I’m in Alabama getting ready to defend my ITU Cross Tri World Champion title coming Saturday.  (2011 Race report here.)

The good folks from Avia sent me these cool new racing flats just in time for the big day. Low profile mid sole, light weight and hopefully, FAST!

We’ve had a lot of rain the last 2 days and its with a heavy heart that I’ll go drag them through the mud and horse manure on my last quality session tomorrow…

But unfortunately, not available to the public yet… Stay tuned - Avia online store here

For my dad.

We’re flying to South Africa in an hour for his funeral.

Liezel and Specialized mechanic Joe before the start. Vegas got its annual rainfall in one morning

My dad and my hero passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Liezel and I are flying home on Sunday for his funeral.

Words fail me.

Here are some fond memories…

Braai lessons on a hiking trip- a skill every South African boy must have. (BBQ)

Our bike trip after he beat cancer for the 1st time.

“He had to bribe Liezel to marry me” was their joke. We’re so happy he was there for the moment, even though he was really sick

My parents lived an amazing life