Andrew Hill and Shaun-Nick Bester have joined forces for the PwC Great Zuurberg Trek mountain bike race in Addo this weekend.
Hill, who is a regular at the race, has decided to partner with newcomer Bester after seeing their joint potential.
“Shaun and I ride very well together and it will be a good partnership,” said Hill, who won the solo men’s race at the PE Plett in March.
“When we race against each other we often end up riding together quite a bit. He is strong on flats and good on climbs and we can match each other well on that.”
Shaun-Nick Bester (front) and Andrew Hill will partner up as TIB-Silverback-Best4sport at the PwC Great Zuurberg Trek this weekend. Photo: Shaun Pearce Photography
Hill added that Bester was skilled at technical riding and they had a good combination going.
The pair, who will ride as TIB-Silverback-Best4sport, started the sani2c mountain bike race together but had to pull out on the second day.
“We had a good first day, but suffered a mechanical on day two and we had to leave the race,” said Hill.
“It has however been a good strong season up to this point and we’re looking to take it further this weekend.”
Bester, who first met Hill at the Tankwa Trek this year, said they had a nice conversation and found out they were very similar in the way they did things and how they prepared for a race.
“We believe in a lot of natural remedies and using the food we eat to help aid our recovery.”
Their strategy would be to try and get a lead on the opening day of the three-stage event and capitalise on that.
“It’s a tough route and always very demanding on the body, especially the queen stage. The first day is fun and opens everyone up to the event, on the second day people get a bit tired and on the final day riders have some fun,” said Hill.
“It always comes down to the final climb where you can create some gaps. That’s going to be the main objective.”
Hill said they would make sure to make up any time where they could, be that on the first or second day.
“On the last day you can’t make up much time as the day is so short. The middle day is where the big gaps happen.”
Bester, who won the PE Plett men’s team race with Declan Sidey, said they would also try to keep their bikes in once piece and go as fast as possible without taking too many risks.
“This weekend will help in my preparation for the rest of the season. I will use it as three days of proper training.
“One can’t always push yourself as hard as you do in racing during training days, so it’s always nice to have these events that can help you prepare better for what still lies ahead.”
Bester added that he did not know what to expect terrain-wise, but he had seen profiles and it looked like a tough event.
“I think it will be quite interesting to see how the race pans out. I’m excited to partner up with Andrew.”
