Tyronne White hopes to maintain his unbeaten run when he lines up for the 60km race in the Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge at Gwahumbe Game Lodge and Spa on Sunday.
The Kamberg Classic, Berg 100 and Wartburg MTB Classic winner is also eyeing the top spot in this event, which will see a new winner in the men’s race due to defending champion Julian Jessop being absent.
“Julian not being there will definitely have an effect. He’s been riding extremely strongly and is an attacking rider which can make trying to hang on very painful,” said White.
Tyronne White hopes to maintain his unbeaten run when he lines up for the Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge on Sunday. Photo: Anthony Grote
“It does give me more of a chance of getting the win. However, I’m sure there will be a lot of other strong riders feeling the same way.”
The Ballitoville local said with the challenge forming part of the Roag series his aim was to try to end up with the best result possible to help towards his overall points tally.
“A win would be fantastic but it always depends on who is there. All I can do is give it my best.”
White, who was runner-up last year, said due to the venue switch one of the early climbs had been changed, which might result in a bigger front group being formed for the first part.
“This will make things interesting. Otherwise I’m not too sure what the new route will be like or whether it will suit me, but there’s no doubt it will be fun.
“No matter the result there will be a smile on my face at the end.”
The DriveTrain Academy rider, who missed the race a few times previously due to it clashing with joBerg2c, said he was glad not to be missing it this year.
“It’s tough to say who the competition will be on the day as there are so many strong KwaZulu-Natal riders, which is great for our local classics.
“Andrew Johnson has had a strong start to the season and always digs deep in the races so he will be one to watch. Dave Low has been riding strongly and has had good results at Mid-Illovo before.
“With the XCO riders Stuart Marais and Henry Liebenberg the race will be blown wide open. They are always up near the top of the SA XCO races so they will be extremely hard to beat.”
White felt it had been a good start to the season for him. He could not have asked for better.
“It’s definitely helped my confidence. All the races so far have been close and ended up in sprint finishes so they have been a lot of fun at the same time, which makes it even better.”
