Mountain-bike dash adds extra gusto to train race

THE Nelson Mandela Bay Train Race between the Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage railway stations is set for a strategic yet exciting change to keep in the interests of the corporate market.

This year’s train race, at the end of next month, will include a mountain-bike (MTB) leg for the relay teams.

The MTB leg will comprise five runners and one MTB cyclist to challenge a Metrorail train over the distance of 38km between the railway stations.

“Mountain-biking is arguably the fastest-growing sport in South Africa. Many believe it will usurp the prized position long-held by golf as the corporate sport of choice,” race director Michael Zoetmulder, of Zsports, said.

“Feedback from last year’s train race was that companies battled to find seven runners to fill their teams, while we continue to see a massive growth in the social MTB market around the country, particularly among business leaders.”

The change in the format will make Train Race the first duathlon relay race of its kind in the province and has been sanctioned by the Eastern Province Triathlon Association.

The inaugural Nelson Mandela Bay Train Race last year featured 220 teams as man tackled the Metrorail public commuter train from Port Elizabeth to the Uitenhage station.

It has been confirmed that this year’s exciting train race will be limited to 300 teams.

The course for this year is the same, with the distances of the five running legs unchanged from last year.

The MTB leg will comprise stages four and five – between Swartkops and Perseverance.

“But while out having fun during the race, it is also paramount that we are made aware of the struggles of the communities along the way,” Zoetmulder said.

“To this end, the race’s charity organisation remains to be local nonprofit organisation Love Story, which is making an amazing difference in the lives the needy in our metro.

“But Love Story needs the help of those more fortunate, through donations and assistance.

“We hope that this event can open more doors for them, and that competing companies in the race against machine will back this initiative and come forward with support,” he said.