Team Spur hosted a picturesque sunset launch event on Thursday, 4 February in Sea Point, Cape Town. It was an opportunity to celebrate the team and reflect on a fine first month representing headline sponsors Spur Steak Ranches and equipment sponsors Specialized Bicycles.
CEO of Spur Corporation, Pierre van Tonder welcomed Team Spur to its sponsorship portfolio while Spur’s Market Development Manager, Andrew Cronje revealed the proud history and impressive growth of the Spur Schools Mountain Bike League under the. In 2016 Team Spur will act as ambassadors for the Schools League and support its events. The League now boasts 10,500 entrants from over 400 schools across South Africa and neighbouring countries. In 2015 scholars competed in 48 events around the country – a huge achievement in just six years of the League’s existence.
Specialized Bicycles Africa Market Leader, Bobby Behan heaped praise on the pioneering Schools League, outlining the impact this grassroots cycling development program will have on future generations, as well as its position as a globally revered model for youth participation in cycling.
Team Spur Manager, Nic Lamond explained the team’s top racing priorities for the year: Ariane wants to add a third Cape Epic women’s title to her palmares and James is gunning for Olympic selection.
The stars of the show, Ariane and James wrapped up proceedings with an entertaining panel interview, hosted by RSAWEB Director, Rob Gilmour. It was immediately clear that while their priorities for the year differ they share a strong bond, an analytical approach to training and racing and a genuine enthusiasm for having an impact on the lives of budding young mountain bikers through the Schools League.
The function capped off a busy past two weeks for the new team, which saw its riders add to their early-season successes. Ariane Kleinhans placed third at the first round of the Ashburton Investments National MTB Series in Meerendal, Western Cape on Saturday, 30 January.
On the same day James Reid made his bid for Olympic selection known up north. James had the measure of a strong Elite Men’s field, winning the first round of the South African XCO Cup Series in Mankele, Mpumalanga and earning Team Spur its first victory of 2016.
To RSAWEB for hosting the launch at their slick offices, Klein Constantia for sponsoring the fine wine and Jack Black’s Brewing Co. for supplying the very first keg from their brand-new brewery – we are forever grateful!
"Sizzling start"? Agge nee.