National MTB Series #2 Sabie
I had dozens of messages wishing me happy birthday. On my knees, all I asked for was for it to be the best day of my life and a pair of good legs. I was in a really great state of mind.
I went through my checklist- since I have to have one these days! Had my USN Epic Pro, ultra Vooma gel and Energy HP bars ready. I went for a thirty minute spin, had breakfast and then was off to the start.
I didn’t do the Ultra Marathon because of the XCO Nationals this coming weekend, but I couldn’t miss the race altogether because Sabie is one of my favourite events in the National MTB Series.
Without knowing what to expect of the race- the competition, and how my legs would respond- my main aim was just to have fun and enjoy it.
Everyone looked really strong at the start. At the first hill I decided to pace myself and ride with a steady cadence. Halfway up I looked back and saw that the lead group was split and there were only two guys behind me; that’s when I realised I could win. A few sips of Epic Pro after the first hill, I felt like I could keep going harder. Down the hill, with a full lockout on my front and back shocks, the Vipa did its magic and I just had to let the brakes go.
I increased the pace a bit and from there I rode the rest of the race alone- first time ever! It felt like I got a new pair of legs and sooner than I thought I was crossing the finish line. Now I had two reasons to celebrate and all I could say was Thank You for a good race.
Thanks to Nick Cooke, Steve and Megan Parker, and Sefiso for the ride there and back; thanks to David and Cara for the birthday braai, and to everyone who sent me a message on the day.
This wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of my wonderful coach, Erica Green, manager Shaun Peschl (Team Kargo), and all the sponsors involved. Thank you.
I had dozens of messages wishing me happy birthday. On my knees, all I asked for was for it to be the best day of my life and a pair of good legs. I was in a really great state of mind.
I went through my checklist- since I have to have one these days! Had my USN Epic Pro, ultra Vooma gel and Energy HP bars ready. I went for a thirty minute spin, had breakfast and then was off to the start.
I didn’t do the Ultra Marathon because of the XCO Nationals this coming weekend, but I couldn’t miss the race altogether because Sabie is one of my favourite events in the National MTB Series.
Without knowing what to expect of the race- the competition, and how my legs would respond- my main aim was just to have fun and enjoy it.
Everyone looked really strong at the start. At the first hill I decided to pace myself and ride with a steady cadence. Halfway up I looked back and saw that the lead group was split and there were only two guys behind me; that’s when I realised I could win. A few sips of Epic Pro after the first hill, I felt like I could keep going harder. Down the hill, with a full lockout on my front and back shocks, the Vipa did its magic and I just had to let the brakes go.
I increased the pace a bit and from there I rode the rest of the race alone- first time ever! It felt like I got a new pair of legs and sooner than I thought I was crossing the finish line. Now I had two reasons to celebrate and all I could say was Thank You for a good race.
Thanks to Nick Cooke, Steve and Megan Parker, and Sefiso for the ride there and back; thanks to David and Cara for the birthday braai, and to everyone who sent me a message on the day.
This wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of my wonderful coach, Erica Green, manager Shaun Peschl (Team Kargo), and all the sponsors involved. Thank you.