#TuksCycling: Tuks rider aims to win a different medal at SA Road Cycling Champs

Posted on February 04, 2020

The Tuks cyclist Andries Nigrini is going to have a severe duel with the stopwatch on Friday during the South African Road Cycling Championships in Swadini. 

He has good reason for doing so. During last year's national championships in Pretoria, he won a bronze medal in the under-23 individual time-trial. The Tuks rider has his sights adding a different colour medal to his collection. He fully realises that it is not going to be easy.

"The rider to beat is going to be Byron Munton who proved himself to be a master of racing against the clock. During last year's World Championships he finished eighth in the under-23 individual time trial. That took some doing," the Tuks rider explained who will be riding for the Drake Events Cycling Team.

Nigrini is confident Friday's time-trial route will suit him.

"I won't lie; it is going to be challenging as there are quite a few steep climbs on the route as well as downhill sections. It would require you to be focussed for each and every one of the 36 kilometres. One mistake could mean your race is over. Then you still got to hope that your bike holds up as a mechanical failure also puts an immediate end to any goal."

The individual time trial is to Nigrini the ultimate challenge in cycling. 

"From the moment you start to pedal up to until you cross the finish line, only thing matters and that is seconds. The less, the better. Pain is an absolute guarantee as there comes a stage during the race where your body starts to rebel. It is a case of enough being enough. If your mind can't take control, you are going to lose the battle against the stopwatch. That is why it is called the 'race of truth'."

In spite of knowing that he is going to suffer the Tuks rider can't wait to race. 

"That one time when your legs, heart, lungs and mind get to be in complete harmony for the duration of a time trial is indescribable. Being in the 'zone' can become addictive. That is why since October last year, I did not lack in motivation to put in the long hard hours on the bike." 

Nigrini is hoping to also give a better account of himself during Sunday's 160km road race. 

"Last year was an absolute disaster. I had to borrow a bike which I only got on the day of the race. To worsen matters, my stomach also started to act up before we began to race. I realised from the very first pedal stroke that it was going to be a long hard day." 

According to Nigrini, he has got a race plan in mind, but through experience, he learned that races get won on the road and not merely by talking about it. I will see how the race plays out and then make my move."

Alex Worsdale who won the yellow jersey during last year's USSA Cycling Tour is another Tuks rider to watch out for during Sunday's under-23 road race. 

 

- Author Wilhelm de Swardt

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