Pro mountain biker Max Knox is excited by the upcoming UCI MTB Marathon World Championships which takes place at Cascades MTB Park and surrounds.
The local challenger is quietly confident that he can achieve a career-highlighting top 10 finish in the men’s 95km clash on June 29.
The FedGroup-ITEC ace recently showed he is currently in good form when he and team mate Kevin Evans stormed to victory in the 2014 Nedbank sani2c three day long stage race from Underberg to Scottburgh.
The victory has given Knox good momentum and confidence going into the global showpiece and he recently admitted a top ten finish is something that has crossed his mind, despite realizing there is plenty of work still to do.
“You do always have to have goals and a top 10 at Worlds is an excellent result, one which you can be proud of, and I definitely think that is a realistic goal for me this year!” said Knox.
“I struggled with my knee at Worlds last year and finished thirteenth but I finished sixteenth two years ago and, with home ground advantage and a bit of luck, hopefully I can shave off six or so places this year in Maritzburg.”
“It was nice to get the win at sani2c but now it’s about maintaining the really hard work and training right because sani was tough but the level at Worlds will be a lot, lot higher!” he added cautiously.
Starting and finishing at Cascades MTB Park, the men’s 95km route will take competitors on a journey through a multitude of different ecosystems, each offering spectacular views and unique challenges and combining to create a spectacular stage upon which the event’s action will unfold.
“Maritzburg and the surrounding areas are like the mountain biking Mecca of Africa!” exclaimed Knox.
“The cross country course for this year’s World Cup was rated the single best course in the world! If that’s what Nick (Floros) can put together over five or six kilometres then imagine what might be in store for us over 95km!”
“I’m definitely expecting an excellent route!” – Cycle Nation
More information can be found at www.mtbworldchamps.co.za.
