After taking a break from competitive racing for a while, Renay Groustra will make his Origin of Trails debut in Stellenbosch on Saturday.
The RSA Web rider said this week he was looking forward to the two-day event, hoping to “rediscover the passion I once had”.
“When I was riding a lot more seriously, I never got around to the Origin of Trails because I always took a break at this time of the year,” Groustra said.
Renay Groustra will make his Origin of Trails debut in Stellenbosch after taking a break from competitive cycling. Photo: Supplied
“I want to get back into racing again and I feel this is a good opportunity to stretch my legs a bit. I’ve heard good things about the race.
“It seldom happens that a whole bunch of wonderful trails link up in one outing such as this one, so I’m excited to get out there to see what the fuss is about.”
After putting competitive cycling on the back burner for most of the year because of other commitments, Groustra hopes to touch base on the tracks again.
“I’ve used this season to ride more socially, with less of an agenda. I felt I needed to live my life a little differently. Now I’m beginning to ride more seriously again.”
Heading into the race, won by Christoph Sauser and Robyn de Groot last year, Groustra is a little unsure about his form.
“I haven’t competed in months,” the Cape Town resident said. “I have no clue about the shape I’m in. I hold no high hopes.
“I will just go out for as long and hard as I can. Once I know where I stand, I will take it from there.”
The 31-year-old, who won the Wines2Wales in 2012 and Knysna 200 in 2014, hopes to have fun pushing his limits.
“For now, it’s not about the result. It’s more about seeing what I can achieve without worrying too much about the competition.
“I’m familiar with some of the trails, because I’ve started a new job in Stellenbosch and that’s where my training has taken place.
“Some parts of the steeper trails in Jonkershoek are rather technical, but I’m fairly confident. I have put quite a bit of focus on Enduro riding this year, so I’m more at ease about the steeper gradients.
“It’s the kind of cycling I enjoy. It will give me the opportunity to ride on more progressive trails that one might not find in other races.
“That’s another big reason I’m lining up for this race.”
Ariane Lüthi will also line up for the event – read her story here.
