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South African Ironman Competitors Compete for Friends

As some of South Africa’s and the world’s greatest athletes battle it out in today’s Ironman South Africa in Port Elizabeth, there is one group who are competing to support an injured friend and in memory of another cyclist friend. Over 50 friends and athletes have entered the competition to show support for their friend […]

By SAPeople
06-04-14 13:03
in Fab South African Stuff

As some of South Africa’s and the world’s greatest athletes battle it out in today’s Ironman South Africa in Port Elizabeth, there is one group who are competing to support an injured friend and in memory of another cyclist friend.

Back on your bike
A group of about 50 friends and athletes are competing today to support one injured friend and in memory of another. Grant from Six Million Steps can be seen on the far left. Photo: Leonie B-T

Over 50 friends and athletes have entered the competition to show support for their friend Richard Holland, who was injured in a cycle accident 18 months ago (see Back on Your Bike campaign), as well as to take part in memory of another friend, Roy Nasr, who was tragically killed while cycling just a few months ago.

The group are being supported by Grant Christie from Six Million Steps who arrived in Port Elizabeth this week. Grant is walking South Africa’s coastline solo and unsupported to raise awareness for ocean environmental issues.

Iron Man South Africa
Today’s Ironman location – Hobie Beach, next to Shark Rock Pier, on Nelson Mandela Bay (as seen on Friday evening). Photo: Leonie B-T

Ironman South Africa 2014 is hosted in Nelson Mandela Bay in Port Elizabeth, and this year celebrates its 10th anniversary. It’s the only Ironman on African soil.

You can follow any athletes you know on ironmanlive.com. There will also be a live feed of the finishes later today on ironmasouthafrica.com.

The weather in PE has been fantastic with beautiful ocean conditions for the swim. Most athletes are now on the bike course which has been a little more challenging this year, including bigger hills, resulting in longer course times than in previous years when it was flatter. It’s hoped that the predicted strong winds will hold off.

The pros are already in to the final marathon section. Thousands of people have lined Marine Drive and surrounding streets to cheer on all the competitors giving them a warm South African welcome, with a German athlete currently in lead position and last year’s defending champion Ronnie Schildknecht in fifth.

South African Kyle Buckingham, in his debut as a pro-athlete, is currently coming second! Kyle won the Amateur Hawaiian Ironman last year and broke the course record.

Former South African rugby players Joel Stransky and Francois Pienaar are also participating.

UPDATE: Congratulations German athlete Nils Frommhold – winner of this year’s South African Ironman! Buckingham has come second! CONGRATULATIONS – so much to celebrate – with tears as he fell across the finishing line – and he’s getting married next Saturday!

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