Jayde Julius will be hoping to increase his lead in the Road Cycling Series standings with a top result at the National Classic Cycle Race at Carnival City, Brakpan, on Sunday.
With only three events left this season Julius tops the overall elite men’s standings with 380 points, 14 clear of his teammate Gustav Basson.
Jayde Julius (pictured) will be hoping to increase his lead in the Road Cycling Series standings with a top result at the National Classic Cycle Race at Carnival City today. Photo: Daphney Dupre/Tour de Maurice
The ProTouch rider holds the lead not so much for victories achieved as for his consistently good results.
“It’s been a long and hard season. I’ve actually never raced with the thought that I was leading the series,” Julius told In the Bunch today.
“It came as a shock to me. The team actually brought it to my attention that I have been the most consistent rider in South Africa [so far].
“It’s a great sign that I’ve had a good season for which I’m grateful and humbled,” he said, adding that ending the season strongly would be a “bonus”.
He said he expected a flat and fast race along the 125km route.
“It’s something for the sprinters. I’ve considered that. I’m more of a GC rider and I do have a bit of a sprint in me but I think I’ll be racing more for the team.
“I’m always there as a card to play and I’m looking forward to the race. We’ll be hoping to take the Road Cycling Series home towards the end. That would be lovely.”
Julius said the team would primarily roll their dice in the form of Basson and Reynard Butler.
“They’re always there in the sprint,” he said. “From my experience at the race it always comes down to a bunch kick forming a small group towards the end.
“There’s a drag that kicks up where you don’t expect anyone to win or anyone just to slip off the front.
“We have a few cards to play and obviously BCX are riding really strongly, but that sort of counts in our favour because we’re quite excited for some hard racing.
“We have some good back-up when it comes down to the line.”
His other teammates are James Fourie, Myles van Musschenbroek and Mitchell Eliot.
“I’m confident of finishing any race but it’s also about the combination being there [in support],” Julius said.
“I’m looking forward to the race. I’m ready and I’m looking forward to scoring [points] again.”
