After five long years away for various other commitments it
was finally time for me to ride the Isuzu Three Towers stage race.
In the short period I have missed the race, the event has
grown so immensely. Mankele is one of the more famous mountain bike parks, I
wont go into detail but basically three solid days of racing lay ahead of us
around the mountains.
It was fantastic to have every pro rider on the line this
year and guys all looked fantastic in their build up for the pioneer. To have
such a quality field racing is so inspirational and it really gets the school
kids fired up to race seeing there heroes in action. So to have such a quality
field was a real honour for Mpumulanga
Naeem from Valencia very generously sponsored both Kevin and
myself so we could race the event. With out his backing and help we would not
have been able to do it. A huge thanks for that Naeem and Valencia. I am sure
many of you racing saw the wonderful hospitality at the Valencia gazebo.
Having had a four day stint in hospital recently with the
fantastic Malaria virus I knew I was in for a real suffer fest. After racing
the event twice and winning all the stages I just had ambitions of being in the
top 10 this time around..
Kevin was in fantastic shape and he ripped the bunch to
pieces up the first hill where a small mushroom cloud occurred in my head and
from there on out it was just survive for me. Thanks to Kev for nursing me for
the next three days, it means a lot to me. I could not ask for a better partner.
I thoroughly enjoyed the remainder of the tour, and just the perfect way for me
to end my season and continue on the road to good health.
I wish I could report a little more action from the front
but sadly the lead group disappeared early daily and i cant give you a report
on that end of the racing but Im sure the racing was of an absolute top class.
Congrats to all finishers and trophy winners.
To Mark and Geoff thanks for putting on such a wonderful
show. Naeem, once again thank you my friend for the support with bikes
equipment and entry. Having your support made it all possible..
Happy trails to all and good luck to all RSA riders doing
the Pioneer Trek. I will be holding thumbs for you all.
Cheers
Max
