Craig Boyes will make a return to The MTB Challenge, formerly known as the Cape Town Cycle Tour MTB Challenge, after a five-year hiatus when the race takes place in Kylemore tomorrow.
Craig Boyes will make a return to The MTB Challenge when the race takes place in Kylemore tomorrow. Photo: Jetline Action Photo
The 29-year-old competed in the race several times when he was younger.
“I’m super excited to come back this year,” said Boyes, who will line up for the 60km event at the Banhoek Conservancy.
“I have no huge goals really. I would like to see if can finish in the top 10. I would be happy with that.”
He added that he felt fit at the moment and had been doing a lot of road racing over the past few weeks which had gone well.
“But mountain biking is different and anything can happen.
“I know the area though as I’ve spent some time riding the trails, so I have a good idea of what’s to come. There are lots of ups and downs, but I still love the singletracks.
“The fast and hard starts in mountain bike races hurt me a little, so I’ll just ride my own pace and try to limit my time losses.”
He added that he was looking forward to riding in the Banhoek area.
“We stay in an amazing part of the world. We just forget to look around sometimes.”
Boyes, who won the 99er Cycle Tour last month, will also be doing the Cape Town Cycle Tour road race next Sunday.
“I will do my best to crack the top 10. That would be amazing.
“I think this year could be my ninth or 10th time I’ve participated. My best placing is 12th if I recall correctly.”
Boyes says this year he will continue to focus on a mixture of both disciplines.
“I’ll try my best to do a few more MTB races, which I started with and then road took over a little bit.
“To be honest I just love riding my bike altogether.
“It’s not about winning or losing. As long as I’m having a good time I’m happy,” said the Stellenbosch local.
