Defending champion Nolan Hoffman is ready to make his mark in the 103km feature event of the 20th Bestmed Cycle4Cansa Championship at Sun City on Sunday.
Hoffman, who first won in 2007, is fresh from a successful Lowveld Tour where he won two stages.
“We’ve just returned from a good Lowveld Tour so we’re in high spirits and now this weekend is really a route that suits me,” said the BCX rider. “I’m definitely looking to go defend that title on Sunday.”
Hoffman failed to deliver inspiring results at the three-stage Jock Classic last month, but the sprinter said the route simply hadn’t been for him.
Nolan Hoffman believes he can take his third Cycle4Cansa title this weekend. Photo: Robert Ward
“When it comes to a race like Cycle4Cansa where there’s a chance for a sprint finish I definitely earmark those races. I always want to do well and this weekend is no different.”
He said he felt confident about his form and explained he’d been focusing on his endurance during these cooler months.
“I think I’ve had a good winter and, judging from the Lowveld Tour, my form is on the up. I’m not 100 per cent yet, but I’m feeling good sensations.
“I would say condition-wise that I’m currently about 75 per cent and I’m still trying to improve.”
With several Cycle4Cansa races under his belt, Hoffman said he was familiar with the route and hoped he’d be able to use this knowledge to make the most of the expected crosswinds.
He explained there was a point roughly 60km from the finish where one could expect to encounter “big winds”.
“That will be one of our biggest concentration points where we’ll want to make sure to be at the front.”
RoadCover have been dominating on the tar of late and Hoffman acknowledged they’d again have their work cut out for them.
“In the more recent events the racing has been really hard to read,” said the burly sprinter.
“Our biggest challengers will be them. They’re very strong at the moment.
“We’ll have to go all in and just see what their tactics are on the day. We’ll adjust ours accordingly and always try to put ourselves in a favourable position.”
