Nolan Hoffman is expecting a tough fight when he sets out to defend his Amashova Durban Classic title on Sunday.
If the 34-year-old succeeds it will be his record eighth victory in the race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
“I’m very nervous. I think this will be the toughest fight yet to try and retain a title I have won before,” said Hoffman.
Nolan Hoffman will set out to defend his Amashova Durban Classic title on Sunday. Photo: Henk Neuhoff
He added that he would really like to win, but knew it was going to be difficult.
“I will just take the race kilometre by kilometre.
“The distance will sort out the race on the route, so the best tactic to have is to survive the first 50km.”
Hoffman felt the first 50km would be the hardest to deal with ahead of the Valley of a Thousand Hills.
“I have a good idea of what the route will be like. I know it’s really hard and doesn’t suit the sprinters really.
“Going through the valley is the best part of the race if you’re with the front group.
“I like it because you climb at speed.”
With regards to the race organisers announcing that the elite categories for men had been shifted to the challenging 160km race, Hoffman said he felt this was a step in the right direction.
“I think it is needed to develop riders faster and lift the level of racing in the country.”
