Some slight rain overnight and overcast conditions on Day 4 had us donning a few additional layers on the start line. The stage started from the new camp at Malealea lodge where we’d been treated to some t-bone steaks which would rival any top end steak house.
Photo: Cherie Vale / Lesotho Sky
After a solid nights sleep and thorough replenishment we were renewed and all set to go on the ominous sounding 55km “Malealea Monster”.
From the start we soon hit some singletrack. Letting a few of the quick guys through we settled into a good pace in the flowing trails. Having been used in a single day event earlier in the year, the route was said to be a little more manicured than what we’d encountered the days prior.
Although still no walk in the park, the work was soon evident. For the first 5km I was smiling ear-to-ear with the fast paced, but still windy and technical trail. It culminated in a very loose rocky switchback descent which soon caught out the Swiss rider ahead of me who landed chin first on the apex of a switchback. Helping him up he was okay and we continued on.
The first water point came very early at 8km which doubled as the second due to the figure of eight loop we’d do on the day. A quick stop to remove layers in the now warm, mostly sunny conditions and we set off again.
Onto rolling district roads we got into a good rhythm, sticking with some strong teams and dropping others who’d passed us by the day before. I was feeling good and it seems Dane had bounced back with a bit of form. Making good time we reached the first big climb of the day. First swiftly dropping down into a river valley we could already see the climb snaking up the mountainside.
Photo: Cherie Vale / Lesotho Sky
Photo: Cherie Vale / Lesotho Sky
We set a steady tempo, carefully measured knowing a 9 km climb awaited before the finish. At the summit, not wanting to revisit any past issues we took time to eat and drink. As a reward for the somewhat uncomfortable climb we were treated to a long section of single track. At first rocky and a little loose, then fast and flowing over hard-packed pump track like red dirt we finally reached some more rocky switchbacks. Less sharp and comfortably rideable we wound down to another river valley and more undulating trails.
Having caught up to a few more teams on the climb we could see them all up ahead as the trails made way for more rolling district road. We were both still feeling good and making great time. It had been a fun stage so far, but we knew another long climb lay in wait.
Soon hitting waterpoint 2 we quickly topped up and began the final long climb. With some early gentle undulations and only really a 3km section which hurt the legs we were soon over the top, having caught another team and still feeling fresh with just 10km to go.
Photo: Cherie Vale / Lesotho Sky
Photo: Cherie Vale / Lesotho Sky
We upped the tempo on a final section of trail through a small settlement and along the hillside towards Malealea. We’d caught up to another team who seemed to push the pace even further as we made contact. Eventually easing off and letting them go we arrived on the final section of district road with one small climb it was then all downhill to the finish.
Home in 3h37 and 15th overall we’d had a MUCH better day out. With an unfamiliar amount of time to spare we enjoyed a welcomed cappuccino and casual conversation with some sporting legends at the famous Malealea Coffee shop.
Do yourself a favour. If not the whole Lesotho Sky event, make a plan to head to Malealea and take on the “monster”. It’s a magic place and a highly rewarding route.
Photo: Cherie Vale / Lesotho Sky
Photo: Cherie Vale / Lesotho Sky
