Stellenbosch triathlon coach Vicky van der Merwe will return to the Hi-Tec Walkerbay Xtreme (WBX) – a multi-day adventure sports festival in Hermanus – in April to defend her title in the Big 6 Xtreme event.
Athletes will compete in a street mile, 35km MTB Challenge, swim-run-jump challenge, sprint triathlon, open water swim, and a 20km trail run. Participants can also choose to enter only one or two events.
“I love the Hi-Tec Walker Bay Xtreme – it is such a fun weekend. Hermanus is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the world and the diversity of activities over the weekend suits me perfectly,” says Vicky.
Last year, approximately 70 members of the Stellenbosch Triathlon Squad (STS) participated in different events over the weekend.
Another member of the squad, Stellenbosch University student Jacques Badenhorst, will also compete in the Big 6 Xtreme this year, after participating in four different events last year.
“This event has a unique ‘gees’,” he says. “It was an awesome challenge to compete in various disciplines over a few days. I entered because I love Hermanus, and the event is one of very few multi-day events with different disciplines. I also love challenging myself and experiencing new places and beautiful scenery.”
With 14 events to choose from, the event offers something for everyone – from adventure seekers, professional athletes and fitness fanatics to recreational outdoor enthusiasts looking for a new challenge and a fun-filled sporting holiday in one of SA’s favourite adventure sport hotspots.
This year, organisers have added a two-day MTB stage race, two-day trail running stage race, and a night run to the event mix.
Organisers have updated the age category for the junior triathlon to include 14- and 15-year-olds. It will consist of a 150m swim, 5km cycle and 2km run and is the perfect opportunity for youngsters to participate in their first ever triathlon.
The event offers prize money in excess of R100 000 split across a number of events.
Contestants can enter online at www.walkerbayxtreme.com
