Read more about what Luke is up to at lukejohnroberts.blogspot.com

Race Reports:

Posted 14 July '09
as you guys prob. know the african continental champs were held last weekend at mankele, nelspruit.

i left my home in hillcrest early (0315 hrs) to leave for mankele as the trip is about 8hrs, as i wanted to ride the course on thursday afternoon. we had to into town before i went for my laps as my bike needed a few last minute adjustments. i then headed off for some laps.

we arrived at mankele at brendon david's cottage to see what was happening there. i then went off into the trail for two easy laps. the course is much easier than earlier in the year with the long grass climb being made even shorter. non the less the course was awesome with a narley rock garden and fast smooth singletrack.

friday i woke up late and chilled through the morning and then went down to the track at about 1230hrs. i did one super chilled lap and when i had finished my lap i met up with my coach. i then did two more laps and flew home to watch the end of the tour on tv.

race day dawned with the track and wheather holding up. i raced at 0920hrs so it was much earlier than normal (1330hrs). i took in all my liquids and started warming up at 0830hrs on my trainer. we were called to the line at 0900hrs. i was feeling confident, knowing the course well.

the whistle blew (i think it was a whistle . . . or gun???) and we flew down the dirt road into the first section on singletrack about 800m from the start. arno, brendon the me hit the single track flying a short climb in the first few kms. arno managed to open a gap between myself and brendon but i chased hard and caught him in the rock garden near the middle of the course. when we exited the singletrack onto the field it was arno then myself with brendon chasing us down.

we only did 3 laps so it was pretty much a sprint the whole way. i entered the singletrack at the end of the long grass climb 1st. when we hit the rock garden(which claimed many crashes) i pushed it too hard and cudnt control the bike it smashed into a rock on the left giving the lead back to arno. i chased as hard as i could through out the rest of lap with arno just in sight.
the 3rd lap was tough with arno sustaining his 15 or so sec lead till the finish. which left me in 2nd and brendon in 3rd.
brendon crashed hard on the 3rd and final lap and i wish him a speedy recovery.

the following day james reid and myself went out on the road with burry stander for a 2hr recovery ride which was absolutely awesome. i learnt alot from burry and he was just awesome to ride with.

james stayed overnight with me on sunday and we left at about 0515hrs on monday morning . . . long and boring drive definately.

over n out . . .

Posted 07 July '09

this week end it was time for the safire insurance super classic. i arrived with the riggien's, as my parents were at a wedding. we arrived and as soon as i got out the car i realised how cold it was, i entered quickly and then made my way back to the car for warmth. i just chilled in the car until race brieffing at 0830hrs . then we were all called to make our way to the avenue of trees in which we would be starting.

today was not a race for me but rather a fairly fast ride as i did not want to burn my legs before africa champs next weekend.

the weather was perfect with a great day ahead of us. we started off fast along the dirt road and then veered into the avo trees which was quite interesting. after the first 25 km we headed back to the start to commence with our 2nd lap. this is where we met james reid, he had had a technical problem and lost about 10mins. i stopped to check if everything was ok but, he had fixed it and was just getting back onto his bike. he took off with a blistering pace with michael and i following closely. unfortnately michael hughs crashed just infront of me and we never saw james again. . .

i finished the race in a time of 115mins.

it was a well organised race with good markings except that the single track felt like it had been built the day before which wasnt so nice on aracebread hard tail as it was really bumpy.

next weekend is all africa champs held in mankele bike park, nelspruit which should be really interesting.

Profile:

Full Name: Luke Roberts

Nick Name: Lukie

Bike/s: Kona Kula Supreme and Mongoose road bike

Bike Check (Specs): Kona : Sram XO gripshift and derallier, Specialized Roval Wheels, KCNC handlebars stem and seatpost, Prologue Choice 4ti saddle, XT cranks dual blade, Rockshox reba worldcup fork with remote lockout, Formula Oro PUro brakes and Crankbrothers SL pedals.
Mongoose : Full Dura Ace with Ultegra cranks, AC90 stem bars seat post and forks, AE90 wheels.

What do you call your bike? …

Why do you ride for Maverick? I ride for

Why do you ride the bike(s) you ride? I ride for Mavericks because of the iconic valued and respected name in the world of mtb.

Why do you ride bicycles?I ride because its all about you and your bike and nothing else matters while man and machine are one.

What do you hope to accomplish this year, on and off the bike? I hope to become well recognized and hold my name and my sponsors name( Maverick Cycles) high.

Do you want to be a professional (paid) rider, or are you in it for fun? I want to be a Pro rider overseas.

What do you like to do when you're not riding? Go dirt jumping with my mates or build some sick trails.

What songs are always playing on your iPod or Mobile? Hip Hop/Rap and dance or Rock.

What is your favorite movie? HOTROD!!!

Who do you look up to up to in the sport and in life? Lance because of his extrodinary feat of winning the TDF 7 times and to over come cancer with such a positive attitude.

What do you differently on race day? I Leave my mates off the field.

Describe yourself in three words. Wildest Guy Alive