![\"ccs-62657-0-57291700-1424779861.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-57291700-1424779861.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nElite Men\u2019s winner Stefan Garlicki at the Stihl 2015 SA MTB Cup Series #1 which took place in Contermanskloof in the Western Cape on Sunday 22 February 2015. \/\/ Chris Hitchcock | PhotoSport.<\/span><\/p>\n The Solid Reverse Team rider had mentioned on his Instagram feed after the race that he was \u201cbridesmaid no more.\u201d He says that he is thrilled about the win he has been working towards for a while now. \u201cIt\u2019s been such a long time coming. For the past four years I have only ever come so close to first, but never first. It still hasn\u2019t hit me yet and I\u2019m trying to let it sink in,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n He said that he thoroughly enjoys riding on the Western Cape course because it has all the right elements.<\/p>\n Andrew Neethling, who came second overall in the Men’s Elite race at the Stihl 2015 SA MTB Cup Series which took place in Contermanskloof in the Western Cape on Sunday 22 February 2015. \/\/ Chris Hitchcock | PhotoSport.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe course is deep, loose, and very technical, such a good challenge. Having ridden in Europe, we get to see how great and challenging some courses can be and this one is very similar. It really separates the standard of riders,\u201d he said. The course covered a distance of 1.2km with an elevation difference of 207m.<\/p>\n Tiaan Odendaal, who came in third place in the Men’s Elite race at the Stihl 2015 SA MTB Cup Series which took place in Contermanskloof in the Western Cape on Sunday 22 February 2015. \/\/ Chris Hitchcock | PhotoSport.<\/span><\/p>\n In terms of training, Garlicki said that he couldn\u2019t exactly pinpoint one specific thing that he did differently this time around, as there were many contributing factors. \u201cI didn\u2019t change my training routine too much, I really just spent more time on the downhill bike than I ever had over the previous seasons,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n His hard work hasn\u2019t gone unnoticed, and his support base is overjoyed at the results. His attitude towards the sport puts him in good stead for a successful future in the field.<\/p>\n Bonga Notoko, who rides for Songo.Info at the Stihl 2015 SA MTB Cup Series which took place in Contermanskloof in the Western Cape on Sunday 22 February 2015. \/\/ Chris Hitchcock | PhotoSport.<\/span><\/p>\n He chatted about the importance of having the correct frame of mind about the ride as well.<\/p>\n \u201cI also spent some time with a coach to help me prepare mentally in order to iron out a few things and really get myself into the correct mindset,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Garlicki leaves in a month to go to Europe with his Solid Reverse Factory Racing UCI team, where they will compete in the World Cup. The first race of the World Cup season is in Lourdes, France.<\/p>\n For a full set of SA National results after the first event, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n To view the SA National Downhill Points Log and rankings after event #1, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Stihl 2015 SA MTB Cup Series DHI #2 takes place at Cascades in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday 5th April 2015.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n