The 22 cyclists who dominated what is considered to be the toughest MTB race in the world, should naturally be considered some of the toughest athletes after completing the Munga and Munga Equipe’s 1 129km route from Bloemfontein to Wellington.

What makes this tremendous feat so much more victorious, is the fact that while Middelburg complains of the sweltering heat, the cyclists suffered temperatures in the 40°C region as they cycled into the vast and arid wilderness of the Karoo.

Jaap and Elmien, who are both committee members of the Middelburg Cycling Club, competed in the trek as the only two solo riders and part of the Nashua Care Riders team, which means that while the rest of the crew covered the distance as a relay team, they did the full distance alone!

The couple took off from Bloemfontein last Wednesday and finally completed the race on Monday morning in a time of 4 days; 21 hours; 8 minutes.

According to Jaap, he and Elmien discussed doing the Munga extensively after she discovered that she preferred endurance races to shorter distances, “Doing the Munga has been a dream of Elmien’s for quite some time.”

The couple has competed in several endurance races, including the uBhejane Xtreme MTB Challenge, the Moos Mini-Munga and a few Ultras, but none of which consisted of such a distance.

“I can’t find the words to describe how difficult and challenging it was! It was extremely hot with temperatures rocketing into the 40s, and having to ride for hours and hours in that heat. We rode for 23 hours a day, with two hours of sleep,” Jaap said.

But the challenge has not only strengthened them physically and psychologically, it has also strengthened their marriage.

“After successfully overcoming something like the Munga, we have realised we can overcome anything together. And I have found a new respect for my wife, who never complained about the heat or showed any signs of giving up.”

Jaap was also astonished by the overwhelming support he and Elmien received from their friends and the cycling community.

“It is incredible to see how unwavering the support is for each other within the cycling community, we were supported and encouraged every day of the journey. It was also incredibly special being part of the Nashua Care Riders, and riding for a bigger cause, knowing that we can make a difference.”

• The Nashua Care Riders team included Jaap and Elmien, as well as four relay teams who did the Munga Equipe to raise funds for the educational needs of the Middelburg Care Village.