David Maree staked a convincing claim to a spot at this year’s Olympics after being crowned the elite men’s winner at the SA Omnium Track Championships in Paarl yesterday.
David Maree was crowned the elite men’s winner at the SA Omnium Track Championships in Paarl yesterday. Photo: Owen Lloyd
Maree said it felt great to have won an event where he had enjoyed several victories in the past and which had always been good to him.
“My goal was to win. There is quite a bit riding on this as it is an Olympic event and this event was part of the selection [process],” said the 30-year-old, who came second in the scratch and elimination but first in the tempo and points.
Maree said the fact that the event counted for Olympic qualification was probably the biggest motivating factor for him to go as hard as he did.
“I believe this was even more important than winning the omnium at continental champs in Egypt last month.
“It should put me on top of the list for Tokyo, but you never know how selection goes. All I know is I gave it my all and hope it’s enough to secure me the spot.
“It’s a tough race and the competition is really strong, so it was a tough battle.”
Maree felt that overall the event played out pretty much as he had expected.
“I didn’t do too much in the other races, saving for the points where you can gain or lose a lot of points.
“I banked on most of the races being sprints and I have got some good speed at the moment and most of the races worked out.”
He added that he did not finish outside the top two in any of the events.
“You only lose two points coming second, so it is sometimes a gamble to maybe lose two points but save your legs for the points race – where the race is always decided.”
Maree said going into the last event he and Joshua van Wyk were tied on 116 points with Steven van Heerden and Nolan Hoffman third and fourth.
“They were my main competition and you can’t count any of them out. All you need is to win one or two sprints or take a lap then you are back on top. So you have to watch every move and make sure nobody scores big points and you miss out.”
Hoffman ultimately claimed second position, with Van Heerden completing the podium.
Maree, who rides for Team Enza, felt he had had a good season thus far.
“I’ve only lost one race on the track and have managed to finish in the top-three in two of the opening road races.
“I had a mechanical at Berge & Dale, so I could not test myself there.
“I’m hoping to continue my lucky streak going into the Tour of Good Hope this week, and then Sunday’s Cape Town Cycle Tour where we’ll be looking to take another win with our sprinter Nolan.”
