Carla Cleans Up Xterra Hat-Trick

Reigning individual women’s champion Carla van Huyssteen expected nothing less than a battle when she returned to Buffelspoort Dam on Saturday, 28 January 2012 to defend her title at the gruelling TotalSports Xterra Buffelspoort Full, presented by Rehidrat Sport.

Although competition was tough, Van Huyssteen proved to be unstoppable on the day, railroading to victory with her third consecutive win in a finishing time of 2 hours, 52 minutes and 55 seconds.

Van Huyssteen was really pleased by the growth in the individual women’s category of the TotalSports Xterra Buffelspoort. “Every year I wish that the competition in the individual women’s category would become stronger, and when it does, I’m forced to push myself even harder.

“Although I keep reminding myself that Xterra Buffelspoort is tough, it is always tougher than I’ve prepared myself for mentally. This year’s event was no different.

“My wetsuit tore during the swim, resulting in quite some time lost and me having to push extra hard on the mountain bike discipline. As a result I almost blew on the run discipline. I am happy with my result though and really enjoyed the race.

“Xterra SA truly is a great event with a vibe that is just as good, if not better, than any overseas Xterra,” says van Huyssteen, who walked off with her third consecutive win at Xterra Buffelspoort. Susan Sloan came in second, while Sylvia van Tromp finished third.

Team ‘Die Drie Miskiete’ placed first in the women’s team category of the TotalSports Xterra Buffelspoort presented by Rehidrat Sport with a winning time of 3 hours, 37 minutes and 51 seconds, while Team ‘Impala One Team’ place first in the mixed team category with a winning time of 2 hours, 44 minutes and 12 seconds. Team ‘Mein Max’ came in second, while Team ‘Nestle Rusty’s’ finished third.

Genevieve Weber was victorious in the individual women’s category of the Xterra Lite, crossing the finish line first in 1 hour, 44 minutes and 37 seconds. Genevieve van Coller came in second, while Carey Fournier finished third.

Xterra Warriors can look forward to double the action in February 2012, when the much-anticipated TotalSports Xterra Grabouw is celebrated over a two day period (Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 February 2012).

Taking the form of the South African Championships, the TotalSports Xterra Grabouw forms part of the Xterra World Tour. Athletes competing at this event stand the chance to qualify for the world championship final in Hawaii later the year.

TotalSports Xterra Grabouw Event Information:

Visit the Stillwater Sports website for more information on the TotalSports Xterra Buffelspoort or to enter the TotalSports Xterra Grabouw, email [email protected] or contact Stillwater Sport & Entertainment on 086 138 3591.