Experienced mountain bike professional Andrew Hill will have a new partner in Marco Joubert as he aims for a second successive PwC Great Zuurberg Trek title this weekend.
After winning with Adriaan Louw last year, the Durban-based rider has formed a strong association with Joubert and the pair are keen to show their credentials in the three-stage mountain bike event at the Zuurberg Mountain Village, just outside Port Elizabeth, from Friday.
Riding for TIB Insurance-Momsen Valley Light, Hill said Joubert was in excellent form and they were fired up to achieve a spot on the podium.
“As professionals, we put in 100 per cent every time we race and it would be amazing to win another Zuurberg title,” said the 35-year-old.
Andrew Hill, riding for TIB Insurance-Momsen Valley Light, will defend his PwC Great Zuurberg Trek title alongside Marco Joubert at the Zuurberg Mountain Village just outside Port Elizabeth at the weekend. Photo: Full Stop Communications
“Marco is riding very well and I’ll have to just hold on and make the most of his power.”
Hill acknowledged that a team such as BCX’s Waylon Woolcock and HB Kruger would be a tough to beat.
They won the Winelands Encounter ahead of Hill and Joubert last month and Kruger showed his form by taking the Paarl MTB Classic last weekend.
“We have the attitude that anything is possible in a stage race and you need to plan for most eventualities,” said Hill.
“Our strategy will be to make sure we are consistent on the bike and not take any risks.”
With his knowledge of the course, Hill said they would know how to manage their efforts.
“The Zuurberg Pass will be the biggest challenge in the race and, having ridden it a number of times, we’ll both know where we can push or where we can save energy,” he said.
Hill said the race had become a must-do event on his calendar, with one of the Eastern Cape’s premier mountain bike races providing memorable experiences both on and off the bike.
“I love the vibe and the race village festivities. It’s like a family where we all share stories of the day’s racing and the past year.
“The route is also great, offering you many different experiences over the three days.”
