Songezo Jim is preparing for one of the most hectic events of his cycling career, the 96km Fast One Cycle Race in Johannesburg on Sunday.
The Fast One is regarded as the fastest road race in South Africa and usually lives up to its name.
Songezo Jim is prepared for one of the most hectic races of his career, for the Fast One Cycle Race this weekend. Photo: Supplied
Jim, who rides for Sampada, expects a stern test. “The route is really flat and fast, and I’m a climber. It won’t really suit me,” he said today.
“My form is also not where it should be yet. Coming out of the off-season, I am not at my best.
“But my coach (Jeroen Swart) has made good plans to get my form up again.”
Jim said the Mpumalanga Tour last week had been a valuable part of his preparations for the start of the season.
“It gave me a nice foundation. It was the first stepping stone on my way back. I used it as training and came out of it stronger.”
Looking at the Fast One, he said his goal was to set up his teammate Prince Maseketo for a win.
“Prince is our sprinter and the Fast One ends in a bunch sprint most of the time, if not every time.
“It will be important for me to put in some good speed work and to help him where I can.”
The pace would not be the only decisive factor, Jim said. The riders would also have to make allowance for the wind.
“Knowing the directions of the wind and where on the route we could use the wind to our advantage will be vital.”
He expects the BCX riders to pose the biggest threat. “I rode against them last week. You can never underestimate Clint Hendricks, Nolan Hoffman and Chris Jooste.
“They are excellent sprinters and this type of race suits them,” he said, adding that the standard of racing in South Africa had improved so much that any rider could win the title.
Jim’s Sampada teammates, Thokozani Mahlangu and Jan Montshioa, will miss the Fast One because they are representing South Africa in the Sharjah Tour.
“I’m really glad for them,” Jim said. “It’s great, for them and for our team. They should learn a lot over there and I hope they will share their knowledge with us when they get back.
“Thokozani did well to win the King of the Mountains title in the Mpumalanga Tour last week and Jan is also going well. They should make the most of the opportunity,” he added.
