Master rider Gert Fouche won the elite men’s 4 000m individual pursuit title at the South African National Track Championships at the Bellville Velodrome in Cape Town yesterday.
The 37-year-old said the idea to compete in the elite category came about after his success at last year’s UCI Masters Track Cycling World Championships in London.
“I took two silver medals and was the world champion in the scratch, which made me think that perhaps my level was good enough to compete with the elites.
“I had been training very hard to compete in the elite category so I’m happy to have had such a good start to the week.”
Gert Fouche took the elite men’s 4 000m individual pursuit victory at the 2017 SA National Track and Championships at the Bellville Velodrome in Cape Town yesterday. Photo: DoubleST
Fouche said he was using the opportunity to prepare for the masters worlds in Los Angeles in the United States in October.
“Competing in London last year was extremely competitive and at a very high level.
“To give you an idea, my main competitor was a rider who competed in the Commonwealth Games the previous year.
“This year I expect the elite level will be just as good. I’ve really had to lift my level to compete against the younger riders.
“Riding at this level is as hard as it can possibly get, so if I manage to continue competing successfully, it will serve me well for October.”
He acknowledged that he would be up against some tough competition during the week, but said he was “excited” about the challenge.
“There are a number of riders with talent, especially the young up-and-coming guys.
“It’s going to be a challenge, but I’m up for it.”
One of the riders Fouche will face is close friend and Paarl Boxing Day mile champion Nolan Hoffman.
“I’ve been friends with Nolan for a long time. He actually gave me an old bike of his when I started riding track in 2009,” he said. “I’m definitely looking forward to see if I can match him.”
Fouche said he would now focus his attention on the points and scratch races which take place tomorrow.
The event, which kicked off on Monday, will run until Saturday.
