Rohan du Plooy will be looking to ride strategically when he tackles the 106km Herald Cycle Tour Road Race in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.
The Alfa Bodyworks-Giant rider, who won the Stellenbosch Cycle Tour in December, said his primary goal would be to “assist my team the best I can”.
“As a team we have a few different cards to play,” Du Plooy told In the Bunch today. “This makes it easier to approach the race, because we can change our strategies when it comes down to different scenarios.
“I would like to help the team out as much as possible and if our approach changes it would be great to go for the win.”
Rohan du Plooy, pictured here in front, will be looking to ride strategically when he tackles the Herald Cycle Tour Road Race in Port Elizabeth on Sunday. Photo: Owen Lloyd
Du Plooy said he had taken some valuable lessons from his third place in last year’s race.
“It will be important to be more attentive and not miss any important moves throughout the race.
“The weather conditions are unpredictable, so it will be important to always know what’s going on. I will have to take my opportunities where I can.
“Most of the times the race ends in a bunch sprint, so it will be nice to mix it up a bit.”
The route, Du Plooy said, was one of his favourites. “I like the changes in gradient throughout. I feel it suits me.
“There are a few climbs in between and there is always a possibility of a wind coming up in the middle parts.”
Du Plooy says he enjoys PE’s “unexpected weather”.
“There is normally always wind in PE. I enjoy riding in wind. It looks like rain could fall [on Sunday] as well, and I like those unexpected challenges.
“The ride into the finish is always very fast which is, for me, enjoyable too.”
Du Plooys feels last year’s winner Nolan Hoffman and Clint Hendricks, both from Team BCX, will be the biggest threats.
“They have a versatile team this year. They’re used to competing in different types of races.
“If it comes down to a bunch sprint, Nolan and Clint will stand a good chance. If it’s a small select group, they also have a few other riders who could push through.”
Saying he felt confident ahead of the race, Du Plooy added, “Being one of my favourite races, I have a bit of an expectation within myself.
“The team, with six of us taking part, is going well and that always spurs up my motivation. There will be something to work towards if the race doesn’t go well for me.
