Latest news with #VanderVyver
The Citizen
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
VIDEO: Female duo makes history at Sarona Kalahari race
Boksburg's Anne van der Vyver and her driver, Martié Bachfischer of Randfontein, made history by becoming the first all-female team to complete the legendary Botswana Desert 1 000km race and to finish strong. Competing in the 2025 Sarona Kalahari 1 000 Desert Race from April 11 to 13 in the mining town of Jwaneng in Botswana, the dynamic duo powered their way to a third-place overall finish out of 20 competing vehicles and secured second in their class. Life-changing ride Van der Vyver, a seasoned navigator and Boksburg resident, described the experience as nothing short of transformative. 'This was something big for us to accomplish. For three days, we took it day by day, which was 'drive to survive', and make it to the end,' she said. 'Survival meant more than just endurance, it required grit, quick thinking and trust,' she said. The race of legends The Desert 1 000, originally launched in the late 1970s, is considered Southern Africa's most iconic and brutal off-road motorsport race. It covers 1 000km of unforgiving desert terrain across three relentless days. Previously part of the South African National Championship, the event became an independent Botswana race in 2023, rebranded as the Sarona Kalahari 1 000. The word sarona means ours in Setswana, a nod to Botswana's proud motorsport heritage. ALSO READ: Walton equals record with seventh rally This year's race, powered by Cyro Motorsport Group, drew massive local and international attention, with searing heat matched only by the intensity of the competition. A stormy start, with a gritty comeback Van der Vyver and Bachfischer's historic journey began dramatically during Friday's 40km time trial – right in the middle of a sudden cloudburst storm. 'We had zero visibility, but still managed to push through,' Van der Vyver recalled. They started Saturday's leg in 12th place, facing fierce competition and gruelling terrain. About 150km in, a serious fuel pump issue threatened their run. But thanks to some clever improvisation from Bachfischer they turned a potential disaster into a mere delay. 'She made a genius plan using our drinking water pipes to siphon fuel between tanks. We lost 20 minutes, but it saved our race. By the end of the day, we had climbed to fifth place.' Sunday brought more challenges. Without GPS, road books, or navigation equipment, the duo had to rely on raw skill and years of experience. 'As a navigator, you are in the hot seat. You must concentrate, rely on the trip meter, and communicate at every turn. If I mess up, the driver messes up. It is pressure, but this is what I love,' said Van der Vyver. Support, strength, and sisterhood Van der Vyver credited their success to their bond and the support of their families. 'We are grateful to my husband, Martin van der Vyver and Bachfischer's partner Gideon Jacobs, who believed in us every step of the way,' she said. When the checkered flag waved, and they announced the results, emotion poured over the team. 'To hear we placed third overall; words can't explain it. We went through so much to get there. And we did it. Together.' For the duo, the Desert 1 000 was more than just a race; it was a testament to resilience, teamwork and the power of women in motorsport. 'It is about having fun, learning from each other, and building trust. We made history and we are just getting started,' said Van der Vyver. ALSO READ: Watch: Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato showcases 'rally mode' on snow At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
21-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
WATCH: Duo make history in Botswana's 1 000km desert race
Boksburg's Anne van der Vyver and her driver, Martié Bachfischer of Roodepoort, made history by becoming the first all-female team to complete the legendary Botswana Desert 1 000km race and to finish strong. Competing in the 2025 Sarona Kalahari 1 000 Desert Race from April 11 to 13 in the mining town of Jwaneng in Botswana, the dynamic duo powered their way to a third-place overall finish out of 20 competing vehicles and secured second in their class. Life-changing ride Van der Vyver, a seasoned navigator and Ravenswood resident, described the experience as nothing short of transformative. 'This was something big for us to accomplish. For three days, we took it day by day, which was 'drive to survive', and make it to the end. Survival meant more than just endurance, it required grit, quick thinking and trust,' she said. The race of legends The Desert 1 000, originally launched in the late 1970s, is considered Southern Africa's most iconic and brutal off-road motorsport race. It covers 1 000km of unforgiving desert terrain across three relentless days. Previously part of the South African National Championship, the event became an independent Botswana race in 2023, rebranded as the Sarona Kalahari 1 000. The word sarona means ours in Setswana, a nod to Botswana's proud motorsport heritage. This year's race, powered by Cyro Motorsport Group, drew massive local and international attention, with searing heat matched only by the intensity of the competition. A stormy start, with a gritty comeback Van der Vyver and Bachfischer's historic journey began dramatically during Friday's 40km time trial – right in the middle of a sudden cloudburst storm. 'We had zero visibility, but still managed to push through,' Van der Vyver recalled. Also Read: Women's record falls at night race as thousands glow in the dark They started Saturday's leg in 12th place, facing fierce competition and gruelling terrain. About 150km in, a serious fuel pump issue threatened their run. But thanks to some clever improvisation from Bachfischer they turned a potential disaster into a mere delay. 'She made a genius plan using our drinking water pipes to siphon fuel between tanks. We lost 20 minutes, but it saved our race. By the end of the day, we had climbed to fifth place.' Sunday brought more challenges. Without GPS, road books, or navigation equipment, the duo had to rely on raw skill and years of experience. 'As a navigator, you are in the hot seat. You must concentrate, rely on the trip meter, and communicate at every turn. If I mess up, the driver messes up. It is pressure, but this is what I love,' said Van der Vyver. Support, strength, and sisterhood Van der Vyver credited their success to their bond and the support of their families. 'We are grateful to my husband, Martin van der Vyver and Bachfischer's partner Gideon Jacobs, who believed in us every step of the way,' she said. When the checkered flag waved, and they announced the results, emotion poured over the team. 'To hear we placed third overall; words can't explain it. We went through so much to get there. And we did it. Together.' For the duo, the Desert 1 000 was more than just a race; it was a testament to resilience, teamwork and the power of women in motorsport. 'It is about having fun, learning from each other, and building trust. We made history and we are just getting started,' said Van der Vyver. Also Read: Bekker wins a thrilling race at CGA champs At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
