UCI XCM WORLD CUP -MTN MARATHON #3, SABIE

Photo 2 by Action Photo: Carel Laubscher

UCI XCM WORLD CUP -MTN MARATHON #3, Sabie, 75km, 2100m

Finally the wait was over and it was racing time in Sabie! I took leave at work the Friday and me and my mom packed our bags and headed our way to the "Mecca of mountain biking" Sabie, Mpumalanga. I booked two nights stay, at Merry Pebbles, our camp site for the weekend. I was impressed for how close it was to the venue. Well done for my choice! It was my first visit to Sabie, so I was very excited knowing that I have prepared well and wanted to test myself against most riders around the country.

We started with a 2km neutral zone where the pace was nice and steady. After that it was like an explosion as the actual racing started. A group of about 15 riders formed and started to climb to the top which was at about 23 km (King of the mountains). I was literally hanging at the back of the group as the pace was manageable but the legs were already aching. I decided to ride at my own pace and let the group do their own thing. I soon caught Shaun Craig Silver (@Slab) and he was unable to follow. For the next 10km I was riding on my own.

I felt good and tried keeping a good tempo and I got to the very popular "Mamba Switchbacks" which were a 3km section which constantly keeps climbing around and around each corner. I caught a few riders including @Pofmuis-Slahde Seale (@Slab). We played a short version of cat and mouse and soon separated as I went past. The climbing was intense but I put my nose down and pushed myself knowing that a lot of riders will suffer on these steep climbs. Then we rode some incredible downhills at speeds which couldn't be described as cruising! I then basically rode with Arno Du Toit and his brother Jaco du Toit through the mountains. Me and Arno continued and Jaco was unable to follow. We then later reached some technical downhill sections where Arno dropped me. I decided not taking the risk here for puncturing and went on at my own pace. I reached the forest which was for me one of the most enjoyable sections. Fast speed, less effort and shade. It was here where I began to suffer. Around every corner a new climb awaits you. My motivation was running low and I could feel my legs not having much in them anymore. I suffered even more and walked one of the climbs. Jaco caught me and so also another rider. I got back on the bike and knew I must get some fluid in. I quickly stopped at the last water point and drank three cups of Coke. In my head I realized that i have made a mistake of not eating. I literally pushed myself in the red and crossed the finished line. The last km for me was like never ending...

My mother came to me and told me that she thinks I’m in the top 20. My heart almost stopped for a second! I told her, that cannot be. She made the mistake by mixing the Ultra Riders with the Marathon.!! When I later saw the results I was very chuffed with myself. Mission accomplished!! My aim was a top ten place Senior men and I got it! Not bad for my biggest race I have participated in so far. If it wasn't for my mother this would not have been possible. Thank you for all the support mom!

Marathon Overall Results:

1st Lourens Luus(Valencia)

2nd Brand du Plessis(Pepto Pro)

3rd Arno du Toit

4th Allan Britnell(Britplast)

8th Carel Laubscher

Next race will be the second leg in the Big 5 plus 1 MTB super series at Babbas Lodge. An important race for me to stay being consistant. I am looking forward to it getting a good result.

Untill then, ciao

Carel Laubscher