Some of South Africa’s top pro cyclists are set to take on Rooiberg, the sixth leg of the National MTB Series, which takes place in Limpopo on Saturday.
Current men’s series leader, Konny Looser (Wheeler iXS), from Switzerland, heads a up formidable lineup of podium contenders.
Last year’s men’s winner, Darren Lill and 2013 champion, Nico Bell (RECM) will be on the start line in an effort to defend and reclaim their titles respectively.
Joining them will be, among others, South African champion, Combrinck, Waylon Woolcock, HB Kruger (Abanthu), Erik Kleinhans (RECM), Thinus Redlinghuys and the SCOTT LCB Racing pair of Philip Buys and Arno du Toit.
The rocky and technical terrain, which robs riders of achieving a consistent rhythm for any length of time, has been the biggest talking point among the contenders in the build up to the event.
The men will tackle 109km and the women 77km.
In the women’s race last year’s winner Ariane Kleinhans (RECM) will be looking for a repeat victory and to challenge Candice Neethling (Freewheel Cycology Pam Golding) for the Series lead.
Another strong contender for the women’s title is Robyn de Groot (Ascendis Health), the 2013 Rooiberg winner.
Other women expected to be in the podium hunt are the likes of Cherise Stander (RECM), Vera Adrian (BestMed) and Theresa Ralph (RBS).
For more news, results and photos see Ashburton Investments National MTB Series #6: Rooiberg
