FINAL ROUND OF SA CUP series "Hayterdale"

After a consistent first half of the season, I was confident going into the final round of the SA Cup series. We arrived to a cold and wet PE on Thursday morning, unpacked our bikes and went for a short ride. Thanks to Marco and his family for having us over on Thursday evening. The rest of the team arrived Friday morning, we had the privilege of meeting at the TWT warehouse. Victor gave us the low down as to how things work and then headed out to the track for a few practice laps.

The track hadn't changed from the pervious year. Tight turns, narrow single track and not much climbing. We would be racing seven laps of the 4,2km course. I didn’t have a great start, fourth wheel into the single track. Phil first, Gert second and Beukes third. Gaps opened and I was left 20seconds off the pace after lap one. On a good day it would be hard to chase down Phil, but on this track it seemed impossible. Juniors were on course at the same time and passing large groups was a nightmare. 

By the end of lap two I had moved into 2nd place with only Phil up the road. I believed I could close down the gap, but it didn’t happen. He took his opportunity when it counted most. I ended the day in second place. I can’t be unhappy with a podium in all three rounds I competed in.

It was a good outing for the Kargo Pro team. The only concern was the lack of spectators at the event, not only for the athletes but for the sponsors. In order for our sport to grow CSA need to work hand in hand with the athletes and teams. It doesn’t help having national event 100km away from the nearest town.

I look forward to this upcoming weekend where I turn my focus to the world Marathon Champs…...

First Euro trip for KARGOPROTEAM.....

World cups #3 #4

It's that time of the season again, when you pray for those magical four open seats on your flight to Europe, When you spend more time is hotels and planes then you do on your bike and far to much time worrying about training. 

It's really difficult to find the balance between sleep, travel and riding. Overdo either one and you will pay the price. The trip started out with a flight to Prague, followed by car rental and a short 1hr drive to Nove Mesto. As usual upon entering the town you get the World Cup vibe. In my opinion one of the best World Cups on the calendar. The only down side of the town is the lack of healthy food,other than that it's beautiful.

Thursday was my first day on track. Not much had changed from 2013 and what a cracker of a course. The long straights didn't suit my riding style but  still one of the best courses on the WC circuit. I had more then enough to get over the flight and practice the course before Sunday. I was confident going into the race. Mentally I felt strong and my body was prepared to suffer. 

The start was crazy, they say the U23 age group prepares you for elite level racing, I felt like a fish out of water. Everyone looks bigger, faster and fitter. You could feel the tension going down the start straight. Brakes burning, tires screaming and the odd sound of carbon and aluminum hitting the tar. 

Making it round the start loop unharmed is a relief, but looking up at the start finish banner and seeing six laps to go takes every little bit of relief away. The opening lap, is the hardest part of any WC. Everyone is fighting for that one position better, do the math 160 athletes all fighting for one position better. It's carnage out there and yes, I wouldn't change that feeling for the world. 

It took me two laps to get into the race and by lap three my heart was out my mouth and I was part of the race. One long line separated myself in 57th till 30th. Now I know why they say every second counts. 15seconds and you move up from 57th to 50th. 

I ended the day in 57th. I know a lot of you might think it's not that's great. 57th in the world as a first year elite, not a bad way to start the season.

Next up on the schedule was Albsadt Germany. 190m of climbing in 3,9km sums up the track perfectly. I have had one of my best World Cups on this track, so you can imagine how much I was looking forward to the fight come race day.

Unfortunately this time it went horribly wrong from the start. I was taken out by another athlete jumping off his bike, it wasn't a high speed crash but I fell awkwardly on my knee. I tried standing up and my leg collapsed underneath me.  That was It, game over for me. Very disappointing, so much hard work goes into this and to be taken out on the start loops sucks. 

Looking back a at the trip I realize the significance of what we accomplished, the first African UCI MTB team alongside some of the best teams in the world. A huge thanks to Shaun and all involved.