Dylan Rebello is a little unsure what to expect as he prepares for Saturday’s 80km Knysna Cycle Tour MTB race, but he hopes to finish on the podium.
Dylan Rebello is a little unsure what to expect as he prepares for Saturday’s 80km Knysna Cycle Tour MTB race, but he hopes to finish on the podium. Photo: Zoon Cronje
The Team Imbuko-Momsen rider, who finished fifth last year, now faces an imposing field that includes Gert Heyns, Matt Beers and HB Kruger.
“Those are all big guys. The race should be a real muscle match,” Rebello told In the Bunch today.
“My goal is to see how my form is. I wrote exams a few weeks ago so it’s not perfect.
“It will be interesting to see where I am ahead of the SA champs [on July 14]. I feel confident, but I am not entirely sure about the other guys; where they stand.
“I suspect the kind of racing we’ll do in Knysna might suit them better. To be honest, I don’t really know what to expect. But I would like a podium position.”
His chances may even be better this year. “Last year I did not take a rest after the Cape Epic [in March]. I was still tired. This year I did take some time off and focused on my exams.
“I am more rested this time. It could count in my favour because I should have more explosive energy.
“But it’s difficult to judge how my form will hold because I have not raced for a few weeks; and not against these guys since, I think, April.”
The race is normally “made” over the last 20 to 30km, Rebello said. “That is around the back of Simola. The race should heat up there.
“It will be important to preserve as much energy as possible before that section, without falling too far back.
“The last 30km consists of many ups and downs and a few drags here and there. If you’re tired there, you can lose a lot of time.”
After the national championships next month, Rebello will focus on events such as the 3 Towers from September 28 to 30, the Berg and Bush ‘Descent’ from October 5 to 7 and the Wines2Whales Race from November 2 to 4.
“I normally focus on stage races,” he said. “Right now it is more about building up towards the second half of the season. Wines2Whales will probably be my main aim.”
