Membership will benefit athletes and players in Obstacle Course Racing                

South Africa, Gauteng, Johannesburg, 13 July 2017 - When a new sport turns into the country’s fastest growing sport, as Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) is doing, a well-organised, non-profit membership organisation is required to serve as a platform to connect its members, race organisers, training facilities, sports brands and interested parties, to grow the sport professionally to compete on the international circuit.

Obstacle Course Racing is not a sport where athletes can hone their skills on a field or on the road. Building obstacles requires professional expertise, fists full of money, labour, land, large machinery, building materials, and time, so it makes sense to connect the dots and have a well-managed over-arching organisation that formalises the sport, thus creating benefits for members, socially and competitively, for athletes locally and worldwide.    

Non-profit organisation, SA OCR aims to do just this, significantly furthering the sport of Obstacle Course Racing in South Africa, and has all the major players, events and athletes behind it. Amongst many benefits, a welcome one is that SA OCR membership offers athletes significant discounts at most of the large races and training facilities in South Africa. Says SA OCR Founder, Alec Avierinos, “We have received overwhelming support from the major race brands and our OCR training facilities in South Africa. Memberships sales have been received with open arms by most our top SA OCR athletes, with them purchasing memberships the moment sales opened.

” Thomas van Tonder, 2016 SA OCR Elite Champion and currently ranked no. 1 in South Africa "I support SA OCR's membership because, as a new sport we need to unite and the membership gives us a good platform to be able to do that. Not only for athletes but for races and vendors as well". “With major race owners onboard, SA OCR is already well on its way to performing the duties it was set up for –  to benefit athletes to grow the sport socially and professionally, says Fritz Pienaar, the Warrior Race, the largest OCR Race Series in South Africa, “we welcome SA OCR's goals and objectives to further the sport of OCR in SA.

Warrior will reward SA OCR members with one free entry for every 4 races entered, to reward consistent participation. We like that SA OCR provides our top athletes with assistance internationally at the OCR World Championships.”  This couldn’t have come at a better time with OCR World Champs taking place in October in Canada. Our large events are on par with the toughest events internationally and our elite athletes perform as competitively on these courses. With more media coverage, and more sponsors, South African OCR could be a leading OCR nation.

SA athletes and international visitors to SA all agree that SA event obstacles are more difficult, thanks to SA’s top course-builder, Jonathan Hart, but the terrain and carrying segments are slightly easier. It is common knowledge that none of South Africa’s OCR Elites can afford to take on OCR as a profession and require day jobs for financial support. Membership to SA OCR will go a long way to enable the organisation to offer some assistance to South Africa’s 20 member-strong team, which includes six Elites, Thomas van Tonder, Claude Eksteen and Louis Smit, Hanneke Dannhauser, Trish Bahlmann and Sabrina Daolio.     

Greg Avierinos, currently ranked 4th in South Africa agrees, saying "I think this is an awesome initiative from SA OCR to help unite OCR in South Africa as well as provide a platform that helps make racing cheaper, and travelling overseas a possibility. Awesome to see all the race and venue owners that have stepped in to support." Max Cluer, Jeep Team Owner has Thomas van Tonder as his top OCR athlete, says, “Really cool to see SA OCR looking after the interest of the athletes with their new Membership initiative, they really understand the importance of a strong proactive community where everyone benefits. Other federations and organisations can certainly learn from them.” SA OCR has also introduced myTribez, an app allowing members to introduce the benefits of the SA OCR organisation to friends, family and other OCR non-members.

There are excellent benefits associated to this such as earning extra income to assist members’ fundraising efforts for OCR World Champs in Canada.  "I think the introduction of the new SA OCR membership is a great idea. Not only will it be a means to support fellow athletes but it will serve as a platform to connect participants, race organisers and training facilities, and in doing so, grow the sport of obstacle course racing in South Africa. I'm really excited to see where this awesome sport is going in our country!” says Dominique D’Oliveira – 2016 Top 5 SA OCR Athlete, and currently ranked 1st in South Africa.  

"It’s great to see SA OCR stepping forward as the voice of the sport in SA. As a premier event, The Beast is proud to be associated and endorsed by SA OCR and looks forward to offering all members discounted entry rates as well as other great specials. With OCR enjoying a global push and widely-recognised, SA OCR provides the athletes with a great platform in South Africa.

The Beast is fully behind SA OCR and wishes their team the very best," says Rob Walker - The Beast    If you are not an SA OCR member - join nowwww.saocr.co.za

Editors Notes

Obstacle Course Races (OCR) vary in size, impact, and purpose but they all involve sharing a passion and a love for the sport and the great outdoors. This website is dedicated to promoting locally produced OCR races, gear, athletes and training facilities all over South Africa. We hope that you will enjoy the information and reviews as much as we enjoy producing them.SA OCR is a non-profit organisation committed to aiding the growth of the sport of Obstacle Course Racing in South Africa. With South Africa’s first interactive OCR calendar, it’s now even easier for racers and race organisers to plan events and race schedules. Our goal is to cover obstacle course races, put gear to the test (and provide you with reviews of the gear) and find the best training tips and techniques to help you conquer any obstacle course. Our motto: Keeping you dirty, keeping you happy! 

Photo Credit: BeSnapped

Written and distributed on behalf of Max Cluer Sports Marketing by Hot Salsa Media.

For queries and images, contact - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 084 486 2136 For SA OCR queries – contact Alec Avierinos or Greg Avierinos on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   

PIETERMARITZBURG, 12 July 2017 – Sunday, 9 July 2017, saw multiple World Marathon Champion, Hank McGregor (Jeep Team), clinch the win at the first race of the Bay Union Open Ocean Surfski Challenge 2017. The 12km race opener had perfect weather and sea conditions for a stunner of a race, attracted a large field of 75 paddlers including seven-time Dusi winner, Andy Birkett, plus Wade Krieger, Gene Prato, and seasoned masters, Bruce Wenke and Linton Hope. 

McGregor, fresh from his victory at the Mauritius Ocean Classic last weekend, was slow off the start line after a paddle mix up but got to the front with ease and kept it to the finish line, finishing in 00:56:31, only seven seconds ahead Andy Birkett in 00:56:38 with third placed Gene Prato in 00:57:45.  Say Hank McGregor “I am really happy I had the chance to be part of today’s race. The conditions were ideal and I am really happy that such a large field came out to enjoy the conditions.

It was a brilliant day out to be racing.”   Next on McGregor’s racing calendar is the Canadian Surfski Championships at Howe Sound in Vancouver, Canada from 15-16 July, followed by the Gorge Downwind Championship on the Columbia River Gorge near Oregon in the United States from 18-22 July.  

Bay Union Open Ocean Challenge Series Long Course

Men

1. Hank McGregor - 00:56:31
2. Andy Birkett - 00:56:38
3. Gene Prato - 00:57:45 

Women

1. Nikki Russell - 01:03:38
2. Michelle Burn - 01:04:18
3. Kyeta Purchase - 01:05:10 

### OTHER JEEP TEAM NEWS  OCR -Thomas van Tonder - Breakout Challenge #3On Saturday, 8th of July 2017, athletes descended upon the OCT South Obstacle Course Training Centre in Mulbarton to participate in Race 3 of The OCT Breakout Challenge obstacle course race (OCR). 

OCT South is set in the picturesque, Thaba Trails in the south of Johannesburg. The course included running, climbing, jumping, crawling, swimming and balancing elements with the aim of testing speed, endurance and mental strength. Thomas van Tonder (Jeep Team) competed in the Silent Assassin Challenge 15km/30 obstacles race. After a tough race, he managed 3rd place in a time of 01:40:34 behind overall winner, Bradley Claase in 01:29:07, and second-placed, Greg Avierinos in 01:37:3.  Says van Tonder, “I’m super stoked to take home 3rd place in today’s race after a long break from OCR. Well done to everyone who took part, it was a gruelling day out.” 

Results – Breakout Challenge Men

1. Bradley Claase - 01:29:07
2. Greg Avierinos - 01:37:31
3. Thomas van Tonder - 01:40:34  

Women

1. Michelle Meyer - 02:31:31
2. Sam Gilchrist - 02:32:15

##

EDITORS NOTES

 Written and Distributed by Hot Salsa Media on behalf of Jeep Team SAAll enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 0894 486 2136  

Upcoming Bay Union Open Ocean Surfski Challenge Races: (all races at Durban Underwater Club, Durban) 

• Citadel Race         16 July 2017
• Geriatskis Race    23 July 2017
• Geriatskis Race    30 July 2017

For more info, visit http://oosc.co.za/

Have a look at the following platforms to keep up to date with Jeep Team SA

#JeepTeamSA

• Website - www.jeepteam.co.za
• Facebook - www.facebook.com/jeepteamsa
• Twitter - @jeepteamsa
• Instagram - JeepTeamSA                                        

Starting Tuesday 11 July and ending on the 16 July, Christiaan Greyling (Jeep Team/Salomon/Garmin) is up against 28 other athletes competing in the 150km ‘Racing Madagascar Ultra Trail’ 2017. This 2nd edition of the Racing Madagascar Ultra Trail Race is taking place in the northern region of Madagascar in 6 stages over 6 days, starting at the Beomalona Waterfall and ending at the Diego Suarez Townhouse, Diego Suarez.  This is an annual race organised by Boogie Events, the sports branch of Boogie Pilgrim, a Malagasy Tour Operator who has been operating in Antananarivo for 30 years.

This special race is focused on 3 core values -  a Sporting Challenge - 150km running race in 6 days/6 stages of 20-20-27-42-28-10kms; it is a tourism discovery - the course is run along natural wonders of the northern region of Madagascar; and lastly, it promotes Sport Solidarity – the organisers collaborate with local offices such as Malagasy Athletics Federation and the Paralympic Federation.  Interesting facts about this race is that there are twenty-one Malagasy runners - 15 from the regional league of Diego Suarez, three from the national league, two from the Paralympic committee and one runner is sponsored by Boogie Pilgrim himself.

There are eight foreign runners: three from South Africa, three from the USA, one from Argentina, and one from Sweden. Athletes are made up of seven women and twenty-two men divided into six age group categories. From the 29 runners in this second edition, fourteen ran the 2016 race.   Local Elite athlete, Jacquis Justin, who finished only 15 minutes behind 2016 winner, Thabang Madiba (South Africa), will have two South African elites to compete against this year, Landie and Christiaan Greyling. Paralympic athletes, Revelinot (one arm amputee) and Zephirin Jimazava (Visually impaired) running their 2nd edition of this race.  

EDITORS NOTES 

Written and Distributed by Hot Salsa Media on behalf of Jeep Team SAAll enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 0894 486 2136   

Have a look at the following platforms to keep up to date with Jeep Team SA:  #JeepTeamSA

• Website - www.jeepteam.co.za
• Facebook - www.facebook.com/jeepteamsa
• Twitter - @jeepteamsa
• Instagram - JeepTeamSA 

PIETERMARITZBURG, 07 JULY 2017 – The world’s top paddlers descended upon Tamassa Resort in Mauritius this past weekend to compete in the Investec Mauritius Ocean Classic, Round 1 of the 2017 ICF Ocean Racing World Cup. The Mauritius Ocean Classic, a World Surfski Series title race, now in its ninth year, has established itself as one of the best downwind courses in the World Series.                                         

The 23km race from Tamassa Resort to Le Morne featured a stellar field of South African paddlers, including four-time winner and defending champ, Hank McGregor (Jeep Team SA), SA Single Surfski Champ, Jasper Mocké, four-time World Surfski Series Champion, Dawid Mocké, and seven-time Dusi winner, Andy Birkett. McGregor, the current World Surfski Series Champion paddled to his fifth Mauritius Ocean Classic title in 01:15:08, over a minute ahead of second-placed Dawid Mocké, in 01:16:15 and third placed, Jasper Mocké in 01:16:57. 

Results – Investec Mauritius Ocean Classic 2017 – 23km Wildsider Race

Men

1. Hank McGregor    01:15:08

2. Dawid Mocké        01:16:15

3. Jasper Mocké       01:16:57 

Women

1. Michelle Burn         01:27:59

2. Nikki Mocké           01:31:45

3. Wendy Reyntjes    01:33:47 

###  EDITOR’S NOTES

 Written and Distributed by Hot Salsa Media on behalf of Jeep Team SAAll enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 0894 486 2136 Thank you.   

Have a look at the following platforms to keep up to date with Jeep Team SA: #JeepTeamSA

• Website:          www.jeepteam.co.za
• Facebook:       www.facebook.com/jeepteamsa
• Twitter:            @jeepteamsa
• Instagram:      JeepTeamSA 

PIETERMARITZBURG, 07 JULY 2017 – Over the weekend, Lac de Longemer in Xonrupt, France, played host to the XTERRA FRANCE CHAMPIONSHIP, an official qualifier for 2017 XTERRA World Championships in Maui, Hawaii in October. This 11th annual XTERRA France is part of the XTERRA European Tour, the premier off-road multisport brand in the European Union with races in 16 countries providing top competition for professionals and amateurs.

KZN’s Mikaela Jonsson (20, Jeep Team SA), started her first season racing as a Professional at Xterra France, and what an introduction to her capabilities, managing an impressive 13th place finish in one of the toughest XTERRA races in the world. Jonsson completed the gruelling race in 05:08:33.The cold XTERRA France began with over 900 Elite male and female swimmers entering the water for a 1500m water-start swim in the 18°C Lake Longemer, which was 10 degrees warmer than the air.

 Jonsson had a great swim and was 111th out of the water in 23:21, and straight into a quick transition to start her 2 laps of 20.5km MTB.  It rained hard the day before, leaving the MTB trails ridable, but very slick. By the time 900 Decouvert (sprint) athletes finished the MTB course, and 900+ long distance finished their first lap, it was a slow, gruelling and dangerous.                                                                                                 

Jonsson had a decent first lap in 1:39:02, but the much slower second lap in 2:00:31, which included an accident, was the decider of her fate, because her times on all other legs and laps were very close to the top 5 elite women.  Women’s Elite winner, Laura Phillip (31, Germany), was 10 minutes slower on her second MTB lap and this was common through the results. To make matters worse, each year, the Charbonnier family creates a new monster MTB ramp and this year was no exception, and it was built with two separate ramps.  Both down ramps and the banked U-turn got very slick and slippery. Some riders lacked the confidence to let their bike roll down the ramp and tried to walk it – and slipped and dropped their bikes.  Others rode it but touched their brakes and went down, causing queues and chaos.   

Jonsson’s 10km trail run was brilliant and fast and would have put her in 5th place overall had her second MTB lap not decided her fate earlier.  Jonsson has what it takes at the tender age of 20 to compete with the best in the world and achieve top 5 against those that are 10, 15 and 20 years her senior with bags full of experience. Watch this space!  Says Jonsson, reflecting on the race, “That was tough! I really had to dig deep after a crash on the 2nd bike lap, but I am happy to have finished my first full distance pro race as the 13th elite woman. Thank you to everyone for the support at the race and back home, and thank you to XTERRA France for such an awesome event!” 

Results - XTERRA FranceElite Men

1.  Ruben Ruzafa (ESP)       03:27:52

2.  Yeray Luxem (BEL)          03:30:12

3.  Arthur Forissier (FRA)      03:31:10 

Elite Women

1.    Laura Philipp (GER)          03:58:52

2.    Brigitta Poor (HUN)           04:06:55

3.    Helena Erbenova (CZE)    04:08:06

13.  Mikaela Jonsson (RSA)     05:08:33 

###  EDITOR’S NOTES 

Written and Distributed by Hot Salsa Media on behalf of Jeep Team SAAll enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 0894 486 2136 Thank you.  

 Have a look at the following platforms to keep up to date with Jeep Team SA: #JeepTeamSA

• Website:     www.jeepteam.co.za
• Facebook:  www.facebook.com/jeepteamsa
• Twitter:        @jeepteamsa
• Instagram:  JeepTeamSA 

PIETERMARITZBURG, 30 JUNE 2017 – Saturday, 24 June, saw South Africa’s top surfski paddlers fight it out for the FNB Durban Downwind title, as well as the South African Singles Surfski Champion crown. Surfski paddlers from around the country gathered in Durban for an exciting 26km downwind challenge from La Mercy to Marine Surf Lifesaving Club, with the elite paddlers aiming to qualify for the South African team for the ICF Ocean Racing World Championships in Hong Kong in November.

At La Mercy, the race set off with a backline start, where huge surf made it difficult for the paddlers to get out to the start line. Nineteen paddlers, including Dusi Champ, Andy Birkett, were forced to withdraw after breaking their skis in the backline break. 

Current World Surfski Series champion, Hank McGregor (Jeep Team), faced a serious challenge from Euro Steel’s Jasper Mocké as it came down to the line. McGregor opted for a straight-line course closer ashore, while Mocké and his brother Dawid, chose a deep-water line. McGregor struggled through the surf coming in, beaching earlier than expected, and had to run to the finish line. Mocké, lining up his run, picked his way through the surf right to the finish. 

Despite running to the finish along the beach, McGregor finished less than one second behind Jasper Mocké, and clinched a slot in the national team for the World Champs. Third place went to Dawid Mocké, who won a sprint race with Kenny Rice for the last podium spot. 

Results – FNB Durban Downwind 2017

Men

1. Jasper Mocké       1:29:18.54

2. Hank McGregor    1:29:19.13

3. Dawid Mocké        1:29:55.32 

Women

1. Michelle Burn       1:42:58.20

2. Hayley Nixon       1:44:05.68

3. Nikki Russell       1:45:07.59 

Doubles

1. Zoog Haynes/Lance Howarth  1:32:48.69

2. Donna Winter/Shaun Burgin    1:37:18.48

3. Bruce Wenke/Justin Wenke     1:42:56.54 

###  EDITOR’S NOTES  

FNB Durban Downwind informationThe Durban Downwind began its journey as Durban’s premier downwind surfski race in June 2014 when it hosted the South African Surfski Championships, ultimately won by Jasper Mocké and Nicole Russell respectively. In 2015 the race was added to the World Surfski Series calendar as a title race and with this came a new format of one race rather than a five-leg series, with a window period of two days. 

This window period worked well and the wind blew 25 knots for the paddlers from around SA and abroad to enjoy during the S1 clash. The race was won for the first time by a foreign paddler as Michael Booth from Australia clinched a nail biting finish with Dawid Mocké and Matthew Bouman finishing second and third respectively in the closest race of the world series for the year, and in 2016, Hank McGregor put his name on the Durban Downwind title list. With the awesome backing of title sponsor, FNB the event boasts an amazing R10 000 prize purse across its various age categories. 

For more info, visit www.durbandownwind.co.za 

Photo Credit: Gameplan Media   Written and Distributed by Hot Salsa Media on behalf of Jeep Team SAAll enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 0894 486 2136 Thank you.   

Have a look at the following platforms to keep up to date with Jeep Team SA:

#JeepTeamSA

Website:                www.jeepteam.co.za 
Facebook:             www.facebook.com/jeepteamsa
Twitter:                  @jeepteamsa
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PIETERMARITZBURG, 30 JUNE 2017 – On 23 June 2017, South Africa’s top men’s trail athlete, Christiaan Greyling (Jeep Team/Salomon/Garmin) raced the Marathon du Mont-Blanc 80km Ultra-Trail through the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley in France finishing 6th overall (4th in cat). Since its inception in 1979, the Marathon du Mont Blanc has grown, featuring 8 races over 3 days and attracting 10 300 registered runners representing 75 countries.

The Marathon du Mont-Blanc 80 Ultra-Trail race started at the Tourist Centre of Chamonix, at the base of Mont Blanc, the highest summit in the Alps, and covered exactly 92.5km and 6000m of elevation gain.

The race is limited to 1000 participants and is one of the most technical and demanding ultra trail races in its category as it crosses an entire valley, traverses over summits with wet narrow paths, snowy sections, and the iconic Aiguilles Rouge Nature Reserve, all at an average altitude of over 2000m.  “What a rollercoaster day on one of the toughest Ultras I’ve ever done.

When you start out on an ultra-trail, you will always find something beyond the norm. You are broken down to a point where nothing is important anymore, and then you find yourself on top of this huge mountain, depleted, and wonder how you got there,”says Greyling.

Greyling, pushed hard throughout the race, gaining nine places from the start of his race to finish in 6th place overall in 12h17m42s – an impressive improvement from his 13th place finish in 2016.

First place in the 85.3km race went to Xavier Thevenard (France) in 11h03m05s; Clemente Mora Cristofer (Spain) in second in 11h16m55s; and in third place in 11h33m24s was Romain Berger (France). Greyling concludes, “I am super happy with 6th place finish in this unbelievable race. It is a great start to a new adventure in my life. In the end, it doesn’t matter what position you finish in, but rather the journey to get you there!”

Results – 80km Marathon du Mont Blanc

Men

1.Xavier Thevenard (FRA)               11:03:05

2. Clemente Mora Cristofer (ESP)   11:16:55

3. Romain Berger (FRA)                  11:33:24

4. Cedric Celarier (FRA)                  11:40:32

5. Gregory Vollet (FRA)                   12:06:38

6. Christiaan Greyling (RSA)           12:17:42 

Women

1. Mimmi Kotka (SWE)               12:59:51

2. Lucinda Bartholomew (AUS)  13:23:12

3. Ekaterina Mityaeva (RUS)      13:24:11

4. Landie Greyling (RSA)           13:31:14

5. Marianne Hogan (CAN)          14:36:40

6. Cecile Clet (FRA)                   14:39:38

###  EDITOR’S NOTES 

Written and Distributed by Hot Salsa Media on behalf of Jeep Team SAAll enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 0894 486 2136 Thank you.  

 Have a look at the following platforms to keep up to date with Jeep Team SA:

#JeepTeamSA

Website:                www.jeepteam.co.za
Facebook:             www.facebook.com/jeepteamsa
Twitter:                  @jeepteamsa
Instagram:             JeepTeamSA 

PIETERMARITZBURG, 28 JUNE 2017 – On 23 June 2017, South Africa’s top men’s trail athlete, Christiaan Greyling (Jeep Team/Salomon/Garmin) raced the Marathon du Mont-Blanc 80km Ultra-Trail through the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley in France finishing 6th overall (4th in cat).  Since its inception in 1979, the Marathon du Mont Blanc has grown, featuring 8 races over 3 days and attracting 10 300 registered runners representing 75 countries.                                    

The Marathon du Mont-Blanc 80 Ultra-Trail race started at the Tourist Centre of Chamonix, at the base of Mont Blanc, the highest summit in the Alps, and covered exactly 92.5km and 6000m of elevation gain.  The race is limited to 1000 participants and is one of the most technical and demanding ultra trail races in its category as it crosses an entire valley, traverses over summits with wet narrow paths, snowy sections, and the iconic Aiguilles Rouge Nature Reserve, all at an average altitude of over 2000m.

 “What a rollercoaster day on one of the toughest Ultras I’ve ever done. When you start out on an ultra-trail, you will always find something beyond the norm. You are broken down to a point where nothing is important anymore, and then you find yourself on top of this huge mountain, depleted, and wonder how you got there,” says Greyling. Greyling, pushed hard throughout the race, gaining nine places from the start of his race to finish in 6th place overall in 12h17m42s – an impressive improvement from his 13th place finish in 2016.

 First place in the 85.3km race went to Xavier Thevenard (France) in 11h03m05s; Clemente Mora Cristofer (Spain) in second in 11h16m55s; and in third place in 11h33m24s was Romain Berger (France). Greyling concludes, “I am super happy with 6th place finish in this unbelievable race. It is a great start to a new adventure in my life. In the end, it doesn’t matter what position you finish in, but rather the journey to get you there!” 

Results – 80km Marathon du Mont Blanc

Men

1. Xavier Thevenard (FRA)             11:03:05

2. Clemente Mora Cristofer (ESP)   11:16:55

3. Romain Berger (FRA)                 11:33:24

4. Cedric Celarier (FRA)                 11:40:32

5. Gregory Vollet (FRA)                  12:06:38

6. Christiaan Greyling (RSA)           12:17:42 

Women

1. Mimmi Kotka (SWE)            12:59:51

2. Lucinda Bartholomew (AUS) 13:23:12

3. Ekaterina Mityaeva (RUS)    13:24:11

4. Landie Greyling (RSA)         13:31:14

5. Marianne Hogan (CAN)        14:36:40

6. Cecile Clet (FRA)                14:39:38 

###  EDITOR’S NOTES 

Written and Distributed by Hot Salsa Media on behalf of Jeep Team SAAll enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 0894 486 2136 Thank you.   

Have a look at the following platforms to keep up to date with Jeep Team SA:

#JeepTeamSA

Website:     www.jeepteam.co.za
Facebook:   www.facebook.com/jeepteamsa
Twitter:       @jeepteamsa
Instagram:  JeepTeamSA 

PIETERMARITZBURG, 28 JUNE 2017 – Saturday, 24 June, saw South Africa’s top surfski paddlers fight it out for the FNB Durban Downwind title, as well as the South African Singles Surfski Champion crown. Surfski paddlers from around the country gathered in Durban for an exciting 26km downwind challenge from La Mercy to Marine Surf Lifesaving Club, with the elite paddlers aiming to qualify for the South African team for the ICF Ocean Racing World Championships in Hong Kong in November. 

At La Mercy, the race set off with a backline start, where huge surf made it difficult for the paddlers to get out to the start line. Nineteen paddlers, including Dusi Champ, Andy Birkett, were forced to withdraw after breaking their skis in the backline break. Current World Surfski Series champion, Hank McGregor (Jeep Team), faced a serious challenge from Euro Steel’s Jasper Mocké as it came down to the line.

McGregor opted for a straight-line course closer ashore, while Mocké and his brother Dawid, chose a deep-water line. McGregor struggled through the surf coming in, beaching earlier than expected, and had to run to the finish line. Mocké, lining up his run, picked his way through the surf right to the finish. Despite running to the finish along the beach, McGregor finished less than one second behind Jasper Mocké, and clinched a slot in the national team for the World Champs. Third place went to Dawid Mocké, who won a sprint race with Kenny Rice for the last podium spot. 

Results – FNB Durban Downwind 2017

Men

1. Jasper Mocké      1:29:18.54

2. Hank McGregor    1:29:19.13

3. Dawid Mocké       1:29:55.32

 Women

1. Michelle Burn       1:42:58.20

2. Hayley Nixon        1:44:05.68

3. Nikki Russell        1:45:07.59 

Doubles

1. Zoog Haynes/Lance Howarth    1:32:48.69

2. Donna Winter/Shaun Burgin      1:37:18.48

3. Bruce Wenke/Justin Wenke      1:42:56.54 

###  EDITOR’S NOTES FNB Durban Downwind information

The Durban Downwind began its journey as Durban’s premier downwind surfski race in June 2014 when it hosted the South African Surfski Championships, ultimately won by Jasper Mocké and Nicole Russell respectively. In 2015 the race was added to the World Surfski Series calendar as a title race and with this came a new format of one race rather than a five-leg series, with a window period of two days. 

This window period worked well and the wind blew 25 knots for the paddlers from around SA and abroad to enjoy during the S1 clash. The race was won for the first time by a foreign paddler as Michael Booth from Australia clinched a nail biting finish with Dawid Mocké and Matthew Bouman finishing second and third respectively in the closest race of the world series for the year, and in 2016, Hank McGregor put his name on the Durban Downwind title list. With the awesome backing of title sponsor, FNB the event boasts an amazing R10 000 prize purse across its various age categories.

 For more info, visit www.durbandownwind.co.za 

Photo Credit: Gameplan Media   

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Our rising on-and-off-road triathlon star, Mikaela Jonsson (19, Jeep Team), leaves for Europe on Tuesday 27th June to race the 2017 XTERRA France for the first time in the Professional Division.  XTERRA France takes place on the 1st and 2nd July 2017  As a pro athlete, Jonsson will be swimming one loop of 1500m in the lake of Longemer, mountain biking 34km in the heart of Vogesen Mountains, and trail running 10km to finish. 

The Triathlon XTERRA France is the official qualifier for XTERRA World Championships 2017, which Jonsson will be aiming for. There will be more than 1000 athletes from around the globe on the start line at the 2017 edition of EXTERRA France making this a formidable racing calendar event to conquer.  The XTERRA Editions have expanded globally as qualifying circuits for the World Championships taking place every October in Hawaii on Maui Island.  

Says Jonsson, “My major Triathlon racing focus this year is to get to Europe to race part of the European XTERRA Tour starting with EXTERRA France. It will be my first season racing as a pro and I can’t wait to give it my all. Finally, I aim to compete in the ITU World Cross Triathlon Championships in Canada on the 20th of August this year.” 

SIDE BAR: If you are fan of the Tour de France, XTERRA France is the place to be as the Tour de France to going to Vogesen on Tuesday 4th July at Vittel, and on Wednesday 5th July, the first stage finish is at the high altitude, La Planche des Belles Filles.  

###Written and Distributed by Hot Salsa Media on behalf of Jeep Team SA

All enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 084 486 2136  Thank you.    

Have a look at the following platforms to keep up to date with Jeep Team SA: #JeepTeamSA

Website: www.jeepteam.co.za
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Twitter: @jeepteamsa
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