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Top South African multi-sport athlete Dan Hugo kicked the year off with a bang on Saturday, 12 January when he successfully defended his title at the seventh annual Totalsports Challenge in Klein-mond, presented by New Balance and Powerade. What is more he completed the race in a new record time of six hours 33 minutes and 29 seconds improving his previous record by just under three minutes. This awesome event featured seven different disciplines and was kicked off with a 12 km surf ski and 1.5 km swim in Gordon's Bay.

Athletes then needed to complete a 50 km road bike ride along the scenic coastal road to Kleinmond.

Once in Kleinmond they had to tackle a 13 km road run, 13 km K1 canoe paddle, a 25 km mountain bike route and finally a 9 km beach run.

According to Hugo, the race was even more enjoyable than the previous one. "Thanks to perfect weather conditions, this year's event was totally different to the 2007 race.

"This time round we could enjoy the magnificent views

"We could enjoy the Totalsports Challenge in all its glory!

"The camaraderie at this event is just amazing and I am really thankful for the support that I received on route, as this motivated me to dig deep and race harder.

"Except for a small glitch in the second leg of the surf ski discipline when I managed to bend my rudder on entering the water, I am really happy with my performance on the day. I am feeling strong and am looking forward to the upcoming racing season," says Hugo.

André Gie was second in the individual men's category when he crossed the line in 07 hours 08 minutes 41 seconds, while Jeremy Valerga finished third with a time of 07 hours 22 minutes 18 seconds.

First place in the individual women's category went to top multi-sport athlete Hanlie Booyens.

According to Booyens, she had a terrible surf ski leg. "I managed to fall out of the boat three times on the surf ski leg, exiting the water right at the back of the pack.

"I knew that I'd have to race hard on the road and mountain bike legs in order to catch Jeannette Walder.

"Nonetheless I had an amazing race and just love this event, it's awesome! I've now bought my own surf ski and will definitely be paddling more in future," says Booyens, who completed the race in 08 hours 12 minutes 37 seconds. Jeannete Walder was second with a time of 08 hours 19 minutes 55 seconds and Tatum Prins was third across the line with a time of 08 hours 39 minutes 55 seconds.

Unfortunately due to a car accident two weeks prior to the event, Jeannie Bomford was unable to defend her title this year. She is, however, in good spirits and promises not to miss Sun City later this year.

Team Atlantic Tri Guys obtained a first place in the men's pairs category of the Totalsports Challenge, while team KMA came first in the women's pairs category with team David and Nikki Mocke finishing first in the mixed pairs category.

Team Mr Price grabbed the top spot in the men's three-member team category of the Totalsports Challenge, while team Rude Awakenings were first in the women's three-member team category and team Eugene and Pauline taking the honours in the mixed three-member team category.

Seven member team
Team Mr Price won the men's seven-member team category of the Totalsports Challenge, while Totalsports Pro Ladies overcame strong competition to finish first in the women's seven-member team.

Harmony Mixed came first in the mixed seven-member team category.

Jan Schutte completed the Totalsports Terra Firma Challenge in 06 hours 05 mins 10 secs to secure the first place position in the individual men's category.

Arno O'Kennedy came in second with a time of 06 hours 13 minutes 35 seconds followed by Michal Steyn in third place in a time of 06 hours 16 minutes 57 seconds.

Team Kanniedood obtained a first place position in the pairs category of the Terra Firma Challenge, while Team Slabbert came in first in the four-member team category.

Athletes can now look forward to the first leg of the 2008/2009 series, the Totalsports Challenge Sun City presented by New Balance and Powerade taking place in October this year.

For race rules or further information, visit www.totalsports.co.za or www.newbalance.co.za or contact Top Events on (021) 511-7130 or e-mail info@topevents.co.za.

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