Tshwane Classic gave Jooste his big break
According to the winner of the first Tshwane Classic cycling race in 2017, this victory was his breakthrough as a professional rider.
For last year’s winner his victory in the inaugural Tshwane Classic was critical to securing a professional contract.
“It came at exactly the right time of the year for me,” says Chris Jooste, who was subsequently drafted into the strong BCX outfit whom he now represents in Pretoria’s big race on Sunday.
Jooste is part of more than 6500 cyclists who are lining up from 05:45 at the Voortrekker Monument on Sunday for the second edition of the Tshwane Classic.
“I really wanted to prove myself in South African cycling last year and my win in the Tshwane Classic, which was my biggest victory up to that point, will always be a special moment,” Jooste explained.
The defending champion managed to slip away on the Tom Jenkins ascent last year and kept his lead to the finish line at the Voortrekker Monument to claim a convincing solo victory.
The 23-year old exciting prospect might well be in with a shout again this year as the finish doesn’t suit the sprinters. This year’s finish line presents itself at the top of the ascent up to Freedom Park. Last year riders summated the climb and then descended to finish at the entrance to the Monument.
It’s a short, but steep, ascent and it will likely enable the climbers and all-rounders to shake off the sprinters.
“As always I’d like to end the year on a good note. I’ll have good form on the day and I have been following a specific training approach with the Tshwane Classic route in mind,” said Jooste.
Team BCX is a powerful outfit.
“We will most certainly pitch up on race day with the goal to dominate. We are fortunate that we can take a strong team to almost every race,” said a positive Jooste.
Prolific BCX sprinter Nolan Hoffman claimed victory in the recent Tsogo Sun Amashovashova Classic in Durban, but on Sunday he will likely rather be used to ensure his climbers are in the correct position starting the two major climbs leading into the finish – Tom Jenkins and Freedom Park.
Jooste believes Dylan Girdlestone and anyone in the Pro Touch team are be strong challengers for the win.
“It depends on who’s pencils are the sharpest on the day, but these guys will make it difficult for us. Our tactics will be determined on the day as the race unfolds, but Tom Jenkins remains the key, so whomever gets a significant lead on the climb has a good chance of winning,” he said.
Jooste was very complimentary on the level of organisation.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the race last year. The spirit of the event was amazing and it was incredible to race on closed roads. It’s a great day for cycling in Pretoria. The route was an absolute pleasure and last year everything was new and unpredictable – it really was memorable,” the defending champ concluded.
Various roads are affected by the presentation – for affected roads and alternative routes visit the event website at www.tshwaneclassic.co.za. Follow the race on facebook #tshwaneclassic .
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