The 19-year-old Travis Barrett has been given the opportunity to lead his team and go for the win at the Tshwane Classic in Pretoria on Sunday.
The OfficeGuru cyclist, who competed in the race for the first time as a junior last year, said it would be very special for him if he was the one to pull off a victory for the team.
“I’m definitely feeling quite confident. I’ve had some good form and results in the last few races,” said Barrett.
Travis Barrett, 19, will lead the OfficeGuru team at the Tshwane Classic in Pretoria on Sunday. Photo: Megan Barrett
“Last year’s result was slightly disappointing as I ended fifth in the junior category. But that was partly my fault for not knowing where exactly the finish was.”
In the past he had played a supportive role to Ryan Harris and Dylan Girdlestone. But this weekend he would take the lead more.
“We do have a few cards to play and ultimately the way the race unfolds will decide who we ride for on the day.
“The main goal for us is to get the win. If anyone else is able to pull it off it will be just as special as me taking it,” said Barrett.
He felt their main strategy would be to remain observant and not let any dangerous moves get away unless they were well represented as a team.
“We’ll also be proactive and apply pressure to all other teams where possible. Communication and staying together will be key if we want to win.”
Barrett and his team, which includes Alexander Worsdale, Alwyn Steenkamp and Josh van Wyk, did a full recon of the 98km route during the week.
“It’s changed slightly and after doing the training ride I think it could play out slightly differently, but fortunately I’m going into it much more prepared [than previously],” said Barrett.
The Edenvale local said there was still a mixture of long, flat sections on the highway and short, steep climbs which he felt suited his strengths.
“The biggest obstacle will definitely be the wind on the long section of the highway back into town.
“We’ll need to stay together and protect one another. Our positioning in the lead-up to the famous Tom Jenkins, as well as on it, will be vital.”
Barrett, who placed fourth overall in last month’s Satellite Classic, said he looked forward to racing on roads they rarely rode on.
“This always creates an interesting dynamic. The total road closure also means we can focus entirely on the racing and not have to worry about vehicles getting in the way when we’re overtaking the bunch.”
Highlights for him this year included a seventh place at the Jock Classic, a fifth at Race for Victory and another seventh at the National Classic Cycle Race.
“After this weekend my main goal is the 947, where I managed to win the junior category last year and came eighth overall. Hopefully I can better those results.
“After that I’ll take a bit of time off before starting preparations for the Mpumalanga Tour in January and then the national road championships,” said Barrett, who is a BCom student at the University of Pretoria.
