![\"ccs-62657-0-25973700-1456911470.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-25973700-1456911470.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>Photo credit: Hayden Brown.<\/span><\/p>\nAfter another successful weekend of riding, the team can take a lot out of their individual and team performances. Three out of the four team members entered the event. Matthys Beukes, who is still recovering from the flu, had to withdraw from the competition. However, he\u2019s still on track and amped for the ABSA Cape Epic. He believes the forced rest will come in handy a couple of weeks from now. At the moment Philip Buys is focused on qualifying for the Rio Olympics. This event was an early opportunity to increase his UCI points. For the rest of the team, the intensity of the race and the technical skills challenge it presented are important building blocks for the ultra-marathon scene. And needless to say, cross-country racing just kicks ass.<\/p>\n
Philip ended the day with a podium position of third overall, while both Gert Heyns and Arno du Toit finished in the top ten. The competition was intense. Samuel Gaze (the overall winner) had an exceptional ride, and it was up to the other riders to fight for the remaining podium positions.<\/p>\n
XCO racing is all about getting a good field position early on and then holding on to it. The margin of error is so tight and your ability to recover quickly after a mistake is tested. Philip and Gert were able to make it through the first lap in good positions. Arno missed his call-up, resulting in him starting at the back. He worked hard in the first two laps to move up the field, and held on to secure a ninth place overall. Gert finished with a solid seventh overall. Philip, on the other hand, had a stellar day at the office to grab third spot.<\/p>\n