The Munga 2019

[Ozzie NL]

The question needs to be asked when that "arrangement" was made? Looks like it could've been at the Tankwa Padstal already.

 

There's plenty opportunity left to win from there. Hell, even with 1km to go to the top of Bainskloof someone could've made the race winning move/attack. There is not a snowballs chance in hell, if both of them tried their utmost to win it right until the very end, that they would've crossed the finish line together.

 

Even Mr Munga, Alex Harris himself was involved in a 3-way sprint for 3rd place during the TDR. After almost 4400km's they didn't decide to roll over the line together for a 3 man joint 3rd place!

Think Thinus said they agreed to the tie 15km from Ceres

[Brakepad]

Looks like SM is off the track again ?

[Shebeen]

To those who call BS

 

 

Go and do the Munga

Bs argument.

If we followed your argument I hope you don't have an opinion on world cup rugby, Eskom management, the royal family and all other things you don't have direct personal experience in

[porqui]

Bs argument.

If we followed your argument I hope you don't have an opinion on world cup rugby, Eskom management, the royal family and all other things you don't have direct personal experience in

 

You're right.

[taito]

If you look at Nicky Booyens pace you know it's brutal out there ,she is always a top 5 rider.She has quite a way to go to Sutherland.

 

Anri is going well she will be dropping down into the Tankwa soon.

[Shebeen]

Ironman has a rule that a "contrived tie" will result in both athletes being disqualified. Should be the same here. I'm all for sportsmanship but I think this goes against the true nature of fair racing.

Didn't know that. This is the best option to prevent this again. Whatever side of the fence you sit on it's a pity the "toughest race on earth" doesn't have a winner*.

[JohanDiv]

I have a feeling Sithembiso Masango is currently close to tears.. shame I feel for the guy. Second time off course near Ceres, turning around now will mean he have to go back up Bo-Swaarmoed pass. Hope he doesn't scratch or get DQ'd for this! He's having a horrible morning.

[MORNE]

obviously two camps on this.

 

But i stand by my point. I am highly competitive in anything I do, whether I suck at it or not. It makes me want to do better and be better. I don't have to go do the Munga to feel that way about ANY competition.

My honest opinion about  defending the gesture is that you are most probably then also in the camp of handing out medals to the kid who comes dead last because he participated....

 

someone had to loose. it would have sucked for them yes - especially after 1100km ish....but it would have motivated them even more for next year to come back stronger. Now its just this watered down PC farce. 

 

if I were in that position I would not have agreed to it. we would both have equal opportunity at a certain stage. if you still end up beating me I would come shake your hand afterwards and be gracious in defeat. 

 

the world has gone mad.

 

 

EDIT: anyway...good luck to the rest of the field and don't make any arrangements about joint placings at the padstal....beat your opponent into submission and be better than them on the day.

[Nick]

 

My honest opinion about  defending the gesture is that you are most probably then also in the camp of handing out medals to the kid who comes dead last because he or she participated....

 

 

PC correction 

[DJR]

obviously two camps on this..............

Agreed, and I sure would not have been disappointed if they clawed their way over the finish line. Both ways have a place in extreme endurance sport. 

[MORNE]

PC correction 

touche lol

[Nick]

touche lol

 

Sorry, I will give myself a warning for attempted trolling.

[WaynejG]

At a 50km event last year in Kariega, flippen hot and exhausted, nowhere near winning, myself and a fellow rider probably my age, kept catching and overtaking each other, with the finish line in site I managed to catch him again and had enough to finish in front of him but at the last minute said to him let's cross together as we both have k@kked off today.

 

This move on my part was totally against my competitive nature but somehow it did not seem right to finish in front of him.

[Nick]

I have a feeling Sithembiso Masango is currently close to tears.. shame I feel for the guy. Second time off course near Ceres, turning around now will mean he have to go back up Bo-Swaarmoed pass. Hope he doesn't scratch or get DQ'd for this! He's having a horrible morning.

 

Well spotted. That could have gone badly if he hadn't corrected it quickly. Looks like MBV will be on him soon. Perhaps Sithembiso needs a nap or his GPS is dead? Looks like he's been keeping them short so far.

[Wayne pudding Mol]

Ultimately the decision was theirs and we can have opinions but we cannot judge. This is what they decided to do which has to be respected.

It’s not running eskom, it’s not 30 guys chasing a ball in a minority sport, smashing into each other. It’s a race where they exhausted each other, found mutual respect and decided finishing together was their best option. I find it refreshing and it’s in no way the same as Little Jonny getting a medal for finishing last.

 

Like I said we all have a take on this but only Kevin’s and Thinus’ count

[JohanDiv]

Some more pics I took at the finish last night..