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Stoltz and Van Huyssteen Secure Another XTERRA Buffelspoort Victory

Reigning individual men’s and women’s champions, Conrad Stoltz and Carla Van Huyssteen expected nothing less than a battle when they returned to Buffelspoort Dam on Saturday, 28 January 2012 to defend their titles at the gruelling  TOTALSPORTS XTERRA Buffelspoort Full presented by REHIDRAT® SPORT.  Although competition was tough, both Stoltz and Van Huyssteen proved to be unstoppable on the day, railroading to victory in a finishing time of 02hours20minutes08seconds and 02hours52minutes55seconds respectively.

According to Stoltz, the 2012 XTERRA Buffelspoort was a fun season opener.  “The event was really scenic with a great atmosphere.  I had a good swim and made my attack on the mountain bike discipline.  I really enjoyed this leg as it featured a bit of everything.  The run was tough with some big hills, this combined with the heat and humidity on the day made it quite a challenge.  I take my hat off to all XTERRA warriors that raced longer than three hours.  It’s a long day out there.  I am really happy to start the season off on a good foot and am looking forward to XTERRA Grabouw.  I am thankful to my wife, Liezel as she helps and supports me on every level.  I’m usually late for my races, but this morning I was on time.  I could relax and take it easy before the start all thanks to her.  Married life really is better than anything I thought possible,” says Stoltz.  Dan Hugo came in second, while Stuart Marais finished third.

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 ‘Totalsports’ placed first in the men’s team category of the TOTALSPORTS XTERRA Buffelspoort presented by REHIDRAT® SPORT with a winning time of 02hours38minutes58seconds.  Team ‘Waterkloof 3’ came in second, while Team ‘Mike Felta Whisky’ 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 03hours37minutes51seconds.

Team ‘Impala One Team’ place first in the mixed team category of the TOTALSPORTS XTERRA Buffelspoort presented by REHIDRAT® SPORT with a winning time of 02hours44minutes12seconds.  Team ‘Mein Max’ came in second, while Team ‘Nestle Rusty’s’ finished third.

Russel White (age 55) proved that age is just a number when he crossed the finish line first in the individual men’s category of the TOTALSPORTS XTERRA Buffelspoort Lite presented by REHIDRAT® SPORT.  White completed the three disciplines in a combined time of 01hours27minutes20seconds.  Tiaan Rossouw came in second, while Philip van Niekerk finished third.

Genevieve Weber was victorious in the individual women’s category of the TOTALSPORTS XTERRA Buffelspoort Lite presented by REHIDRAT® SPORT, crossing the finish line first in 01hour44minutes37seconds.  Genevieve van Coller came in second, while Carey Fournier finished third.

Photos: www.oakpics.com