01 Feb 2011 Big Names Confirmed for New 3-day MTB Stage Race
A number of leading mountain bikers have secured their entries for the Columbia Grape Escape, the new 3-day MTB stage race taking place from 4-6 March 2011. There are only about 100 available entries left.
"We’d like to welcome Columbia Sportswear on board as the naming rights sponsor for the inaugural Grape Escape," announced CEO of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust, David Bellairs. "We believe our event and their brand is a good fit and look forward to working together."
"In other news, we’re thrilled to announce that the 2010 Absa Cape Epic winner, Karl Platt (Team Bulls), has confirmed that he will be riding the Columbia Grape Escape. Top cyclists Christoph Sauser (Specialized), David George and Kevin Evans (both Team 360life) have also finalised their entries," said Bellairs.
Cherise Taylor (USN), who recently became engaged to Burry Stander (Specialized USN), confirmed this morning that they will also be in action at the Columbia Grape Escape. "We’re both riding solo. Burry is going to ride hard all the way – he’s aiming for a win. With mountain biking anything can happen, so I don’t like making predictions, but I’d like a podium finish."
"The participation of a number of world-class cyclists in the very first Columbia Grape Escape proves that this is a stage race to be reckoned with. This is what we envisaged for the Grape Escape and I’m happy to report that all is going according to plan," said Bellairs.
Only 100 entries left.
There are only about 100 entries left for the Columbia Grape Escape. Entries have been limited to 750 riders and the cost ranges from R1,400 – R1,500 per rider. "At the very latest we will close entries on the 31st of January, but I reckon we’ll fill the last few available entries before then," Bellairs concluded.
For more info and to enter online, visit www.grapeescape.co.za.