Reigning Wines2Whales champions Erik Kleinhans and James Reid (Team Spur Ergon) will defend their title when the event takes place in Somerset West from November 11 to 13.
Kleinhans has had a stellar season, raking in victories at several MTB events. These include the Fedhealth Challenge and the Arabella Challenge.
“The decision to race W2W is pretty much made by itself. Our first objective is always to be on the podium, but naturally we all fight for the top spot,” said Kleinhans.
James Reid, of Team Spur Topeak Ergon, will be gunning for a successful title defence with Erik Kleinhans at the Wines2Whales Race from November 11 to 13. Photo: Craig Kolesky
“Apart from a stack of SA teams, there will also be some motivated Europeans. My vote is that our toughest competition will come from the Swiss pairing of Konny Looser and Fabian Giger, of the Kross Bikes BiXS Pro Team.”
SA Elite XCO champion James Reid as the increased purse for the event was a big incentive.
“W2W is a great race on local trails with a really nice vibe. Our team strength will include tactical riding and trail knowledge. The inclusion of more European riders increases the competition. This definitely adds a bit of pressure.”
Philip Buys and Arno du Toit (Team Scott LCB Factory Racing) will also be gunning for gold.
“I’ve taken part in W2W twice, but only for fun during my off-season. This year the event fits perfectly into my racing season,” said Buys.
Du Toit will celebrate his W2W debut in 2016.
Team USN Purefit’s Darren Lill and Waylon Woolcock are also top contenders for the podium, as are Team NAD’s Nico Bell and Gawie Combrinck.
South Africa’s elites will face tough competition from the following international teams: Team Investec-Songo-Specialized’s Christoph Sauser with Sam Gaze, Team Bulls’ Karl Platt with Simon Stiebjahn, Johannes Fröhlinger and Markus Bauer of Team Giant Alpecin Kreidler, and Looser and Giger of Team BiXS Pro.
