HB Kruger said he was content with his second-place finish in the Amarider 100Miler in Malmesbury, Western Cape, yesterday.
HB Kruger felt satisfied with his second-place finish at the Amarider 100Miler in Malmesbury, Western Cape, yesterday. Photo: Supplied
Kruger lost out by just over six minutes to cycling legend David George in the 161km race, but said considering the circumstances the result was “not too bad”.
“I have been on and off with training over the last five weeks due to injury and some health issues,” Kruger told In the Bunch.
“Taking that into consideration, I do not feel too bad about my result. As a professional athlete you always want to win and get the best possible result for the sponsors, but unfortunately yesterday was not my best day.
“I will make sure I am able to build on this and will try to get on the top step [of the podium] in my next race.”
Kruger and George exchanged leads several times throughout the race.
“A group of eight of us riders stayed together for the first 52km before I went harder at the second water point and got away.
“David and James Tennant were able to follow, but on the descent of the climb I managed to create a bit of a gap.
“I rode on my own for the next 65km before David caught me just after the second-last water point on his cyclo-cross bike.”
The bike was a good choice considering the race conditions, Kruger admitted. “Considering the terrains being mostly open farm roads, it was a good choice.
“With about 20km to go, David was able to go hard and managed to get away. At that point I felt a bit of discomfort, so I rode at my own pace to the finish.”
Kruger felt George’s experience counted in his favour on the day. “I have raced against David many times as a youngster and in the race his experience and ability to read a race well came through.
“He had really good legs. Well done to him.”
The Ellsworth-ASG rider will now turn his attention to preparing for the SA National Marathon Champs on July 14.
