Alan Gordon targets top step at Barberton XCM MTB Challenge

Alan Gordon is aiming for the win at the Barberton XCM MTB Challenge at Barberton High School, Mpumalanga, tomorrow.

The 29-year-old Insect Science Mountain Biking rider finished just three minutes behind defending champion Nico Bell in the 110km race last year.

“I would really like to win it this year,” said Gordon.

“Winning the Barberton would be a big morale boost going into the season.”

The Crocodile Trophy winner said he believed his biggest competitor, Bell, would be riding again this year.

“It’s always a big challenge riding against such a good athlete.”

The 110km ultra marathon will take riders through the Unesco World Heritage Site, the Mountainlands Nature Reserve and Greenstone Wildlife Estate.

“I think the route will be pretty much the same as last year. I like the long climbs and fast open descents though,” said Gordon, who won the Insect Science Classic at the end of last year.

“The last part of the race is always the difficult part. The roads go up and down and through a lot of river crossings.

“I will make sure to save some energy for the last stretch.

“All in all, I love riding in this part of the country – it’s really beautiful.”

Gordon said it was going to be a busy year for him, with some big races coming up.

“These include the Tankwa Trek next month and then the Cape Epic in March.”