You can be the most prepared rider on the planet but if you cannot formulate a strategy for your run then it counts for nothing right?

The world’s top racers are the ones who are mentally the strongest. They can sensibly plan practice, have a clear goal for the time leading up to their race run, and then execute their plan to perfection on that one run that counts.

Don’t forget that – a dozen runs back to back over a weekend, people filming, cameras, social media etc, but the only run anyone really cares about is the last run you do down the hill.

Greg Minnaar is the best example of this in my opinion. I love the way he breaks down the track, methodically works on each section and then builds up to speed. There are too many people who want to go fast on run one or two and end up crashing out or confusing themselves as they can’t link everything together and don’t know why.

“Be healthy, prepared for the demands of the sport, and stronger – don’t just try and be ‘fit’ blindly.”

How does a rider know how to (in mtb’s favourite lingo) ‘optimize’ their runs?

I think it is understanding where the limit is. Where is the edge of grip, can you push to that edge but not over it. Where can you find an advantage – a line, a section to pedal, a gap to jump, speed to carry. And on the flip side, where to conserve energy or tuck and then link it all together.

Different tracks demand different types of fitness?

I’d say yes and no. I have been through all the tracks and logged all the winning race run times, max speeds, average speeds, power crank data I have, heart rate data I have and then tried to draw out similarities and differences between them to help with training.

Some tracks lend themselves to certain riders – and this may be down to their physical or technical qualities. However just because a track doesn’t have any pedalling in it doesn’t mean it is suited to a more skilled/ less fit rider. Ultimately fatigue impairs focus, slows reaction to a situation and affects technique. If I can let the rider perform to their maximum technically then this is a big advantage – I’m not just here for the pedally tracks.

How often do you see risk overcoming strength?

I think you need strength to take on risk regularly. It is an insurance policy as much as anything. Gee is so strong and robust he can attack a section with so much confidence. He will maintain position, make the bike do the work and you see this in his line choice and riding. Watch a weaker rider do the same line and if they are not absolutely perfect it goes wrong fast.