Transformalife: ‘Why feel GOOD when you can feel GREAT?’
TFL Sports Massage & Recovery is based opposite Paul Roos Gymnasium in my hometown of Stellenbosch. I had coffee this morning with a good friend, who also happens to be a great ex netball player, and owner of TFL Sports Massage & Recovery, Natasha Theron. We discussed their Transformalife services, and life in general. They are extremely efficient at Sports Massages; Event Recovery Zones; Lifestyle & Exercise Coaching; Nutrition; and Outdoor Events. How do I know that? Because we’ve been using them for the toursdeboland.co.za and cyclotourism.co.za ever since our own humble beginnings. And we are certainly not alone in seeing value in the TFL way. Just have a look at Natasha’s great clients below. Is client even the right word? As they have become lifelong friends.
Meet six super satisfied Transformalife supporters
Friendly faces at races. These world class athletes chose Transformalife for TFL Sports Massage & Recovery in Stellenbosch, South Africa. And I am quite sure this is in no small part due to owner Natasha’s bubbly personality: “well allow me to introduce myself; my name is Natasha Theron, I started Transforma Life 8 years ago and I promise you, you are going to love visiting us. This relationship is here to stay!”
Ariane Lüthi
Ariane Lüthi is a Swiss mountain bike marathon specialist and one of the most decorated women in stage racing. Born in 1983 in Thun, she transitioned from swimming to cycling and quickly made her mark in the sport. Lüthi won the Absa Cape Epic five times (2012–2016), becoming a legend of the event. She is also a multiple Swiss Marathon Champion and has podium finishes at the World and European Championships. Based in Stellenbosch, South Africa, she raced for teams like Spur and Kross Racing. In 2023, she retired due to long-COVID-related illness, shifting into a mentoring and management role with Pump for Peace Racing.
If you’re curious to learn more about Ariane Lüthi, one of the most inspiring mountain bikers on the international scene, there’s plenty to explore. Start by following her on Instagram and Twitter/X for race updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and a glimpse into her everyday life. Her official athlete profile with Scope Cycling highlights her career achievements and gear setup. For a deeper look into her journey, Transforma Life shares her thoughts on mindset and personal growth. You can also catch up with Ariane’s latest news and interviews, like this great Q&A on Tread MTB or this feature on the Epic Series website. And for a more casual connection, be sure to check out her Facebook profile where she engages with fans and fellow riders. Thanks for being such an inspiration to us, Ariane Lüthi! By BC.
Robyn de Groot
Olympian Robyn de Groot is a South African cyclist renowned for her achievements in both road and mountain biking. Born in 1982, she represented South Africa at the 2012 Olympics and the 2010 Commonwealth Games in road racing before transitioning to mountain biking in 2013. De Groot went on to win the South African Marathon MTB Championships six times and placed third at the 2019 UCI Marathon World Championships. A biokineticist by training, she retired in 2022 after her final Absa Cape Epic, moving into coaching through her business THRIVE. Known for her grounded personality and love of nature, she remains deeply connected to cycling, now as a mentor and wellness advocate.
To get to know Robyn de Groot, one of South Africa’s top mountain bikers and a true ambassador for the sport, there’s no shortage of great reads and social media to explore. Her Olympic profile offers a snapshot of her career at the highest level. While her Wikipedia page gives a broader look at her achievements on both road and trail. Robyn shares insights into life after racing on Transforma Life. She dives into wellness and coaching. For a more personal connection, follow her on Instagram and Facebook. Where she posts everything from trail adventures to daily inspiration. Want a closer chat? Tread MTB sat down for a fun “Beer with Robyn”, while Bicycling Magazine shared an engaging “Coffee with Robyn de Groot” for two great glimpses into the person behind the podiums. By BC.
Christoph Sauser
Olympian Christoph Sauser, born in 1976, is a Swiss cross-country and marathon mountain biking legend. Over his long career, he won a bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and became World Champion in cross-country (2008) and marathon (2007, 2011, 2013). Sauser is a five-time winner of the Absa Cape Epic (2006, 2011–2013, 2015), sharing the record for most victories. After retiring in 2015, he briefly returned in 2017 to finish second in the Cape Epic. Off the bike, Sauser is a key figure at Specialized, and the founder of songo.info, a youth development charity based in Kayamandi, South Africa. His legacy combines elite performance with social impact, mentorship, and community upliftment.
Few names are as iconic in mountain biking as Christoph Sauser. He is a Swiss legend whose legacy spans world titles, Cape Epic wins, and a deep commitment to the sport. His Wikipedia page gives a solid overview of his impressive racing career. While this feature from Off.road.cc shares the full Christoph Sauser story in rich detail. You can track his career stats and race results on MTB Data. Or get a more personal look at what drives him on Transforma Life. Christoph also stays active on Instagram, sharing moments from his rides, travels, and coaching work. For great reading, Tread MTB sat down for “A Beer with Christoph Sauser”. And the Epic Series reflected on the impact he’s made on their global stage. IF you’re curious about his influence beyond racing, Atta.co.za rounds up his ongoing involvement in African cycling development. By BC.
Konny Looser
Endurance specialist. Konny Looser, born in 1989, is a Swiss ultra-endurance mountain biker and two-time Swiss Marathon Champion (2017, 2022). Renowned for his dominance in extreme races, he has won South Africa’s Desert Dash a record eight times (2015–2020, 2023–2024), and is also a multiple Titan Desert Morocco champion (2021, 2022). A skilled all-rounder, Looser also boasts victories in stage races like Wines2Whales and Craft Bike Transalp. Married to Namibian cyclist Vera Looser, he splits time between Europe and Southern Africa. His durability, strategic racing, and heat resilience have made him a force in ultra-distance MTB racing across continents.
Swiss endurance specialist Konny Looser has made a name for himself in some of the world’s toughest mountain bike stage races. His official website offers an inside look at his racing calendar, results, and adventures. For a deep dive into his career stats, both MTB Data and ProCyclingStats provide comprehensive performance tracking. Konny shares daily life on and off the bike via Instagram and Twitter/X. Where fans can follow his global racing journey. On the personal growth front, Transforma Life captures his reflections on motivation and mindset. Some career highlights include his eighth Cape Epic finish, and a historic ride with his wife Vera at the Škoda Titan Desert Morocco. And if you’re keen on team dynamics, In the Bunch offers insight into his plans with a fresh MTB squad. This little bit on Konny Looser was also compiled by BC.
Frans Claes
Vegan mountain biker. Frans Claes is a Belgian marathon mountain biker known for his late rise and plant-based lifestyle. Starting his competitive career at 25, Claes went on to become a three-time Belgian Marathon Champion (2015, 2016, 2022). He won the UCI Marathon World Series overall in 2017 and 2019, and claimed numerous stage race victories, including the Ischgl Iron Bike and Breck Epic. In 2023, he dominated the BeMC (Belgian MTB Challenge) and took 3rd overall at the 2024 Bike Transalp. A committed vegan since 2009, he advocates for environmental responsibility and performance nutrition. His success defies conventional timelines and showcases sustainable athleticism.
Belgian marathon MTB specialist Frans Claes is known for his consistency, endurance, and a unique approach to performance. His official website offers a window into his racing life, travels, and coaching. Stats lovers can track his results on MTB Data, ProCyclingStats, and FirstCycling. You’ll also find Frans sharing updates, training tips, and beautiful trail views on Instagram and Facebook. Frans is featured by Evil Eye and Innerme for his thoughtful approach to gear, health, and performance. As a passionate plant-based athlete, he’s profiled on Great Vegan Athletes for his ethical lifestyle and nutritional edge. Most recently, he teamed up with Kruger for an exciting pairing at the Absa Cape Epic, proving once again that he’s a force in stage racing. This little bit on Frans Claes was also compiled by BC.
Jean Biermans
Overcoming the odds. Jean Biermans is a Dutch ultra-endurance cyclist who turned tragedy into triumph. After a severe accident at 16 nearly left him unable to walk, he overcame immense odds to become a 24-hour World Champion on both mountain and road bikes. Biermans is best known in South Africa for winning the 36ONE MTB Challenge twice (2014, 2015), setting a course record of 14:03:56. He has also won endurance races at iconic venues like Le Mans and Nürburgring. Though he briefly retired, he returned to long-distance racing, continuing to compete in grueling events like The Munga. His career is a powerful testament to resilience, reinvention, and sheer determination.
Dutch mountain biker Jean Biermans has made waves on the South African scene with impressive endurance and a passion for the sport that shines through. He shares his adventures, training, and race highlights on Instagram and Facebook, and you can learn more about his professional journey via LinkedIn. As an ambassador for Decca, his feature on Decca.cc gives insight into his mindset and kit preferences. For performance data, both ProCyclingStats and MTB Data track his results. Jean turned heads by winning South Africa’s longest mountain bike race — a story covered by Tread MTB. And for the gear nerds, Bicycling Magazine gives a close-up of his Ridley Ignite SL 29er setup — a true endurance machine. We salute you, Jean Biermans. Also compiled by BC 🙂
Why choose Transformalife?
What do all these accomplished athletes have in common, other than being cycling superstars? Three Swiss athletes, a Belgian, Dutchman, and a South African – and they all entrusted Natasha and Transformalife for their sports recovery needs. And so do we. Well done TFL, let the good times continue! See you in March.
