![\"ccs-62657-0-30728900-1453368028.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-30728900-1453368028.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nIn 2016 they will be riding together in yet another of the power combinations that are set to make the women\u2019s race one of the most intriguing ever.<\/p>\n
In 2011 S\u00fcss and countryman Barti Bucher dominated the Mixed category and a year later she joined forces with another Briton, Sally Bigham, to win the Women\u2019s category.<\/p>\n
But S\u00fcss has had mixed fortunes in the world\u2019s premier mountain bike stage race since then and will be hoping that all that will change in 2016 when she partners with Williamson (Team Meerendal Wheeler).<\/p>\n
They are already a proven combination, having triumphed together in the 2015 Cape Pioneer Trek. But 41-year-old S\u00fcss and her 33-year-old partner were both playing down their chances against defending Epic champions Annika Langvad and Ariane Kleinhans.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will try to get podiums as much as possible,\u201d S\u00fcss said. \u201cI think an overall win will be very difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n Williamson added: \u201cI hope we can achieve an overall podium position and maybe even a stage win. The Epic is attracting the best field in the world of stage races now so I know it\u2019s a tall order to even get on the podium. But I think with a lot of training, a little bit of luck and such a strong partner as Esther it is possible.\u201d<\/p>\n Their modesty aside, they will be fancied by most fans to be at the sharp end of the field and to challenge the leading women\u2019s teams.<\/p>\n S\u00fcss is a strong rider over longer distances and also has a marathon world championship to her name. Williamson is a stage race specialist and finished first in the 2013 Absa Cape Epic with Yolande Speedy.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n