Cyclist tackles non-stop Munga mountain bike race
The single stage mountain bike race sees competitors cycle non-stop over 1 000km, in one of the ultimate tests of the human body.
South Coast resident and cyclist, Thubelethu Shange (29) competed in one of the world’s most gruelling races at the beginning of the month – the infamous Munga MTB Race from Bloemfontein to Cape Town.
The single stage mountain bike race sees competitors cycle non-stop over 1 000km, in one of the ultimate tests of the human body.
Shange, who has been cycling since 2013 and is not part of any cycling team or club received much-needed sponsorship from San Lameer Estate to help him compete in the race.
“I compete alone. I was thankful for the kindness shown to me by San Lameer for assisting me. My calling is with the ultra races,” said Shange who has since named his bike ‘San Lameer.’
After competing in the Munga twice already, Shange needed assistance with equipment to compete in the race, and the management of San Lameer were more than ready to assist.
The estate was keen to help the cyclist from Ndlovuzulu as they sponsored his race essentials, a navigation device, transport and bike service.
“Management read about Thubalethu in the newspaper and wanted to get involved and support him on his journey. We like supporting mountain bikers because we have our own 9.7km trail,” said Jolanda Cloete, Marketing and Liaison Co-Ordinator for San Lameer Estate.
However, while competing in his third Munga, Shange was struck by tragedy at the 315km mark when he was forced to retire from the race due to a mechanical failure with his bike.
“I was at a water point just before Britstown. As I was checking out, my freewheel body broke and that was it. I tried to get a new wheel but unfortunately at the tag zone the wheel they had was not compatible with my frame,” said Shange.
Although the desired result was not achieved, according to Ms Cloete, San Lameer is proud of what he has achieved.
“It’s obviously unfortunate that he could only do 300km, that’s life and we really do think he’s done his best and we really hope to support him next year as well.”
With zero discouragement, Shange has already set his sights on a few races next year – the Euro Steel Dark Descent, the Munga Grit (a shorter 500km version of the Munga), as well as the local Sardine Classic, Lake Eland MTB Challenge and Illovo MTB Challenge.
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