Swiss/Danish duo Team RECM Specialized’s Ariane Kleinhans and Annika Langvad will defend their Absa Cape Epic title from March 15 to 22 in the Western Cape.
The partners snatched the win ahead of Esther Süss of Switzerland and Briton Sally Bigham in 2014.
This year Bigham will ride with Slovenian Blaza Klemencic and Süss with Belgian Alice Pirard.
Kleinhans said Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjå, who’s the most-decorated female mountain biker in the world, and eliminator world champ Kathrin Stirnemann, will also be a team to watch out for, as well as Swedish and South African champs – Jennie Stenerhag and Robyn de Groot.
“Annika understands the importance of teamwork very well, so we can bring the best out of each other.
“To figure out how to work with a team partner and to share this adventure with its intense emotions makes participating in each Cape Epic especially memorable,” said Kleinhans.
“Ariane and I know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and do the best to offset any differences,” said Langvad.
Kleinhans and Langvad will ride the newly launched Specialized Era dual suspension bike designed for women at the race next month.
Visit Absa Cape Epic for more event information.
