Himeville – The 2016 KAP sani2c’s Race event takes place from 12-14 May, less than two weeks after the conclusion of the nine day long Old Mutual joBerg2c, however TIB Insurance’s Andrew Hill and Tyronne White believe they can perform admirably in both iconic stage races, after finishing 3rd in the Joberg2C.
With a strong men’s field set to challenge for this year’s sani2c spoils and the start of Underberg to Scottburgh outing, Hill and White remain somewhat guarded in declaring their sani2c aspirations.
“It is always a well stacked field at the sani2c and this year it will be particularly strong!” explained Hill. “A top five at this year’s sani2c will be a good result for any team and to get onto the podium will be an incredibly good feat.”
“Tyronne and I did very well at this year’s Tankwa Trek, finishing sixth overall against a highly competitive field and we’ve also ridden to a sani2c stage podium before, so we know we can ride up there at the front.
Photo: Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media
“Hopefully things go our way at this year’s sani2c and we can challenge for a stage podium or two and be in the top five mix overall,” he added reservedly.
While overcoming the resulting fatigue of their testing joBerg2c journey in time for their sani2c assault will be vital, the knowledge the all-KZN duo will gain from their initial assignment will be invaluable come their second outing.
“All the hard work has pretty much been done already with us preparing for joBerg2c,” said Hill. “After joBerg2c it will just be important to see how the body responds in order to best prepare for sani2c.”
“We’ll probably just do a couple of light rides between the two events and look to pick up the speed a bit just before sani2c, but our time on the trails during joBerg2c and knowing the route will be a huge help come sani2c!
“Day one of sani2c has changed a bit and so knowing where these changes are, where to attack, etc. will be a huge advantage.
“The changes should also suit us as we know, and will be able take advantage of, KZN trails better than most of the other top guys and so this will definitely be in our favour.”
Photo: Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media
Hill and White foresee the heightened speed of sani2c, compared to the gruelling test the joBerg2c represents, suiting SCOTT LCB Factory Racing’s Matthys Beukes and Gert Heyns best however are reluctant to rule the likes of USN Purefit’s Darren Lill and Waylon Woolcock – amongst others – as pre-race podium contenders.
The Trail, Adventure and Race events of the 2016 KAP sani2c take place from Glencairn in Underberg to Scottburgh on KZN’s South Coast from 10-12, 11-13 and 12-14 May respectively. For more information visitwww.sani2c.co.za.
Source: Gameplan Media
