South African riders James Reid and Alan Hatherly are gearing up for their mountain bike cross-country race at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday.
James Reid. Photo: Supplied
Reid, the two-time SA national cross-country champion, has also claimed two elite men’s marathon national championship titles in 2013 and 2014.
The 24-year-old Stellenbosch local placed 10th at the U23 World Championships in Norway in 2014.
“I’m feeling quite good, its good to be here time-wise so that the jet lag is over.
“I’m settled in and the team is quite organised. It’s really kind of no holds barred here. Everyone does everything and it really does feel like your country has your back, it truly is something,” said Reid.
Alan Hatherly. Photo: Supplied
Hatherly is the U23 men’s African continental cross-country champion, and the 2014 African Youth Games gold medallist, who has impressed not only the U23 category, but also the elite men’s scene at a provincial and national level.
When asked about the course he said that it was incredible and super well structured.
“It’s a lot more man-made compared to the courses we race but it works really well. We did some laps and got a feel for it and it’s really tough but I think the major factor for the race is going to be the heat on the day.
“We are off to the course again today to do some final checks. I’m looking forward to the race on Sunday and I’m feeling really good,” said Hatherly.
The cross-country specialists will tackle laps of a 4.85km track at Deodoro Olympic Park on Sunday at 5.30pm (SA time).
