Experienced stage racer Yolande de Villiers will link up with regular partner Neill Ungerer as they chase another title in the PwC Great Zuurberg Trek mountain bike race next week.
Oudtshoorn’s Yolande de Villiers will join forces with George’s Neill Ungerer in the PwC Great Zuurberg Trek mountain bike race at the Zuurberg Mountain Village, near Port Elizabeth, from May 26 to 28. Photo: Warren Elsom
The pair, who won the Cape Pioneer Trek last year, also took top spot in the GR 300 last month and are preparing for their next challenge in the three-day event at the Zuurberg Mountain Village, near Port Elizabeth, on May 26.
De Villiers, who hails from Oudtshoorn, said she was looking forward to riding with her George partner as they worked well together as a team.
“Neill is really strong on the bike but he doesn’t kill me or try to race me,” said De Villiers, who will be riding for Dryland-Ultimate Cycling.
“In mixed racing, the girl is in the red zone most of the time, but Neill looks after me so well,” added the former national marathon and Cape Epic champion.
De Villiers said she was happy with her form this year, having done several races in recent months, the highlight of which was second overall in the three-day Tankwa Trek in February alongside Mariske Strauss.
She is excited about the experience provided by the Great Zuurberg Trek.
“I’m absolutely in love with the Eastern Cape,” she said. “The trails are world-class, the accommodation is luxurious and the food is magnificent.
“The smell of elephants and citrus makes it a magical experience.”
De Villiers said a priority during the race would be to try to ensure they had no mechanicals, which could prove costly.
