German Sebastian Stark will be aiming for another top-10 result when he competes in the 60km race at The MTB Challenge in Kylemore tomorrow.
Sebastian Stark will be aiming for another top-10 result at The MTB Challenge in Kylemore tomorrow. Photo: Xavier Briel
The 32-year-old, who currently lives in Newlands, said this was the second time he would be competing in the event.
“My sixth place from last year is my best and only result so far.
“I’ve struggled during the last month or so with being sick on and off so my expectations are not too high. If I can repeat last year’s result that would be great.”
Stark said he could feel in training that his form was improving steadily.
“Though I think it will take another one or two weeks to be in really good shape. I’m looking forward to the race. In any case, it’s a good test to see where I am.”
He added that he had ridden some of the route before, but partly in reverse direction.
“It’s definitely going to be fun, though natural terrain generally suits me more than purpose-built trails.”
Regarding obstacles, Stark said if it was going to be a fast start like last year then it might be a problem for him because he tended to struggle with those.
“There’s not much I can do about it apart from staying relaxed. Besides, it’s a challenging route and if it gets hot on race day this can add extra difficulty. But this is all going to be the same for everyone.”
Aside from the Cape Epic, this will be his last race in South Africa before returning to Germany after having spent a year and a half in Cape Town.
“My personal highlight will be to enjoy the trails in the Stellenbosch/Boschendal area for a last time in a race,” said Stark, who rides for the German-based Bauer-Werner team.
“This year I’ll carry on focusing on mountain biking.
“Maybe I’ll do a few road races back home in Germany, but that’s something I’ll decide later.”
