Marco Joubert is back in action – lots of action – and will line up for both the mountain-bike and road race at the Knysna Cycle Tour this weekend.
The 21-year-old, who has twice broken a collarbone this year, will compete for the first time in about ten weeks.
After the lengthy layoff, his training had gone well, Joubert said today.
Marco Joubert, who has been unable to race for a while because of injuries, will compete in the mountain-bike event as well as the road race at the Knysna Cycle Tour this weekend. Photo: Andre Nelson
“My coach Mike Posthumus and I have been working really hard. I have been able to ride my mountain bike only for the past two weeks but I’m happy that I didn’t lose too much form.”
Joubert first broke a collarbone during a trail ride at the beginning of the year when he fell off his bike and on his shoulder.
“After that it was a mad rush with rehab and getting back to form for the Cape Epic. I wasn’t supposed to race, but because it’s such a big event I just pushed through.
“Not many people know, but I sort of rode the Epic with a broken collarbone.”
However, in the rush to return, the collarbone did not heal properly. He went into another race and fell on his shoulder again when a woman ran out in front of him and he collided with her.
“The collarbone broke again and this time I knew what to do. We had a lot of time and I’m feeling good.”
Joubert hopes to finish on the podium this weekend, but intends to relax and take it as it comes. “I’ll see how I feel and not overcook it.”
He first competed in the Knysna Cycle Tour two years ago. Because his Imbuko-Momsen teammate Dylan Rebello is from that region, he was able to learn much about racing there and what to expect.
“I know there will be a lot of open district roads and jeep tracks. I think the pace is going to be fast with the likes of Matt Beers, HB Kruger, Declan Sidey and Gert Heyns in the race,” he said.
“They’re all big players and strong guys on the flats. I weigh a bit less and will be looking forward to climbs such as Simola in the road race. On the flats I’ll just hang on and stay with the group.”
The intensity and fast pace would be a challenge, he added. “Because I have not been racing, I’ll probably lack leg speed.
“But I believe body follows mind and when I’m in a good mindset, no matter my form, I can sort of push through. Now I’m in good form and in a good mental space.”
More than anything, he is looking forward to racing again. “It was supposed to be a big year for me, but unfortunately I haven’t been able to do a lot of racing. I’m stoked to be able to ride again.
“I won’t take any risks that could cause me to come off the bike again. I’ll do enough to get the best result I can,” he said.
