Chris NewbyFraser Posted October 30, 2018 Posted October 30, 2018 Do any Hubbers remember this invisible stage race? I was working at Toyota SA Trucks when they (Toyota SA cars) were the logistics sponsors of this 7 day, 640km road stage race through Mpumalanga. I and a colleague were asked, at the last minute if we wanted to ride the event as the event had, in addition to 'international riders', a social component. We were both in our 50's and were both unfit. But hey - why say no to such a gift.Started at Badplaas and went over so many mountains I gave up trying to remember. Seven vicious days later we grovelled into Nelspruit, officially last and many cumulative hours behind the ' so called internationals, allegedly including junior management of a Russian pro team who came to assess the event'.The event was a logistics disaster with inadequate catering, accommodation and transport and was not run again. I cannot imagine the sponsors were very happy.But what a potential event for SA. Fabulous route, hard as hell for weekend riders and fit okes alike. Just poor execution due to, they said, Mpumalanga government dropping the money ball at the last moment. Not implausible................Selati; I felt so sorry for you and your wasted investment that I have tried to buy your product ever since.
intern Posted October 30, 2018 Posted October 30, 2018 I did that race coming into it as an unfit 'returning to cycling after a decade of booze, cigs and jolling', was an amazing event despite the hiccups, made some good mates there. Think Andrew McLean was dominating things, with Stephen Courtney the only oke able to keep up. I was having fun somewhere out back...
The Crazy German Posted October 31, 2018 Posted October 31, 2018 I did that too, I was actually tagging a long to some of the international part. Was with the belgian social rider(although some went hard). Logitics where african style, but the guys really enjoyed it and accomodation and so in the upgraded part was actually a lovely experience. Wasn't there some Swiss guys too? I spend lots of time at the last waterpoint each day waiting for my team mate to finish "together" till the organisers told me Crazy we know you spend at least an hour there eating candy and having a nap, no need to pretend to finish together ftom now on we won't DQ you this is Africa after all. Good days that where.
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