Cherise Willeit and Nicky Giliomee have formed what looks set to be a formidable partnership for this year’s Cape Epic, which starts on March 15.
Cherise Willeit and Nicky Giliomee have teamed up for this year’s Cape Epic, which starts on March 15. Photo: Supplied
Willeit, an Olympian, has completed the Epic twice, won the Cape Town Cycle Tour four times and is a national marathon and road champion.
Giliomee, 25, is a three-time finisher of the Epic and 2018 winner in the mixed category. She won the Cape Pioneer Trek in the solo women’s category in 2016.
Last year she and Willeit, 31, placed third in the Cape Pioneer Trek and she won both the Karoo 2 Coast and Dr Evil Classic.
“We’re very alike in our skills and strengths, and we’re great at staying calm under pressure,” said Giliomee.
“We enjoy racing together because one of us is always making a joke or lightening the mood with a chirp or a song when the going gets tough.
“This partnership gets us to the start line and gives Cherise and me the possibility to do this amazing race together as a team,” said Giliomee, who will ride as Team Saint alongside Willeit.
Giliomee added that she and Willeit had become close friends.
“She is the most incredible mom, wife, friend and role model and I learn more and more from her every day. To share this experience with her is a dream come true. I have no doubt we will have fun and laugh every single day.
“To have a partnership like that, where you really understand each other, is incredibly rare and so special. We can’t wait to share our journey with you.”
For Willeit, getting to the finish line will always be in memory of her late husband, Burry Stander. Stander died after being hit by a minibus taxi while on a training ride on January 3, 2013, at the age of 25.
“I always remember Burry and think of how proud he would be of me riding the Epic and getting to the finish line.
“The Epic is such a reminder for me of the life Burry lived and everything he achieved and seeing how tough his racing really was. Having done it twice, I finally understand how hard he raced.
“It really is just a great reminder for me of the legacy Burry left behind and the life he lived. I am excited to share this special experience with Nicky.”
Saint is a “Pazzo Italian” restaurant in Sandton. Chef David Higgs and Stuart Johnston will also team up for the men’s team category at Epic.
“We’re just hoping to finish,” said Higgs. “Hopefully there will be some pizza and wine for all of us at the end of the race.”
