Teenager Wessel Botha moves into the upper strata of cycling at the Wines2Whales Shiraz three-day race which starts at the Lourensford Wine Estate in the Western Cape tomorrow.
Botha will ride alongside Matt Beers as NAD Pro’s A-team, with Nico Bell and Gawie Combrinck serving as their second squad.
Wessel Botha, pictured here at the Magalies Monster MTB Classic earlier this month, moves into the upper strata of cycling at the Wines2Whales Shiraz three-day race. Photo: Tobias Ginsberg
“Stepping up to the A-team and riding with Matt in general will be something different and we’re just hoping to get a good result,” Botha told In the Bunch today.
“We want to have a good race. Obviously there’s going to be some great competition here,” he said, adding that this was the first time he would be racing alongside Beers.
“That will be something new, but I’m looking forward to it. Matt has been strong the whole year so it’s definitely going to be a hard race.”
It will also be the 19-year-old’s first time racing competitively at the Wines2Whales, having raced more socially last year.
He said it would be important to get some insight into the route, which they could take advantage of during the race.
“The portage on stage one will definitely play a key role in the race,” he said.
“Knowing the route and trails will definitely play to your advantage.
“The SA champs that we did earlier this year also used some [parts] of the same route, so that could give us the advantage over the overseas guys [taking part].”
Botha, who will be turning 20 later this month, said he felt strong during the 3 Towers and Berg and Bush ‘Descent’ earlier this month, before putting in a training block for the Wines2Whales.
“My form is really good at the moment, good enough to ride with Matt,” he said.
“It will be a bit of a step-up, but I’m feeling confident and hoping to have a good race to end the year on a high note. I’m looking forward to it.”
He and Beers identified defending champions PYGA Euro Steel’s Philip Buys and Matthys Beukes as being “quite dangerous” opponents.
Botha said the short stages with plenty of single-track should also suit Team Spur-Specialized’s Alan Hatherly and Dane Simon Andreassen.
