MTB cyclist and teammate ready to take on challenge

This will be Kriek’s fifth entry and he hopes to complete the race. This eight day-event is described as the Tour de France of mountain biking.
It will take place from March 23 to 30 in the Western Cape.

The route changes significantly each year and will lead cyclists over 14
850m of climbing over a distance of 718km.

The prologue will kick off at Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville, from where it will zigzag through the countryside of Robertson, Greyton and Elgin, and finally conclude at Lourensford in Somerset West.
“The route looks good and the changes promise a surprise – you just don’t know what to expect. There are very tough days ahead,” said Kriek.
The race is an international event, revered for its world-class status and high standard of competition.
“I want to test myself mentally and physically.
“Competing in this event gives me the opportunity to measure myself against the best riders in the world.”
Kriek and Oosthuizen have been mountain-biking partners for six years, but this will be Oosthuizen’s first Cape Epic. “When I met Hennie I knew he was the man with whom to train.
“We became really good friends and have being cycling together ever since,” said Oosthuizen.
The team agree that the three most important ingredients for successful completion of the event are preparation, communication and mental
strength.
Their goal is to finish in the top 30 overall. “Naturally, our first goal is to finish the Absa Cape Epic. Ignus and I are very competitive and always give 110 per cent when competing in any event.
There will be good days, bad days, mechanical problems and health issues, but we need to stick together as a team and look after each other,” Kriek continued.
Based on their track record, their goal looks attainable.
Their best performances include being placed first in the Sabie Experience in the sub-vet men’s category, and fourth overall.
For three consecutive years they have come first in their category in the Isuzu 3 Towers MTB race.
Together they have won each and every race in their age category.
Kriek describes himself as balanced, energetic and incredibly positive.
He loves to learn, be outdoors and around other positive people.
Other than cycling and occasionally playing tennis, Kriek also has his eye on competing in the 2014 World Marathon Champs, the SA Marathon Champs and the SA XC Champs.
To complete in the Absa Cape Epic is a dream come true for these two cyclists.