With a number of wins under his belt this year, Andrew Hill is ready to face the pressure of defending his Route 66 MTB Experience title when the event takes place at the Cradle of Humankind in Muldersdrift from Friday.
Andrew Hill says he is looking forward to some tough racing as he defends his Route 66 MTB Experience title. Photo: TIB media
“There’s the pressure each time you go into a race as a favourite. It has its benefits as well as its downfalls,” Hill told In the Bunch.
“At the same time it’s a three-day stage race so I just have to keep out of trouble and make sure I cover all the bases.”
The event is a three-day mountain bike stage race which starts on Friday and ends on Sunday.
In last year’s event the 37-year-old won two of the three stages, giving him the overall lead and the champion’s crown.
“Going by last year it was quite a tough route. Each day is pretty similar in terms of singletracks.”
With the pressure on as favourite for the event, Hill will be wary of the other riders.
“Obviously you have to keep an eye on who attacks first.
“I will see who’s there, respond to the moves and put the guys under pressure where I feel that my strengths are.
“I think it’s definitely good to go into the second and third day with a bit of a lead.”
The TIB Insurance rider says his main concerns for the event would be to keep an eye on his equipment and weather developments over the three days.
“I just need to keep my bike upright and make sure there are no mechanicals and look after the equipment in terms of riding and not breaking anything.
“Hopefully the weather plays its part.”
Hill says he is looking forward to some good, tough racing.
“Coming back to this event was a good choice. Having been the winner last year it’s nice to go back and defend a title.
“Last year I really enjoyed the hospitality and festive atmosphere. I also enjoyed the route. It was a really good three days of tough riding.
“It will be good to come to the Highveld and race. It’s nice racing up there as it’s always different.”
