Philip Buys is hoping for a competitive outing in the Trailseeker Series race at the Legends MX off-road venue in Pretoria on Saturday. Photo: Hayden Brown
Philip Buys will continue his preparations for 2021 when he lines up at the Trailseeker Series race at the Legends MX off-road venue in Pretoria on Saturday.
The 32-year-old, who competed in the 2012 Olympic Games, said he would not take the normal break at this time of the year due to the situation created by the Covid-19 lockdown.
“Everyone is more or less on the same page with regards to planning and fitness because of the year we have had,” said the Pyga Euro Steel mountain biker.
“There are two ways of looking at it. You want to take a break as part of your normal routine, but you also want to continue with the build-up to next year.
“I have decided to push through to next year as I had a few breaks during the hard lockdown, so I’m feeling fresh and motivated at this time.”
Buys, who placed fourth in last month’s Trailseeker events at Sondela and Cullinan, added that it was a perfect opportunity to get another race day under the belt as he lives in Pretoria and is reasonably familiar with the conditions.
“Obviously it’s been a weird season but my form is not too bad at the moment,” he said.
“I’m not in top shape to be as competitive as I would want to be, but I think I’m in good enough condition for this type of race.
“It’s close by and a convenient event to do, rather than just to go out on a training ride from my home.”
Buys said there was a strong incentive to win the race.
“You always enter with the aim of winning it, but I think it will be anyone’s game,” he said.
“All the Trailseeker races have been competitive because everyone is hungry for racing, so that helps to serve as motivation for some guys who might not be that strong.
“If you are hungry enough, you will suffer the pain to get the results.
“But what my competition do is not something I can control, so I will just focus on what I can control and if it ends up being a win, well that would be great.”
He felt his knowledge of the conditions might assist him.
“I have raced in that area so I know it reasonably well,” added Buys.
“I haven’t checked exactly what Saturday’s course is, but there are only so many trails they can use so it helps if you have a sense of the conditions you will face.”
