Shaun-Nick Bester plans to defend his title at the National Classic Cycle Race mountain-bike event this weekend.
It is a race with positive symbolic significance for him as a year ago it marked his triumphant return to full fitness and top form after injury.
The race, from Carnival City in Brakpan, comprises road and mountain-bike events. Last year Bester took part in both, winning the mountain-bike version and placing sixth in the road race.
Shaun-Nick Bester plans to defend his title at the National Classic Cycle Race mountain-bike event this weekend. Photo: Supplied
Bester rode for a pro-Continental team in Portugal for two years before returning to South Africa after suffering a serious crash in August last year. His calf was lacerated and he had to receive eight stitches.
He then reverted to mountain-biking for the first time in two years when he featured in the Tour de Plett on October 7 last year where he came third, before winning his first race since his return at the National Classic event.
“Last year I won it in my first attempt and I’d like to do the same this weekend,” Bester told In the Bunch today.
“I thought I wasn’t going to be able to cycle again after the crash last year, but to my surprise it healed quite quickly. The National Classic was my first win after returning home.”
The Silverback Bikes rider said he would still “take part in a few road races” in the foreseeable future, but would continue to focus on the mountain-bike discipline.
He last competed on the tarmac in the 947 Cycle Challenge in November last year, a race he said he usually tried to set as his goal.
“That’s always been a big focus point during my season,” Bester said, adding that he frequently finished in the top-10 but had just not been able to crack a podium position.
“Obviously without a road team it is quite difficult, but I don’t think it’s impossible.”
Before that, though, Bester hopes to strike twice at the National Classic on Saturday.
“I think my form is quite good and I’m looking forward to it. It’s a nice fast and flat route, so tactics do play a part.
“Last year my average speed was about 30km/h. It will be important to stay at the front of the bunch and not let any of the other pros in [over] the first few kilometres – at least not until the speed has settled.
“Other than that I will analyse the race [on the day] and decide from there what I’m going to do.”
Bester added that he had to be confident ahead of a race, otherwise he simply would not take part.
“I either go flat-out for the win or I don’t go at all.”
