Illovo Eston MTB Race

Quite an early start compared to the previous weekend. The race started at 8AM, but with the Eston race there is always a long que for parking which can make it a bit harder to get everything done in time. Nevertheless, we were on time and ready.

I didn't know how my body would feel on the day because of very late nights in the past week doing school work but I decided to go and have fun on my bicycle.
My start went alright but with the King Of The Mountain being almost 3km's into the race it was a very fast pace up front. I fell back quite a few places but managed to settle into a nice pace with fellow BMC rider, Bianca Haw. I tried to ride a bit harder and away from her and managed to do so for only a short while were i caught up to Eszter from VELO Life-Bergamont. In the last 3km's Bianca caught me and beat me on the home straight where she had a sprint finish with Kendall Ryan(Jeep).

I learnt that the body really can't perform when it is tired. The scenery and course was absolutely amazing and really a great ride. With me not feeling hundreds, I managed to finish 2nd in the Juniors. I don't know how but i am happy and also for Alan Hatherly(BMC-SA) who won the juniors and whose form is cleary coming on superbly for the XCO World Championships later in August.

Thank you to everyone for the support and also VELO Life.

 

Jaco Pelser