PPC Kremetart 2013

The popular 175 km event was the 24th instalment of South Africa’s only four-stage race held on one day and kicked off on Friday, 7 June 2013, with the registration of more than 1,000 participants. Among them were seven Pro teams: Team Abantu, Bonitas, Bestmed, ASG, ASG (under 23), Columbia Blue Pencil and Cyclelab Toyota. Many of the participants were local riders, however some came as far as the USA and Europe to ride. Later that evening, the competitors indulged in a carbo-loading pasta evening, followed by some chilling out in the beer tent … which can also be seen as 'carbo loading' of a different kind.

 

The main event kicked off at an early and brisk 06h40 on Saturday, with the Tandem cyclists going off first, followed by the Elites (up to age 29), Sub Veterans (30-39), Veterans (40-49), Ladies, Masters (50+), and finally the Comrades riders (a social category was specially created for the participants who finished the annual Comrades Marathon a week earlier), who left last in each stage. The seeding system was based on age and all the categories were open to men and women.

 

Stage 1

Stage 1 started in Louis Trichardt and ended in Waterpoort. The gruelling
53 km course crossed over the Soutpansberg, climbing approximately 450 m in the first 8 km. The descent down the mountain was fast and dangerous, as speeds of up to 90 km/h were reached by some cyclists. From there, the riders had to brace themselves against the freezing conditions they experienced upon entering the valley and tunnels. Once through the tunnels, the route flattened out a little and the cyclists started forming descent groups. The end of this stage saw riders being warmly welcomed by the community of Waterpoort, who treated them to a well-deserved breakfast of delicious muffins, soups, sandwiches, energy bars, and fruit.

 

Stage 2

The cyclists left Waterpoort at 09h40 and in the same order as they did on stage 1. This stage was meant to be a very fast stage, as the route was flat and only 48 km long, but this drastically changed when good old Mother Nature decided to make this stage more challenging with a nasty and vigorous headwind. Such was the force of this wind that it prevented the riders from breaking out of their bunch, rather preferring to stick close together and forge forwards as one. After a tough few hours, the stage ended in Vivo for lunch, where cyclists gratefully rested their weary, wind-blasted bodies.

 

Stage 3

The local primary school once again opened their doors to participants and were kind enough to supply delicious hamburgers and pasta salad for lunch. We were very fortunate to have the medic tent stationed there, as quite a few of the cyclists were starting to feel the pressure on their muscles from working so hard in the wind. Lunch ended at 12h30 and back in the saddle, the cyclists powered away on the 52km stage 3. Usually, this is the toughest stage of the Kremetart, as it is renowned for the ever-present head-on wind that riders have to battle against. However, this year the wind was a tail wind - maybe mother nature felt badly about the earlier chaos she'd created - making this stage extremely fast. Again the groups stuck together and enjoyed the support of the wind. Stage 3 ended harder than it started, with the last 2 km going uphill to Schoemansdal. This climb really took its toll on a number of the riders, who decided that they'd had enough and called it a day. For those continuing, they were treated to fruit, sweets, and refreshments.