Yolande de Villiers is in top form as she attempts to defend her title in the PwC Great Zuurberg Trek three-day stage race in Addo next weekend.
The South African mountain biker, who recently bagged the Swartberg 100 Gran Fondo women’s title, won the mixed race with Neill Ungerer last year.
“We’re going to see what happens and try our best to get to the top step of the podium again,” De Villiers said.
Neill Ungerer and Yolande de Villiers, who will ride as Team Silverback/Volvo, are back to try and defend their mixed race title at the PwC Great Zuurberg Trek in Addo next weekend. Photo: Cathy van Eeden/Swellendam Tourism
The pair last competed together at the Trans Baviaans 230km endurance race, which they ultimately won in the mixed category.
“I’m looking forward to racing with him again. We’re a good fit, are both tough and can take the hammering in a race and not complain about it.
“We just go from kilometre to kilometre and try to get the best out of each other.”
De Villiers, who also won the My SPAR MTB Classic and Redstone Hills MTB Weekend event earlier this month, said she enjoyed the route.
“It’s a bit technical and you need to be awake, but it’s beautiful terrain and a bit harsh – that’s why I love it.
“Two of the days you finish at the top of the Zuurberg pass, so that’s a little bit of a kicker at the end, but it will suit us as we can just hammer it up.”
She added that they did not have major strategies, but would just give it their best and look after their equipment.
“The terrain is quite harsh, so we will aim not to get punctures. We will also make sure to look after each other and how we are feeling.”
They will look out for newcomers Yolandi du Toit and Ben Melt Swanepoel from Team Garmin MTB, who won the sani2c Race mixed title last weekend.
“They will be tough to compete with, but we will try to just focus on ourselves and push it as hard as possible.”
De Villiers, who felt happy with her form, will compete in the Amarider 100Miler this weekend.
“Hopefully I will be very fit after this to hang onto Neill’s pocket. I’m excited to get my motor revving with him again.”
Ungerer added that he felt nervous as he was not sure how his form would be, but he was excited to race with De Villiers.
“We compliment each other quite a lot when racing. During the second half of the day she becomes the master, keeps her head cool and maintains a constant tempo.
“I’m good on the descends and that is where I will take the lead, but otherwise I’ll support her.”
