Kargo Pro MTB Team set for 2016

The Kargo Pro MTB Team, together with their long-standing title sponsor, Kargo, are proud to announce their new bike sponsor and riders for 2016.

Team Founder and Principal, Shaun Peschl says “We would like to thank Greg Blackwell and Leigh Oliveira of Kargo for their continued investment in the team. Without their support and belief in us, we would not have been able to grow and succeed as we have over the last three years, and we look forward to an even bigger and better 2016.”

We are extremely excited to announce that Giant is the new team bike sponsor,” says Shaun. “We are honoured to align the team with one of the most established bike brands in the world. Our new team contingent of 15 riders in total signals a new era for the Kargo Pro MTB Team, and Giant have come alongside us as partners in our long-term strategy for the team moving forward.”

The Giant Anthem X which the Kargo Pro MTB Team will be racing in 2016.
The Giant Anthem X which the Kargo Pro MTB Team will be racing in 2016.

Gert Stander, Giant Product Manager, is equally thrilled. “The strong performance base and credible reputation of the Kargo Pro MTB Team makes them the perfect partner for Giant to showcase the strength of both brands, whilst providing the best equipment for the dedicated and hardworking athletes, thereby enabling them to perform at the top of their game. Giant is already a well-known brand in the industry and with this new partnership we are determined to show that Giant can compete at the highest level in South Africa and abroad. We are confident that the dedication of everyone involved in the team, matched with the Giant product, will be a force to be reckoned with.”

What’s even more exciting is that the three new ladies in the team will be catered to by Liv – the first totally dedicated female range of bicycles and bicycle gear globally.

“We are proud to have the first ever Kargo female cyclists representing the brand here in South Africa,” says Amanda Davis, a Director of Dragons Sports. “Women’s cycling is a rapidly growing sector of the market and we look forward to seeing the Liv bikes featuring at the top level of women’s cycling through the young stars of the Kargo Pro MTB Team and hope that they will inspire more ladies to join the sport.”

The Kargo Pro MTB Team 2016 roster consists of five U23 riders (2 female) and five Elites.

“We are very lucky to have two of South Africa’s strongest up-and-coming riders – who are already Giant athletes – join the team,” says Shaun.

Matthew Lombardi, a matriculant from Stellenbosch in the Western Cape is excited to be part of the team.

“2016 will be my first year racing U23 and having the support of the Kargo Pro MTB Team will be a huge advantage and indeed a big step forward in my career.”

Elite rider Jurgens Uys is also based in the Western Cape. He began focusing on his cycling career in his matric year and is looking forward to riding in the Kargo colours. “I am very excited to be joining the team,” he says. “It is always great to have a support network behind you encouraging you and helping you to push your limits and achieve your goals.”

Some of his most notable achievements are finishing 11th at the Absa Cape Epic on the Queen Stage in 2014 and being the 2014 U23 WP XCO Champion. This year, he placed 8th overall with Dylan Rebello at the 2015 Wines2Whales MTB stage race.

The newly-formed junior team consists of 5 riders (1 female) who will focus predominantly on the High School MTB Series and other regional competitions as they work their way up the ranks.

“In order for the team and the sport of cycling in South Africa to be sustainable, it is imperative for us to invest in young riders and to begin mentoring them into the pro-structure from an early age. Giving them exposure to international racing and the demands of being a professional rider will better prepare them for when they enter the sport full-time,” says Shaun.

Ex-professional cyclist Gregory Kemp says “it’s a rider’s dream to be involved with a MTB team such as Kargo, especially in this modern era where the sport is very scientific and everything has to gel in order to provide winning results. The Kargo management is strong and solid, and the bike brands, namely Giant and Liv, are amongst the best in the industry.”

“South Africa with its favourable weather and unbelievable trail settings, together with some of the biggest and most prestigious Mountain Biking events in the world, make the sport very exciting for the up-and-coming riders.  It is a team like Kargo that young riders will aspire to be part of one day, and looking at their set up, I wish I was many years younger.”

“Good luck for the future Kargo, Giant and Liv, may this be a long and successful partnership.”

“We look forward to the new season and will be announcing additional partners shortly,” concludes Shaun.

 

KARGO PRO MTB TEAM ROSTER 2016

 

Athletes – Elite

  • Andrew Warr
  • Brendon Davids
  • Jurgens Uys
  • Siyabonga Njiva
  • William Mokgopo

Athletes – U23

  • Alan Hatherly
  • Frankie Du Toit (F)
  • Hayley Smith (F)
  • Matt Lombardi
  • Marco Joubert

Juniors / High School Racing

  • Ben Carnie
  • Brandon van den Burg
  • Cayde Muldoon
  • Kristen Louw (F)
  • Pieter du Toit

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