Looser readies for possible podium finish
“It is a very expensive bike, but probably one of the best one can get on the market. As the bike is a Ferrari, it also needs a bit more maintenance than a Toyota,” Konny Looser said.
Limba Mupetami
WINDHOEK
Professional Swiss cyclist and five-time Nedbank Desert Dash champion Konny Looser is ready to take on the gruelling 373km terrain to Swakopmund once again.
The cyclist said he will be using a new bike, a 120mm travel fully, which is very comfortable.
“I use 1 x 12 speed, 36 in front, 10-50 rear. I use Wolfpack 2.4 tires with 1.3 bar pressure. The bike is below 10kg,” he said before the race.
Last year, Looser fought tough competition from Dusty Day to claim the top spot. This year will not be any different, with the cyclist saying he is ready for tomorrow.
Ready to go
“I prepared very well, however, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been a difficult year. I drew a line in September with training, thus taking a break for four weeks to reset my mind and find some new motivation to train for.
“I was working at my brother’s business. When I heard that the Dash will be taking place, I knew that I wanted to compete again.
“As a pro-athlete, it is important to have a goal in mind, to gain motivation and to stay focused. This has been the main issue this year because there have been no races for a long time. Due to my break in September, I had more time to build up for the Dash so I think I'm on a very good fitness level at the moment,” he said.
Take it as it comes
Asked whether he spends a lot of time thinking about the race before it kicks off, Looser said no.
“It just makes you nervous and takes energy. You can make a plan but it will be different anyways so rather skip the plan and take it how it comes.”
He added that he just starts the race, checks who might be competition and then makes plans about tactics.
“There's too many unknown things before the race to make a plan.”
With a 24-hour race such as the Dash being intense, rumours are that some cyclists don’t take a break when nature calls. Looser, however, said he always makes pit stops.
“I just make sure there are no hyenas or any media crew around me,” he said with a chuckle.
After the race
When he crosses the finish line, Looser has a recovery drink with protein and an easy breakfast.
“After some sleep, I go for a Lighthouse burger in Swakopmund, then I clean my bike, write my race report and go cheer on the last finishers at the line. And after resting for two days, I start training for the next year again.”
The experienced rider sent encouraging words to this year’s cyclists.
“Even in the worst part of the race, when you feel like giving up, try to stay motivated.
“It is a huge privilege to compete in such a unique event, especially in this year. There are lots of people with bigger problems in the world than just having a bit of pain while riding a bike,” he said.
WINDHOEK
Professional Swiss cyclist and five-time Nedbank Desert Dash champion Konny Looser is ready to take on the gruelling 373km terrain to Swakopmund once again.
The cyclist said he will be using a new bike, a 120mm travel fully, which is very comfortable.
“I use 1 x 12 speed, 36 in front, 10-50 rear. I use Wolfpack 2.4 tires with 1.3 bar pressure. The bike is below 10kg,” he said before the race.
Last year, Looser fought tough competition from Dusty Day to claim the top spot. This year will not be any different, with the cyclist saying he is ready for tomorrow.
Ready to go
“I prepared very well, however, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been a difficult year. I drew a line in September with training, thus taking a break for four weeks to reset my mind and find some new motivation to train for.
“I was working at my brother’s business. When I heard that the Dash will be taking place, I knew that I wanted to compete again.
“As a pro-athlete, it is important to have a goal in mind, to gain motivation and to stay focused. This has been the main issue this year because there have been no races for a long time. Due to my break in September, I had more time to build up for the Dash so I think I'm on a very good fitness level at the moment,” he said.
Take it as it comes
Asked whether he spends a lot of time thinking about the race before it kicks off, Looser said no.
“It just makes you nervous and takes energy. You can make a plan but it will be different anyways so rather skip the plan and take it how it comes.”
He added that he just starts the race, checks who might be competition and then makes plans about tactics.
“There's too many unknown things before the race to make a plan.”
With a 24-hour race such as the Dash being intense, rumours are that some cyclists don’t take a break when nature calls. Looser, however, said he always makes pit stops.
“I just make sure there are no hyenas or any media crew around me,” he said with a chuckle.
After the race
When he crosses the finish line, Looser has a recovery drink with protein and an easy breakfast.
“After some sleep, I go for a Lighthouse burger in Swakopmund, then I clean my bike, write my race report and go cheer on the last finishers at the line. And after resting for two days, I start training for the next year again.”
The experienced rider sent encouraging words to this year’s cyclists.
“Even in the worst part of the race, when you feel like giving up, try to stay motivated.
“It is a huge privilege to compete in such a unique event, especially in this year. There are lots of people with bigger problems in the world than just having a bit of pain while riding a bike,” he said.
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