Top SA female, Kirsten Landman, heads into her first Hard Enduro race of the Season post-Dakar Malle Moto Triumph.
South Africa (12 July 2023) – With Dakar 2023 race a distant memory and a pulmonary embolism almost thwarting her season’s plans, South Africa’s most formidable female two-wheels competitor, Kirsten Landman, is gearing up for the start of her international hard enduro season at Red Bull Romaniacs between 25-29 July 2023.
The pulmonary embolism had Landman placed on strict doctor’s orders to rest. Three months of rest later, the embolism cleared and Landman was cleared to exercise again. In preparation for Red Bull Romaniacs, Landman took part in Impi Hard in Bergville at the start of July.
“I think spending time in the saddle was important ahead of the race. I know that I can run that pace for extended periods and even push harder. Each day was upwards of five hours on the bike. Having not spent much time racing, I’m working with my trainer to build on my strength and tweak my overall fitness in the last two weeks to ensure I’m ready to tackle everything the race throws at you.”
Landman has competed in five editions of Red Bull Romaniacs, having made her first appearance in 2014 in the Bronze class and earning the highest place female that year. This year she’s competing in the Silver Class.
Held in Sibiu, Romania, the race sees a 4-day gruelling course through the city and Valcea Valley areas.
“Romaniacs was my first international race and is another level of hard enduro. The level of competition has certainly increased over the years – the bronze class guys are now doing gold class routes from years before. It’s difficult, technical and a beautiful landscape to visit and ride in. I’m excited to get back there!”
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