Age no factor for Bill Jooste
Cycling
Bill Jooste has been on the start line of the Desert Dash five times now. In his first race, he participated in a two-man team and had four solo entries. This year Jooste looks forward to tackle the prestigious Nedbank Desert Dash alongside competitors who hail from across the globe.
In his last four solo rides, Jooste has experienced some bad luck en route to the finish line.
“During one of my solo rides I had severe problems with my bicycle and last year I lost time due to a number of issues experienced en route which resulted in me finishing 13 minutes outside the 24 hour cut-off. The other two finishes were great rides. So you see I have to go back this year. Besides, the Desert Dash is a great endurance challenge which I love," says Jooste.
Age has never been a concern for Jooste. He’s wellknown in the sporting arena. To date he has completed about 200 standard and ultra-marathons including 11 Comrades and 20 Two Oceans ultras.
“I am not really a cyclist and not new to endurance events. With any race that I take on, fear does often creep in and not finishing the race is one my biggest concerns. Endurance events of this nature always have a great vibe that goes with it and I always look forward to being part the Desert Dash,” he adds.
Jooste will be the oldest cyclist featuring in the 2016 Dash. This year he has trained somewhat different to previous years.
“I never give much thought to being the oldest participant. I draw a lot of motivation from the younger athletes who take part, and if I can ride and finish along with some of them, I personally feel that I have achieved something great. This year I have decided to follow a comprehensive biokinetics programme with Helene Wiggett in Walvis Bay where I reside. She has been instrumental in my overall training and ability to enhance my performance. Additionally I’ve incorporated shorter quality rides compared to previous years. Training has been going well apart from a few minor hiccups, which one must always expect to have,” he says.
Jooste has always received the necessary support from his family and friends. His wife, granddaughter Jessica (his manager), daughter Amanda and her husband, Craig have been his pillar of support over the years and also form part of his support team for the past five years.
When the day arrives, it’s normal for any cyclist to have a lot of nervous energy before the race starts.
“I’d like to think that I’m participating in a great experience and hope to enjoy it. I used to do a lot of marathon running and triathlons. If I can offer any advice to someone who wishes to do the solo, it would be to make sure you do your homework well, arrive at the start prepared, and then ‘just do it’ and above all, enjoy it,” says Jooste.
In his last four solo rides, Jooste has experienced some bad luck en route to the finish line.
“During one of my solo rides I had severe problems with my bicycle and last year I lost time due to a number of issues experienced en route which resulted in me finishing 13 minutes outside the 24 hour cut-off. The other two finishes were great rides. So you see I have to go back this year. Besides, the Desert Dash is a great endurance challenge which I love," says Jooste.
Age has never been a concern for Jooste. He’s wellknown in the sporting arena. To date he has completed about 200 standard and ultra-marathons including 11 Comrades and 20 Two Oceans ultras.
“I am not really a cyclist and not new to endurance events. With any race that I take on, fear does often creep in and not finishing the race is one my biggest concerns. Endurance events of this nature always have a great vibe that goes with it and I always look forward to being part the Desert Dash,” he adds.
Jooste will be the oldest cyclist featuring in the 2016 Dash. This year he has trained somewhat different to previous years.
“I never give much thought to being the oldest participant. I draw a lot of motivation from the younger athletes who take part, and if I can ride and finish along with some of them, I personally feel that I have achieved something great. This year I have decided to follow a comprehensive biokinetics programme with Helene Wiggett in Walvis Bay where I reside. She has been instrumental in my overall training and ability to enhance my performance. Additionally I’ve incorporated shorter quality rides compared to previous years. Training has been going well apart from a few minor hiccups, which one must always expect to have,” he says.
Jooste has always received the necessary support from his family and friends. His wife, granddaughter Jessica (his manager), daughter Amanda and her husband, Craig have been his pillar of support over the years and also form part of his support team for the past five years.
When the day arrives, it’s normal for any cyclist to have a lot of nervous energy before the race starts.
“I’d like to think that I’m participating in a great experience and hope to enjoy it. I used to do a lot of marathon running and triathlons. If I can offer any advice to someone who wishes to do the solo, it would be to make sure you do your homework well, arrive at the start prepared, and then ‘just do it’ and above all, enjoy it,” says Jooste.
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