Ironman champions, American Ben Hoffman and German Sebastian Kienle, will team up to ride in the Cape Epic in March.
Kienle, who had won the 2014 Ironman world championships as well as the Ironman 70.3 world championships twice, said he had previously followed the Cape Epic for many years.
“Having the chance to race amongst the world’s best mountain-bikers is something I’m really looking forward to.
“The Epic is similar to the Ironman, in that it offers an adventure with competition that will push you beyond your limits.”
Ironman champions Ben Hoffman, pictured here, and Sebastian Kienle will team up to ride in the Cape Epic in March. Photo: Specialized
This will be a challenge he had not experienced before, Kinele predicted. “I love being challenged in different ways. I am excited to share this experience with Ben,” Kienle added.
The pair will ride for the Ironman Foundation Team, an initiative aimed at raising funds for local non-profit communities in areas of the Western Cape.
Hoffman, who had won the Ironman championship six times, said he was proud to be a part of this cause.
“I’m looking forward to ‘racing for more’ and to know my efforts will make a difference in South Africa. Leaving something positive behind, means a lot to me,” he said.
Cape Epic founder Kevin Vermaak said it was great news for them to join in on the field of 650 teams for the eight-day, 658km race.
“To have Ironman champions cross over to mountain-biking is very exciting,” he said. “Sebastian and Ben will add a different element of competition to our field of racers and we wish them the best of luck.”
