Mariske Mclean hopes to secure a second Winter Fast One title when she lines up at the Rand Water Grounds in Eikenhof on Sunday.
The 28-year-old, who finished last year’s 70km race in 2:40:48, said she went out hard at the beginning and paid for it later, but was fortunate to have a big enough gap to hang on to the lead until the end.
“From experience I know it takes me a while to get my rhythm but I’d have to go with any attacks from the start. I’m much stronger towards the end and I’ll use that to my advantage.”
Mariske Mclean, pictured here during the 3Mountains stage race, is aiming to defend her Winter Fast One title when she lines up at the Rand Water Grounds in Eikenhof on Sunday. Photo: George Stroebel
She added that she would like to control her race better this weekend and try to build a lead early on, but still have something left in the tank for the latter part of the race.
Mclean, who described herself as more of an endurance rider, said the route did not exactly match her style.
“This is a very flat and fairly open race and I’m out of my comfort zone, so I find it best to assess the situation when I get there and not over-think. My philosophy is ‘if in doubt, go fast’.
“I do enjoy the challenge though and it helps me up my pace since my current preparation is purely endurance-based and focused on next month’s Trans Baviaans.”
She added that she smiled whenever she encountered a technical section or singletrack as this was what made mountain-biking exciting and fun.
“There’s quite a bit of singletrack on the route and that helps me keep my focus. I’m stronger on the climbs, but time-trial riding is to my advantage from having a triathlon background.”
The Vanderbijlpark local felt happy with her current form and said this would be her first short race since joBerg2c in April.
“It’s always exciting to see what you’re capable of doing. I’m taking a risk and trying out new nutrition and it’s always a gamble as to how your body will react, but I’m hoping for the best.”
