South African Byron Munton is keen to learn from the bigger cycling nations when he takes part in his maiden UCI Road World Championships in Yorkshire, United Kingdom, next week.
The 20-year-old has been included in the U23 contingent of the national team alongside Marc Pritzen and Jason Oosthuizen.
“I think the biggest thing is to learn from the other riders – what they are doing – and to adapt accordingly.
“Being my first time participating, everything is going to be new for me. I would just like to represent my country to the best of my ability.”
South African Byron Munton will compete in his maiden UCI Road World Championships in Yorkshire, United Kingdom, next week. Photo: El Peloton
He added that any exposure to racing with the best would affect one positively.
“It will either open up new opportunities or give you something to work towards.”
Munton, who will compete in the individual time-trial on the 24th and road race on the 27th, said due to the amount of racing and time in between races he had not had much opportunity for any specific training.
“I’ve spent as much time as possible on the time-trial bike throughout the year.
“For the road race I think the most important thing is to have lots of racing in the legs and good experience riding in the peloton.
“I feel this year’s course can suit different types of riders and will come down to tactics or who has saved the most energy for the final laps around Harrogate.”
He added that for the time-trial he would try to get as much route recon and analysis done beforehand as possible.
“I think it’s going to be a challenging course to pace correctly.
“For the road race we will discuss tactics with the team’s director closer to the time. The race can be heavily influenced by the weather.”
Munton, who enjoyed an international stint with Gsport earlier this year, said the road world champs would be his last two days of racing in Europe for the 2019 season.
“There’s an extra boost of motivation to try and finish on a good note before returning home.
“It’s also been one of the goals at the top of my list since I started cycling.
“To be able to represent your country at the highest level of any sport is a dream for most athletes.”
He added that this year had been quite a step up for him in terms of the number of race days he had had.
“I’ve had good sensations in the last few races I’ve done, especially on the time-trial bike.
“I’m hoping it all comes together well for race day,” said Munton, who won the Campeonato C.Valenciana individual time-trial in Nules, Valencia, in June.
