Candice Lill says her debut win at the Cape Town Cycle Tour MTB Challenge on Saturday was an important one from a confidence point of view as she gears up for the Cape Epic later this month.
“Epic is an entirely different ball game and I don’t know if a one-day 60km race can really compare, but it showed me I’m on track to be ready for it.
“The racing made me excited for what’s to come in the Epic.”
Candice Lill claimed her debut win at the Cape Town Cycle Tour MTB Challenge in Klapmuts on Saturday. Photo: Facebook/@cycletour *FB
Lill said the event at Klapmuts was not a major priority for her, but winning any race still felt great.
“More than winning, what’s important is that I felt strong and fast on my bike. For me it was confirmation that my training has been working, which gives me good confidence.”
The 27-year-old found the route superb and said there was a good mix of fast and flat racing, climbs, trails and some off-camber corners where she had to concentrate.
“I’d say a course like this suits me because I’m neither a pure climber nor a purely flat rider.
“I like a route with punchy climbs, some tactical riding and tricky single-track.”
Lill said as they raced alongside the men the start was fast and furious.
“We raced pretty much flat-out from the gun and it was important to establish your place early on and hold it to the finish. That’s basically what I did.
“The last 500m was really enjoyable for me because I knew I was going to win. There was no pressure for a sprint or something else.”
She said fellow competitors Mariske Strauss, Jennie Stenerhag and Katie Lennard were all strong and classy riders.
“It’s not easy to outrace or outsmart them because everyone has different strengths.
“It’s mentally easier to be the one in front and not have to do the chasing. I know this from being in both positions many times.”
