The tactics Active Bodies used at the Double Century race worked superbly when they defended their title in Swellendam today, according to Andrew Hill.
Hill, who was part of the 12-man team, said they planned to set a good pace in the first section and not punch through too quickly on their roll through.
“We arrived at the first tech zone with all our riders so that was a good goal to achieve. We then passed the guys who started just in front of us, so we knew we had made up time.”
The 12-man Active Bodies team defended their title at the Double Century in Swellendam today. Photo: Twitter/Coronation DC
Hill won the 202km time-trial alongside Gustav Basson, Shaun-Nick Bester, Reynard Butler, Dylan Girdlestone, Clint Hendricks, Jayde Julius, HB Kruger, Kent Main, David Maree, Bradley Potgieter and Willie Smit.
He said they had no need to make any major changes in tactics.
“We had to change them a bit on the last stage when there was a headwind which put pressure on the stronger riders, but otherwise it was the same throughout.”
Hill added that they focused on having all 12 riders at the finish after three teammates fell away with 12km remaining.
“We kept them within 10 minutes of the last six riders who crossed the line in order to stick to the rules.”
The team suffered four punctures last year but fortunately did not have a repeat of that today.
“We didn’t have any mechanicals and nobody had punctures, which was great.”
Hill played a senior role in the team, helping his teammates leading up to and during the race.
“I also had my experience from racing and winning it last year, so it was nice to bring that into the team.”
He felt they worked well together and had a good mix of talent with himself, Kruger and Bester making up the mountain-bike rider contingent.
“Bradley was the leader and it was nice to have a good and experienced rider like him control things. If tempers flared or the guys became over-exuberant he could bring them back [in line],” said Hill.
He added that the team had to work hard and everyone was “super chuffed” with the win.
“We had a stronger team this year and in terms of defending the title, it always goes down very well.”
Hill felt it was great to ride for a purpose and it motivated them greatly to take part in the event for the children they were helping to support.
“It’s just to show them that if you put your head down to do something, anything is possible and also to bring positivity into their lives.
“They came to meet us at the finish, shook our hands and were part of a winning team. That really was great and the main goal for us.”
The team beat Alfa Body Works/Giant and Bluff Meat Supply into second and third respectively.
