While the rest of the country is reaching for the sunscreen and another round of braai tongs, South Africa’s most savvy athletes are doing something else: they are opening their calendars. It feels early, but in the world of endurance sports, "early" is exactly where you want to be. While the summer heat invites a natural "lull" in activity, the reality is that the premier races of Q1 and Q2 2026 are already filling their starting blocks. If you wait until the New Year’s reso

Conquering the Cape: Your Guide to the Cape Town Cycle Tour The second Sunday in March has become more than just a date on the calendar for cyclists; it’s a pilgrimage. What we now know as the world’s largest individually timed cycle race actually began as a quiet act of defiance back in 1978. Founded by Bill Mylrea and John Stegmann as "The Big Ride In," the event was originally a protest to advocate for safe cycling paths in Cape Town. From those first 525 pioneers who peda

Whether you’re packing for the salty air of Ballito, the lagoon views of Knysna, or the misty peaks of the Drakensberg, there’s one thing you shouldn't leave behind: your running shoes. The concept of the holiday run has evolved significantly. It is no longer just a solo slog on a hotel treadmill to burn off the Christmas pudding. Instead, it has transformed into Destination Racing, a growing trend where athletes use their vacation as an opportunity to earn an extra medal, ex

The festive season presents a unique challenge for athletes: how do you truly relax without losing the fitness you worked all year to build? We reveal how ditching the 'all or nothing' mindset and focusing on short, fun 'micro-sessions' is key to maintenance. We also give you permission to genuinely enjoy the celebratory food—it won't magically ruin your progress! By prioritizing fun movement and giving your mind an off-season, you can recharge completely. This is a guide to

Part I: The Rise of Trail Running and Ultra-Marathons South Africa boasts some of the most spectacular trail running in the world, and the sport is rapidly growing from an obscure niche into a mainstream passion. From the rugged sandstone mountains of the Western Cape to the soaring basalt peaks of the Drakensberg, South Africa’s trails offer a testing ground unlike any other. The sport’s growth has been organic, fueled by a collective desire to trade congested tarmac for sil

Padel has rapidly shifted from a niche pastime to one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. What’s driving this surge? A mix of accessibility, community appeal, smart infrastructure, and perfect timing—and athletes everywhere are taking notice. One of the biggest reasons people are flocking to padel is how easy it is to learn. The smaller court, simpler rules and faster pace mean beginners can rally within a few minutes of picking up a racket. Yet despite being beginner-fr

The High-Stakes Race: Doping, Deception, and the Fight for Clean Sport Endurance sports in South Africa—whether it’s road running, trail running, cycling, or triathlon—celebrate the incredible things the human body can do. But behind the inspiring performances and finish-line triumphs, the issue of doping continues to cast a long shadow. It’s a problem that threatens not just fairness, but the very spirit of sport itself. At the centre of South Africa’s efforts to keep sport

Lets' dive into the science of active recovery. From nutrition to sleep, we must learn how to incorporate active recovery, By first recognising the signs of poor recovery, we can then empower ourselves to train smarter, not just harder, and for lasting progress. In the world of sport, we talk endlessly about training harder, pushing limits, and “no days off.” But what’s often overlooked is this:  Your body doesn’t grow, adapt, or strengthen during training — it happens during

By Petr Vesely There are trails that call you back, year after year. For me, that trail is the Otter, winding through Tsitsikamma’s indigenous forests where mountains meet the wild Indian Ocean. Earlier this month, I returned for my fifth pilgrimage to this trail runner’s sacred ground after three years away. Three years of healing – from knee surgery after skiing, a broken collar bone, cracked ribs from mountain biking mishaps. This time wasn’t about chasing my 06:17 persona

If you're curious about venturing beyond the tarmac or exploring routes too tame for a full-blown mountain bike, then gravel biking might just be your next adventure. Have you been seeing more bikes with slightly fatter tires and a rugged look on your social feeds, or even out on the roads less travelled? You're probably looking at a gravel bike, and it's quickly becoming one of the most exciting trends in South African cycling! To truly understand the appeal, let's look at w

For years, creatine has been pinned as a “gym bro” supplement—something only bodybuilders or powerlifters use to bulk up. But here’s the truth: creatine isn’t just about muscle recovery, and it’s definitely not just for men. In fact, women may benefit even more from creatine supplementation than men. Why? Because women naturally have 70–80% lower creatine stores. That means adding it to your routine could unlock a whole new level of performance, health, and mental clarity.  

Both materials have their dedicated fans and distinct advantages, so let's break down the pros and cons to help you decide which frame is the perfect fit for your riding style. The Reliable Workhorse: Aluminium Aluminium frames have been a popular choice for decades, and for good reason. They offer an excellent blend of performance and affordability. Pros: Cost-Effective: Generally, aluminium frames are significantly cheaper than their carbon fibre counterparts. This means y

Are you dreaming of crossing the finish line of a marathon, or perhaps even tackling the ultimate challenge of an ultra-marathon? The...

Have you ever felt the desire to test your limits, to combine strength, endurance, and sheer willpower into one ultimate challenge? If...

Cycling is not just a sport; it's a passion, a lifestyle, and for many, a way to find joy. Read about how your focus remains on the fun!

Gear Up and ENTER for the Sabie Xperience: A Mountain Biker’s Dream Race!

RaceSpace - The Ultimate Athlete’s App RaceSpace, your one-stop, app-based race calendar, has been revolutionizing the way athletes...

The Sabie Xperience 2024 is a thrilling 3-day mountain bike race in Sabie, South Africa for riders of all capabilities and xperience levels!

32Gi® was founded in South Africa in 2009 and today is a leading Endurance Sports Nutrition provider.

With the new year well on its way you might hear many athletes refer to their “Annual Training Plan” or some other interchangeable term....