Having targeted the Varsity MTB Challenge as a long-term goal, the Stellenbosch University outfit are ready to show they have what it takes when they defend their title this weekend.
Starting from the Nederburg wine farm in Paarl, the two-day mountain bike event, sponsored by First National Bank, will take the riders through the Drakenstein mountains as the cream of the country’s student riders vie for the top spot on the podium.
Star Maties rider Tristan de Lange they had put in some quality training leading up to the event.
Stellenbosch University are fired up to defend their title in the two-day Varsity MTB Challenge that takes place from Nederburg wine farm near Paarl on Saturday and Sunday. Photo: Robert Ward
“We have focused on training as many consecutive days as possible to get out bodies adjusted to the demands of a multi-day race,” he said.
During the race, he said they would work together to make sure they achieved their goals.
“We’ll try to find a pace we are all comfortable with and make sure everyone has what they need,” said De Lange. “Any problems will be worked out within the team.”
De Lange said they knew the competition would be strong and would not be resting on their laurels.
In his second year at Stellenbosch, De Lange, who was not able to compete last year, is expected to play an important role in the team.
“I don’t want to say I’m the leading rider because we have a solid team all round,” said the 20-year-old.
De Lange said he believed the Varsity MTB Challenge was an important date on the calendar.
“I heard very good things about last year’s event and I think this weekend will be just as good, if not better. As a Maties team, we are really looking forward to it.”
The champions will come up against University of Cape Town, last year’s runners-up, University of Pretoria, third last year, North-West University and Nelson Mandela University.
