RSA National DHI series rd.1 - Contermans Kloof

On the 11th/12th of February 2012 we had the First round of the national DHI series which was held in the Western Cape.

It was a great turn out of over 80 riders! The track was dry and dusty as always even after some rain on the friday night. I was loving the track and got in 7 runs on Saturday, I felt good and fast, I was ready to race on Sunday. It was really cool to do some riding with the up country guys, just 1 crash for the day so not too shabby.

On the Sunday I got in 2 runs early and felt good for the seeding run at 10am. I started my seeding run and was having a fast flowing run when suddenly I hit something hard and got a rear flat. I was dissapointed but new that it didnt count and I had my final coming up so I wasnt too bothered. An interesting fact was that Andrew and Jonty Neethling also both had flats in their run so we were all starting first in the finals.

Mean while, Johann Potgieter had a great run and was sitting in first 4 sec clear of anyone else. I got back to the pits and imediately started to fix my bike, I got a bit of a shock when I saw my rim, it had a massive dent in the side where I hit a rock. I was really worried that the tire wouldnt stay on so I used zip ties to reinforce the rim as I didnt have a spare.

So it was finals time and I was just hoping that my rim would hold. Before I knew it I was on track and on a flyer run, I was hitting all my lines smoothly and railing the turns, I landed the road gap and tried to no brake the section after which was a bad idea. I hit a bump too hard which caused me to lose control and I went straight over the birm and into the bushes, I thought I was going down but luckily I managed to stay up. I rolled back onto the track but lost a lot of speed and it was also the fastest section of track so I couldnt make up that time. I got  going again and took it easy through the next section and then pushed hard which lead me to a time of 2:11:91 which was good enough for 3rd.

I am dissapointed with the fact that I made the mistake but I am also greatfull that I managed to keep it upright and still get a podium. I am also pleased with how close I was even with the big mistake. I know I am going to win one of these days, I just need things to go my way for a change. Congrats to my friend and team mate, Johann Potgiter for getting the win in the end over myself and Andrew Neethling!

A big thanks to my sponsors, Canfield Factory team, Red Bull, Leatt, Adidas eyewear, Csixx, Seattle Coffee Co and Virgin Active. You guys rock!

Top 5 times:

1. Johann Potgieter - 2:07:46
2. Andrew Neethling - 2:08:62
3. Stefan Garlicki - 2:11:90
4. Tiaan Odendaal - 2:12:17
5. Jonty Neethling - 2:12:21