This weekend marked one of the single most important race wins in my cycling career to date. The African continental Championships.
The build up the race was very different to normal, hard due to the fact that I hadn't ridden a mountain bike in nearly a month! With only 5days to go before the race, I received my 2011 race machine - The blisteringly fast Ellsworth Enlightenment 29er.
The very rocky, tight and technical course seemed that it may suit a traditional 26" full suss more as there was a lot of stop-go single track in the beginning. So after checking out the course, I swung my leg over the saddle and decided to hit the freshly cut course on my big wheeled machine. The first thing that came to mind when I hit the track was, " WOW!! this thing is FAST!!" I simply couldn't believe the speed at which this thing rolled over some of the obstacles on the route. It still felt very awkward to be riding single track, as I had become used to the SUPER low position of a TT bike over the past few weeks. But with a few days still to go I was confident that I would still be able to get my technical skills close to what they would need to be to get a good result.
The week flew by and with each day my confidence on the new 'beast' grew more. Friday dawned and of course the traditional Official Practise took place. I was honoured to be able to ride with SA Super Star Burry Stander and a Specialized team mate. Burry discussed how to ride the course ie. where to push hard, where to drink, where to ride smoothly and keep the heart rate down as well as one or two really cool lines.
Then came race day, and before I had even arrived at the course there was some pressure which had been dumped onto my shoulders. Micaela Jonnson and Hannlie Booyens of Team Jeep South Africa had both one their races, which definitely made my hunger for the win a bit stronger!
My race was off at 10:30 with pre race favourite Luke Roberts leading the way into the first single track with myself and Gert Heyns on his tail. Luke and I jumped off and ran through the heavily deteriorated 'up-down section of the first single track. Some how we managed to get a descent gap over the rest of the field, and so began our battle for the lead. Towards the end of our 2nd lap I dropped my chain, which then mangled itself between the big chain ring and the crank arm. I stopped to try and get it out, losing around a minute or so and inevitably dropping to 3rd. After sorting out the problem my chase back to Gert (now 2nd) began. The 29er dominated the fast swooping single track towards the end of the lap and I soon found myself on Gert's wheel. Unfortunately Luke suffered a mechanical too, which allowed us to close up to him. All 3 of us crossed the line pretty close together as we went onto our 3rd lap. Gert pushed really hard into the first single track, which lead to us opening a gap up on Luke. Luke then suffered a puncture which opened the gap further.
Gert and I battled it out over the 3rd and 4th lap before heading into our 5th and final one. Going through the first single track for the last time I decided to run as it was a lot easier than riding and would allow for my heart rate to stay lower before we attacked the main climb of the lap, Gert however chose to ride what he could. As soon as we powered up to the 1st tech zone of the lap I surged past Gert and managed to get a good gap going into the long single track climb. I maintained my gap up the climb and rode the long technical descent back down to the 2nd tech zone as hard as possible to try and give myself a comfortable cushion before entering the final single track.This plan worked and entering the final section of the day I was able to prevent any mistakes by riding smoothly until crossing the line.
A HUUUUGE thanks needs to go to Ellsworth! I definitely feel that I've been equipped with the best possible machine to take on the task of the 2011 season!
Thanks also needs to go to Malan Wykerd for the servicing and maintenance of my bike while I was down in the Cape. Burry Stander, for taking the time to ride with me and help me out with strategy, lines etc. Willie Brink, for the accommodation and for driving me everywhere while I was down there. Thanks guys!!
Junior Podium
Elite winner Burry Stander and I
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