CYCLING NEWS - South Africa’s ‘darling of the Dakar’, Kirsten Landman, and six times Absa Cape Epic cyclist Reinette Geldenhuis have joined forces to tackle the gruelling 2024 Absa Cape Epic.
This iconic race is widely regarded as the Tour de France of mountain biking, the toughest MTB stage race in the world.
Landman, a professional motorcycle enduro rider, became a household name in South Africa as a result of her exploits in the famed Dakar Rally.
She became the first African woman to complete the Dakar in 2020, and in 2023, only the third woman to complete the Dakar's unassisted Malle Moto class, taking second place in the event.
This will be her first foray into mountain bike racing. Her interest was piqued after she was invited to ride a KTM motorcycle at the race in 2023 as a lead motorcycle rider, ahead of the UCI men's leaders.
Geldenhuis, on the other hand, is a seasoned mountain biker and member of the Epic 'Amabubesi Club', with an impressive six Absa Cape Epics to her name. She has also recently started riding motorcycles.
“It's a completely new experience for me, and meeting Kirsten during this process has made it special,” she said.
“We both share a passion for adventure and pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones. After Kirsten's first experience of the Absa Cape Epic as a lead motorcycle rider, I couldn't resist challenging her to do it again, but this time, on a mountain bike.”
Apart from her six finishes, Geldenhuis has played a key role in the Absa Cape Epic since 2009, managing the Woolworths sponsorship aspect of the event for over 13 years, until 2022.
The Dakar and the Absa Cape Epic share many similarities. Both require a strong mind, discipline and perseverance. Landman’s success at the Dakar is unquestionable proof of her mental fortitude, and she is relishing the challenge. “I'm really looking forward to what lies ahead in the build-up to Epic 2024,” she said.
“This is another massive goal to work towards, which will also only benefit my enduro / rally racing. I always love a challenge, and this is a whole new discipline. I know I have got a lot of work to do, a lot to learn, but I feel comfort in knowing that I have an experienced partner like Reinette to do it with.”
Both riders will be riding LIV mountain bikes. LIV, a subsidiary of Giant Bicycles, is a women-specific brand that is dedicated to empowering women to ride, race and conquer their goals. It's a cause that both Landman and Geldenhuis are extremely passionate about.
Professional media strategist and content provider Jeff Ayliffe is also excited about the pairing.
"Kirsten is an incredibly talented enduro rider with a champion mindset, and Reinette's experience in MTB - and more specifically the Epic - means she will be the perfect partner to guide Kirsten through the physical demands and ‘trade secrets’ of the world's toughest MTB stage race,” he said.
Reinette Geldenhuis has completed six Absa Cape Epics.
The 2024 Absa Cape Epic will take place in March, and Landman and Geldenhuis are already hard at work preparing for the challenge. This eight-day race traditionally covers over 600km of rugged terrain and features more than 15 000m of climbing. It is a true test of endurance, skill and mental toughness.
Kirsten and Reinette are both determined and excited to go all in and take on this challenge together.
Follow their journey on social media and stay tuned for updates on their progress as they prepare for the 2024 Absa Cape Epic.
Follow them on Instagram - @reinettege @kirstlandman
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