Big Induna

The Big Induna is a race which holds a lot of personal significance for me. It is staged in the Lowveld, a place I love to race, it is organised by friends - Jaco Lubbe and his team from Induna Adventures – and I have had some good results there before.

Last year the Big Induna was not held, but this year it was back and better than ever. A lot of people made the 4hour journey from Johannesburg to come and enjoy the warm Lowveld winter weather on an amazing mountain bike course.

Departing from Induna Adventures headquarters just outside of Hazyview, the route twists and turns following bush tunnels, farm roads through orchards, some river crossings, quad trails and a track along a canal. It all makes for fun riding and before you know it you are finished with the first 45km loop of the race. Riders then head out on a 38km loop all along the River with some big climbs thrown in for good measure. None of the climbs are really long or steady, but the frequency at which they litter the route really hurts the legs. Patches of forest single track make up for the pain before the final run in to the finish through some tree plantations and a very fast and flowing quad trail.

A surprisingly strong field started the race, but the 116km distance meant the first 45km loop was tackled at a conservative pace. Starting on our first of 2 laps of the 38km loop, the race really lit up. Max Knox (Ghost/Do It Now) attacked taking HB Kruger (ASG) and Lourens Luus (Cycle Junkies) who was only doing the 78km marathon, with him. They were soon despatched and Paul Cordes (MTN Qhubeka) and I caught up to them forming the chasing quartet. At about 70km into the race I punctured as we were negotiating some tight, technical singletrack. I tried to ‘bomb’ it with air hoping the sealant would plug the hole, but was eventually forced to stop for a second time and plug the hole, allowing the other 3 chasers to get away from me. For the rest of the race I rode on my own finishing in 4th place.

Up ahead Max stormed to a convincing win in what is for him a home town race seeing as he lives only 30km’s away in Sabie. The battle for 2nd position was hotly contested with HB Kruger just edging out Paul Cordes.

I was happy with my result considering my training has been very haphazard lately. I have been struggling with a knee injury since the Panorama Tour, but with the help of friends, family and a good physiotherapist and chiropractor all seems to be well again.

Final results:
1. Max Knox (Ghost/ Do It Now)
2. HB Kruger (ASG Sports)
3. Paul Cordes (MTN Qhubeka)
4. Melt Swanepoel (Specialized)
5. Charles Keey (MTN Qhubeka)
6. Jacques Janse van Rensburg (MTN Qhubeka)

Until next time, happy trails!
Melt