Mariske Strauss will use the fourth round of the SA MTB Cup Series XCO, taking place in Mbombela this weekend, as preparation for the Val di Sole world cup in Italy next month.
The Silverback OMX rider placed 55th in the Nove Mesto na Morave world cup last month and said she was looking forward to racing again.
“I’ve been training hard, so it’s looking good. I’m excited for some good hard racing.” She added that her tactics were normally to go as hard as she could for as long as possible.
Mariske Strauss won the third SA Cup Series XCO event at the Cascades MTB Park in Pietermaritzburg last weekend. Photo: BOOGS Photography/Andrew Mc Fadden
Strauss won the third round of the local cross-country series last weekend and said it went well considering she was feeling sick.
“I’ve been sick on and off for a long time. The last couple of weeks were the first time I’ve been training properly. I’m looking forward to seeing how it has helped and how my progression is coming along.”
She said it felt amazing to win and she was eager to push herself hard again this weekend, even though it would be more of a training event.
“I believe you have to control the controllable and race as hard as you can. I’m keen to get some racing fitness back.”
Strauss said she had been racing at Mankele Bike Park for the past six or seven years and knew it well.
“The course has changed over the years with a couple of extra rocks and roots exposed, but it’s nothing too serious.”
The 27-year-old felt the ladies competition in the series was growing, especially among the younger categories.
“It’s very exciting to see and to have a top field with strong ladies. I’m excited to go head-to-head against the best in the country.”
She felt it had been a successful year thus far in terms of the national series and she was happy to have been able to complete all of it.
“Once you put your wheel on the start line it’s kind of hard to tap off. That’s part of racing – you race your heart out and try to do your best. That’s just what I’m going to do.”
