Candice Lill is aiming for the top step of the podium in tomorrow’s SA MTB Cup Series XCO race in Mbombela, having finished second last weekend.
“I learnt a few things from last time that I’ll apply which will hopefully make a difference. Otherwise I’ll just race hard, not hold back and have fun.”
The former dormakaba rider added that she was never really happy with second place in the third event of the series.
Candice Lill, who recently set her sights on racing abroad, is aiming for a win in tomorrow’s SA MTB Cup Series XCO race in Mbombela. Photo: Andrew McFadden/BOOGS Photography
“It was the week after joBerg2c, so I didn’t have the speed and was possibly carrying some fatigue. I hope to have more ‘snap’ in my legs this time.”
She added that the course at Mankele was fast and required speed and power. “To win you need to be smart and not waste energy unnecessarily and also stay safe in the technical sections to avoid a mechanical/crash.”
Lill said the course was a lot of fun, being fast and flowing with two prominent climbs and some jumps.
“I enjoy the short and powerful climbs and also the downhill section to the feed zone where you feel confident to leave the brakes and go.”
She was happy to be back competing in the cross-country series, having not raced in it for a year or two.
“I’ve had a great time and enjoyed the intensity and style of racing. I’m happy with my progress, but my goal is to win this one and also the SA XCO Champs.”
She added that with XCO racing you had to give your all throughout the race, so it required maximum effort for 90 minutes. “There is plenty of time to recover between the events. It’s not like a stage race.”
Lill, who recently set her sights on racing abroad, said she was not currently associated with a particular team but a few people had helped her out and made racing possible for her.
