Liv Factory Racing athlete Tyler Jacobs had an impressive weekend at the South African National Championships, winning both the Women's Elite Cross Country Short Circuit (XCC) and the U23 Cross Country Olympic (XCO) on her Pique Advanced 29.
The South African National Championships, held over the weekend, brought together South Africa's top mountain bikers and featured good riding conditions. "Previously, it had been very dry and dusty, but there were heavy rains a few days before the race, and by the time we raced, the track was in perfect condition," Jacobs said.
On Saturday's XCC, Jacobs faced strong competition in the Women's Elite category, which came down to the final crucial moments at the finish line. "My XCC race was super exciting! Candice was strong, and I just held on to the end and then left it all out there in a sprint to the line!" Jacobs said. "It was great to hear everyone on the sidelines screaming." Her efforts were rewarded with a narrow but decisive win, earning her the national title in the Women's Elite XCC.
Jacobs returned to the start line for the U23 XCO event the following day, taking on a much longer and more challenging course at high altitude. Riding in the lead for much of the race, she focused on executing her race strategy. "The XCO was really tough at altitude, but it was a really good test to try and put into practice everything I've been learning and training," she explained. "I was alone for most of the race, too, so it was a good opportunity to try and focus solely on executing my race plan."
With her double win and national jerseys in hand, Jacobs looks forward to the rest of the racing season as she heads the UCI MTB World Series, Nové Město Na Moravě, Czech Republic, May 23rd - 25th.
