Cas_1

Rode AL and was pretty disappointed in getting caught off guard and missing the break at 30km's. From there the next almost 50km sat in front trying to chase back. Expected a bit more help from the second group guys but no luck. Finally paid the price for my hard work at hekpoort where i suffered all the way up.

Seems like Hekpoort starts at around 95km into the race. Last year ascent was around 980-1000m however with extra climb to Maropeng looks like its going to be ± 1100m.

A bit late to the responses but here's my 2c on the race and the experience. Had a tough first 50km sitting in front with not a lot guys in C wanting be in front. Had a better second section but struggled a bit by the time we hit Steyn City. Very happy with my 2:37 from C though. Just made me think how much of a difference your bunch's willingness to work has an effect on your ride. Being a MTB'r actually still something to figure out for me. Hopefully next year better seeding will allow me a sub 2:30. Was my first 94.7 and enjoyed it. Second lap allowed me some sight seeing and taking in the environment. Max speed was around 77.8km/hr.

According to the profile put up of facebook its around 71.08km with 579m gain. That's if you believe them!!

I can't comment on the specific Garmin or Polar Units however recently bought a Polar V650 and apart from the nice big screen, can honestly say should have gone for the Garmin Edge 520. Some negatives I have picked up including, not wanting to sync on all PC's even though similar in specs, no direct Strava integration and upload needs to go through Polar Flow, Notifications not able to show on unit. I also have a Suunto Ambit 3 and its the best thing ever. Not had on issue with it, syncs perfectly, shows everything I need. Just the screen is to small for using it on bike. My issue with Polar is however deeper than that since my Wife's Polar M400 have been sent in for repair/ reset 3 times. So my opinion go for Garmin (or Suunto as alternative).

A bit easier said than done but agree!!

Got my FTP up to 313W at 78kg but is becoming extremely hard to improve. Any tips? Mixing road training in week days with the odd Wattbike Session and then more MTB over weekends.

Looks great, can't wait. Race registration only the morning of the race?

I also started off in 2014/2015 with around 3-3.2W/kg and is now up to around 4.0-4.1W/kg. Its however getting very difficult to improve on this and will have to start with dropping the last few unwanted kg's which will help.

No, more like 1632m. Or that was at least what I got last year.

Don't forget Lionman the week before the monster!! Two weeks of hard climbing. Will doing hills, hills and more hills from March to May!! Nutrition wise, I will definitely eat more leading up to breedts neck since after that its where the cramping starts!

Yes amazing time. Helps however being professional rider and having ridden the route a day before as his Twitter pix show!