Helderkruin cyclist conquered the 947 Cycle Challenge
'It was good, but it was tough'
“To my surprise, I won the opportunity of cycling for Lucky du Plessis on an awesome Trek bicycle in the Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge.
“I am extremely passionate about sport, and started cycling recreationally early in May this year, which led me to enter the 947 Replacements competition,” said Nadine Marais.
The BSc Sport Science Honours graduate has been swimming for most of her life, and is a swimming instructor as well. “I competed at the recent Masters National Championships, where I won three gold medals and two silvers. I felt that I had now conquered the water and that it was time to conquer land, which is why I started cycling,” she said.
When Greg and Lucky, two of the 947 DJs, started their hunt for the two individuals who would be riding the Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge on their behalf, they were very clear about who they wanted as replacements. Greg was set on a laid back guy, who would go out and have fun (but at least finish the race) while Lucky wanted a winner, someone who was super competitive and would give the race their all.
“I just knew that I was the perfect replacement for Lucky, and, even though I have never done the 947 Cycle Challenge, I was ready to take it on. I am very competitive and always like doing things that will better me to some degree. I did not only want to complete the race, I wanted to finish it well,” Nadine said.
And conquer it she did. Despite the extremely hot weather conditions, she managed to finish her maiden race in a time of three hours, 40 minutes and 12 seconds – about an hour before Greg’s replacement, Scott Redpath. “I was ecstatic to have finished before Scott, but, even though it was good race, it was very tough. When you get to Kyalami, you have already got 70 kms in your legs, and then you still have to climb that mine shaft,” Nadine said about her experience.
She concluded by saying that it was a very rewarding experience, knowing that she was not only able to cycle well for Lucky, but that she had the opportunity to also ride for a purpose.
Both Replacement cyclists also received brand new bicycles and cycling gear, courtesy of Trek Bicycles.
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