South African marathon champion Max Knox will team up with Colombian ace Héctor Leonardo Páez Leon for the 2017 Cape Epic.
It will be Knox’s ninth start in the race, but a first for Paez in Team Kansai Plascon when the race takes place from March 19 to 26.
South African champion Max Knox during round four of the 2016 National MTB Series, will be teamed up with Leo Páez as Team Kansai Plascon for the 2017 Cape Epic. Photo: www.zcmc.co.za
For Knox, a Cape Epic victory remains a motivating factor. He won both the national marathon title and the national marathon series in 2016 and feels he has reached a level that will enable him to be able to compete for the overall win.
“Many of my Cape Epics were as a back-up rider to a higher profile team. I didn’t do the race in 2016, but am excited to give it a full go with Team Kansai Plascon next year,” said Knox.
“It’s shaping up to be a strong field which will increase the pressure and the racing intensity – conditions I thrive on.”
Knox said he had not met Paez yet, but had followed him online and understood they had similar strengths.
“We are both strong climbers, but also have good skill levels from having competed in cross-country racing.”
Paez said they would going into the race aiming for the overall title.
“In Max Knox I will have an experienced partner and we will have very good team support as well,” he said.
