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|  | | Philip Buys at the MR Price Karkloof Classic |
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| 2010/7/14 - Francois Theron (Garmin-adidas) is not prepared to make any predictions about his performance during the MTN South African Cross-Country Championship in Pretoria on Saturday (17 July).
The only comment he has, is that he will not go down without a fight.
“The most important thing that I have learned from racing in Germany is never to give up, no matter what happens. Because mountain biking is so unpredictable, no race is won or lost until the finishing line is crossed.
“Even when it seems hopeless and you think you are out of the competition, the rider in front of you may have mechanical problems or even crash and, suddenly, you are in a position to gain a few valuable seconds or move up a position or two. But for that to happen, you have to be there, doing your very best all the time.
“I have to admit that my form for Saturday’s race is not exactly what it should be. But I am not going to worry about that. In the past I have competed in races when I was not on top of my game and did not expect to do well at all. Then, unexpectedly, I surprised myself by winning the race.
“I am not saying that this is going to happen again on Saturday. Actually, even beating my team-mate, Philip (Buys), in the race for the SA u.23-title will be extremely difficult. At the moment he is in a class of his own.
“Saturday’s course, with its many sharp corners and technical single-track sections, will suit Philip to a tee. If he is on form, it will not be surprising if he should make up one second every time he races through a corner.
“The battle for the u.23 title could be exciting if Rourke Croeser and Bryce Munro should also participate in the race on Saturday.”
Theron is grateful for the opportunity his team-mates and he had to race in Europe.
“It was an amazing experience. We had the opportunity to compete in a great variety of mountain bike races – cross-country, marathon, stage races, hill climbs. Name it and we had done it.
“I am also grateful for the way in which our sponsors and Mannie organized our tour. As riders we never had to worry about where to stay or what to eat. All we had to focus on was racing.”
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