After a short hiatus, SCOTT Sports, one of the world’s leading performance bicycle and gear brands, is making a welcome return to South African mountain bike racing by investing in leading professional mountain bike team, Insect Science Cycling.
For more than a decade, SCOTT has been a committed sponsor of top South African mountain bike racing teams. Following a short break, the Swiss-based brand is back with a bang as the bike and gear sponsor of the prominent Insect Science Cycling team. This is in line with SCOTT Sports Africa’s commitment to invest in current South African racers and help build a strong competitive platform for the next generation of ambitious youngsters to aspire to.
Established in 2017 by Insect Science owner and passionate mountain biker, Gerhard Booysen, Insect Science Cycling quickly made an impact on the South African racing scene. With five years of impressive results, it is now one of the most established and successful teams in the country and is looking for more success in 2023 and beyond.
Insect Science Cycling currently comprises Alan Gordon, CP Van Wyk, Arno du Toit and Keagan Bontekoning and is managed by former pro racer, Nicol Carstens. The team’s bright yellow and bold green kit has resulted the riders become affectionately known as ‘The Kings of Neon’. There’s a blend of youth and experience in the team, which always challenges for – and regularly finishes on – the podium at all major South African XCO, Marathon and Stage Races.
From 2023, SCOTT Sports Africa will supply the team with World Championship-winning SCOTT Spark World Cup Evo bikes, SCOTT Sports helmets, gloves and shoes and Maxxis tyres.
“Insect Science Cycling has another big year of racing planned. Besides aiming for the podium at all the significant XCO, Marathon and Stage Races, the team is aiming to win the top African team title at next month’s Absa Cape Epic. But our first competitive outing on the new SCOTT Spark bikes and in SCOTT Sports gear will at the Tankwa Trek this week,” explained team manager, Nicol Carstens.
“I was instantly blown away on my first outing on my new Scott Spark World Cup Evo. What stood out to me was how responsive the single-pivot suspension layout is. That being said, the bike is incredible on the descents with the full 120 mm of travel making the bike really stable. I love the fact that the cockpit is really neat and the TwinLoc Suspension System allows me to control the suspension and seatpost dropper all in one place. This bike is a game-changer and I am excited to put it through its paces this year,” said Bontekoning.
“To be honest, it does feel great to be back with SCOTT. Most of my highlights as a bike racer, like winning 2019 SA Marathon Champs, has been onboard a SCOTT. That definitely adds a bit of feel-good factor and some mental motivation. Nowadays most bikes are awesome and I’m very thankful for all the brands that have supported me through my career. With the new Spark, however, SCOTT really ticks all the boxes! I can’t wait to push some limits on rugged South African terrain on this bike,” said Du Toit.
“SCOTT Sports is built on Innovation, Technology and Design. These elements are evident when you look at the success of the SCOTT-SRAM international team, that includes Nino Schurter, Kate Courtney, Filippo Colombo and Andri Frischknecht. We are pleased to be able return to the local racing scene in giving Insect Science Cycling cutting-edge bikes, gear and tyres to perform at the their best,” said Joggie Prinsloo, SCOTT Sports Africa Brand Manager.
“The same Innovation, Technology and Design that the pro’s trust runs throughout all SCOTT bikes and products, which means that even recreational mountain bikers can be assured they are investing in a brand with a high-performance DNA and a #NoShortCuts philosophy,” added Prinsloo.
“South African racing is very import to SCOTT Sports. With the strong marathon and stage racing focus of Insect Science Cycling, it made sense for us to invest in the team with only the finest bikes, helmets, gloves and shoes. SCOTT Sports Africa is also the official distributor of Maxxis tyres in South Africa and we will ensure the team has access to a range of high-performance tyres to be able to race with confidence over the harsh South African terrain for both XCO and Marathon events,” added Prinsloo.
For more on the Insect Science Cycling, click here.
Source: Roots Media & Communication
