Absa, title sponsor of the race, recently announced their team of riders for the 2013 Absa Cape Epic. The dynamic team consists of 12 riders, including an impressive list of celebrities, working professionals, and sportsmen.

Leading the team is Ernst ‘The Boss’ Viljoen, who will be taking on his fifth successful attempt at the race. Team Absa veteran and Amabubesi rider Joel Stransky will also bring a great level of experience to the team once again.

The first-time Absa Cape Epic riders include model and TV presenter Janez Vermeiren, adventure enthusiast Letshego Moshoeu, former Springbok rugby player Cornè Krige, and rally car driver Gugu Zulu.

Back again to join Team Absa for the second time is model and actress Vanessa Haywood, former Springbok rugby player Tiaan Strauss, and Johannesburg engineer Clayton Duckworth.

And lastly, former Absa Cape Epic finishers but new comers to Team Absa are Absa Capital Investment Banker Andrè Ross, SuperCycling presenter Owen Hannie, and medical doctor, executive television producer and presenter, Michael Mol.
Each rider will dedicate their participation in the team to a nominated charity of their choice. Some of the organisations that will benefit from Team Absa in 2013 include The JAG Foundation, The Big Tree Foundation, LumoHawk, CANSA, the Red Cross Children’s Hospital and the Red Apple Cycling Club development project.

The team recently returned from their first training camp and will be undergoing a strict training and conditioning routine in preparation for the start of the eight-day mountain bike stage race on Sunday, 17 March 2013.

“Celebrating the iconic 10th anniversary of the race is testimony to how this event continues to grow from strength to strength. Absa is proud to have played its part in this journey and to partner with Kevin Vermaak and his team once again for what promises to be the most exciting edition of the Absa Cape Epic yet,” says Lynn Naude, general manager, Absa Sponsorships.

“Team Absa has evolved quite significantly over the last few years and we very proud of the 12 riders who have been chosen to represent us at the race in 2013 - our biggest team to date. We strongly believe that they will display the commitment, passion and perseverance required to successfully complete the Absa Cape Epic. We wish them the very best in their preparations and look forward to cheering them on at the final finish line on the 24th March 2013,” concludes Naude.

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