There will be a new squad of bike racers tackling the 2023 Absa Cape Epic, to be known as Team Trek SA. Kai von During and Justin Chesterton are two full-time students from Cape Town and are exceptional athletes who will receive Trek’s full support for the 2023 racing season.

Kai and Justin are gearing up for a jam-packed racing calendar, focusing on XCO, XCM,, Gravel and a few road events. They’ll be tearing up the race tracks and trails on the 2023 Trek Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS race bike – a masterpiece of engineering that is purpose-built for racing. Together with the backing of Bontrager, RH77, (Haselbacher Cycling Wear) and DT Swiss supplied by RBC, Team Trek SA will have access to the best equipment available.

With a string of local and international races under their belts, these young flyers are well-respected by their competitors and carry long term aspirations on as Marathon specialists.

Justin Chesterton.

instagram.com/justin_chesterton/

From an early age, Justin knew he wanted a cycling career. He started on a push bike at the age of two and his passion for riding is now stronger than ever. As a competitor in the Spur Racing League in primary school, he was exposed to racing at an early age and has constantly refined his technique and race craft to the impressive level he is at now. Along with being an outstanding athlete, he is pursuing a full-time BSc in Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering at the University of Cape Town (UCT).

“I am super excited to be working with a bike brand that loves the lifestyle as much as I do.” Says Justin. “I’m hoping to work my way up to give the best riders in the marathon and gravel scene a run for their money.”

Kai von During

instagram.com/kai_vonduring/

Kai is a fierce competitor whose passion for cycling started early and runs deep. Cycling is very much a family sport for the von During’s and, from a young age – the talent and potential in Kai was plain to see as he competed in the Spur Schools League with some impressive performances. Riding and racing is more than a sport – it’s a way of life for Kai. We see him fully embrace the process of being an athlete whilst balancing his studies in Business Science Finance with Accounting at the University of Cape Town (UCT).

Kai is excited to be racing with Trek Bikes South Africa and is grateful for the support of top brands such as Bontrager, RH77 – Haselbacher Cycling Wear and DT Swiss supplied by RBC.

“The partnership with Trek is game-changing as it has allowed us to take on the professional world of cycling, at a young age, somewhat on our terms.” says Kay. “Together, we have selected a multi-discipline race programme, focusing on XCM and XCO for myself, to best develop as athletes and individuals.”

Kai and Justin expressed their gratitude towards Trek Bikes South Africa, saying, “We are thrilled to be part of the Trek family and look forward to great things with this amazing rider centric brand. With Trek’s support, we hope to achieve our goals and continue to excel in the sport.”

This year, Kai and Justin have set their sights on the biggest challenge of all – the 2023 Absa Cape Epic. Known as one of the toughest mountain bike races in the world, their goal is to push themselves to the limit, to learn from the experience and take their game to the next level so that they can contend for the African leaders jersey in the future.

“We are excited to support Kai and Justin on their cycling journey, they have set a high standard in our store ambassador program and graduated into a fully supported role at Trek” said Trek Bikes South Africa Marketing Manager, Kevin van den Broek. “They are talented dynamic athletes who demonstrate not only a passion for the sport but their careers off the bike. We believe their partnership with Trek Bikes South Africa will provide them with the necessary resources so that they may reach their full potential on and off the trails.”

Trek Bikes South Africa is proud to support the next generation of cycling talent and looks forward to seeing Kai and Justin excel in their careers.

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