Despite a lack of teammates to help him, Dimension Data’s Kent Main is ready to take on strong opposition when the Bestmed Satellite Championship takes place next weekend.
Offering routes of 110km, 84km and 60km, the road classic will take place from Maropeng on October 14.
Although he will be riding solo because most of his outfit are not back from Europe, Main said he was ready for the challenge, aiming to capitalise on his climbing strength to achieve parity.
While the famous Hekpoort section loomed as a tough climb in the closing stages of the race, the Bestmed Tour of Good Hope champion said he enjoyed the challenge the race offered as it contained a route not often seen in the country’s major road classics.
Kent Main of Dimension Data, seen here in action at the Bestmed Jock Tour, will be aiming to capitalise on his climbing ability to make an impact on the 110km Bestmed Satellite Championship road race at Maropeng on October 14. Photo: Memories4U Photography
“There are not many big races with such a significant climb. This route gives a different type of rider a chance to win.”
Main said the competition would be tough and his aim was to be in the mix at the end.
“Lots of guys use this race to see where their form is and teams like ProTouch, RoadCover and BCX are sure to be there, so the competition will be strong.”
The 21-year-old from Linden in Johannesburg said climbing was his strong point and he showed his ability on the climbs in the Tour of Good Hope when he won the third stage on top of Du Toitskloof Pass.
His goal, he said, was to create a bit of pressure on Hekpoort.
“That’s where I can put some damage on the bunch,” said Main.
“Obviously the race can split up before that, but even if the gap is up to a minute and a half, it’s a hard enough climb to whittle that down and get back to square one.”
