Tiffany Keep will use tomorrow’s Mandela Day MTB Dash to test her form ahead of next month’s mountain bike world championships in Switzerland.
The 17-year-old, who was runner-up at last year’s event in Howick, said it was her penultimate race in South Africa before leaving for Europe.
“My goal is to go out and race my hardest. I want to do the best I can and cross the line happy with my performance, knowing I gave it my best shot.”
Tiffany Keep, who placed second last year, will use the Mandela Day MTB Dash to test her form before next month’s mountain-bike world championships in Switzerland. Photo: Silverback Volvo
She felt last year’s race went well as she managed to stick with eventual winner Bianca Haw for most of the 42km course.
“It was great to race against older riders who are more experienced. It taught me how to push myself to that level and was also a good learning experience.”
Keep, who recently won the junior cross-country half-marathon title at the national championships, said she was looking forward to riding to the best of her ability while getting her speed up in readiness for the world championships.
“The two main aspects I enjoy the most are the single-track sections and climbing. The single-track offers some respite from the challenging terrain, which makes crossing the finish line that much more rewarding.”
The Thomas More College matric pupil felt it would be tricky to keep a consistent pace throughout the undulating terrain.
“I’ll just try to remain focused on my own race and overcome any obstacles. If it wasn’t a challenge then everyone would do it.”
Keep said she was looking forward to racing against stiff competition. “It will be fun to compete against everyone again on the marathon side of things.”
The event, which starts and ends at the Mandela Capture Site, is held in honour of former president Nelson Mandela.
“It makes the event stand out to be named after someone who has left a great legacy within the country; it makes it very noteworthy,” said Keep.
