Wessel Botha will be out to defend his title in the Trailseeker Series race in Cullinan, Gauteng, on Saturday. Photo: Milan de Beer Photography
Defending champion Wessel Botha is anticipating another tough challenge when the Trailseeker Series mountain bike race takes place in Cullinan, Gauteng, on Saturday.
The 21-year-old from Pretoria narrowly lost out to Pieter du Toit (Pyga-Euro Steel) at Sondela two weeks ago, but says his team, NanoTime, have definitely targeted top spot on the podium.
“Naturally, the team’s goal is always to go for the win and Nico Bell is also racing, so between us we are chasing the top spot,” said Botha.
Bell finished seventh in the Sondela event.
However, Botha added that the series was producing tough competition as there had been so little racing this year because of Covid-19.
“Since the end of lockdown, the Trailseeker Series has been the main option for many mountain bikers, so every event has been competitive.
“It’s great to have these races to focus on because it’s been a really difficult year with so many events being cancelled.”
Having won last year, Botha was not sure how much of an advantage it would be but was hopeful of some benefits.
“At least I know what the terrain is like, how the race will possibly unfold and where you can get away. So perhaps that will count in my favour this year.
“We haven’t checked the course, but I am sure it will be similar to last year, which was quite a rocky route with not too much climbing.
“I enjoyed the route but you do have to be careful at times because there are some narrow gulleys we go through and last year I cut my little finger and had to have stitches.”
After Du Toit shaded him at Sondela, Botha said his team needed to “race smart on Saturday”.
“I think it should be quite a tactical race, but we will naturally look for opportunities to get away before the finish. Otherwise we will take our chances in the final sprint.”
