Gert Heyns is hoping to end his season on a high note when he makes his debut in the Wines2Whales Shiraz, which starts at Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West tomorrow.
Heyns will team up with current South African marathon champion Arno du Toit.
“It’s been a long season but I’m looking forward to finishing it off with Wines2Whales,” said Heyns, who won the recent Eselfontein MTB Stage Race alongside Du Toit.
“This will be my first time riding it so I’m looking forward to seeing what the event has in store for us.”
Gert Heyns will make his debut in the Wines2Whales Shiraz, which starts at Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West tomorrow. Photo: Chris Hitchcock
He added that with all three days being quite short (65km, 64km and 69km), they would have to try to remain towards the front on each stage.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to make a move when the opportunity presents itself.”
The DSV Pro rider felt that he and Du Toit, who placed sixth overall alongside Timothy Hammond last year, would make a strong partnership.
“We have similar riding styles and work well together.”
Noting that they could expect tough competition, he said defending champions Wessel Botha and Matt Beers, of NAD Pro MTB, seemed to be in good form having recently won the Berg & Bush.
“We’ll also have to keep an eye on HB [Kruger] and Frans Claes, as well as Matthys Beukes and Philip Buys.
“But if we can gain an advantage on the climbs we should be able to stay out front. That’s the plan, at least.”
He added that he knew the area well from previous races and always enjoyed the trails around Lourensford and Grabouw.
“Arno and I enjoy riding the trails so hopefully that will be an advantage for us.”
A win would be the perfect end to his racing season and a nice victory to add to his CV, said Heyns.
“Our goal will be to give our best and hopefully end off the season on a high.
“It’s been a difficult year for me trying to find a balance between finishing my final year of studies and focusing on my cycling, but all in all it’s been a good year.
“I’m already fired up to go into 2020 fully committed to racing.”
