Denmark’s Cross-country National Champion, Sebastian Fini Carstensen (Lapierre Mavic Unity Team) has announced that he will partner Switzerland’s reigning UCI Cross-country Olympic World Cup overall title holder, Nino Schurter (Scott SRAM MTB Racing). The eight-day ABSA Cape Epic stage race (17-24 March) is competed as a pair with many WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series racers having taken part over the years. Last year’s men’s race was won by Christopher Blevins (Specialized Racing) and Matthew Beers (Toyota Specialized Ninety One). The women’s race was won by Vera Looser and Kim Le Court, both of whom are UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup regulars. The former collected Namibia’s first ever UCI World Cup win in Morzine, Haute-Savoie.  

Our goals are clear, to have fun, race as hard as possible and have the luck on our side to conquer one or more stages during the 8 days.

Sebastian Fini said in his announcement.  

I’m really excited to start the ABSA Cape Epic this year, and even more with Nino. I’m sure we are a great match. I’m looking forward to racing hard, smart and achieving our goals for the race. I’m sure the race can make me stronger, and I want to use it for that as well. This season is important with many races and also the Olympics as a target - so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well.

The pair will also be representing the World Bicycle Relief Foundation, a charity who support social mobility and empowerment through bicycles in developing nations. The pairs custom-painted race bikes will be auctioned off at the end of the event with all proceeds going to the charity.  

The first round of the Endurance side of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series is set to take place in Mairiporã, Brazil 12-14 April.