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Welcome to the July edition of our monthly diary update, proudly brought to you by Mountain Bike SA and sponsored by Toyota. This update highlights the incredible feats and relentless determination of the Toyota Specialized Racing Team. Comprising elite riders such as Alex Miller, Matt Beers, and Johan Van Zyl, our team has been making significant strides in various prestigious events. Join us as we celebrate their achievements and look forward to upcoming challenges.
Alex Miller's Olympic Journey
As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games approached, we were thrilled to celebrate Alex Miller’s call-up to represent Namibia. This marked his second Olympic appearance after competing in Tokyo 2020. Alex was more prepared this time, having honed his skills with the Toyota/Specialized team. "It’s a huge privilege for me to represent Namibia at the Olympic Games. Wearing my national jersey is always a proud moment," said Alex. Unfortunately, despite his rigorous training and determination, Alex had a bad crash on lap 3 of the Olympics XCO race and had to settle for a DNF (Did Not Finish). However, his resilience and fighting spirit remain strong, and he will be back for more racing soon!
Around the Pot Race: A Day of Triumph
The Around the Pot race on July 29 was a showcase of sheer determination and strategy by the Toyota/Specialized Racing Team. Matt Beers took an early lead, setting a relentless pace. Despite the challenging conditions, Matt's Specialized Cruz bike proved its worth. "The wind was howling, and I made the best of the 30-minute neutral break," Matt shared, exemplifying his strategic acumen. His outstanding performance and teamwork with Dan Loubser ensured a dominant race day. "I love racing and wanted it to be hard from early on," Matt reflected.
Johan Van Zyl’s National Cup Glory
Johan Van Zyl’s performances at the SA XCO and XCC National Cup in KZN were nothing short of spectacular. After a grueling European tour, Johan adapted quickly and secured a win in the XCC race by making a well-timed attack. "The XCC course was very fast, so I conserved energy by sitting in for as long as possible," Johan explained. Despite a tactical battle and a small crash in the XCO race, he finished a commendable second. "I made a small mistake and crashed, but I regained my composure and finished strong," Johan said. His race on the Specialized Epic S-Works World Cup highlighted his resilience and skill.
Upcoming Events
The Toyota/Specialized team’s upcoming schedule promises more thrilling action:
17 August: Halmstad UCI Gravel Series - Alex Miller
18 August: SBT Gravel - Matt Beers
24 August: UCI Gravel World Cup - Alex Miller
31 August: XCO World Championships - Johan Van Zyl
31 August: King Price Race to the Sea - Matt Beers & Alex Miller
July was a month of milestones for the Toyota/Specialized Racing Team. From Alex Miller’s Olympic journey to stellar race performances, the team’s dedication and hard work are evident. Stay tuned for more updates and follow their incredible journey on our blog and social media.
