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Hluhluwe Rhino Charge (MiWay Big 5 #3)

24 July 2012

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The third race in the MiWay Big 5 Series, the Hluhluwe Rhino Charge was held on Sunday the 22nd July, in perfect weather conditions typical of a Zululand Winter. Congratulations must go to Piet De Jaager and as he pointed out "his enormous army" recruited from the Hluhluwe community, for a well organised day in every respect.

Racing at the top in the 50km is always hectic and at the Hluhluwe it hit new levels with the first position changing throughout the race ending with a sprint finish seeing Guylin van den Burg just pip Sean Merridew at the last split second, with Tyron White a mere two seconds behind them. In the 50kmWomen's race, Desiree Briedenhann was a clear winner ahead of her nearest rival Isobel Moolmen from Durban by 6 minutes, followed by Leoti Morkel 10 minutes later.

The 25km men's race saw Wiehan Prinsloo take the win with Bradley Stevens in second and Mariu Mthembu third. These three riders have dominated in the 25km section throughout the series. The Women's 25km race saw newcomer from Ballito, Mira Spring, take first position ahead of Zululanders, Marriette Elliot and Karen Todd in third.

Once again a big thank you to the Hluhluwe organisers, the sponsors and support from the local community and to their race day sponsor RIS vehicle hire, and last but never least, to the riders for their support especially those who took the time out to travel from outside Zululand.

7 comment(s)

Ray Dickerson

23 July 2012 @ 11:24 AM

Good 50km course with some awesome single track - will be back for sure!

Jade

23 July 2012 @ 03:13 PM

Unfortunately, the 25 km was poorly marked!

There were two instances where groups of riders had to double back after going quite some distance down a poorly marked trail. Riders had lost both time and their position in the race.

It was also quite dangerous because the result was a pack of frustrated riders trying to push back into a flow of other participants who were caught by surprise!

The first two Big 5 races had lime crosses or chevron tape blocking routes that could prove to be confusing. Please can this standard of marking continue to be use because those little orange stickers are not always visible, especially in the current dry conditions where they blend in with the dusty, brown surroundings.

The race was enjoyable despite the poor marking and on the whole well organised. I’m looking forward to Monzi.

lost

23 July 2012 @ 04:33 PM

poorly marked

mike green

24 July 2012 @ 07:15 PM

great fast track with plenty of dust to suit all tastes. On a motivational note i would like to thank the gentleman at the first water point (25km)who shouted "coke" "water" and nashua slogans non stop!!. His passion is great - "give this man a bells". Hope to see him at the next race. thanks to all !!!!

Gerhard

24 July 2012 @ 08:31 PM

All the way from Vryheid well done see you again , Followed and lost twice the turns, part of the sport.
Will like to obtain a medal for the value of entry !

Johan Pretorius

30 July 2012 @ 08:31 PM

I have discussed this with quite a few older cyclists,we would all like to have a 60 and 65 years old category introduced,we older guys don`t have a hope/chance against the younger guys?
Could you please look into this as a possible incentive?
Thanks for a great series!
Johan.

Johan Pretorius

30 July 2012 @ 08:32 PM