TexasRanger

Pretty sure that Impey was the reigning champ. Thomson was second in the TT and won the road race in 2013.

I was fortunate enough to ride it back in 2008 the day before the Tour arrived. Took me at least twice as long as Pantani's best. It was an incredible experience. The sheer number of people was amazing and they support all the riders punishing themselves. The "Dutch" area was the best - what seemed like a few hundred metres of orange, shouting, cheering and some even running (probably walking) next to me like I was one of the pro's.

Have done Nice and Roth and can recommend both. The bike course at Nice is fantastic and includes some of the southern Alps, while the crowds and atmosphere at Roth are amazing. If you are looking for something before IMSA then Europe is out of the question. Both are around the time of TDF; Nice being just before the start of the TdF and Roth towards the end.

In my experience it is best to go via George, and give yourself at least 2.5 hours. It will take at least as long to drive from Plett via the R339, especially as it is dark and you never know what you may encounter on that dirt road.

Sasha is still there.....usually does his thing from 12 - 2pm. The bandwidth thing can be a problem, although it shouldn't be using more than about 20Mb per hour. In Cape Town, Darron's show is broadcast on Alternative FM every day - frequency is 91.3FM. I presume they will start adding a few more FM broadcasts elsewhere in the country where they can shortly.

Max Knox was first across the line.

Not sure.....contact the local ward councillor, Andrea Crous - andrea.crous@capetown.gov.za

A joint effort between City of Cape Town and land owners - to keep out the unwanted land invaders. Once all enclosed you will be able to buy an access card/key at the local Spar.

This will all make for quite an interesting time if you are part of the ladies Lotto squad riding in the Giro starting tomorrow. 21 Robyn De Groot (RSA) 22 Ludivine Henrion (Bel) 23 Ashleigh Moolman (RSA) 24 Cherise Taylor (RSA) 25 Joanna Van De Winkel (RSA) 26 An Li Pretorius (RSA) 27 Lise Olivier (RSA) 28 Katrien Van Looy (Bel)

I think Geraint Thomas has opted out to concentrate on Olympics - he is not in the Sky squad announced for the Tour.

Normally held at the end of June.

Being out there on your own is part of the attraction and challenge of these longer distance races. They are not meant to be a tea party.

Thankfully, I did eventually get my refund in early January. I have a friend who has still not received his though.

I did this last year and enjoyed it although I suffered because I had not trained enough. Everything that Warrior mentioned above is true. The road bike should be fast - although the direction of the wind may play a part. The road run is flat and easy but don't push too hard as the mountain bike is tough and will take its toll. I can also only remember one water point on the MTB route. The beach run is also tough - wish for a high tide. Don't bother with running shoes for this leg....I definitely did not see any other person wearing shoes. Something else to mention is the first transition was a little chaotic last year. Make sure that you have a decent support team too. In my opinion it would be better to have at least 2 crew, each with a car.

Semantics really. I have spoken with both Grant and his colleague.

Grant, Clearly you have not read my message properly I did get your email last week. I did not say that what was in the email was a lie. What I did say above was that I have emailed you on at least 5 occasions and have not yet had the courtesy of one response....apart from the generic email that you sent out. I also said that I have spoken with you or your colleague on the phone at least twice and on BOTH occasions I was told that my money would be refunded within a few days. That was you were lied to me. I do not appreciate that and I am certain that I would have been far more tolerant of your situation if you had explained then over the phone that you were experiencing problems in making payments, which clearly you are. Maybe you wish to comment on that? I have also only posted this here on this forum to vent my frustration as it appears this is the only time you bother to respond to anybody.

Is there anybody else like me still waiting for a refund? I first requested a refund back in October and am still waiting. I have emailed at least 5 times in the intervening period and had no response at all. I have called and spoke with Grant and his colleague and each time it seems I was told a pack of lies......on both occasions I was given some excuse for payment not being made and then they promised the money would be with me in a few days....that was nearly 2 weeks ago. Last week I mailed again, CC'ing the international contact details hoping for some kind of response and nothing. I even visited their office earlier today to find it locked and nobody answering when ringing the bell. I have almost given up hope....seems like Grant is using my money to buy his kids some Christmas gifts.

Follow this link for more details: http://www.atlantictriclub.co.za/default.asp?pageid=3922

Hi Grant I have mailed you twice in the last week requesting a refund but have not had any response yet. I understand that you have a lot to deal with but an acknowledgement of my mails would have been good. No response makes me nervous...... Thanks

Apparently you will have the option of having your entry returned or you can carry it forward until to the next race.....whenever that may be. I am not here to defend the guy because I am also disappointed having spent so many hours training, away from the family, etc. but I think the City are also partly to blame here. They gave their backing to the event and are supposed to be "partners" but it appears that they have not come to the party.

I have confirmed with the race director that the race has been postponed. The poor man sounded like he was close to tears. An official press release will be made tomorrow.