ABSA Cape Epic
ABUS Heads Up Rider Safety at the Absa Cape Epic
Press Release / 18.08.2019
Recent research has highlighted the dangers associated with concussions in sport. While cycling in general and mountain biking in particular has done a tremendous amount to ensure riders take the appropriate precautions it is none-the-less a significant step for the world's leading mountain bike stage race to partner with ABUS.
Keen fans of the race will have noticed that the Kross-Spur Racing Team of three-time UCI Women's Champion, Ariane Lüthi, and her former cross-country World Champion partner, Maja WÅ‚oszczowska, took part in ABUS helmets. Their male counterparts – Sergio Gutierrez and OndÅ™ej Cink – the winners of 2019's final stage, to Val de Vie, also rode in ABUS helmets. The Kross Racing Teams' helmet of choice for much of the Absa Cape Epic was ABUS's award winning AirBreaker.
Along with the Kross Racing Teams, ABUS also sponsor Movistar, the team of reigning Road Race World Champion Alejandro Valverde and the 2019 Giro d'Italia winner Richard Carapaz. Valverde, Carapaz and co. have come to rely on the qualitative materials, state-of-the-art production processes and professional design of ABUS helmets. For stage racers, ABUS's desire to produce the best possible helmets, using the feedback from professional riders, ensures that avid amateurs benefit as much as the elite athletes from each advance in safety, comfort and weight reduction.
As the official helmet partner of the Absa Cape Epic, ABUS will be putting rider safety front of mind. "We are honoured that a global industry leader in ABUS has committed to partnering with the Absa Cape Epic to raise awareness and highlight the importance of buying a great helmet to help ensure your safety when enjoying your favourite trails," Managing Director Michael Flinn said. "Head injuries are a major concern in virtually every sport right now and as mountain biking industry leaders we feel it is our responsibility to set the standard for rider care in this field. With ABUS as a partner we are confident that we can not only educate riders as to the dangers of concussions, but also provide them with access to helmets which can limit the risk of concussion in the case of a crash."
"Riders should recognise that riding after a potentially concussion-causing crash carries significant long-term risks to one's physical and mental health" the Absa Cape Epic's race doctor, Dr Darren Green, advised. "Far too many elite and amateur athletes alike play down the potential dangers of traumatic head injuries and we strive to continue to raise awareness until concussion checks are as much a part of the post-crash process as putting a helmet on is part of the process of preparing for a ride." Dr Green concluded.
"The first step towards protecting yourself from a concussion is the purchase and use, whenever you get on a bicycle, of a good quality helmet. I speak from personal experience of having ridden with an old helmet for far too long. So it is fantastic that in ABUS we have a likeminded partner for 2020 and beyond, to spread the message of the importance of the best possible helmets for all cyclists." Flinn stated.
To find out more about ABUS please visit www.abus.com or www.abushelmet.co.za, or follow their cycling social media accounts; ABUS Cycling on Facebook and @abus_cycling on Instagram.
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