Having just returned from a successful ride in the 373km Desert Dash, Nolan Hoffman feels confident about his form heading into the Paarl Boxing Day track event on December 26.
“My form is good. I finished sixth in the solo race at the Desert Dash which is not bad for a roadie, so I’m in a good space.”
He added that he was always a bit nervous going into the event as there was so much that could happen.
Nolan Hoffman feels confident about his form heading into the Paarl Boxing Day track event on December 26. Photo: Moses Candido Venceslau
“You’re never sure which are the right moves to follow.
“The title of being race favourite is also really challenging. No one gives me an inch on the track, so I have to be smart.
“I think in terms of competition Jonas Rickeart will be the biggest threat. Then there are locals Bernard Estherhuizen, Graeme Ockhuis, Clint Hendricks and Steven van Heerden, to name a few.”
Hoffman, who has seven wins under his belt, said this had always been a big race for him.
“This event is where I gained a lot of popularity in the Boland and Cape Town areas. It’s a great honour to share the Minnaar Trophy with really big names of the sport.
“Another win will cement my name amongst the legends.”
Hoffman said this event had “such a rich history” and was the biggest in the country.
“To ride in front of a 5 000-strong crowd is difficult and nerve-racking, so you have to keep your cool and focus on the race only.
“I’ve been a favourite to win every year and everyone watches me only, so I can’t really let my tactics get out there in the open.”
He felt that with the event being awarded UCI status it would boost its image internationally.
“It will also attract more riders from outside Africa in the future, but it is still unique and will stay big in SA.
“On the day it will definitely make the racing harder, but national pride and locals wanting to win will balance everything out.”
