Vander Group’s Tristan Cuthbert hopes the team can make an impact when they take part in the Kremetart Cycle Race in Limpopo on Saturday.
The team was established in September 2016 and only began to come into its own this year.
In the process they have signed several riders, including stalwart Bradley Potgieter.
“As a new team we are still learning the ropes and how to work well with each other,” Cuthbert said. “We will just have to try to stick together and have good communication throughout the race.
“I will be in the mix to give support to our chosen rider. Other than that we will have to keep our communication up to find out how we are feeling on the day.
“It will be important for us to give each other as much motivation as possible.”
Vander Group’s Tristan Cuthbert hopes the team can make an impact when they take part in the Kremetart Cycle Race. Photo: Supplied
Cuthbert believes a big climb near the beginning of the 175km race poses the team’s first main obstacle.
“First and foremost is to get over that climb,” he said. “As a team we would then have to work together from there.
“After the climb the race will have a rolling route with some cross winds. Luckily, my legs are feeling fresh and I think I am good at riding in the gutter.
“The winds and the rolling ups and downs do not bother me too much either. The finish is fast, which will be good for me as a sprinter.”
Cuthbert, 20, expects the obvious tough competitors such as BCX and ProTouch to pose a threat, but said for his team their main battle would initially be to reach their own standards.
“In my mind, the main competition is myself,” he said. “If the team and I give 110 per cent then we can be satisfied.
“My form is getting there; I have had a few good one-day races after a slight dip in form.
“I am in my building block again and I am feeling pretty satisfied.”
The Kremetart came at a good time in the season, Cuthbert added. “It will provide good race miles ahead of the Swadini Tour [June 15 to 17].
“After Swadini I will be heading to Europe where I will be based in Sittart in the Netherlands, where I will take part in many criterium races.”
