Multi-talented field for Dusi Mfula
23 May 2008
The Jonsson Dusi Mfula Off Road Experience, a mountain bike race that closely follows the route of the famous Dusi Canoe Marathon, has attracted some interesting entries, including stars from other sports. It takes place on Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June.
"While we have some impressive top riders competing at the top end, we also have an amazing number of Hansa Powerade Dusi Canoe Marathon winners, celebrities and sportsman from other sports riding," said Ray de Vries, the race director.
"The emphasis of this event is on it being an experience as opposed to merely a race," he added.
Race breakdown
The race is 115 kilometres long, comprising 75 kilometres on the first day when competitors ride from Bishopstowe in Pietermaritzburg to the Inanda Dam. On the second day, they cycle from the dam to the finish at Blue Lagoon in Durban, a distance of 40 kilometres.
Numerous winners of the Dusi Canoe Marathon have entered, including this year's champions, Martin Dreyer and Michael Mbanjwa. Former winners include "the Dusi King" Graeme Pope-Ellis, Neil Evans, and Wendy White.
Rugby is represented by former Sharks' stars John Slade and Jeremy Thompson, while former Proteas' opening batsman Andrew Hudson flies cricket's flag.
"This event is absolutely unique," reckoned De Vries. "Not only are there many well known faces from sport, but the entry list reads like a who's who of business, with many captains of industry participating."
Entries capped
A total of 658 starters have been confirmed for the two-day stage race. In 2006, the first year in which the Dusi Mfula was held, 318 people took part. Last year, entries were capped at 650, the same figure as this year.
"We have 226 riders on the waiting list and will probably increase the field next year," said De Vries. The waiting list reflects the increasing popularity of mountain biking, as well as the high regard in which the Dusi Mfula is held in the MTB community.
To ensure the event runs smoothly for the 658 entrants, the organisers have put together a small army of staff and volunteers, totalling in excess of 500 people.
Organisation
De Vries explains: "An event like this cannot be staged without the help of many agencies like the SA Police Service, Netcare 911, 300 Siyasizwe volunteers drawn from the local communities and Hamnet, who are a local volunteer organisation specialising in radio communications throughout the valley.
"What is very heartwarming for us is to see the recognition the SAPS get from the riders for the brilliant job that they do during the event. They are often criticised and it is our pleasure to see them congratulated for the brilliant job that they do."
Casting an eye towards the weekend of the event, De Vries confirmed that arrangements have been made to ensure that a live broadcast of the Super 14 final will be screened in the entertainment marquee at the tent village at the overnight stop.
Supporting the Sharks
KwaZulu-Natal is Sharks' rugby country and the organisers have catered for that too, says De Vries.
"I am so confident that the Sharks are going to win that I sent an SMS to Dick Muir to wish him luck in Sydney and to tell him that we will have over 1 000 people gathered in the middle of the bush next weekend in the Valley of a Thousand Hills supporting the Sharks.
"Those riders who do not support the Sharks will not get any food," he joked.
SAinfo reporter
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