The first round of the National XCO series and Western Cape XCO Cup #1 has attracted a star-studded line up with top local and international riders.
The riders will battle for victory at the Coetzenburg Stadium on the same course that hosted the UCI XCO World Cup in 2018 on the 4th and 5th of February 2023.
South-African’s Allan Hatherly and Candice Lill will be the local favourites for the weekend’s racing after their recent respective wins at the Nissan Trail Seeker in Banhoek showing their impressive form early in the season.
Saturday 04 February, we will see fierce racing commence between the Elite Women as Lill goes head-to-head with international riders. Currently ranked first in the UCI Rankings Alessandra Keller will be the most watched rider and will have to keep her wits about if she wants to beat Top riders like by Anne Terpstra, and Caroline Bohé who will all, without a doubt be wanting to test their form and gain some UCI Points that is crucial during an Olympic Qualification year. The same start list can be expected to line up for the WC Cup #1 on Sunday with American Star and Scott Factory team athlete Kate Courteney in the mix.
Sunday 05 February will see World Cup Level racing as Hatherly takes on professional riders like ten times World Champion Nino Shurter, Victor Koretzky, Filippo Colombo and Andri Frischneckt to name but a few. It will be the first XCO race for most of the riders in the 2023 season and a good tester to see if the training during off paid off.
Philip Buys will no doubt be wanting a good result after an amazing season in 2022 and will have the home ground advantage over the international riders but victory for the National Series won’t come easy as Saturday’s SA National Series #1 will be heavily contested with local riders: Johan van Zyl, Luke Moir, Daniel van der Walt and Tristan Nortje all aiming for victory.
Alex Muller from Namibia will also be lining up for Saturday and Sunday with a number of International riders participating in both events including Allan Haterly and Victor Koretzky.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see these top local and international athletes on home soil all free of charge. Bring the family and enjoy supporting you favourite rider.
Below you can find the:
- Technical Guide with everything you need to know.
- Event Schedule for the weekend.
- Provisional Start list.
- Link to Join Telegram SA XCO Communication Group.
