Mariske Strauss and Cherie Vale will pair up for the first time as teammates to compete in their home country of South Africa, at the world’s biggest mountain bike stage race.
The team’s title sponsor, Novus Holdings (formerly Paarl Media Group), have invested in getting the ladies to the Cape Epic and take great pride in supporting two of South Africa’s biggest mountain bike talents through this iconic eight-day stage race.
The young duo, both known for their enthusiasm and megawatt smiles, will tackle this race with incredible determination and focus. These traits will not only see them through the race, but make them serious competitors.
“Thanks to my amazing team and sponsors, I will be aboard the dreamy Silverback Superbike Concept. Cherie is such a joy and I’m sure we are going to be, hands down, the happiest team. Along with such a great team backing us I don’t see how we can have anything but an amazing race,” says Mariske, who raced the Cape Epic for the first time in 2014 and is ready to step up to the challenge again.
Both Mariske and Cherie will be riding Silverback’s aptly named Superbike Concept, a full suspension frame that will offer them a light and responsive yet comfortable ride. The ladies will be able to confidently rely on the bike during each gruelling stage.
As a professional photographer, Cherie has seen the race through a lens but this will be her first year as a rider.
“I am really excited for the challenge and thrilled to be racing with Mariske. She is an inspirational athlete and has assisted me so much with my cycling performance. With an amazing support team and the award winning Silverback Superbike Concept we can focus on flying the Novus OMX Pro Team flag high,” says Cherie.
Partnership, pride and ambition. We are taking this on. #weareOMX
