The Knysna Cycle Tour will serve a number of purposes for road ace Nolan Hoffman as he returns to the coastal town this weekend.
Hoffman, who finished second last year, said he would use the race as a comeback event after having taken a month-long break.
The rest had come after the African Continental Track Championships and the South African National Track Championships, which had been the BCX rider’s focus.
“I’d like to focus on the 947 Cycle Challenge next; it’s the biggest goal for me,” said the 32-year-old.
Nolan Hoffman will return to racing at the Knysna Cycle Tour this weekend, having taken a month long break. Photo: Robert Ward
“I’m excited to race in Knysna again and the event is always a good one to gauge where your condition is after a break.
“Mentally and physically I’m up for it. If I don’t get dropped on the last hill coming into Knysna then I know I’m in with a good chance.”
The Herald Cycle Tour champion said that although the race was one for the climbers, the course allowed sprinters a glimmer of hope.
“I’ve raced at the Oyster Festival many times so I know the hills are of such a nature that you can afford to lose a few seconds.
“It doesn’t feature long climbs and this works for sprinters because the climbers don’t get the big gaps they need.
“I know where the hardest parts of the climbs are and I’ll be able to position myself well in the bunch so that I’ll be within striking distance of them.”
In preparation for the 947, which takes place in November, Hoffman said he had altered his training to allow for more hill work.
“The races aren’t too different, the main thing being the 947 finishes up a two-kilometre hill, so I’m working on dropping some weight and working on my climbing.”
Despite his positive attitude, Hoffman explained the team’s plan A was the in-form Reynard Butler.
He said the plan was to get Butler and HB Kruger, the defending champion in the mounting bike race, away in a breakaway.
“HB is always good on the road too and the pair always work well together.”
Hoffman, who won the event in 2014 and 2015, said the field for the 30th edition of the event would be top class.
“This year there’s a strong field coming but I think the RoadCover guys will be the big challengers.
“The guys to watch at the moment are Brendan Davids, for the breakaway, and Clint Hendricks, in the sprint.
“I always have my eye on them. In my mind the biggest challenge will come from them.”
