The Alzu race is always something I love to do. This was my second year doing it. I did the Alzu race last year with the team and it was my first big ride in fact it was my first time ever riding in Cleats. Last year we did the 70Km race which was honsetly really tough and hard it took a lot out of me and I really struggled to finish. This year however after one complete year of cycling and having done a lot more cycling events I am way fitter. I really wanted to do the 70km race again but the decision was made by the team leaders that we would all do the 40km together as a team. 

The race went really well, it was a lot of fun. At first, we started off all riding together for the first 10Km but then not everyone was able to keep up. When people started dropping off from the group myself, Matt, Tarryn, and Simon decided to go faster and push ourselves. We did and we ended up finishing the 40Km in 1hr 30 minutes which was really good considering we rode the first 10km with the team at a slow steady pace. Overall the race was really good to see all of us out in Slipstream kit was pretty cool and it leaves an impact on people because we were such a big group. The support from everyone was just amazing they stood on the top of the balcony watching us come in and finish cheering us on. 

Myself, Tarryn, Simon, and Matt decided we would ride back from Alzu to Witbank. This is 80km back. We took an hour’s rest after the race at Alzu and then made our way back home. On the way home that ride was really tough it was tough mentally and physically but I do enjoy the push and the challenge. It was hard on the way back because it was firstly extremely hot and there was a strong headwind on the way back. In the 80th Km overall for the day I really started to feel my legs they became jelly and started to give in but after a strong mental push, I was able to finish the full 120Km. Overall it was a long day on the saddle but it was really fun and I enjoyed the challenge. Going forward I definitely want to do more races and challenges like these.