Tour Down Under champion Daryl Impey felt “disappointed” with the number of riders who took part in the SA National Road Championships individual time-trial in Oudtshoorn yesterday.
The elite event saw only eight riders participate, down from 13 last year, with many of South Africa’s well-known prospects not competing.
Daryl Impey, pictured here, felt ‘disappointed’ with the number of riders who took part in the SA National Road Championships individual time-trial yesterday. Photo: Into Cycling
Nonetheless Impey went on to win his seventh SA National elite time-trial, clocking in a time of 52:37 for the three 14.6km-lap circuit – a minute faster than second-placed cyclist overall Stefan de Bod.
“It was nice to win, but it would have felt better if every rider was there,” Impey said. “I was a bit disappointed with the number of entrants.”
Although disappointed with the field, Impey said he normally did not focus on such issues.
“I always try to stay level-headed and not worry about all the other guys around me. It helps me stay focused.
“I try to go as fast as I can while keeping within my range,” he added.
Impey said the course yesterday did not pose any challenges, but that the conditions may have disadvantaged the riders who went last.
“The course was really straight forward,” he said. “There weren’t any real technical issues or challenges.
“But the wind started picking up on the last lap for the guys who went last, making it trickier and also slower.”
The heat, he said, was also harsh on the day. “It was super hot, which was a challenge. The course (43.8km) was possibly too long in those conditions.
