Words & Photo: Dante Mashile
Team Absa captain, Ernst Viljoen, announced today that Jan Scannell, better known as Jan Braai, will be joining the team to take part in the 2014 Absa Cape Epic in March this year. The announcement comes after the latest Team Absa training camp held earlier this month.
ljoen also announced the withdrawal of Team Absa member and TV personality Liezel van der Westhuizen from the race. “It is with regret that we announce that Liezel van der Westhuizen will no longer be taking part in this year’s race. Liezel tells us that it is a decision that was not made lightly and followed lengthy consultation with her coach Erica Green,” commented Viljoen. “We can now also confirm that Liezel will form part of ourEpic Trippers programmethat takes place over two days at the Absa Cape Epic.
Jan Braai, known for celebrating South African heritage by promoting National Braai Day, joins Team Absa as one of three athletes who will be making their debut at the Absa Cape Epic. He is joined by Hlubi Mboya, actress and model, and ex-Springbok rugby player, Stefan Terblanche. The three cyclists have been paired with experienced riders to help them across the finishing line.
David Wingfield, Head of Marketing at Barclays Africa said: “Team Absa remained in good spirits despite Liezel’s withdrawal. This race is about fostering partnerships, which is central to the way we do business. I am sure Team Absa will continue to inspire others and encourage people to excel.”
Team Absa will be partnered as follows:
Ernst Viljoen and Jan Braai
Stefan Terblanche and Joel Stransky (no change)
Owen Hannie and William Mokogopo (no change)
Andre Ross and Hlubi Mboya (no change)
Kevin McCallum and Clayton Duckworth (no change)
Viljoen added that Team Absa were mentally and physically ready to take on this year’s challenge following their intensive assessment. “It is important that riders have had enough ‘time in the saddle’ to develop their climbing strength, their technical skills and mental ability to tackle each day’s task. The Absa Cape Epic is not for the faint-hearted and we take every precaution to safeguard each member of the team.”
The fitness assessment included the cyclists taking on some of the most unforgiving mountain terrain, stretching from Oudshoorn across the George Mountains into Greyton, an official Absa Cape Epic Host City, ending at the beautiful Tygerberg Mountain Bike Trail.
Follow the action on Twitter @AbsaCapeEpic and @Absa and share messages of goodwill with #TeamAbsa and #ProsperSA.
