Professional mountain bikers Andrew Hill and Adriaan Louw will be looking to re-assert their authority on the three-day PwC Great Zuurberg Trek which takes place outside Port Elizabeth from June 3 to 5.
Andrew Hill (pictured here) will join forces with Adriaan Louw try and regain the title in the PwC Great Zuurberg Trek mountain bike race. Photo: Zoon Cronje
The TIB Insurance-Contego pair did well at the inaugural event two years ago, scooping a hat-trick of stage wins en route to the overall title.
In the 2015 event Hill, who is based in Durban, joined forces with Cape Town’s Chris Wolhuter, but had to settle for the runners-up spot.
This time Wolhuter will team up with Craig Boyes and the Imbuko-Freewheel Cycology outfit should be strong competition after dominating the Liberty Winelands MTB Encounter earlier this year.
“Coming back to Zuurberg is always a treat for me,” said Hill, who placed fifth in last month’s nine-day Old Mutual joBerg2c.
“The trails, views and hospitality are among the best in the country.”
Hill, 34, said he was looking forward to riding with the 25-year-old Louw, who is from Paarl in the Western Cape.
“Adriaan and I get on well off the bike, but, more importantly, we gel on the bike, really working together when it is called for.
While their focus will be on racing, Hill said they were looking forward to the overall experience at Zuurberg.
“I’m looking forward to the fun aspect of the trails and the relaxed atmosphere at the hotel.
“I also enjoy the views on the queen stage (day two) where you can see the Karoo on one side and the coast on the other.”
Meanwhile, the Port Elizabeth-based Merrell team of SanMari Woithe and Andrea Shirley will target a hat-trick of victories in the women’s category.
