South African mountain-bike stars Carmen Buchacher and Samantha Sanders have signed to ride for Team dormakaba SA next year.
Buchacher, who, together with Michelle Vorster, won the Desert Dash two weeks ago, says she has turned her focus to all-women teams after racing in mixed categories previously.
“Unfortunately this (mixed) category is not as recognised anymore,” she said today.
“My philosophy is that one should never be afraid to fail, work hard to achieve your goals, learn from your mistakes and to use them to become a better athlete and person,” she added.
Candice Lill (left) and Samantha Sanders (right) celebrate after day two of the National MTB Series in Dullstroom in September. Photo: Marike Cronje (www.zcmc.co.za)
Sanders has had an excellent cycling year, winning the overall Gauteng TrailSeeker Series, the 947 Mountain-bike Challenge, Berg and Bush Descent, PE Plett and the Mpumalanga road championships.
Shaun Frayne, managing director of dormakaba SA, said the two signings would add much value to the team.
“We are extremely excited about the prospect of these talented, up-and-coming riders competing in the blue and red dormakaba jersey.
“We believe they have the potential, competitive spirit and determination to take women’s mountain biking to new heights,” he added.
The two will join current team members, Candice Lill and Nico Pfitzenmaier, at dormakaba SA.
