SA cyclist Van Niekerk heads to France
Van Niekerk will join up as a guest rider in the 3rd division Team-U-Anjou. Van Niekerk, the current U23 SA TT Champion has been released from his domestic team until the 25th August where he will return to SA to prepare for hopefully the World U23 TT Championships which will take place in the USA in Richmond, Virginia from the 19-27 September.
Van Niekerk has a busy schedule lined up over the next 6 weeks and will look to further his international competiton level. He has been tipped as a future star in SA cycling and his performance at the SA Road Chmpionships early in the year is a clear sign of the 19year olds potential.
“Im really excited for this stint in Europe and I just want to thank Dean (Edwards) and Team Abantu for supporting me with this campaign. It really means allot to me to be able to get in some European experience and also hopefully help me prepare for the World TT Champs if I am selected.”
Team Abantu’s general manager Dean Edwards praised van Niekerks determination and willingness to gain international experience.
“Morne is extremely focused and very determined to make it onto the big stage of professional cycling. The race calendar in SA will not provide Morne with suitable preparation for the World road champs should he be selected so we have been proactive and supported this stint in Europe to raise his level and have him exposed to European style racing. We wish him all the best and will report on his performances weekly.” Said Edwards.
You can follow Morne on Twitter @Morras15 or find him on Facebook.