Canyon Topeak Factory Racing Kicks Off 2018 Season

It’s early February and it’s snowing back home in Virginia, but now I’m driving with my Canyon Topeak Factory Racing teammates toward our big pre-Cape Epic test race – the Tankwa Trek. Tankwa is a 3-day technical race in the Great Karoo desert of South Africa.

A two-man team race like the Tankwa Trek is the perfect proving ground for both body and bike. It’s exciting to get on the new Canyon bike and wear sleek new kits outfitted with the latest from our new sponsors Shimano and Fox.

The morale is high. Our training has been on track and has included some great team braai (South African tradition like a BBQ) bonding time.

Last weekend we raced at the 2-day Simonsburg Contour. It was a fantastic test on the dusty high-speed single track. We raced solo and gained a feel for racing at high-speed on the new bikes. I was second overall, which was not too shabby; and I won the final stage. My teammate Kristian won the overall. Alban was fast, he but flatted, and Erik won the KOM on day-one, so it was a solid showing for the whole team.

Now we square up at the Tankwa Trek with half of the best riders who will compete in the Cape Epic. The showdown includes two formidable teams by the Bulls led by Carl Platt and Urs Huber; Centurion Vaude; Pyga Eurosteel; Cannondale’s Fumic and Avencini; and NAD MTB all have really solid squads.

We are all keyed up to give it a good effort and ride as a team to support a podium finish. It should be fun! Stay tuned to http://tankwatrek.co.za, including live coverage on the event’s final stage.