South Africa World Cup - Race Day

PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa (transcendmagazine.com) -- One last practice session and it's go time here in SA. The world will finally find out who put in the winter training hours as we get World Cup season 2011 off to a pedally start at 2pm local time.

The sky is currently overcast, but it's supposed to hit 28c and be blue skies come race time.

The track is dry and dusty and running extremely fast. The winner today will have to go all out and take some chances, as times will be tight. Remote adjust seatposts have appeared on more than one ex World Champ's bike over the last few days, that's how important the pedalling section will be.

Look for Minnaar & Neethling to really put the hammer down as the local favorites. Gracia may surprise more than a few after spending long hours in the gym this winter and never count out Sam Hill and Gee Atherton when race day rolls around.

Check out the gallery for photos coming up after the race.