German cross-country rider Sabine Spitz has officially signed with top South African mountain bike team dormakaba, the outfit announced today.
“One of the things that truly differentiates team dormakaba is its passion,” said the 48-year-old Olympian, who was crowned the cross-country MTB world champion in 2003 and marathon MTB world champion in 2008.
“There is an amazing energy here. The results are also fantastic and the team gets everything needed to ensure the best performance possible. I am hoping to add value from my experience in the international racing scene.”
She added that the team environment was a supportive one and that they were continually growing their structures.
“With an environment like this the riders are bound to thrive. The passion is there, the commitment is there; they love to see their athletes do well.
“Even though it is not easy to completely stop racing, I will be preparing myself as well as possible for any events I commit to for dormakaba this year.
“I am very excited about the leadership role I have been given in the team and I will do my best to pass on valuable guidance to all around me.”
MD of dormakaba South Africa Shaun Frayne said to have someone of Spitz’s experience and accomplishments join the team was incredibly exciting.
“She will not only ride with the team, but fulfil a critically important mentorship role for our cyclists.”
For Spitz, the opportunity to become a combined manager and mentor was intriguing.
“Shaun saw value in adding me to the team based on my mountain-biking career and many years of experience in the sport.
“This was attractive to me as I am slowing down in terms of racing and this gives me a great way to continue to be involved in the sport.”
Spitz will kick off her racing programme at the Tankwa Trek next month and the Cape Epic in March.
For Epic, she will be a teammate to Amy McDougall as well as a mentor to Robyn de Groot and Adelheid Morath, who will race as the second dormakaba team there.
“I am training hard and despite getting older I am adapting as well as possible. The Epic is a special race and has a very high standard regarding mountain bike racing.
“It is hard but always exciting to compete in it. I hope that I can play a role in mentoring and supporting my partner and that we race well together. So even though the race might be gruelling, if we work well together the journey will be rewarding.”
