in to the penalty box at 88km to watch all my competitors come past for 5 long minutes. Was lacking some motivation at the start of the run, but I caught some guys and got into a rhythm and then just tried to put out an effort worthy of the event and all the amazing support along the way. The run was an honest one, and also very engaging with the varied terrain, the climbs, the footbridge and flying lap around the track. So it made it easy to forget about the penalty until I crossed the line in 21st and had the time to contemplate on what could have been. The German clean sweep at the front all swam, biked and ran incredibly well with no weakness to claim their well deserved podium spots."

Well done Matt 🏁🌈

26/08/2023

The vibe in Lahti is next level ⚔️🏁🎉🇫🇮

Saffa chicks all looking super strong and stoked. 🇿🇦🎉

flying into podium contention.

18/08/2023

As athletes, we are always looking for those marginal gains. Our obsession with weight, be it our bikes or bodies, is a big deal for many of us. That said very few of us fully comprehend how to balance weight and fuel our bodies correctly.

We chatted to sports nutrition guru a former surfski champion turned triathlete and mountain biker, to better understand the significance of proper training and race nutrition to enhance performance as endurance athletes.

Head over to the link in our bio where we delve into the essentials of an endurance athlete’s diet, covering interesting subjects such as caloric intake, macronutrient balance and the appropriate timing of these nutrients.

17/08/2023

Englands Beth Potter took gold at the World Triathlon Olympic Test Event in Paris yesterday after a mighty duel with Cassandre Beaugrand claiming her a spot at the Paris Olympics in 2024!

Germanys Laura Lindermann's bronze earned her an Olympic spot too.

Beaugrand, Lindemann, Knibb and Eim have all sealed their Olympic spots based on their countries’ varying selection criteria.

A special high 5 to Taylor Knibb won the Professional Triathlete Organisation US Open last week, and will be taking on Daniela Ryf in Finland next weekend. She’s on fire!!

What a race, well done ladies!

08/08/2023

Having witnessed this guy’s journey at close range from humble, super motivated young bike shop mechanic, to World Xterra Champion, and now regular top 10 in the world on the road, I still get goosies seeing pics like this.

It’s been a dozen years of consistent building for the understated guy who for many years lived in the shadows of world class champions like Conrad Stoltz, Dan Hugo and Richard Murray.

Every year has been a step forward to now training and racing shoulder to shoulder with global superstar athletes. It’s emotional to see him performing at this level with icons like Lionel, Jan and Sebi who are not only freak talents but have had infinitely more money invested in their careers by wealthier federations and bigger sponsors from a younger age.

Bradley Weiss is a shining example of how patience, self belief and hard work will always pay off in the long term.

Even though we agree that your biggest day still lies ahead, we salute your incredibly inspiring story Brad. Every kid with dreams needs to take a feather from your cap.

So proud 🏁🇿🇦🌈