As the National MTB Series heads into the fourth round, current log leaders Max Knox and Robyn de Groot are determined to hold onto their first place positions.
“One of my goals has been to win the national series and obviously I’d like to stay in the lead after this weekend,” said Knox, who currently has a 600 point lead over his closest competitor, Nico Bell.
Max Knox hopes to maintain his lead at the National MTB Series in the Drakensberg this weekend. Photo: Gameplan Media
“It’s an important series in any cyclist’s season,” he said.
Knox said he was expecting to face some tough competition as the series title would be a goal for many of the other athletes too.
“Going into this I think I’ve been doing alright form-wise.
“I’ll just ride as fast as I can. As long as you have a trouble-free race then I’ll be in with a chance to do well,” he said.
Participants will be facing new challenges as they tackle the Champagne Valley in the Drakensberg Mountains, which plays host to the national event for the first time.
“This weekend will be new for everyone and it will be exciting to see what’s in store.
“I’m sure it will be challenging and I’m looking forward to seeing what the organisers throw at us.”
Knox said he planned to use the new trails to his advantage, where possible.
“If the course has plenty of climbing and single track then it will be good for me.”
The Drakensberg event marks the fourth of the seven-part series and Knox said there was still plenty of time for something to happen.
Current series leader Robyn de Groot will look to extend her lead at the fourth round of the National MTB Series. Photo: ZC Marketing Consulting
“We’ve only done three rounds and there’s plenty of excitement still in store,” he said.
“The series is only just starting, we aren’t even half way.”
Current women’s leader Robyn de Groot said she would do her best to remain ahead of her competition this weekend.
“Each race is a new race and I’m looking forward to this one in the Drakensberg,” she said.
“This event is definitely a priority for me, and Team Ascendis, and I’ll be racing as hard as possible and just do the best I can.”
De Groot tasted victory at the second and third events after finishing behind Annika Langvad in the opening round.
She currently leads to overall standings with more than 6 000 over her nearest competitor.
