Provincials XCO #2 - Nicholas Popich

It has been quite a while since a race was held at Fountain XCO track. They surprised us all with some new, challenging single tracks. The whole a[s]g MTB outfit was there, some riding and others just coming to support creating a great team atmosphere.

My blood was boiling at the start of the second Burry Stander Memorial Provincial XCO. The start was a bit of a mix up with many of the Youth riders standing in front of some of the faster Junior riders and so I sprinted off in anger in the second row making up as many position possible before entering the single track.

Within the first lap I made my way up to fourth position finding the leaders’ pace a little slow and took over the lead just as we passed through to start the second lap. The legs were feeling fresh and the DogmaXC felt light going up climb one of the second lap. I found myself reaching the summit alone… it was time to commit! A High5 ISO Gel every lap kept me on edge for all 5 laps having to concentrate through the tight, dusty corners and sprint up the power climbs. Hard and Hot describes every aspect of the race. The sun was cooking! Still every corner and climb was a pleasure on the Dogma, she did the handling – all I had to do was to pedal hard. All ended well with no technical issues (Shimano XTR – reliable as always), no punctures (Continental X-King gripping like mad) and a solid minute lead and 1^st position for me. 

Well done to Dylan Rebello and Neil Robinson respectively coming in second and third, and to Jacques Pretorius (team mate) riding well after winning the USN cup half marathon on Saturday. 

Great racing done by the team this weekend with quite a few podiums stashed away. Thanks for all the love and support and a big thanks to Paul Cordes and Tiaan Botha (MTBmadness) for taking care of us! I’m looking forward to the trip this coming weekend to PMB for the XCO Nationals. 

 Nicholas Popich  #TheBadger