Supporting the leading PYGA Euro
Steel team in their quest for the Absa
African Jerseys are Pieter du Toit and
Phillimon Sebona. Du Toit has proven
to have heart beyond his young years,
while Sebona – a two-time Exxaro
Special Jersey champ – has signifi cant
Absa Cape Epic experience and is one
of the sport’s heartwarming success
stories. NAD Pro MTB also have a
support team to call upon, namely
Gawie Combrinck and Wessel Botha.
Message from Absa
Phillimon Sebona
BURRY STANDER
MEMORIAL TROPHY
The battle for the right to lift the
Burry Stander Memorial trophy is not
confi ned to the PYGA Euro Steel and
NAD Pro MTB squads, however. A
number of strong all-African teams will
be lining up intent on upsetting the
odds. The foremost is the DSV team
of Arno du Toit and Julian Jessop. Du
Toit fi nished fourth alongside Timothy
Hammond for SPOT Africa in 2018
while Jessop claimed the Special
Jersey title with Beukes.
This trophy was created by
renowned local artist Angus
Taylor in dedication to Burry
Stander, the former U23 world
champion, World Cup winner and
fi rst South African winner of the
Absa Cape Epic. Stander was
tragically killed in a collision with
a taxi while training on 3 January
2013. Angus used exclusively
South African materials in the
design of the trophy. It was
inspired by a Chiwara, a styled
wood-carved antelope used in
African ceremonies, which in this
case is sculpted out of haematite
from Thabazimbi. The Chiwara is
depicted running on the base’s
rugged Matumi wood, sourced
from South African watercourses.
Also in the contest are Marco
Joubert and Nicol Carstens (Imbuko
Giant). The 21- and 22-year-old
teamed up at the start of 2019. And
with Joubert having completed two
Absa Cape Epics and Carstens one,
the pair have the experience needed.
Last but not least, are The
Darkhorse Wheels of Shaun-Nick
Bester and Andrew Hill – dark horses
in sponsor name and potential.
Bester fi nished as an individual in
2018 after his then teammate Jaco
Pelser withdrew due to illness. Hill last
competed in 2014, when he fi nished
on the podium in the Special Jersey
race alongside Charles Keey. Both will
be eager to prove they belong among
the elite of SA mountain biking.
Strongly
intertwined
into the rich
tapestry of
the race,
the 14-year
partnership
between Absa
and the Cape
Epic is one we are all proud of.
The deep-rooted relationship has
contributed greatly to help make
the Absa Cape Epic what it is
today. In launching the new Absa
brand, Africanacity was a unique
word we created that distinctly
defi nes the African ability to get
things done in remarkable ways.
Pro and amateur mountain bikers
have displayed an ability to make
things happen that leaves an
ineradicable mark on the essence
of our MTB society. Like the riders,
Absa and the Cape Epic are
partners that have found common
ground in mountain biking and a
relationship that is strengthened
by passion, bravery, unfailing
commitment and dedication. It
is for this reason we continue to
support and create an enabling
environment in which the race
organisers and riders can thrive
in. Absa Cape Epic presents this
platform where riders can show
their determination and dedication
to complete The Untamed African
MTB Race while converging with
other participants from all walks
of life. We have extended our
partnership and hope to continue
our relationship with the Cape
Epic, as the race enters its 16th
year. We look forward to being
part of yet another successful
endeavour that has grown in
stature and popularity, drawing
local and international competitors
while showcasing the best South
Africa has to off er. We wish all who
have been training and preparing
for the Absa Cape Epic the best.
We trust that this race will ignite in
you true passion and the spirit to
conquer as one.
DAVID WINGFIELD
Head of Marketing
Absa Group Limited
The Untamed African MTB Race | MTB | 97