Hill, Louw confident ahead of nationals

Andrew Hill and Adriaan Louw were in confident form ahead of next week’s national mountain bike marathon championships in Pietermaritzburg as they cruised to victory in the three-day PwC Great Zuurberg Trek in the Addo area near Port Elizabeth on Sunday.

The pair, who ride in the colours of Fairview-TIB crossed the finish line at the Zuurberg Mountain Village in a time of 3:01:56 to take their third consecutive stage win and the overall title in just over 10 hours.

Louw felt the three solid days of racing had prepared himself and Hill for what was to follow at the national and world champs later this month.

“I think the confidence comes from a good block of training, not so much winning the race. It’s a big block that sets you up for what lies ahead,” Louw said.

Hill added that the 215km route had presented three diversely challenging days on the bike.

“This is different riding – just exciting. You’re constantly on an adventure, waiting to see what’s around the next corner,” Hill explained.

“The organisers have got it right with the diversity of riding. It’s just such a great event and one I’d definitely encourage people to come and race.”