Top South African cyclist Johann Rabie and ex-professional Scottish soccer player Gordon Gilbert will pair up as Team Biogen for 2017.
While Rabie is no longer racing professionally, he’s immersed full time in the cycling market, managing his bike shop and still racing as much as possible.
Gordon Gilbert (left) and Johann Rabie make up Team Biogen for 2017. Photo: Supplied
He is only 29 and has finished sixth overall at the 2015 Cape Epic and won the 2014 joBerg2c.
Gilbert only got into mountain biking in 2014 following forced retirement from professional soccer due to injury.
He was 107th at the 2014 Cape Epic, 29th in 2015 and 24th last year.
Rabie and Gilbert will only meet properly for the first time ahead of this week’s Tankwa Trek. But both feel they will be compatible, based on their shared character traits and commitment.
“I wouldn’t take on the challenge of teaming up with Johann if I didn’t think I would be able to live up to the expectations,” said Gilbert.
While the team is focussed on success throughout the year, their biggest challenge is next month’s Cape Epic.
“Our primary goal is to make it to the finish,” said Rabie.
