According to Horner, the DUESOUTH XTERRA route at Buffelspoort Dam is brutal. “The course is really tough at that altitude, but as it is the same for everyone, it is a case of the tougher the better. The mountainbike course is quite rocky and just when you think you’re through it, you find yourself traversing waist-deep through rivers and climbing mountains. Although challenging, it promises to be loads of fun and that’s what makes it XTERRA. After Buffelspoort Dam, I will definitely compete at the South African finals in Grabouw in February as I have lots of unfinished business with XTERRA Grabouw. It’s the only XTERRA venue where I haven’t managed a win yet,” says Horner.

According to Germishuys, her main focus this year will be the DUESOUTH XTERRA Buffelspoort Dam and Grabouw as well as the South African and African Triathlon Championships. “With regards to my training, I am currently in a base phase as I rested for two weeks in December. So I might not be on top form at Buffelspoort Dam, but it is all part of the process. Buffelspoort Dam is an awesome venue for the XTERRA, the water is very clean, combined with technical mountain bike and run routes - what more can you ask for? The weather also adds to the race’s toughness as it is always extremely hot. I find the technical run discipline to be really exciting,” says Germishuys.

Competitors taking on the full DUESOUTH XTERRA presented by REHIDRAT will need to complete a 1.5km swim, 26.5km mountain bike and 12.5km trail run, while competitors taking on the DUESOUTH XTERRA Lite presented by REHIDRAT will need to complete a 400m swim, 15.8km mountain bike and 6.3km trail run. Participants can enter individually or in teams of three.

Buffelspoort XTERRA has quickly gained the reputation as the toughest XTERRA event in the country and the one that most closely resembles the World Champs course in Hawaii. The dam, which is mainly fed by freshwater fountains, is widely considered to be the cleanest in the country and guarantees a scintillating swim.

DATE: Saturday, 30 January 2010
VENUE: Buffelspoort Dam, North West Province
CATEGORIES: DUESOUTH XTERRA Lite individual (age groups: 12 years and up, accompanied by parents)
DUESOUTH XTERRA Lite Teams (age groups: 12 years and up, accompanied by parents)
DUESOUTH XTERRA Individual (age groups: 16 years and up)
DUESOUTH XTERRA Team (age groups: 16 years and up)
COST: DUESOUTH XTERRA Lite: R130 per individual and R180 per team (male/female/mixed)
DUESOUTH XTERRA: R260 per individual and R360 per team (male/female/mixed)
START: DUESOUTH XTERRA lite – 07h30
DUESOUTH XTERRA – 08h30
REGISTRATION: at Buffelspoort Dam from 06h00 till 08h30
RACE BRIEFING: 15 minutes prior to event start, at the start

Late entries will be accepted, at an additional fee.

It is with huge excitement that the organisers of this action packed event welcome REHIDRAT Hydration Powder into the XTERRA family as the new presenting sponsor. REHIDRAT Hydration Powder is a balanced mixture of sugar and salts, which replaces the electrolytes in the body and treats dehydration when properly prepared. With four revitalising flavours in orange, lemon/lime, blackcurrant and vanilla, dehydration will never be a factor at the DUESOUTH XTERRA presented by REHIDRAT.

For more information on the DUESOUTH XTERRA presented by REHIDRAT, race rules or on-line entries please contact Stillwater Sport and Entertainment on (021) 883 – 2413 or e-mail info@stillwatersports.com. For accommodation at this beautiful dam contact: (014) 572 – 3757.

Pic Caption:

Top multi sport athlete, Carla Germishuys will be seen in action on Saturday, 30 January 2010 when she takes on the action packed DUESOUTH XTERRA presented by REHIDRAT at the magnificent Buffelspoort Dam (North West Province). Photo Credit: www.oakpics.com