East-London mountain biker Jason Peach strengthened his long-standing relationship with endurance races by winning the Maloti 100 Miler in Barkly East at the weekend.
The 32-year-old has competed in long-distance events since his cycling career began in 2007, but says this was his first proper win.
“I did my first Trans Baviaans in 2007 and have done each one since then and I competed in last year’s Munga. I placed second at the 2018 Trans Elands. We also have a few small 100 Miler races in East London, but it’s nothing spectacular.
“I do feel this was my first proper win for a long-distance race.”
Peach said he enjoyed the sense of going on a journey these types of events gave him.
Eastern Cape mountain biker Jason Peach recently won the Maloti 100 Miler in Barkly East. Photo: Facebook/Jason Peach
“Not every race is point-to-point, but those that do have this journey vibe to them. There’s something different about them to the circular-type route.
“I also enjoy seeing the country and riding in places that people very rarely go to, such as up into the mountains.”
For example the Trans Baviaans was through the Baviaanskloof, which he considered an amazing place.
“During the Maloti 100 Miler we go through some of the highest areas in the country. Rhodes is sitting at 1 825m above sea level and the Naude’s Neck climb is 2 587m,” said Peach, referring to the pass which is the second highest dirt road in the country – Sani claims the record.
“You can feel the lack of oxygen and you’re unable to push as hard, so when you’re finished you really feel a sense of accomplishment.”
Peach said the Maloti event was definitely one of the hardest, if not the hardest, endurance races he had ever done.
“It’s harder than Trans Baviaans even though it’s only 160km. You’re working all the time and the lack of oxygen is a limiting factor on your performance.”
All in all, he felt the challenges and places he was able to see were the highlights.
“I do like the long tough stuff too. The tougher the race, the better.”
A key challenge of endurance races was being out there by oneself for long periods, he said.
“It can be difficult with the spectators not always being able to see the racing and it’s tricky to get media updates out.”
He said he would still love to do the Freedom Challenge, but felt it was unfortunate how expensive it was to enter.
“It’s the main real one I’d still like to do. Every year my big two events I have to do are the Attakwas and Trans Baviaans. They’re my goal races that I try and do well at.”
The Freedom Challenge is a 2 300km non-stop self-navigated mountain bike race starting in Pietermaritzburg and ending in Wellington.
Peach felt locally based races unfortunately did not give riders as much exposure as events elsewhere.
“I feel like the Cape needs to come and support our events more.
“I’ve always wanted to try and become a pro, but being in East London you’re not exposed to guys willing to sponsor. You’re not getting pushed as much.
“The level of competition is a lot higher in the Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. It was nice to win the Maloti, but I’m almost sure nothing will really come of it.”
