Thus far it's been a rather successful year for myself. I've managed a couple of podiums against some fierce competitors in our u/23 national cross country circuit. Consistent good performances rewarded me with 3rd pro-elite in the National Cup Series and being selected to represent South Africa at the XCO World Champs.
However the fight for the stripes and the title of SA Champ was still on the line and with all the big boys out to hurt each other, it sure promised to be another exciting battle. For the spectators...
As always the start was extremely fast and very painful. I managed to hang on to the tail end of the lead group for the first lap or so.
Uncomfortable to say the least and as we hit the steep stuff on lap 2, I just couldn't dig any deeper to stay on the wheels in front of me. After recovering a bit on the super fun downhill sections, I pushed hard to close the gap, but it just wouldn't happen.
Rolling onto lap 3 through the start/finish area I could see the lead group sitting and looking at each other for a moment, about 15 seconds in front of me. I thought this was a chance to regain contact so I put my head down and launched a big effort.
Stupid mistake. I came close, but then as they accelerated onto the climb I had nothing left and started going backwards. Travis Walker soon passed me like I was standing still just before we started coming down again. I took a High5 caffeine gel along with a few deep breaths and slowly but surely dragged myself back onto his wheel.
Now racing for 6th and 7th I started losing a bit of focus and never realised that the lead group was actually just around the corner, still only a few seconds in it. Yes, Travis hurt me on the first half of the lap, but then I found myself staring at his big legs on the fast flowing back section. Not ideal.
As we started the final lap I thought he would launch an attack somewhere on the first half which was mostly uphill, so I moved to the front to avoid this situation. I soon realised that I was suddenly feeling really good and started throwing mielies all over the place...
So after putting down the hammer on our last lap, I finished 5th. Exactly 17 seconds behind Luke Roberts in 4th and a minute and a half behind the Champion for 2013 - Rourke Croeser.
Once again I had no hassles with any of my equipment and the support from the ASG PYcycling Academy on and off the bike has been amazing this year. We are lucky to have coaches and mentors like Paul Cordes and Yolande Speedy standing behind us all the way and putting so much back into the sport.
Looking back I realised that none of this would have been possible if it wasn't for their help and motivation and I am truly thankful for that support.
Till next time!!
Once again I had no hassles with any of my equipment and the support from the ASG PYcycling Academy on and off the bike has been amazing this year. We are lucky to have coaches and mentors like Paul Cordes and Yolande Speedy standing behind us all the way and putting so much back into the sport.
Looking back I realised that none of this would have been possible if it wasn't for their help and motivation and I am truly thankful for that support.
Till next time!!
