![\"ccs-62657-0-97358200-1486551924.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-97358200-1486551924.jpg\")
<\/a>Image Credit: Johan Badenhorst.<\/span><\/p>\nThis week we face the first of our big challenges for 2017: the Tankwa Trek. The stage was set at the opening round of Ashburton Investments National MTB Series’ marathon race in Grabouw. An international field of racers – here to prepare for the Cape Epic – took to the start. From the first climb to the last sprint, every metre had to be fought. Gawie Combrinck and Nico Bell finished 5th and 6th respectively, setting themselves up as one of the fastest South African pairings.<\/p>\n
After a solid training camp at high altitude, Nico and Gawie have prepared strongly for their season ahead. Apart from the many hours on the saddle, NAD Pro MTB Team\u2019s prepared for the season off-the-bike too.<\/p>\n
New Africa Developments\u2019 director Robin Houghton enthused about their extended commitment to the team for 2017: \u201cIn mountain biking one never knows what\u2019s around the next corner and regardless of how tough the conditions you can never give up. Much the same is true when it comes to the business of property development, and that is why New Africa Developments has such a great synergy with mountain biking and has committed itself to continuing to support Team NAD Pro MTB in 2017.\u201d<\/p>\n
New Africa Developments (NAD) has grown its sponsorship and support of the team, further investing in South African mountain biking and our sporting culture. This investment also includes the provision of support services and a new team vehicle to enable Nico, Gawie and our race mechanic Morne van Rensburg to further improve their performances.<\/p>\n
With our 2017 Specialized Bicycles’ S-Works Epic 29 World Cup race machines equipped with SRAM’s very best technology, the best got better: every advantage gained with these bicycles will aid us in our reach for the podium. After a solid first year under the NAD Pro MTB Team banner, Nico and Gawie are aiming for the top step in the African Jersey Competition at the Cape Epic. Our two racers have also been selected to run as a support team to multiple winner Christoph Sauser and equally fast team-mate Jaroslav Kulhavy in their bid for another overall victory in mountain biking\u2019s most prestigious international event.<\/p>\n \u201cOur season has started off well, with our form proving strong,\u201d commented Nico. \u201cTo race with the likes of Christoph Sauser means we have to be in tip-top condition. We have to race faster and smarter. Our focus is sharper too.\u201d<\/p>\n Alan Hudson Motors, a Volkswagen Dealer, has signed on with our team to provide reliable and versatile vehicle transport on races. We top up our body’s fuel with thanks from Neolife nutritional supplements and vitamins. Bells Cycling, Nelspruit’s only Authorized Specialized Dealer, keeps our bicycles in tip-top condition.<\/p>\n<\/a>Image Credit: Johan Badenhorst.<\/span><\/p>\n