![\"ccs-62657-0-50557800-1407844196.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-50557800-1407844196.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>Team Abantu\u2019s Nolan Hoffman will be aiming to retain his title at the Powerade Bestmed Lost City Cycle Festival in the North-West Province on Saturday. \/\/ Photo: Jetline Action Photo<\/span><\/p>\nHoffman, who completed the five-day Clover Tour through Mpumalanga on Sunday, said it was good to be getting back in road shape after a disappointing Commonwealth Games performance on the track.<\/p>\n
\u201cI did a lot of road training and racing in the United States up to three weeks before the Games.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut since July I haven\u2019t done much on the road, so now it\u2019s about getting road ready for the end of year classics and the second half of the season.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Team Abantu track star issued a public apology after the international competition last month.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe (the track riders) were always going to be scrutinised, having been selected ahead of a road team. I had a lot of personal pressure on me.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted to do well, my team wanted me to do well and I know the federation expected a result.\u201d<\/p>\n
The reigning Cape Argus champion said the Lost City Cycle Classic would certainly be one way to redeem himself in his own eyes and those of his supporters.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn terms of redeeming myself, I think I need to focus on doing what I do best \u2013 winning races. At the end of the day I do this for myself and I have personal goals.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy disappointment from the Games is personal; as much as I feel I let others down, I want to get back to winning for myself and my team.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoffman said he was enjoying getting back to racing with his Abantu teammates as they always lifted his spirits.<\/p>\n
He said the weekend\u2019s 115km Classic course would be fast and flat, which made it \u201ca sprinter\u2019s dream\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are no real challenging climbs to speak of and the wind could play a part too. That suits me, as only the stronger, more powerful riders on the flats prevail.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe finish is slightly downhill and very, very fast, so it suits me perfectly.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoffman said he was feeling positive about his chances in the race, which he first won back in 2007.<\/p>\n
\u201cI haven\u2019t raced with the team for a while so it\u2019s important that we run through our lead-out ahead of time but, yes, I have a lot of confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said he would be keeping a close eye on rival sprinters like Herman Fouch\u00e9 and Tyler Day.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll the teams have more or less the same tactic on the day and the race always comes down to a sprint.\u201d<\/p>\n
As one of his goal races, Hoffman said the event would be the ideal platform for gauging his form going into the second half of the season.<\/p>\n
Aside from his maiden Argus title, Hoffman has already won The Herald VW Cycle Tour and the green jerseys at the Bestmed Tour de Boland and Mzansi Tour this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d also like to win Amashova again and there are still a number that I can\u2019t single out at this stage.\u201d<\/p>\n