Chris Jooste will adapt his strategy as he sets out to defend his Race for Victory title in Johannesburg on Sunday after route changes removed the climbs which are his forte.
Jooste, who won the 150km race in 3:45:17 last year, said this weekend’s event would take place on a shorter, flatter route.
“There are no climbs where you can make a difference, although last year the winning move wasn’t really made on the climbs. It was just forced in the windy sections.
“Mentally this made it easier knowing that the climbs were coming, so I still had the upper-hand on everyone,” Jooste said.
Chris Jooste will adapt his strategy as he sets out to defend his Race for Victory title in Johannesburg on Sunday. Photo: Supplied
The 23-year-old added that he would need to consider a different approach due to the absence of any significant climbs.
“It will be a lot more aggressive racing now.
“I also don’t have such a strong team around me this year, but the guys will still all be there to help me.
“We’ll make sure to do our best and leave everything out on the road.”
What still played in his favour was the fact that he had home ground advantage.
“I train on these roads every day and I know just about every metre of the route. Even though it doesn’t suit me 100 per cent in terms of my abilities, having the race in my backyard will definitely count.
“I’ll just have to race positively and have a strong mindset.”
Jooste felt satisfied with his form following a third-place finish in the recent Mpumalanga Tour.
“We had a good race there so I think this weekend will also be exciting. The morale is good following the tour, so now [I need] to push that forward and keep going.”
He added that the competition would be stiff and there was always a big field.
“It’s one of the oldest classics in the country, so a lot of prestige goes along with winning.
“The competition will be tough, especially as the route now lends itself more towards the sprinters and fast guys.”
Jooste said it was nice going into the race as defending champion, even though it came with a lot of expectations.
“I do always try and defend a title, although I don’t put major pressure on myself. But I won’t let the trophy go easily.”
