Epic times

Two well-known para-cyclists are donning Team Toyota colours for South Africa’s toughest mountain bike race.

Team Driepoot (three leg) Toyota, consisting of motoring journalist and South African Guild of Motoring Journalists jury member Reuben van Niekerk and project manager Dane Wilson, is competing in the Absa Cape Epic, which kicked off on March 17 and concludes on March 24, in the Western Cape.

The enthusiastic cyclists will cover 698 km and climb 15 650 m over the eight-day race, which started at the Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville and ends at Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West.

Kerry Roodt, general manager of marketing and communications at Toyota South Africa, says: “For Toyota, the involvement with team Driepoort Toyota and the Absa Cape Epic is a natural extension of its support for the Toyota Cycle Lab SuperCycling Club. We also believe that team Driepoort Toyota is paving the way for further development of para-cyclists around the world, and will serve as an inspiration worldwide.”

Van Niekerk said that he doesn’t really know what to expect in terms of the terrain as he hasn’t raced much in the Cape. “But one thing’s for sure, it’s going to be tough. The Absa Cape Epic has a reputation for being tough, but I’m ready for the suffering.”

Roodt adds: “There is no doubt that the Absa Cape Epic will be tough, but with thorough preparation, hard work and motivation we believe that team Driepoot Toyota will make us proud. We wish them luck for the race and are behind them all the way.”