Bianca and AC claim win in Karoo cycle race

Bianca and AC claim win in Karoo cycle race –

Bianca Cooper and AC Swanepoel took first place in the MTB Mixed event at this year’s The Karoo Burn. The race takes place on the longest uninterrupted gravel road in South Africa, from Calvinia to Ceres across 242km.

Competing on a gravel route requires different techniques and cadences compared to mud or tarmac, for example. Bianca and AC explained road is more predictable than gravel or mud, although one tends to travel at higher speeds and in bigger bunches on tarmac, which is often more perilous.

Dirt races require more core and upper body strength as the terrain is more physically demanding, and one needs experience reading the terrain to choose an optimal line, especially when the surface is uneven.

All types of riding just require time and practice. Sloppy surfaces like mud or thick sand require you to maintain your cadence and not suddenly change lines.”

The duo underwent roughly one week of rest time, but admitted the fatigue of ultra-endurance events could last for a month or more. Some take six months to recover – Bianca and AC said this depended on a rider’s base fitness and how used to this type of race their body is.

However, they both plan to take on the 36ONE in May this year.

In a post on social media, Bianca expressed pride at claiming victory at The Karoo Burn once again, despite strong competition. She is also proud to have done so in her father, Colin Cooper’s ‘Trakta Bicycle’ shirts. She explained Trakta are ‘back to basics’ single-speed bicycles built by her father in Groot Marico (a hamlet in the North West Province). The frames are hand-built and fitted with durable components, and require minimal tools and maintenance.

Bianca explained the bicycles will be distributed by non-profit organisation, Qhubeka to primarily school children in rural areas, to reduce commute times and allow children to better focus on their education.

It is a great privilege to ride in these Trakta Bicycle shirts and support a great cause, which is a culmination of many years of hard work and gruelling research and development. We are hoping to see lots of Trakta bicycles on the road in future and it is great to be able to offer support in our small way by wearing their shirts.”

In conclusion, Bianca and AC were asked if they would encourage others to take on challenges such as The Karoo Burn and why, and what advice they have. They both agree that every person should try doing outside their comfort zone once a year.

Don’t think you can’t do it – almost anyone can ride a race like this; you just need to commit to training and be consistent. After the first 100km, it is mostly a head-game. Don’t get hungry, don’t get thirsty, don’t get cold (this can be a factor after sunset, but also alludes to standing around too long at water points as your muscles can seize).”

For the full interview, read this week’s Newcastle Advertiser in print.

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