All of a sudden nothing can be taken for granted. Last year it was easy to predict who the major role players would be before every race. It was widely speculated that either Kevin Evans, David George (both Nedbank360Life), Max Knox (Ghost) or Adrien Niyonshuti (MTN-Qhubeka) would dominate the racing.
And they hardly ever disappointed. Among the four of them they managed to win six of the eight ultra-marathons in the MTN series. Not surprisingly, Burry Stander (Specialized) and Karl Platt (Red Bull) took the other two victories.
However, Rossouw upset the proverbial applecart when he won this season's MTN Barberton ultra-marathon. But it was the manner in which he had won that had everybody talking afterwards.
Knox, a triple champion in Barberton, was heard saying afterwards that, going up the last big climb, he was racing at the same pace that he did in the past. It used to be good enough to kill off everybody, but not this time round.
Rossouw simply powered past him, leaving him and all those who were still in contention behind. Rossouw just smiles modestly when he listens to the praise bestowed upon him. "It is so good to be back and racing. I want to make the most of the opportunities given to me."
In a week's time (18 February) the MTN National MTB series resumes at the Saronsberg Wine Estate in Tulbagh.
According to Rossouw, Tulbagh will not be one of his major focuses. His next important goal will be the MTN Sabie event. It is worth noting that the MTN Tulbagh will probably be the only ultra-marathon in which Stander will compete before the Epic.
Another point of interest is that Rossouw and Stander have never raced against each other when both of them were fully fit. Rossouw officially retired in 2005 when Stander was still a ‘laaitie’. Stander's participation could lead to Rossouw having to race harder than he plans to do. If so, Tulbagh will be a definite highlight in the MTN series, especially because the approach of the two riders to racing is very similar. Both of them are not scared to make the racing and both are considered to be top class climbers. Stander might just have a slight edge on Rossouw when the riding becomes technical.
But then there is the Evans factor. This wily campaigner made it clear that he was not at his best at Barberton. Evans and his teammate, George, are planning to peak only at the Absa Cape Epic. But the MTN Tulbagh will take place three weeks after Barberton and Evans will then be three weeks stronger. What’s more, his ability to read a race always counts in his favour. The safe money bet will be that Evans will be biding his time and wait for the right moment to attack.
If this should happen, his rivals will have their work cut out to stay with.
Then there will also be Knox and George who will require a watchful eye.
