Former Springbok and 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning team member Butch James, returns to the Absa Cape Epic this year as part of Team Land Rover. He will pair up with another familiar face and returning Team Land Rover rider Shane Chorley, as both cycle under the banner of Above and Beyond. Between the two, they’ve completed the Absa Cape Epic 11 times.
It’s all about “not giving up”, says Shane Chorley, who will be competing in his eighth Absa Cape Epic this year. “The Epic is a very interesting race and extremely addictive for someone with a personality like mine. There is so much about the event that makes one want to take up the challenge year after year. Riding for Team Land Rover and being part of this incredible team, coupled to participating in the world’s most challenging event, is what brings me back every time,” says Chorley.
Lisa Mallett, Marketing Director, Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa said: “For this year’s Epic we invited some of the toughest sportsmen and mountain biking enthusiasts who share a passion for off-road adventure. Land Rover supports the Absa Cape Epic with vehicles that have capability with composure, and that’s exactly what the Epic demands of competitors – it’s a natural fit for the brand.”
At the team training camp held in the Western Cape earlier this year, 2007 Rugby World Cup Winner Butch James was asked why he chose mountain bike riding after he hung up his rugby boots.
“I turned to mountain bike riding by co-incidence. I was invited to ride in the Epic and jumped at the opportunity to participate in a fantastic event. I wasn’t too sure what I was getting myself into at the time and have now competed and finished four Epics. It has been really tough for me on some days and enjoyable on others, but I can say without doubt, that this is a great event to be part of. Being in the Land Rover Team this year is awesome,” he concludes.
Be sure to keep an eye open for big smiles and chirpy comments at the water points along the race route, and especially when Team Above and Beyondcrosses the finish line on Sunday, March 25.
Mountain biking remains one of the most popular participatory sports in South Africa, with many taking it up as a form of exercise and opportunity to see the lesser-explored parts of South Africa. With unparalleled off-road capability and composure, Land Rover vehicles are the perfect mountain-biking partner, for the toughest terrains and trails. Land Rover also offers a comprehensive line of accessories that complement the mountain bike lifestyle, without sacrificing the comfort, luxury and latest technology.
