Jaco Pelser: Hilton Dirt Fest

It's shocking to realize how fast time really goes... Last year this time i was just getting back into my cycling and recovering from a bit of flu before this race and only got a 19th place overall(45km). Well this year things would be a bit different because of my switch onto the road and doing a bit more road racing, but as the season for road got a bit quieter i decided that i will do a few mtb races in the end of the year.

I only rode my mtbike 3times in 3months and then i rode it again 3times in the week leading up to the Dirt Fest. Just to get used to it again. It was quite a different experience, but on a BMC bicycle it is alway wonderful. Especially with the race being in my home town and local trails that i knew. It was such a honor riding in those forests with people that really don't have tracks like what we do. I was very surprised when i finished inside the top 10 after loosing 2places up the final climb into the beautiful school grounds of Hilton College where the race has been held for the past 3 years. It is the ideal venue and a great setting almost in the middle of all the routes. I can't wait for this race again next year where i will be riding the 70km as i will be in the u23 age category. Thanks to all my friends and support from Velo Life Cycling and to all the photographers

Thanks to Karlien Van Zyl for Cothe picture.