Former Springbok rugby captain John Smit will make up for a lost opportunity when rides the Liberty TransCape MTB Encounter for the first time next month.
The seven-stage mountain-bike race, powered by Volvo, takes place from February 2 to 9 and will end at Holden Manz Wine Estate in Franschhoek in the Western Cape.
The 591km journey will see the riders register next Saturday in George before the first stage gets under way on Sunday.
Former Springbok rugby captain John Smit (right) is looking forward to experiencing the Liberty TransCape MTB Encounter for the first time after having to pull out of last year’s event. With him is top South African mountain-biker Pieter Seyffert, previous winner of the event. Photo: Daniel Coetzee/ZCMC
Smit, who led the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2007, is happy that his entry for this year’s race is on track after he had to withdraw before last year’s event.
“I can’t wait to see what the race and the journey hold for the week,” the ex-Bok hooker said. “Everyone I have spoken to loves it, so I am really looking forward to experiencing what the race has to offer.”
Smit will be riding with his good friend Shane Chorley, representing ASG.
Having retired from rugby in 2011, he took up cycling in 2013 and said it had played a big role in his life.
“It has been one of the best transitional tools for me after my rugby career and joining the ‘real world’, he said. “It has kept me fit and I enjoy being on the trails in this beautiful country.”
Asked if he could compete with some of his cycling rugby colleagues, such as flyhalf Joel Stransky, the 40-year-old Smit was modest with his answer.
“I might be a forward but I am not an idiot,” he laughed. “Joel is not my target market. Firstly, he is very serious about his training and, secondly, I don’t think he has eaten a carb in the last decade.
“Both those categories unfortunately rule me out of contending with him!”
Nevertheless, he is delighted at the chance to show what he can do on a race of this nature.
“It’s a long stage race, so the endurance will be tested and I have heard the chow [food] and atmosphere are amazing,” said Smit.
“This is a great chance to experience that while doing something that keeps me fit, my mind clear and puts me into a space that reminds me of my playing days.
“These include the camaraderie among competitors, the training, the exhilaration and the challenge it presents to a big guy like me.”
