Max Knox took a dominant win in the first two-day format race of the National MTB Series in Sabie at the weekend.
The New Holland/This Way Out rider secured victory in the 64.5km first stage in 2:36:26.
He was 3:32 faster than Urs Huber (Team Bulls) with Philip Buys (Pyga/EuroSteel) completing the podium in 2:41:19.
Max Knox (New Holland/This Way Out) looks back on his convincing lead as he climbs the final stretch to the finish on stage one of the National MTB Series in Sabie at the weekend. Photo: www.zcmc.co.za
On Sunday’s shorter 44km stage, Knox rode off the front on the first climb and stayed away, eventually finishing first in 1:51:25.
Nico Bell (Team NAD Pro) launched a late attack from the chase pack to finish second 3:11 behind Knox. He was just a second ahead of a group dash for third place, won by Buys.
With the two stage times combined, Knox claimed the overall fastest time and maximum points for the second round of the series.
Huber was second more than six minutes back with Buys claiming third on the combined classification.
“I felt very motivated after Saturday’s win. With two shortish stages, the race had to be very explosive,” said Knox.
“In the off season I concentrated more on speed than endurance compared to previous years because of this new format. It paid off today.”
