Arno du Toit is hoping to continue his current good form when he takes part in the fourth SA Cup XCO Series event at the Mankele Bike Park in Mbombela on Saturday.
Du Toit finished second behind Alan Hatherly in both the last two events in the series, at Thaba Trails and the Cascades MTB Park respectively.
Arno du Toit is hoping to continue his current good form when he takes part in the fourth SA MTB Cup XCO Series event at the Mankele Bike Park on Saturday. Photo: Henk Neuhoff
In the first race held at Coetzenburg he was the third South African home and ninth overall among an international contingent which took part ahead of the Stellenbosch world cup a couple of weeks later.
“I am quite happy with how the season has gone so far and it is hard to go better,” Du Toit told In the Bunch today.
“Alan is a proper rider and I have so much respect for him. If I can come second again it will be really good. I will be happy with that.
“Other guys such as Jan [Withaar] and Stuart [Marais] will also be hungry for a good result. Everyone wants to end the season off strong.”
He said he enjoyed the Mankele course, which could bode well for his chances.
“I have a pretty good history racing on that track,” he said. “It is technical all the way around and it keeps you busy. I enjoy that.
“It is a real natural track. I have not been there recently and I am not sure if they have made changes to the course, but I have always enjoyed racing there in the past.
“I am thoroughly looking forward to it,” he added.
Du Toit said he felt good both in terms of his form and his fitness. “I had a really busy first half of the year after the Cape Epic, joBerg2c and sani2c [Race], so the previous cross-country event I rode with tired legs.
“I then took some time off and found some motivation again to build up to this race. I am feeling good and I am super excited.
“After this race I will be taking part in the Trailseeker Series next weekend, before I turn my main focus to the SA champs [on July 14].”
