Inaugural SwimRun Val de Vie a great success

THE QUINET siblings took the honours in the men’s and the women’s races at the inaugural Torpedo SwimRun Val de Vie, in the Cape Winelands.

Nick Quinet finished the 10km course in a time of 44:20, negotiating six swims and six run segments across the length and breadth of the Franschhoek Lifestyle Estate at the weekend.

Alexandra Quinet finished in a time of 55:03. As well as being in first place among the women, she was also sixth overall.

Nick, who most recently won the Torpedo SwimRun Cape in November with race partner Jamie Riddle, said: “The shorter and flat course meant faster racing, elevated lactate and marginal room for errors.

‘‘The rain held off just long enough for the finish of the race, and the flowing single track, serene dams, bridge jumping and polo field running was such a pleasure to navigate.”

Alexandra said: “The experience was completely different to that of the Cape, the shorter distance encouraged faster and more skilled racing.

“The dams were warm and the cooler weather so nice for the longer running segments. I raced hard and luckily it played into my favour – I really enjoyed the route and the differing running terrain.”

Experienced tri-athlete and Ironman champ Matt Trautman said the Torpedo SwimRun was his first attempt at the discipline and he “loved it”.

Visually impaired athletes Cindy Jacobsz and Cornelia Liebenberg did not shy away from the challenge and completed the race with their guides Petro Neethling and Celia Pienaar.