HotChillee today announced that Team Bulls, the German-based professional mountain bike squad, will be riding in the 2013 Cape Rouleur. The team, made up of some of the world’s most prolific mountain bikers, will cycle the more than 600km of the Cape Rouleur with amateur participants.
The six Team Bulls riders taking part are Karl Platt, four times winner of the ABSA Cape Epic, and seven times winner of the Trans Alps; Stefen Sahm, three times winner of the ABSA Cape Epic with Platt; Urs Huber, Platt’s partner for the ABSA Cape Epic 2013; Thomas Dietsch, the reigning French Champion and World Cup winner in 2007; Tim Böhme, Diestsch’s partner for the ABSA Cape Epic 2013, bronze medallist in the 2011 European Championships and fourth the same year in the World Champs; Simon Stiebjahn, Stefen Sahm’s partner for the ABSA Cape Epic 2013 and reigning European U23 Champion. All six Team Bulls riders will also be in action at the 3rd Nashua Grape Escape, set to take place in the Boland from 28 February to 2 March 2013.
There will be some stiff competition for the desirable Yellow Leader’s Jersey, which Platt took home after the inaugural Cape Rouleur in 2012. With more professional cyclists riding HotChillee events, there will be two jersey categories; one for the professionals and one for the amateur cyclists, providing recognition of the best amateur riders in the event.
The Cape Rouleur consists of a Prologue, followed by three stages over 3 days and finishing with a Festival Ride. The Cape Rouleur takes riders through stunning South African scenery in the Western Cape, passing sites such as the Paarl Monument, Perdeberg National Reserve and Betty’s Bay. During the event Franschhoek, the heart of gastronomy and wine in the country, becomes the riders’ race village and provides the perfect setting to relax and socialise after a hard day in the saddle. Following the third stage there will be a Celebration Dinner for riders and guests.
The Cape Rouleur follows HotChillee’s winning multi-stage format, with rolling road closures, timed race sections, motorbike outriders, support vehicles from vehicle partner Hertz and an extensive support crew and mechanics from local retail partner Cycle Lab. It is organised to bring enthusiasts close to the professionals’ grand tour experience, and with cycling professionals and legends such as Team Bulls cycling the event, it provides cycling enthusiasts the ride of their lifetime.
Karl Platt says: “I can’t wait to get on my road bike and take part in the Cape Rouleur again. It’s a tough challenge, with beautiful scenery. The HotChillee community is fantastic and I’ve met some great people. The organisation and support crews are faultless, making the whole experience unforgettable. The best thing about the event is being able to battle it out in the timed race sections and once the hard work is done, you can go back to a sociable peloton. A great mix of competition and fun.”
Friedemann Schmude, Manager of Team Bulls, says: “I´m happy that my team can be part of the Cape Rouleur 2013. The format is a great chance for both sides - professionals and amateurs - to not only race together but to also socialise and enjoy time on the bike in a beautiful and well-organised setting. Karl Platt had a great experience last year and used the Cape Rouleur as part of his ABSA Cape Epic preparations; this was an important part of the build-up. I expect my riders to benefit from the mixture of tough racing and relaxed kilometres to reach the peak of their fitness.”
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