Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival Media Release

 No: kc2309

06 June 2023

Embargo : None

Written by : Nick Tatham

Thies out to continue Karkloof dominance

Karkloof – Young gravity specialist Sabine Thies will be back at the Sappi Karkloof Enduro this weekend, part of the Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival with eyes on another women’s title.

Thies has dominated the local gravity scene and was in line for a trip overseas to race, however with plans falling through she will be on the start line this Saturday with her focus on claiming the KZN Enduro Championship title.

“It’s the silver lining on a dark cloud that I get to race the KZN Champs this weekend and I’m really looking forward to racing at Karkloof again,” Thies said.

“I was a little bit bummed that I was going to miss the race if I was overseas, but I haven’t ridden there since about December so I’m looking forward to getting back out on the trails.

“I love racing there because it’s always different and if there’s a bit of water then it gets slippery and when they fell some trees, the same trails have a completely different perspective.”

Despite not being able to travel to race, the PYGA/Leatt Clothing athlete is using this chance to continue to refine her form as she looks forward to the next challenge.

“I am feeling good, and my form has been good, but it’s been quite a short season where I have put most of my focus into my downhill.

“This weekend will be a good chance to test my enduro skills and I think that it’s going to be an exciting weekend because anything can happen; a puncture, a slip and your race is done so it’s going to be good racing.”

Enduro has become a hugely popular discipline of mountain biking and this year’s Sappi Karkloof Enduro will be raced over two days. For the Wartburg resident it’s exciting to see the discipline growing and understand why it’s become so popular.

“There are so many more women taking part in enduro which is brilliant to see, and I think the discipline is very sociable which makes it appealing to so many people.

“For me it always helps my downhill training because you need to be fit for enduro so that always helps.

“It’s going to be another exciting weekend of racing in the Karkloof this weekend and I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone and racing on such exciting trails,” Thies added.

The 2023 Sappi Karkloof Enduro will be two days of riding the famous Karkloof trails with no trails being duplicated on both days.

There will also be an Enduro Lite option for younger riders or those wanting something shorter, and you are able to ride just one of the two days, however you will be excluded from any prize categories.

For more information go to www.karkloofclub.co.za/

ENDS

Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival Logo

Young PYGA Bikes/Leatt Clothing rider Sabine Thies will be back to defend her women's title at the 2023 Sappi Karkloof Enduro, part of the Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival and will race on the trails he maintains over the weekend of 10-11 June.