Duyvesteyn Otago’s leading hope
DUNEDIN rider Kees Duyvesteyn is the region’s leading hope when the 63rd edition of the Tour of Southand gets under way in Invercargill tomorrow.
The 21yearold is one of a handful of Otago riders who have entered the race.
He rode in the Tour last year and finished 44th in the general classification. But it was a valuable learning experience, and the promising rider has some good form behind him.
He won the Calder Stewart Cycling series last month but it came at a cost. He crashed during the last race and that has set back his preparation.
‘‘It was just a few cuts and bruises and a bit of swelling. But it just takes it out of you,’’ Duyvesteyn said.
‘‘I feel like I’ve lost a little bit at the top end, but it shouldn’t be too bad.’’
Duyvesteyn is riding for the Creation Signs team, which includes talented Aucklander James Fouche.
They are both leading contenders for the under23 title, but are also targeting the general classification.
Defending champion Michael Vink shapes as the favourite, and Australian Robbie Hucker is another major threat. He finished runnerup to Dunedin’s Brad Evans in 2015.
But Duyvesteyn is confident his team can push for the major prize.
‘‘It is about having the confidence to get yourself in the right place. I already knew positioning was going to be important last year, but I didn’t really do anything about it.
‘‘This year I’ve got to do something with my positioning.’’
Essentially, he has a better game plan.
‘‘You have to take it day by day because anything can happen, especially with the weather conditions here.’’
There is always a lot of talk about the hill stages, but battling into the wind can be every bit as taxing, and the Tour is often decided on those days.
Duyvesteyn is an allrounder on the bike. He is not a pure climber or the best sprinter in the bunch.
He is more of a stayer and stages four and five look appealing to him.
The climb up Bluff Hill and the ride through to Gore the next day could be his opportunity to pounce.
They are two energyzapping days backtoback, and Duyvesteyn is backing his fitness.