Having had a one day to forget over the 2015 KAP sani2c, elite women’s pair of Samantha Sanders and Theresa Ralph have re-aligned their focus to the 2016 edition of the Race event hoping to break onto that elusive podium when it gets underway on 12 May at Glencairn Farm.
Following their disappointing first day at the 2015 KAP sani2c, the Galileo Risk Valencia pair of Samantha Saunders (pictured) and Theresa Ralph have their eyes firmly set on a podium finish when they take on the three day KAP sani2c Race event starting in the Southern Drakensberg from 12-14 May. Beverly Corser/ Gameplan Media
The Galileo Risk Valencia pair will vouch for the fact that there is little room for error in the three days between the start in the Southern Drakensberg to the finish at Scottburgh on KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast as they were playing catch up throughout the 2015 race.
“We had a horrible first day last year which put us under huge pressure going into the final two days,” Sanders mentioned. “It’s such a quick race that although we were in the top three for the following two days we just couldn’t catch the girls ahead of us and ended in fourth which was quite disappointing.
“The sani2c is such an incredible event and we have had a year to think about it, which means that we are hoping to rights some of the wrongs from last year, this year!”
The pair have had a busy start to the 2016 season with a number of events falling in close proximity to each other but despite this Sanders believes that her and Ralph have got what it takes to push the other ladies in the race.
“I managed a second place finish at the recent South African Marathon Championships behind Robyn (de Groot) and so I am feeling strong going forward and although Theresa didn’t race the elites at SA Marathon Champs she faired really well.
“Her focus now is the South African Masters Champs and she is determined to get those national stripes so she has been working really hard which means that her shape should be good too going into the sani2c,” Sanders added.
Sanders’ busy schedule continues with the Old Mutual joBerg2c getting underway in Gauteng on Friday and despite the quick turnaround between the joBerg2c and the KAP sani2c Sanders is not worried about being tired.
“I am going to be riding joBerg2c with Anriette Schoeman whilst a lot of the top ladies will be riding in the mixed section. I have no idea what to expect to be honest but we are hoping to have a great nine days and come through strong.
With a more than competitive women’s elite field expected at the 2016 KAP sani2c, the Galileo Risk Valencia pair of Theresa Ralph (pictured) and Samantha Saunders will have their work cut out for them if they are to finish in the top three when the Race event gets underway from 12-14 May. Supplied/ Gameplan Media
“Being able to have a look at the course that we are going to be riding on is an advantage, although I know the course well, and I think that if we stay strong and healthy through the nine days I shouldn’t have a problem going into sani2c,” a positive Sanders explained.
The KAP sani2c is a race that is often penned in early into elite and social riders’ schedules and Sanders’ attitude towards the race is no different as the pair target an overall podium position.
“sani2c is definitely up there with my favourite races in the country because everything is done so well, the tracks are brilliant, the vibe around the overnight stops is incredible and the views are breath taking.
“I always think that I can never be impressed again by the view into the uMkomaas Valley but every time I get blown away!” a complimentary Sanders commented.
Despite having two positive days in 2015 Sanders was aware that there were areas of her riding that she wanted to improve on and so in the twelve months since the last sani2c she has made some vital adjustments.
“I have always been strong on single track and I knew that that was not going to be an issue however my climbing was a problem so I have gone and worked hard on that and so I am hoping that I can see some reward from the work that I have put in,” concluded Sanders.
The Trail, Adventure and Race events of the 2016 KAP sani2c take place from Glencairn in Underberg to Scottburgh on KZN’s South Coast from 10-12, 11-13 and 12-14 May respectively. For more information visit www.sani2c.co.za.
