Defending National MTB Marathon Champion Max Knox said the shorter distance at this year’s event, which takes place at the Cascades MTB Park in Pietermaritzburg on May 21, had left the title open for contention.
Defending Champion Max Knox will head to Pietermaritzburg next week for the 2017 SA National MTB Marathon Championships. Photo: www.zcmc.co.za
“I think the 80km’s will mean it’ll be very fast, and very open.
“I also think we will be seeing a lot of different guys in with a chance as well because of the shorter distance as opposed to an ultra marathon,” he said.
Knox said the shorter distance would be well suited to many of the younger riders who hadn’t yet been exposed to the longer distances.
“Not that 80km is short – it’s a tough race and a testing course but it could still suit them perfectly.”
The two time champion said he hadn’t had much time on the bike but would still aim to be competitive.
“Pietermaritzburg is a beautiful race venue and there’s no doubt in my mind that it’ll be a great race.
“I would like to do my best and hopefully my best will be good enough.”
Knox started the season on a high when he and Hector Leonardo Paez Leon placed fourth overall at the Cape Epic.
