Arno du Toit is hoping to garner valuable UCI points at the first SA MTB Cup Series cross-country event of the season in Bloemendal, Bellville, this weekend.
The event, which boasts a record number of entrants this season, will comprise two races, one on Saturday and the other on Sunday. Riders have the option of taking part in either or both.
According to the organisers 404 riders have already entered the race, even before any late sign-ups.
That betters the previous record for an SA national cross-country event of 380 entrants, which took place in Tokai, Cape Town, in 1998.
DSV’s Arno du Toit (pictured) is hoping to garner valuable UCI points at the first SA MTB Cup Series cross-country event, which boasts a record number of entrants. Photo: Meraki Media
Du Toit, one of the highest-ranked South African mountain-bikers in both the cross-country and marathon disciplines, said he would ride in both events as they provided an opportunity to gain some valuable points.
“The two-day format is a bit different; I haven’t heard of that happening anywhere else in the world so it will be a good opportunity for everyone,” Du Toit told In the Bunch today.
“If more Europeans knew about it, more of them would be here. It’s so hard already to get UCI points that two back-to-back races will be really good for us to chase points.
“I heard many of the international guys will only take part in one race, so it will be interesting.”
Top international riders such as Denmark’s Simon Andreassen, New Zealand’s Sam Gaze, Switzerland’s Matthias Stirneman and Brazil’s Henrique Avancini are set to participate.
With the event being held over two days, Du Toit believes it is a good opportunity to measure himself against some of the world’s best.
“There will be a lot of strong competition and I heard the field is going to be very big.
“It’s awesome to have so many Europeans coming out to race. It will be a good opportunity to gather some points and race at that level on our home tracks.”
The DSV rider maintained some good form during the off season, finishing fourth at the UCI-graded 121km Attakwas Extreme MTB Challenge two weeks ago.
He said it would be a fascinating battle out on the cross-country course, the first of the season.
“It will be interesting to see where everyone is at and what everyone has done over the off season.
“Many riders are in new teams, including myself, so that somehow adds a bit of pressure, but at the same time it also takes pressure off. When things run smoothly within the team it makes it a lot easier on race day.”
Du Toit added that he has some knowledge of the route, which he said could be an advantage for the local riders.
“I think the course suits me quite well; there are a few loose corners and I like that.
“The climbing isn’t too hectic or steep and there’s one technical climb which I enjoy. The rest [of the track] is quite open, fast and flowing.”
