![\"ccs-2-0-37451900-1400510431.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-37451900-1400510431.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nSally Bigham of Great Britain will arrive in Pietermaritzburg for the 2014 UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships with her eye firmly set on collecting her maiden Rainbow Striped World Champions jersey when the event gets underway from 27-29 June.<\/span><\/p>\n Image credit: Andy Upton\/Gameplan Media<\/strong><\/p>\n With four ABSA Cape Epic finishes, another \u2018DNF\u2019 and half a dozen other trips to South Africa under her belt, the Topeak-Ergon Racing Team star is relishing the opportunity to return to sunny South Africa in a little over five weeks\u2019 time to take on the best off-road endurance cyclists the world has to offer.<\/p>\n Having finished second in March\u2019s gruelling eight day long Cape Epic and then notching up her fifth national title just a few days ago, Bigham comes into the clash in formidable form and has one clear goal for this year\u2019s World Champs.<\/p>\n \u201cThe World Championships is the biggest race a marathon rider can win. It’s the most important and to win it this year in South Africa would be a dream come true!\u201d explained Bigham.<\/p>\n \u201cThe European and World Marathon Championships are two pretty big season goals for me this year and I’m exactly where I want to be in terms of my form at the moment.<\/p>\n \u201cMy winter training was perfect and then I haven’t had any big disruptions to my training since coming back after the off season in November. <\/p>\n \u201cWith British Nationals now behind me I have some smaller races in the UK coming up in the next couple of weeks. Then it\u2019s the European Marathon Championships in the middle of June and so in another 4 weeks or so I aim to be in top shape \u2013 it’s important not to peak too soon!\u201d she added.<\/p>\n Bigham missed out on the coveted title in 2013 by the narrowest of margins when she was pipped to the post by mountain biking legend Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa.<\/p>\n 2014 presents a fresh opportunity for Bigham to challenge for top honours however the Topeak-Ergon ace is uncertain of exactly where her greatest threat will come from.<\/p>\n \u201cI haven’t seen an entry list yet but I expect Esther Suss and Annika Langvad will be hard to beat again this year. I also think that Ariane (Kleinhans) could be in the mix this year!\u201d<\/p>\n Despite set to compete at this year\u2019s World Champs in the colours of her native Switzerland, Kleinhans\u2019 strong South African ties \u2013 due to wedding bells having rung for her and Team RECM flyer Erik Kleinhans three years ago and the pair now residing in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape \u2013 should give the host nation\u2019s adopted sweetheart a good foundation ahead of this year\u2019s global clash in PMB.<\/p>\n With home ground advantage in their favour, Bigham also believes Kleinhans\u2019 regular rivals from the local South African racing scene may well feature this time around too.<\/p>\n \u201cMarathon and stage racing is big worldwide, especially in South Africa, because it’s accessible to so many people. It’s really nice to see so many people, ranging from fully professional to amateur, racing together \u2013 something you don’t get in cross country – and it creates a great atmosphere. <\/p>\n \u201cI certainly hope this marathon and stage racing culture within South African cycling circles will see some of the South African ladies be competitive at this year\u2019s Worlds!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI love South Africa! It’s such a beautiful country with friendly people, amazing MTB and great food!\u201d exclaimed Bigham. <\/p>\n \u201cThe caf\u00e9-and-cake culture is pretty good too!\u201d she chuckled.<\/p>\n