24/09/2024
My first Karoo 2 Coast brought mixed feelings. I felt great heading into the race and had a decent start. Down the first downhill past Ou Wa Pad, I had a flat that I tried to fix quickly. On the first attempt, the plug ripped out when I started riding, and on the second attempt, my final CO2 was faulty and had no air. This left me running to the next water point. About 24 minutes after the puncture, someone gave me an extra CO2.
From there, the race became quite tough as I pushed hard to try and catch the competition and make up for lost time. Unfortunately, making up a 24-minute deficit solo is no easy task, and I was unable to regain contact with the competition.
I had set myself the goal of finishing under 4 hours, and despite everything, I managed to finish in 3:57. Overall, performance wise, I am happy with the race. Not having a puncture would have been great, but that is just part of the sport.
Thanks so much to everyone who helped out before and during the race. Especially .deon for sorting out my entry, for always helping me get my equipment ready, and for the coaching and getting me race-ready, and to my parents for all their support and help on race day!โจ๏ธ
If you read the post, please leave a comment so that I can know if people actually read these.๐
19/09/2024
Fine, I'll do it myself.
I had some great crit racing this past weekend, with strong riders lining up to show us how itโs done. Iโm still learning the ropes of criterium, and the tight, challenging course really put me to the test. Unfortunately, the breakaway slipped due to an unresponsive rider, and I found myself being the only one pulling while the others in the break didn't contribute. Midway through the race, I launched an attack and managed to break away from the chasing group, holding on until the finish. Ended up P4, behind some strong riders, with lapping us multiple times. Legend.
Thanks, , for the lekker event and for keeping me race ready!โก๏ธ
