![\"ccs-62657-0-15948600-1426682027.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-15948600-1426682027.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nJunior World Champion Simon Andreassen (DEN) has confirmed his participation in the second round of the 2015 Stihl SA MTB Cup Series, which takes place at Voortrekker Monument in Gauteng on Saturday 28 March 2015. \/\/ Photo: Michal Cervany.<\/span><\/p>\n Mads B\u00f8dker, Danish National Mountain Bike Team coach, is beyond excited to be back in South Africa, bringing with him a fantastic team of some of the strongest young riders in Europe.<\/p>\n Along with Danish Elite Champion Sebastian Fini Carstensen (Current #11 in U23 ranking) and Junior World Champ silver medalist Marlene Degn, B\u00f8dker also brings with him Junior World Champion Simon Andreassen \u2013 the youngest member in the National team.<\/p>\n B\u00f8dker explains the importance of a race such as this one: \u201cThe Junior series race is a very good opportunity for Simon Andreassen and Jonas Lindberg to get important points before the European season starts. For the other racers, we hope that they will get points for the Olympic qualification.\u201d<\/p>\n In terms of training, the coaches are working on a long-term plan for Andreassen. \u201cHe is very strong for his age, but we try not to push him too hard. The success is not being Junior World Champion, it\u2019s in the World Elite when he is racing the Elite Category,\u201d said B\u00f8dker.<\/p>\n \u201cSimon usually prepares for the races by getting as much information about the course that he can. He has been watching videos of the Voortrekker Monument course. Simon always wants to perform the best he can, so I am sure you will see the best of him,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s my third time in SA, but have never been to Gauteng. Johan Hattingh has very generously invited the team to stay with him and his family, which we appreciate a lot. Our stay in SA is also a very good opportunity to do some serious racing and training for the European season.\u201d<\/p>\n B\u00f8dker mentioned that the team would also be taking part in the UCI HC Category XCO race at the Pietermaritzburg MTB Festival on 4 April. \u201cThey are very exited to be coming back to South Africa \u2013 many of them were there in 2013 for the World Championships in Pietermaritzburg, where we had a great experience with the South African people and country,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Entries for the 2015 Stihl SA XCO Cup #2 are open. To enter, click here: http:\/\/csams.cyclingsa.com\/enter-an-event\/mtb\/2015—mtb—sa-cup-series-2-xco.aspx<\/a>. Entries close at midnight on Tuesday 24 March 2015. Late entries will be accepted at registration, with a nominal charge of R50 added to the entrance fee. For more information on the 2015 Stihl SA MTB Cup Series, click here: http:\/\/www.cyclingsa.com\/2015-sa-mtb-cup-series<\/a>.<\/p>\n