After a long and very successful campaign Max Knox of Team GHOST DOITNOW took some time out to collect himself and prepare for what may say are the biggest Mountain Bike events in Southern Africa next to the Cape Epic…..
Photo by Zoon Cronje
With loads of Support from Management, sponsors and many many days just looking at his Ghost Bike the time came to build for and exciting 4th quarter of the year and before Max knew is he was ready to tackle to MTN Series Race held at Hilton in Kwazulu Natal and to top it off he was one of the pre race favourites next Stander and Adrien dawning the series leader jersey to prove it.
Max Know tells how it all went down…
“Round #7 of the National Ultra Marathon series saw a very strong elite field gather at Hilton college to shoot it out for the honour of being crowned the champion of the dirt festival. I had high hopes going into the event as last year’s winner by over 8 minutes and being awarded the series leader jersey on the day. I had decided to ride my Ghost 26” mountain bike as I felt it would really suit the course which was considered very hilly and tough, a real mountain bike route.”
“All the big players of mountain biking were present and one couldn’t help but feel like u were are on the start grid of an international event. Mountain biker riders in Africa have really lifted their game thanks to companies like Advendurance and series sponsors like MTN and Nissan for getting involved and hosting world class events on our front door steps.”
“The race started out at a pretty steady pace and soon a lead group formed that would have the honours of fighting for the top step of the podium box on the day. The new route really was a great success in my eyes, I took time to enjoy being out there in the forests of Hilton, so many fond memories from my early days of racing are from those areas and it was very special being there doing what I love to do.”
Anyway back to the race, a large group was staying together without anyone showing any sign of cracking or weakness. Going up the King of the Mountain climb a few gaps emerged and I was forced to ride my own rhythm as I tried to save my one leg which was struggling with a bit of cramp. After a while it eased up again and I settled into the fastest pace I could maintain and tried to claw back some time.”
“I fought back and passed some of the other riders and found myself chasing Burry and Adrien up the last climb of the race. I did however not manage to bridge the gap back up to them and crossed the line in third spot with Burry Stander getting the win and Adrien claiming silver.”
“I was happy to put my feet back on the podium box and a good sign for me heading into the last round of the national series in two weeks when we all gather to trot around the mighty Parys.”
Photo by Zoon Cronje
“Till then there is still some work to be done.”
Look out for Team GHOST –DOITNOW, coming to Win a race near you soon…..”
Official Race Results: http://www.spectrumsport.co.za
