Dusty Day secured his first win in the 116km race at Ride for Sight, which took place in Boksburg today.
“This is probably my 12th time competing. I’ve had some podiums in the past but this was the first time I’ve won the race,” Day said.
“My brother [Tyler] has won it before though.”
Day said he felt great and had had “so much fun” today.
“Heading into the race, the team and I always try and go for the win,” said the Barzani Pro rider.
“Expectations are for the team to succeed.”
Day said the race was quite fast, with a finishing average speed of more than 45km/h.
“Our team were represented in all the big moves. With about 25km to go, a move was forced by ProTouch and I found myself with one of my teammates Ruan Pieterse in a 15-man-strong breakaway.
“My brother and our other teammate Nico Thiart kept things in place in the bunch.
“At 15km to go, ProTouch saw our gap was significant enough to start attacking. There were ongoing attacks until the last 2km when the teams realised it was going to be a sprint amongst the breakaway riders.
“The Ride for Sight is well known for it’s tricky left-right finish, but luckily we know the finish well. Ruan led me out perfectly and Jayde Julius [of ProTouch] was on Ruan’s wheel. I managed to outsprint Jayde and I guess that was that.”
Day added that the whole race was “pretty uncomfortable”, with plenty of fighting for position.
“Also, a lot of focus was needed during the race, which really drains you mentally.
“We’re a four-man team and it’s not a lot compared to the other teams, so we try and race smart. So when following attacks from the other big teams we have our work cut out for us.
“In the last 25km we definitely rode smart to try and not get set back by all the attacks.”
He added that the highlight for him was obviously the win at the end and sharing the experience with Ruan Pieterse, who was a new rider for the team.
“Like always, all Glory to God and a big thanks to my teammates and support system, you all know who you are. It’s not an individual win it’s always a team effort.”
Looking ahead, Day said he was starting a new venture this year in his home town Klerksdorp by joining Cycles United and upgrading his current cycling shop, UN LTD Cycling.
“It’s quite a big opportunity for me as a cyclist to be able to work in a field that I love. I’ll have to juggle these responsibilities with going big in the 100 Miler series and the rest of the road race season.
“I’m also looking forward to the longer endurance events this year. I love endurance racing – it’s just my thing.”
