Aidan Connelly will use the Longmore Classic as a pre-season tester when he makes his debut in the race at Crossways Farm Village outside Port Elizabeth on Sunday.
The 50km mountain-bike race will be the 20-year-old’s final event of the year.
“It [2019] will be my biggest season to date with some big races thrown into the mix such as my first Attakwas, which I’m really looking forward to.
“The Knysna Bull, PE Plett and Herald MTB Race will also be on the calendar and will make for a busy, but super groovy start to the year.”
The Longmore Classic will be a pre-season tester for Aidan Connelly when he makes his debut in the event at Crossways Farm Village on Sunday. Photo: Chad.Creative
The BikeShop-Scott-Strocam rider, who won the Dr Evil Classic alongside Rogan Smart earlier this year, felt this weekend’s event would be a good race to test out his early pre-season form.
“The goal is to go out there and see how the body is feeling and of course also to have some fun,” said Connelly.
He added that although it would be more of a season tester than a training ride, the two would double up on this occasion, with “every race on the calendar being an important one”.
Connelly said the Longmore Classic was an event he had wanted to do “for a while now”.
“It’s a popular race amongst the local cycling fraternity who are showing quite a bit of interest.”
A new winner will be crowned due to defending champion Marco Joubert not attending, and Connelly felt excited at the prospect of a podium finish due to the race suiting his strengths as a rider.
“It will be short and fast with a fair amount of climbing and will make for some awesome riding. I enjoy racing these shorter distances, so I’m super excited.”
He added that his overall performance on the bike had “definitely improved” this year, especially after coming on board with Dr Mike Posthumus.
Connelly said there were many highlights from this year, with each race having a special memory attached to it.
“I’m pretty happy with my results on the bike, but there is always room for improvement and I’m super blessed and thankful to have the privilege to ride and race.
“Improving my overall performance is the main goal right now. Both mental and physical fitness are equally important.”
