CAPE TOWN – Cyclists are scaling new heights during lockdown, and this weekend South African pro-road racing cyclist, Willie Smit, will lead a group of fellow cyclists zig-zagging a virtual vertical Alpine route.
This virtual challenge, Alpe du Zwift, is an ascent of 1036m, reached via 21 hairpin bends, past rapidly changing terrain.
The cyclists aim to ride this route eight times, completing 240km, all while pedalling on Tacx indoor cycling trainers from the convenience of their homes.
Virtual reality has helped keep many athletes motivated to stay active and competitive during lockdown as a result of Covid-19.
27-year-old Smit, currently living and training in Spain, overcame a traumatic childhood, illness and injury and has often had to dig deep to prove himself in the tough world of professional cycling.
Last month he completed a 1000km Zwift ride, covering the virtual distance in 37 hours, some of it done in the dark in aid of raising funds for development cycling via the South African Cycling Federation.
When I told @hbkruger about our everesting Challenge supported by @GarminSA it's obvious that he is planning to Dig Deep.The event will be live all day featuring the best Drs, coaches,cyclists and President of @Cycling_SA.Don't miss it.A lot to discus #GarminSA #everestingsmurfs pic.twitter.com/0wHREOkd1s
— Willie Smit (@williesmurfy) May 6, 2020
For his latest event, Smit will be joined by well-known South African cyclists including Ashleigh Moolman and Jay Thompson, Cycling SA’s president and Team Garmin MTB.
The ride sets off at 5.30am this Saturday, 9 May, and will be tracked online by Smit via his YouTube channel.
“I want to help pave the way for future stars,” says Smit who is working with a company in Paarl to drive development of track, road and MTB cycling.
All the information about how & why.
Join our 10 000m everesting Attempt and get to know the stars of South Africa better ... @ashleighcycling @hbkruger @JayRThomson @CiskaAustin @Jacquesjvren @Pelotrain @GerhardVosloo @JeroenSwart @jsolalo @MikePosthumus https://t.co/pxnVHJM2k6
— Willie Smit (@williesmurfy) May 7, 2020
To follow Willie Smit and fellow riders this weekend, please visit his YouTube live stream page:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hVWGEUiG3Q