X-DIRT event lives up to its name
Athletes got wet and dirty because of the inclement weather at the X-DIRT Triathlon and Duathlon Challenge.
The challenge took place on Sunday morning, March 2 at Roodeplaat Dam, just outside Pretoria. It lived up to the events name with most of the competitors finishing soaked and covered in mud.
This was not a problem for most athletes however, as the conditions, cool without any wind and some light drizzle, was still good for racing and produced some good times in both the triathlon and duathlon sections.
Among the athletes to shine was eMalahleni’s Charné Prinsloo. The 20-year-old, who won the junior women’s triathlon division (16-19) in the first X-Dirt Challenge event in December last year, has since had a birthday and is now a senior competitor. Charné showed what she is made of by beating the more seasoned athletes on the circuit and winning the women’s on road triathlon section in a time of 1:07:50.
Another eMalahleni athlete, Marlette Smit, also did well and collected the gold medal as winner of the off road women’s triathlon race after she finished in 1:19:35.
Both women will certainly be the athletes to watch at the next X-DIRT Triathlon and Duathlon Challenge event at Buffelspoort Dam on Sunday, March 30 and the final event of the competition, taking place at Heron Banks Golf and River Estate, Vanderbijlpark on Sunday, April 6.
Triathletes and duathletes who wish to compete in these races can enter online at www.xdirt.co.za with pre-entry costing R290 (including TSA day license fee and excluding timing chip hire) for individuals and R580 per team. Late entries will be accepted on race day from 6am at an increased fee of R310 (individuals) and R620 (teams). TSA members can participate at R240 (pre-entry) and R260 (late entry).
For further details go to www.xdirt.co.za or call 082 568 0301 (Corné) / 082 769 2663 (Kyle) or send an email to info@xdirt.co.za.
