Brand-new cycling team aim to stake claim in racing scene

Over the past four years, RECM, the privately owned Cape Town asset-management company, has been the main sponsor to South Africa’s number-one mountain-bike cycling team – Team RECM. During these years the team have grown to a formidable force in the South African mounting-biking community. A partnership of professional athletes and a sponsor that share a common goal lie behind this. At a recent meeting between RECM management and team owner, Erik Kleinhans, the parties agreed that the sponsorship would not be renewed after the 2015 season draws to an end in December.

Next year will see Bell and Combrinck focusing on marathon racing with their main goal being to win the 2016 Absa Cape Epic African Leaders Jersey title.

New Africa Developments’ owner, Japie van Niekerk’s, passion for cycling and friendship with the Bells Cycling store sparked an interest that resulted in the creation of a new team.

“NAD pioneers ground-breaking retail property developments in South Africa. Perseverance, determination and the will to succeed are the only way to be successful. The same could be said for MTB racing where each corner holds a different challenge and potential outcome. Success comes through relentless preparation and the will to win. NAD associates with this challenging sport and that is the reason for getting involved. NAD aligns itself with the best in the business and we believe this to be true in our partnership with Nico and Gawie. We look forward to a very successful 2016,” said Van Niekerk.

As well as being Bell’s teammate, defending SA Marathon champion, Combrinck, will also be one of his main rivals in 2016.

Each rider has strengths and weaknesses, but together they look set to form a formidable team. Combrinck will focus on the Ashburton National Marathon Series and major stage races. “I am very excited to race with my long-time friend on a team. It is a huge opportunity for us to showcase our talent and stake our claim in the stage racing scene in South Africa. One of my big goals for 2016 is to achieve a top 20 in the marathon world championships,” said Bell. The pairing of Bell and Combrinck comes as no surprise. They have been training together for the past five years and have raced together on MTB teams in the past. After a very successful 2015 season, Bell will once again focus on the Asburton National Marathon series and ultra marathon races. Together the team will focus on key stage races – Sani2C, Cape Pioneer Trek and Wines2Whales to name a few.

The team will kick off their 2016 campaign with some local road races in Mpumalanga, before turning their attention to the National MTB Series.

“Teaming up with Nico for 2016 brings new challenges and goals. One of my goals is to win the African Jersey at the Absa Cape Epic and finish in the top 5 overall,” said Combrinck.

NAD Pro MTB Team will be riding specialised bicycles. Key partners include Westvaal, Oakley, Neolife, Bells Cycling and Xtreme Exposure.

Follow the team on social media:
Twitter – @nadpromtb
Facebook – Nad Professional MTB Team
Instagram – Nadpromtb
Website – www.teamnad.co.za