Tyronne White says he would dearly love to defend his title at the Wartburg MTB Classic in Wartburg, KwaZulu-Natal, tomorrow.
Tyronne White feels ready to defend his title in ‘deceptively tough’ Wartburg MTB Classic. Photo by Anthony Grote
This year marks the sixth time that White, 35, will be competing in the 65km event, which he describes as “deceptively tough”.
“I would love to win the [Quattro ROAG MTB] series again but I’m sure I will be up against some stiff competition,” said White, who won the series last year.
“Wartburg is a deceptively tough course and one where having strong legs and a good day will definitely lead to a good result,” White told In the Bunch.
“Combined with the heat and climbing, it’s about managing your efforts well through the 65km.”
Started in 2012, the 10-event series offers a cash prize of R25 000 for both the overall winning male and female athletes in the mountain-bike category.
The winners of the series are decided by a Grand Prix-style points system, with each rider required to compete in at least six of the events.
The final results are based on the best six results. Elite riders take part in events from 40km to 65km, while other age categories ride in races ranging from 15km to 65km.
Though he is sure he will face tough opposition, White says he is ready to give it his all.
“I feel pretty good at the moment. We had a great December with a lot of people around to ride with and enjoy time on the bike, so hopefully that will transfer into good race legs.
“It’s a very hard race and I’m sure the competition will be tough again this year, so I will just give it my best and hope to have a strong ride.”
