Sarah Hill pulls off powerful comeback at Sabie Xperience

Professional mountain biker Sarah Hill felt physically, mentally, and emotionally fulfilled when she won the three-day Sabie Xperience, which started at Floreat Riverside Lodge on November 13.

This was the 27-year-old’s first solo stage race win. Hill usually partners with Theresa Ralph, who placed second in this race.

“It was an incredible feeling to win,” said the Johannesburg local.

“At first, it felt a bit strange racing against my teammate rather than with her, but I came in with a specific purpose. I’m relieved that I managed to reach my goals.”

After going through a difficult period in August, when Hill contracted the coronavirus and had to deal with the emotional struggle, she said she was on a mission to be confident in her process of getting back on form.

“Sani2c held a ‘comeback challenge,’ and that has never been truer for my 2020 season,” said Hill, who finished second in the sani2c women’s team event alongside Ralph last year.

She added that her objective was to finally come back to racing from a physical standpoint and a professional and emotional view.

“I’ve discovered this year how important it is to have a support structure that is patient, non-judgmental, and encouraging. “I lost my sense of self-belief during August and thought the thin strings of my career were breaking as I struggled through my recovery.

“During the Sabie race, my breathing finally clicked back into place, and my rhythm, as well as self-confidence, followed. The power of breath has a whole new meaning in my world now.”

The Mpumalanga-based race consisted of a 65km opening stage, 78km second stage, and 26km final stage.