Nine riders of Fairtree DP World Cannondale participated in the Imbuko Big 5 MTB Challenge in Wellington on Saturday (20 February), with four of the local team’s mountain bikers finishing in the top 50.
“This race can only be described as a monster,” said team manager Chris Norton. “In this unique challenge riders endure a total ascent of 3 000 m over 80 km, making it the ultimate one-day event to test your strength and fitness, only six weeks before the 2024 Cape Epic.”
Luyanda Tobigunya (27th), Damon Terblanche (29th), Ziandro Jordaan (34th) and Lihle Ngidi (40th) produced phenomenal results, while the rest of the team also did not disappoint.
Norton said the riders’ results bode well for some great team results at this year’s Epic, which will be held from Tuesday 19 to Tuesday 26 March.
“These excellent results give us a great base going into the Cape Epic, and the teams are performing extremely well,” he added.
“There will be some individual sessions with riders to try and improve on times and race strategy.
“The Imbuko race is not only extremely tough, but also attracts an extremely powerful field of riders, including most of the professionals taking part in the Cape Epic. The team’s results are incredible considering both these factors, and we are looking forward to watching them perform as teams.”
