Day 1: Mr Price team in the lead

The overall leaders for the first stage of the second Cape Odyssey presented by Salomon, also leaders in the Men’s category, were the formidable duo consisting of brothers Jacques and Mauritz Jansen van Rensburg of Team Mr Price.

The race kicked off in Hermanus at 12pm today (Wednesday, 8 October 2008) and ended 28km later in Kleinmond. Team Mr Price finished with an impressive time of 2 hours, 22 minutes and 3 seconds. Their time was 17 minutes faster than that of last year’s winners (for the same stage race in 2007).

In second place overall and in the Men’s category were Team Montrail/Capestorm William Robinson and Dion Middelkoop, who completed their first day in a time of 2 hours, 24 minutes and 13 seconds. They were followed by the Salomon Pro team Ryno Griesel and Arrie de Swardt, who took third place overall and third in the Men’s in a time of 2 hours, 29 minutes and 3 seconds.

The Perfect Storm team Dirk Cloete and Heleen Joubert finished first in the Mixed category in a time of 2 hours, 44 minutes and 46 seconds.  They were followed by the Tuks Cousins Jac Steenekamp and Winia Janse van Rensburg (02:50:36), with Team Hi-Tec / Oreotragus Hano and Liana Maree in third position (02:51:03).

Placed first in the Masters category was Italian team Icarus Skysport Italy Giovanni Montini and Paolo Bertini in a time of 2 hours, 46 minutes and 59 seconds. They were followed by Ian Little and Vivienne Williams of Montrail/Cape Storm 1 (02:55:04). In third position was the Harfield Hammers team, Allan Ryninks and Michael Byron (03:03:04).

First in the Ladies’ division were Suzette Linden and Elizabeth Swanepoel of AK Sports Girls (03:02:40). Seasoned runners Linda Doke and Karoline Hanks, running for Salomon Pro Ladies, finished second in a time of 3 hours, 6 minutes and 35 seconds. The Whippets, Ellie Courts and Tanya Templeton, finished in third position (03:11:14).

According to leading team member Jacques Jansen van Rensburg of Mr Price, it was an enjoyable race. “We ran very well, but the race was much faster than we anticipated. We plan our nutrition according to the length of time we expect to be out there, and didn’t think it’ll only be two hours and a bit. If we keep this up, this year’s Cape Odyssey is going to be tough. We’re running with awesome athletes, and took turns to take the lead. We overtook the others just before the river crossing.” His brother Mauritz added that it was a wonderful experience for them to run together. “As brothers, we definitely share camaraderie. We’re going to have loads of fun during the race as well.”

Defending champions Dion Middelkoop and William Robinson of Montrail/Cape Storm Men, said it was tactically a very interesting race. Says Middelkoop: “For the first 4km of the race six teams stayed together. It was only thereafter that the three leading teams broke away.” Robinson adds: “It was a comfortable race with some tough sections. The last 2 or 3 km on the loose sand was quite trying.”

The Salomon Pro team, Ryno Griesel and Arrie de Swardt, also had a very good race. Says Griesel: “Today’s pace was incredibly fast and I’m very pleased that the beach part of this year’s Odyssey is behind us. I’m a technical runner and far more prefer mountainous terrain. We’re particularly looking forward to the third and fourth stages of the race.”

More than 300 athletes will compete in this year’s Cape Odyssey, traversing the varied landscapes of the Western Cape whilst enduring the harsh elements before arriving at their final destination, Boschendal Wine Estate. After the last stage, individual times will be calculated to reveal the overall winners.