![\"ccs-62657-0-71796400-1449669993.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-71796400-1449669993.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>RMB Change a Life MTB Academy ace John Ntuli claimed a career defining win at the recent 1070km The Munga mountain bike race from Bloemfontein to Wellington. Photo: Erik Vermeulen.<\/span>\n<\/div>\nGracious and humble by nature, Ntuli\u2019s uncanny knack of adapting into a relentless, determined competitor when put under race conditions has fittingly seen the man from KZN\u2019s Valley of a Thousand Hills develop the nickname of \u2018Ngwenya\u2019 \u2013 isiZulu for crocodile.<\/p>\n
And call on every ounce of crocodile instinct he had within him Ntuli was forced to do as he redefined his mental and physical boundaries en route to claiming victory in 69 hours and ten minutes.<\/p>\n
\u201cJohn’s Zulu nickname is Ngwenya, the Crocodile, because he is resilient, tough & powerful. How apt that name now is,\u201d tweeted academy founder and Dusi Canoe Marathon legend Martin Dreyer.<\/p>\n
Having successfully fought off not only his fellow dogged challengers but treacherous conditions and the event\u2019s mind-numbing distance as well, the result goes to the very top of the pile of achievements for the already highly decorated competitor.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve won a couple of races in my career but this is the biggest race I have ever won!\u201d said Ntuli.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Munga was such a difficult race because it was so long, it was very hot and dusty, we had to deal with headwinds and side winds all the time and we were in pain throughout, so it really is a rewarding result for me!\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
With victories in the latest Triple Challenge and recent Maqhwe Mfula multisport races as well having successfully tackled the 369km Desert Dash in Namibia in 2014, Ntuli drew confidence from both his training and strategy prior to Wednesday, 2 December\u2019s race start.<\/p>\n
All the preparation in the world couldn\u2019t have readied Ntuli for what he was in for though, with the overall experience one that will stay with the RMB Change a Life star forever.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy hands, my arms and my bum were so sore!<\/p>\n
\u201cI tried everything to get rid of the pain; I took my arm warmers off \u2013 and then my shirt as well \u2013 and sat on them but nothing helped!<\/p>\n