Philip Buys and Matthys Beukes will not be defending their Wines2Whales Shiraz title this weekend after Buys flew home urgently to be with his wife who went into labour early today.
The PYGA Euro Steel pair recently won the Cape Pioneer Trek in what has been an up-and-down year for them.
They were among the favourites to take the spoils again this year but failed to start on the opening stage today after Buys received a call about the imminent arrival of his first child.
Matthys Beukes (front) and Philip Buys in action during the final stage of the Cape Pioneer Trek in Oudtshoorn recently. Photo: ZC Marketing Consulting
“This morning we woke up to exciting news that Karen, Philip’s wife, has gone into labour,” Beukes said.
“It will be their first child and we all made the decision to support Philip to get on the first flight back to Jo’burg to make it in time for little Philip’s birth.
“We obviously would have liked to race, but that’s life – family first, always.
“Everyone in the team is very family-oriented and we wish him and Karen the best of luck.”
Beukes added that he would also be returning home to George.
