Sasol Cross Off Road Triathlon Abrahamsrust

Before we knew, it was time for the last race of the series Sasol Cross Series. I was feeling confident after my performance at the SA Championships the previous weekend. I was the current leader of the series and if I had a good day, could be crowned the winner. There were heavy rain the previous day and night so the race would be very muddy and wet. Nevertheless, I was ready to race and still have fun while doing it.

The swim was a non-wetsuit cold and fast one. Chris and Theo and I was in the lead out the water into T1.

Rudolf, Chris, Theo

As predicted, the bike leg was very wet and muddy. I was leading the bike until about 7km where after Theo and I exchanged the lead a few times. It carried on until about 9km and then I decided to put the hammer down and go for it. I made a small gap and with mountain biking it was always “out of sight out of mind”. Once I made a gap it started to grow slowly but surely, I was really having fun which was a bonus. Unfortunately Chris had a few crashes and decided to abandon the race after the bike leg. I entered T2 with a minute and a half gap. I now knew that I could take the run easy and enjoy the race for a change. I had the series wrapped up and was winning the last race as a bonus.

Finish

It was a very good series – two wet, muddy races and two dry, hot races. Thanks to the organisers Spektrum Sport and all of the sponsors of the series: SASOL, SUUNTO, Cebe and Asics for making this series possible.

I will be back next year to defend my title.

Cheers
Rudolf