In June, six adventure racers – four women and two men - were selected from written applications for the Team www.AR.co.za squad. Over a period of two-and-a-half months, these Gauteng-based squad members have attended paddle coaching sessions, training on dams twice a week through the dead of winter to improve their technique and proficiency. They’ve practised their rope skills and they have participated in sprint and one-day adventure racing events including the recent non-stop, multi-day adventure race Swazi Xtreme. Now, with just over three months until the start of the 4th edition of the annual Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge (ADAC) in December 2010, the members for Team www.AR.co.za have been selected.
The process of selection for the three places on Team www.AR.co.za began with the submission of written applications from which six squad members were recruited. After three months of training and racing the three racers to make up the mixed-gender, four-person team captained by experienced adventure racer, Lisa de Speville, were chosen. “In previous years, my ADAC teams were chosen from written applications. This year, because I received notice of our entry, which is sponsored by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, earlier, I was able to change the selection process,” de Speville says.
“Managing and choosing from a squad has been more difficult for me because I have gotten to know and train with these talented, competent and compatible racers; all super people with common racing objectives,” she adds. “We ‘lost’ Ilze Jansen van Rensburg in early July after an emergency eye operation put a halt on her training and racing for weeks.”
The choosing of only three from the five squad members - Adri van der Westhuyzen, Keane Ludig, Lizelle Smit, Lizelle van der Merwe and Steven Erasmus - has weighed heavily on de Speville’s mind. “I’ve played over and over with all kinds of combinations and they would all work well. But, I had to settle on just three. In making my final selection I’ve looked at age, experience, ambitions as well as opportunities that they currently have or could have as a result of being part of the squad and team.”
The selected team members are Adri van der Westhuyzen, Lizelle Smit and Steven Erasmus. Keane Ludick and Lizelle van der Merwe are the team’s reserves, ready to jump in should they be needed. “In previous years we’ve had stress fractures, injuries, illnesses and lost passports crop up weeks and days before departure. The role of a reserve is not an easy one, especially when you really want to go to Abu Dhabi. Keane and Lizelle’s ongoing commitment to training and the team is really special and reassuring,” explains de Speville. They will all continue to paddle together and work on skills and disciplines needed for the six-day semi-staged race in Abu Dhabi.
Although the most common team composition is three men and one woman, Team www.AR.co.za has flipped things around with their female-weighted team, which will be a first at the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge. Erasmus is the only man in the team. “The women that have been chosen are great people and they are all really strong. It is going to be different to the standard team format but I'm also sure that it's going to be fun too. Women bring a special balance to teams,” he says.
With three months until race day, the team is looking ahead as they focus specifically on paddling and running.
Contact
Lisa de Speville, 082 936-2509
lisa@ar.co.za , www.ar.co.za
About www.AR.co.za
www.AR.co.za is South Africa’s adventure racing website. Event calendar, news, race reports, articles... www.AR.co.za is about everything adventure racing. The website was started in April 2001 by adventure racer Lisa de Speville. She continues to maintain and edit this website.
About Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge
This six-day semi-staged adventure race is held every December in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The event attracts top teams from around the World, with participants from almost 30 countries. Disciplines included are sea kayaking, desert trekking, canyoneering and mountain biking. South Africa is one of five countries to receive an entry (incl. flights) from the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority as part of their generous Awards programme. http://www.abudhabi-adventure.com/
Showing posts with label ADAC2010: Team Selection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ADAC2010: Team Selection. Show all posts
Friday, August 27, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Ilze eye op successful; withdrawn from squad
Ilze underwent an eye operation on Friday, which was scheduled last minute due to complications following an infection (from an insect that flew into her eye and made itself at home!). The operation was successful but her doc has advised her to keep a low profile on the racing and training side for a few weeks while she recovers and heals.
As a result, Ilze has decided to withdraw from the Team http://www.ar.co.za/ squad. I fully support her decision and doctor's advice; health and wellness should always be priorities placed above everything else. There are races all the time, year-round and, as a talented and enthusiastic athlete, I have little doubt that Ilze will encounter many other exciting opportunities in the future.
As a result, Ilze has decided to withdraw from the Team http://www.ar.co.za/ squad. I fully support her decision and doctor's advice; health and wellness should always be priorities placed above everything else. There are races all the time, year-round and, as a talented and enthusiastic athlete, I have little doubt that Ilze will encounter many other exciting opportunities in the future.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Team www.AR.co.za squad announced
A squad of six adventure racers has been selected from 21 applications for places on Team www.AR.co.za. Only half of the squad members will make the final cut to join adventure racer Lisa de Speville in an unusual three-women-one-man team format at the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge in December 2010.
With six months from squad selection until the 4th edition of the six-day Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge, Ms de Speville decided to establish a squad instead of choosing a team outright as she did in 2008 and 2009. “Six months is a long time and anything can happen; from passport issues to injury, a family crisis, work drama... The final team will be chosen after Swazi Xtreme, a 60hr non-stop adventure race in early August,” she explains.
As with previous years, Ms de Speville received applications from many suitable candidates. Her deciding criteria were youth, inexperience and location – selected squad members reside in Jo’burg and Pretoria. “Some applicants had too much experience, which is great for everything else except 'development' initiatives like this - they could probably teach me a trick or two,” Ms de Speville adds, laughing. “Others live in outlying areas where I am unable provide them with sufficient support and infrastructure to prepare them for the race; and a number have the benefit of already racing and training with people with experience who can teach them what I can – minus a trip to Abu Dhabi, that is.”
The Team www.AR.co.za squad members are: Adri van der Westhuyzen (28, Jo’burg), Keane Ludick (26, Pretoria), Ilze Jansen van Rensberg (22, Pretoria), Lizelle Smit (21, Jo’burg), Lizelle van der Merwe (27, Joburg), and Steven Erasmus (28, Jo’burg).
“I’ve got a great bunch here,” says Ms de Speville. “Choosing only two of the women and one of the guys will be a difficult task. But that’s something for August, not now. For the next two months my focus is on equipping each squad member with skills and experience in the disciplines of paddling, navigation and ropes. These skills will benefit their racing long-term.”
The squad meets for the first time on Sunday, for a paddle coaching session.
ends
Contact
Lisa de Speville, 082 936-2509
lisa@ar.co.za , www.ar.co.za
Team Blog: www.teamwwwarcoza.blogspot.com
Event website: http://www.abudhabi-adventure.com/
With six months from squad selection until the 4th edition of the six-day Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge, Ms de Speville decided to establish a squad instead of choosing a team outright as she did in 2008 and 2009. “Six months is a long time and anything can happen; from passport issues to injury, a family crisis, work drama... The final team will be chosen after Swazi Xtreme, a 60hr non-stop adventure race in early August,” she explains.
As with previous years, Ms de Speville received applications from many suitable candidates. Her deciding criteria were youth, inexperience and location – selected squad members reside in Jo’burg and Pretoria. “Some applicants had too much experience, which is great for everything else except 'development' initiatives like this - they could probably teach me a trick or two,” Ms de Speville adds, laughing. “Others live in outlying areas where I am unable provide them with sufficient support and infrastructure to prepare them for the race; and a number have the benefit of already racing and training with people with experience who can teach them what I can – minus a trip to Abu Dhabi, that is.”
The Team www.AR.co.za squad members are: Adri van der Westhuyzen (28, Jo’burg), Keane Ludick (26, Pretoria), Ilze Jansen van Rensberg (22, Pretoria), Lizelle Smit (21, Jo’burg), Lizelle van der Merwe (27, Joburg), and Steven Erasmus (28, Jo’burg).
“I’ve got a great bunch here,” says Ms de Speville. “Choosing only two of the women and one of the guys will be a difficult task. But that’s something for August, not now. For the next two months my focus is on equipping each squad member with skills and experience in the disciplines of paddling, navigation and ropes. These skills will benefit their racing long-term.”
The squad meets for the first time on Sunday, for a paddle coaching session.
ends
Contact
Lisa de Speville, 082 936-2509
lisa@ar.co.za , www.ar.co.za
Team Blog: www.teamwwwarcoza.blogspot.com
Event website: http://www.abudhabi-adventure.com/
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Encouraging applications
Applications for ADAC2010 are coming in painfully slowly. I'm sure past attendees (Garth, Lauren, Christiaan, Alex, Christo and Francois) will affirm that this race is the most amazing racing and travel experience.
This time around I'm really hoping to recruit another two girls and one guy - it's a wonderful opportunity for female racers wanting to improve their skills and racing so that within a few years you'll be racing strong and competitively.
You don't have to be an experienced paddler - you'll learn. You don't have to be an experienced racer - this event is about gaining experience.
But, you do need to have a love for adventure racing and a desire to continue racing for years to come.
And remember, flights and entry fee are sponsored by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. Boats and bikes are provided by the event AND most meals are catered. Amazing!
All info, entry forms etc below on teamwwwarcoza.blogspot.com/
Finally, although I have guidelines around what I'm looking for, even if you're an outlier, still enter because you may be great for the team combination, which is more than just four people thrown together. I try to balance age, experience, personalities etc. And while I've said my plan is to build a squad, if I don't get the applications then I'll select a team outright, with back-ups in place. All depends what happens.
Lisa
This time around I'm really hoping to recruit another two girls and one guy - it's a wonderful opportunity for female racers wanting to improve their skills and racing so that within a few years you'll be racing strong and competitively.
You don't have to be an experienced paddler - you'll learn. You don't have to be an experienced racer - this event is about gaining experience.
But, you do need to have a love for adventure racing and a desire to continue racing for years to come.
And remember, flights and entry fee are sponsored by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. Boats and bikes are provided by the event AND most meals are catered. Amazing!
All info, entry forms etc below on teamwwwarcoza.blogspot.com/
Finally, although I have guidelines around what I'm looking for, even if you're an outlier, still enter because you may be great for the team combination, which is more than just four people thrown together. I try to balance age, experience, personalities etc. And while I've said my plan is to build a squad, if I don't get the applications then I'll select a team outright, with back-ups in place. All depends what happens.
Lisa
Monday, April 26, 2010
Entry criteria
As outlined in the Entry Form:
• You must be at least 18 by 5 December 2010
• You must have a valid passport with at least two open pages
• Only those who have never taken part in any international adventure race before are eligible for selection.
• I am also leaning towards applicants in their 20’s because this entry is about giving racers experience and building SA’s ‘next generation’ of competitive adventure racers.
• A squad will be chosen by the end of May
• Squad members will be expected to attend paddle coaching sessions with Russell Willis soonest. You will be expected to start paddling, through winter, once or twice a week
• Although I am leaning towards Gauteng-based people, I’m not against selecting from other Provinces provided that I can assist you with a support structure for preparation and training. You will need to come up to Gauteng a few times before Swazi and, if selected, you’ll need to come up a few times before the race.
• Squad members all have to compete in the PRO non-stop race at Swazi Xtreme over the 6-9 August 2010. Lisa will co-ordinate teams.
• The final three will be selected after Swazi Xtreme based specifically on personality compatibility and complimentary strengths for the team. Unfortunately, even if I like you as an individual, my primary consideration is the team as a whole.
• I am aiming for a team of three women and one guy.
• It will cost you around R6,000 to attend the race – team clothing (tops only, you wear your own shorts/pants), odd equipment (available at wholesale prices from the team’s supporters; not much required and stuff can be borrowed), one additional night accommodation in Abu Dhabi (R1,500), travel insurance (around R780).
• You must be at least 18 by 5 December 2010
• You must have a valid passport with at least two open pages
• Only those who have never taken part in any international adventure race before are eligible for selection.
• I am also leaning towards applicants in their 20’s because this entry is about giving racers experience and building SA’s ‘next generation’ of competitive adventure racers.
• A squad will be chosen by the end of May
• Squad members will be expected to attend paddle coaching sessions with Russell Willis soonest. You will be expected to start paddling, through winter, once or twice a week
• Although I am leaning towards Gauteng-based people, I’m not against selecting from other Provinces provided that I can assist you with a support structure for preparation and training. You will need to come up to Gauteng a few times before Swazi and, if selected, you’ll need to come up a few times before the race.
• Squad members all have to compete in the PRO non-stop race at Swazi Xtreme over the 6-9 August 2010. Lisa will co-ordinate teams.
• The final three will be selected after Swazi Xtreme based specifically on personality compatibility and complimentary strengths for the team. Unfortunately, even if I like you as an individual, my primary consideration is the team as a whole.
• I am aiming for a team of three women and one guy.
• It will cost you around R6,000 to attend the race – team clothing (tops only, you wear your own shorts/pants), odd equipment (available at wholesale prices from the team’s supporters; not much required and stuff can be borrowed), one additional night accommodation in Abu Dhabi (R1,500), travel insurance (around R780).
Team www.AR.co.za to have girl power
“I had superb teams in 2008 and 2009,” says de Speville. “Both teams had a mix of youth and experience and the international experience that these six racers gained at ADAC will stand them in good stead to build their own teams and lead them to international events in years to come.” Some of these racers plan to bring their own competitive teams to ADAC this year.
South Africa has a shortage of competitive female racers with distance experience. “That’s why I want a ‘girl power’ team this year,” she adds. “We need to develop more strong women with experience in multiple disciplines and longer distances to feed into local competitive teams – with a view to see them racing abroad within the next few years.” The team will have one male team member, complying with race requirements for a mixed-gender, four-person team. “He will be one lucky guy to race with three women,” de Speville laughs.
Entries for Team www.AR.co.za are open and racers are invited to complete and submit their application form by mid-May. De Speville will choose a small squad of racers to begin training immediately in the race disciplines of paddling, running and mountain biking. The squad will be required to participate in various events including Swazi Xtreme in early August, after which the final Team www.AR.co.za for ADAC 2010 will be chosen.
“I am very excited about this year’s team already. The squad setup is daunting and I don’t look forward to having to select the final three, excluding the rest,” says de Speville. “But, with eight months to go to Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge I’ve got time to ‘groom’ a bunch of eager young adventure racers. The final three will be chosen for the best combination of personalities, compatibilities and competence for the team.”
The application form and additional information can be found on www.AR.co.za and the team’s blog at http://www.teamwwwarcoza.blogspot.com/.
ENTRY FORM (word doc) - Entries close Friday, 14 May 2010
About Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge
The fourth edition of the annual Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge takes place from 10-15 December 2010. This six-day race is staged and supported where teams sleep each night after completing long and challenging stages and race organisation provides most – not all – breakfasts and dinners. ADAC provides teams with mountain bikes and double sea-kayaks, minimising the hassle and expense of travel and the teams’ equipment is transported, during the race, from one stage to the next by race organisation. Most of the stages are long and challenging, especially the 120-kilometre sea kayaking and 36hr desert trekking stages.
About Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority Award
Team www.AR.co.za’s participation in the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge is made possible by an Award entry from Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, which sponsors the team’s flights and entry fee. Four other countries also receive Awards, which are awarded “to help and encourage new, strong teams and competitors who wish to pursue their racing career internationally”.
Contact
Lisa de Speville
Tel: 082 936 2509
Email: lisa@ar.co.za
Web: www.ar.co.za, http://www.teamwwwarcoza.blogspot.com/
Sunday, April 18, 2010
New Team www.AR.co.za for ADAC
http://www.ar.co.za/ is fortunate to receive another Award for the 4th edition of the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge, to be held over 10-15 December 2010. The application process will be announced shortly.
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