![\"buys.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-51599900-1357894278.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nPhilip Buys, pictured here during the 2012 MTN Crater Cruise Marathon, has been signed as a fully-sponsored racer by the SCOTT Sports Group for 2013.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Photo credit: ZOON CRONJE <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Buys was backed initially by Contego and then USN during 2012, a year in which he showed his potential with a 15th <\/sup>place finish at a round of the prestigious International Cycling Union XCO World Cup. It was also the year in which he won his first major title, claiming the African Continental Championship gold in Mauritius.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s definitely a couple of steps up the ladder for me,\u201d said Buys on Thursday. \u201cThe backing of USN was essentially support until I could find something bigger, which is what the SCOTT contract is. It is a full sponsorship, which includes a salary, bikes, gear and support in my quest to achieve my true potential.\u201d<\/p>\n Buys was a regular second-place finisher to the late Burry Stander at most South African XCO races, but he closed the gap to Stander in 2012 when he made a switch to Stander\u2019s coach, Dr Jeroen Swart and was subsequently rewarded with the second berth for South Africa alongside Stander at the London Olympics.<\/p>\n \u201cBurry set the pace and created a path for the rest of us to follow. He taught me so much in 2012, especially in the build-up to the Olympics,\u201d said Buys after having attended Stander\u2019s funeral on Thursday afternoon. \u201cWere it not for Burry\u2019s ability to earn UCI points with his amazing talent, I would not have been able to compete at the Olympics.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe best way I can honour Burry is to pursue my career and take my opportunities with the same passion and commitment that he did. He was a true professional in every way and I aim to follow that example as best I can with SCOTT\u2019s backing,\u201d said Buys.<\/p>\n Buys\u2019s primary goal for 2013 is a high finish at the UCI XCO World Championships, which take place in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa in September.<\/p>\n \u201cA world champs in your own country is rare and special. That will be my priority this year. I will compete in the World Cup Series in Europe and North America for preparation and plan to raise my racing standard even more this year.\u201d<\/p>\n Because the XCO World Cup Series only starts in May, Buys will focus on marathons and stage races during the first third of 2013 as part of his base phase.<\/p>\n \u201cI will compete in the MTN National Marathon Series and I plan to give the ABSA Cape Epic a good go too,\u201d said Buys. \u201cI\u2019ve done three Cape Epics and each time it was just for the experience and to finish. I feel I\u2019m strong enough now to be competitive and would love to aim for a top 10 finish and possibly contest the Best African Team Jersey. I will have to find the right partner first though.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn Philip we see a committed racer with a bright future. His humility is admirable and that\u2019s part of what makes him an excellent brand ambassador,\u201d remarked Els. \u201cPhilip achieved well with local sponsorship backing in the last couple of years and we\u2019d love to see him reach his potential with a full international brand sponsorship from SCOTT.<\/p>\n \u201cIn addition to local backing for Philip, SCOTT has one of the strongest international racing teams and we\u2019ll be able to call on them for support when he is racing abroad,\u201d added Els.<\/p>\n Buys will open his account as a SCOTT team rider by competing in the Cycle Fest in Pietermaritzburg this weekend. The UCI-points graded XCO race on Saturday is his priority event, where he will be one of the favourites to claim the title and valuable UCI rankings points.<\/p>\n