XCO World Champs

Two intense weeks for Academy members at the XCO World Champs

The past two weeks were the pinnacle of months of hard training and a huge amount of dedication for the four riders, Yolande Speedy, Arno Du Toit , Michelle Benson and Amy McDougall, who were selected for the SA team for World XCO Champs. As well as Paul Cordes and Francois Ebersohn who raced in the Masters’ XCO World Champs the previous weekend.

A huge amount of effort went into setting out the course in Cascades, PMB, for both the Masters and Elites. The Elites’ course was less than 5km long but the space was well used with 5 big obstacles and 190m of climbing. The obstacles included a short but treacherous rock garden “Rapid Rocks”, a big drop (the same one Speedy broke her wrist on last year when she over shot the berm in landing). A few meters later was the “Log Drop” which was an almost vertical angled rolling drop-off with logs at an angle all the way down. A few hundred meters later was the “Tree House Rock Garden” which, along with the Logs, claimed many victims in practice and racing. Last but not least was the “Cork screw” where the main line included 2 jumps on a steep descent. Up and over the other side was the start of the next lap. Each big obstacle however had a B and Sometimes a C line which, although was a lot slower, was much safer for those not willing to take the risk of the dangerous but faster A line. In between was loads of enjoyable single track and hard climbs and a lot of space to pass. The Masters’ course was slightly less technical but significantly longer and very tough, also claiming its fair share of victims in practice and race.

Paul Cordes set the bar high and provided a great example not only for South Africans but for the aspiring Academy members when he placed 2^nd to an Italian in the Sub Vet B category. It was a neck and neck race between Cordes and the Italian; Cordes dictating the pace for the first half of the race. In the end the Italian managed to pull a little over a minute gap by the finish. Cordes says “I was completely shattered after the race so rode my heart out! Would be lying if I said that I wasn't a little disappointed with 2nd but the quality of the Italian champ was superb.”

Michelle Benson raced the following Thursday in the junior category. She had an unfortunate crash in the first rock garden costing her valuable time. She fought back as hard as she could and made up a considerable amount of time, but it was just not enough and she got pulled off at the 80% mark.

Arno Du Toit raced on the Friday in the very competitive U23 category. Du Toit was ranked 51^st and managed a good start to move himself up into the top 20. After the 1^st lap he slipped back a few positions to finally finish in a highly respectable 35^th position. There are big things in the future for this talented youngster."I had a near perfect start and the energy and support from the crowd was amazing. Unfortunately I got caught up in the moment and pushed too hard in the first lap. It took me a while to settle but I managed to pull back a few positions towards the end."

Yolande Speedy and Amy McDougall were up next racing in the Elite Category on Saturday. Speedy had a good start and quick first lap. She struggled on lap 2 and 3 but had a strong last 2 laps. She maintained good focus throughout the race with minimal mistakes. Speedy raced hard but missed the 80% cut off by a mere 1 minute. “It was an amazing two weeks at the World Champs! I was disappointed to be pulled off a lap down in the XCO race & crash in my XCE qualifying run but very happy to feel my form coming back after a very up and down year. Onwards and upwards from here! Thank you @asg_PYCycling , @EpicCycleShop , @Cycling_SA , all my sponsors & supporters for your continued support & belief in me!!” Says Speedy.

Amy McDougall had a slower start but by the end of the 1st lap and the first half of the 2^nd lap she was gaining places and getting stronger. In the Tree House Rock Garden, she made a mistake, coming down hard landing on her face. She had to be escorted by an ambulance back to the start where she was taken care of. Amazingly she suffered only a minor concussion and bruising to her face. “I was quite gutted to not be able to finish; months of hard work and dedication flushed down the drain from a silly mistake. It was however an amazing experience against a riders of another caliber all together and a harder course than I have ever done in my life. I am excited for the future and the experience will carry me forwards”.

For most of the Academy members this was a first time experience well out of their comfort zone. Each one of them can be proud of themselves for competing against the World’s best and giving it their best shot. They can now look forward to a well-deserved rest .