Up-and-coming off-road triathlete, Ruan Van Zyl will be seen in action at all three Fedhealth XTERRA Lite races in 2017 (Buffelspoort, Nelson Mandela Bay and Grabouw) before moving on to the Fedhealth XTERRA (long course) in 2018.
Ruan Van Zyl in action during the mountain bike leg of the Fedhealth XTERRA Lite. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg
Van Zyl made his XTERRA debut in 2013 at the Fedhealth XTERRA Lite Buffelspoort. “I love the XTERRA vibe,” says Van Zyl. “XTERRA is a lifestyle and a healthy one at that. It tests your body to the limits. Being under-19, this will be the last year that I will be able to compete competitively in the XTERRA Lite. Out of the three events, XTERRA Buffelspoort is my favourite. It’s always been good to me. It’s my track, my backyard.”
“The XTERRA Lite is definitely a good introduction to the sport of XTERRA,” continues Van Zyl. “Entrants get the full experience of racing XTERRA, but just on a shorter course. Although I really enjoy the XTERRA Buffelsport mountain bike leg, the trail run course is also amazing and I would recommend it to anyone, even if it’s just to walk it. I have not yet raced at XTERRA Nelson Mandela Bay, so I am really looking forward to it. XTERRA Grabouw is the highlight of the year as it’s the qualifier for the World Championship. The route is always challenging, but memorable. My goal is to win all three XTERRA Lite races.”
Fedhealth XTERRA Buffelspoort / Buffelspoort Dam (North West Province)
Friday, 20 January 2017 Fedhealth XTERRA Kids
6-8 years (50m Swim, 1,5km Cycle, 1km Run)
9-11 years (100m Swim, 5km Cycle, 2km Run)
12-15 years (200m Swim, 10km Cycle, 3km Run)
Saturday, 21 January 2017 Fedhealth XTERRA Full: 1.5km swim, 26km MTB, 12km trail run
Sunday, 22 January 2017 XTERRA Trail Run: 12km and 6km
Sunday, 22 January 2017 Fedhealth XTERRA Lite: 400m swim, 19km MTB, 6km trail run
Fedhealth XTERRA Nelson Mandela Bay / Kings Beach (Eastern Cape)
Friday, 10 February 2017 Fedhealth XTERRA Kids
6-8 years (50m Swim, 1,5km Cycle, 1km Run)
9-11 years (100m Swim, 5km Cycle, 2km Run)
12-15 years (200m Swim, 10km Cycle, 3km Run)
Saturday, 11 February 2017 Fedhealth XTERRA Full: 1.5km swim, 28km MTB, 12km trail run
Sunday, 12 February 2017 XTERRA Trail Run: 12km and 6km
Sunday, 12 February 2017 Fedhealth XTERRA Lite: 400m swim, 12km MTB, 6km trail run
Fedhealth XTERRA Grabouw / Grabouw Country Club (Western Cape)
Friday, 24 February 2017 Fedhealth XTERRA Kids
6-8 years (50m Swim, 1,5km Cycle, 1km Run)
9-11 years (100m Swim, 5km Cycle, 2km Run)
12-15 years (200m Swim, 10km Cycle, 3km Run)
Saturday, 25 February 2017 Fedhealth XTERRA Full: 1.5km swim, 28km MTB, 12.5km trail run
Sunday, 26 February 2017 XTERRA Trail Run: 12.5km and 5km
Sunday, 26 February 2017 Fedhealth XTERRA Lite: 400m swim, 12.5km MTB, 5km trail run
Adventure seekers and/ or seasoned triathletes can sign up for the complete challenge of the Fedhealth XTERRA (1.5km swim, 26km MTB, 12km trail run), while new comers to the sport can take on the less daunting Fedhealth XTERRA Lite (400m swim, 19km MTB, 6km trail run). Both events also welcome team entries. A team needs to consist of a swimmer, a mountain biker and a trail runner.
