Why is this guy smiling? Well, he’s just been racing of course.
This photo was taken this past Saturday morning at a major mountain bike stage race in the Western Cape. Racing was fierce at the sharp end and rightly so – there was a rather large (in SA cycling terms at least) prize purse on offer seeing many extend their already long seasons a just little longer. And for those who earn their keep by pedaling, that is motivation enough. Kudos to the sponsors for putting up the cash.
But I’m not sure if this means too much to fellow in picture. Sure, he was “in the mix” so to speak but also had more pressing matters to attend to post-stage, like attending to a few dozen bikes. A soft pedal from the finish to the tech area was followed by a quick chat, shower and snack before the real work of MTB washing/lubing/tweaking/repairing started. Test rides up and down the support village were in abundance but that is just what he does. Racing is a hobby and he loves it, as he does working as a mechanic. You see, the thrill of competition is alluring when viewed purely in sporting terms. And Justin summed this mantra up perfectly when asked where he placed that day.
“Don’t know, don’t care. But flip that was fun!”
