Mad track 3 - return to the thunderdome

Sean Stanton during the Burg Wheelers 8 hour track challenge, that took place on the 1st of June 2024 in Pietermaritzburg. Photo: Andrew Mc Fadden / BOOGS Photography

Just over a week ago, I once again had the pleasure of photographing the annual Burg Wheelers Track challenge.
Now going on its 3rd year, the track challenge has slowly evolved from a hardcore 24 hour endurance challenge, to a more suitable 8 hour sprint show down between teams of 2.

The one constant; that clearly did not change, was the time of the year... WINTER!
Starting at a nice crispy 6am, I made for a rather chilly start, but in contrast to the predictions during the week, it was actually rather warm and thankfully dry!
A record number of riders (50 something) made it in time for the start, and got their wheels rolling when the start whistle blew.

Sax Young Oval during the Burg Wheelers 8 hour track challenge, that took place on the 1st of June 2024 in Pietermaritzburg. Photo: Andrew Mc Fadden / BOOGS Photography

Sadly; unlike previous years, we were not graced with a sunrise due to the cloud cover over Pietermaritzburg. But, none the less as it started getting lighter and warmer, the racing started to become faster and more intense!

Once light had fully broken through the clouds, it did start to make photography a whole lot easier, as I'm sure you can imagine!
But, it also gave all riders a safer chance to catch up and also gauge who else was doing what on the track and size themselves up among their fellow competitors.

During the 8 hour event, there were 2 compulsory 30 minute stops, this was to encourage riders to refuel and make use of the tasty treats been sold at their event by N2 (N Squared) bakery. A Massive shout out must go to Tate, Nolan and Knight Attorneys (TNK), Burg Wheelers as well as PMB Cycling for sponsoring all riders with some coffee and tasty treats.

After refuelling and catching up with fellow riders, it was back to the grind! The sun was trying its absolute hardest to peep out through the clouds every now and then, trying very hard to warm up the thunder dome.
It was clearly obvious, lots of riders had taken on some sugar during the break; making full use of their sponsored vouchers, as they were pedal to to metal! Head down, tucked out of the wind and trying their hardest to create some day light between themselves and other teams.

It eventually came down to some frantic and furious cycling that crowned Marcel and Spha champions for the first time. Is it changing of the guard? are the youngsters taking over? or will Willem and Craig snatch back their trophy next year? I guess time will tell.

All in all it was a great event to be part of as always! From the tricky conditions to photograph in (at night) let alone cycle in, to the nice warm sunshine of mid day it was a great day out!
​All systems go for next year, guess everyone better start training now to beat the racing snakes!

Feel free to head on over to the Burg Wheelers Facebook page to view a whole lot more images from the event!

​Until Next Time

​Boogs