Ariane Kleinhans, from the RECM team, is probably the best in MTB stage races, with two wins at the Absa Cape Epic in 2014 and 2015, and a 1st place at the inaugural edition of the Swiss Epic. The most south african of the swiss riders was also second last year behind Esther Süss at the XCM swiss champs at the Eiger Bike Challenge. Six weeks before the Swiss Champs in Evolène, she tells us a bit more about her goal for this season and what she thinks about riding in Wallis!

This year started extremely well with a second win at the Cape Epic. And since then, you already won another two races… I guess everything is going really well for you so far?

Yes, I’m very happy how the season went so far. Especially to win the Absa Cape Epic was a very important goal for me; it is very valuable for my sponsors and basically secures my contract for the next year. But I could also improve my performance from last year, which shows in my power data and that keeps me very positive for the races in Europe. 

You live in South Africa in Winter. Is it an advantage to get ready early in the season?

My team RECM and all other sponsors are from South Africa and expect me to race there as much as possible. The season starts already in January, so it’s important for me to be in shape early in the year but especially for the Absa Cape Epic. It is definitely great to train there in summer rather than in the Swiss winter, but if one peaks too early in the year, then it’s difficult to still perform in the European season. This year I planned my training to not quite be in peak shape in March already, but rather use the build up to the Cape Epic as my base training to hopefully be in my best shape for Swiss and world champs end of June. Unfortunately last year I wasn’t very happy with my form at worlds nor Swiss champs but I hope I will get it right this year.

End of June will be really busy with the Swiss Championship in Evolène and then the World Championship in Val Gardena. What are you goal for those races?

I would really like to win the Swiss champs jersey again. It is such an honor to wear the white cross for a year. And at world champs I’m aiming for my first medal. I think both are possible, if I can perform at my best and everything goes well.

Last year you finished second behind Esther Süss at the Swiss Championship. Who do you think will be your toughest opponent this year?

Esther is definitely the favorite for the race again and will be very hard to beat. But also Milena Landtwing is a super strong rider, when she’s in best form. It was a very tight battle for second against her last year. And I’m sure there will be some more strong ladies like Cornelia Hug, Florence Darbelley and maybe even some XC riders, who will make this race very exciting. 

You won the last Grand Raid between Verbier and Grimentz, and then the Swiss Epic, two races that took place in Wallis. It looks like you appreciate this region…

Yes, I absolutely love the Wallis! My family went on ski holidays in Nendaz when I was small every year and I’ve got the best memories from that time. I think, that’s why I’m such a mountain person. The Wallis got some of the most spectacular mountains in the world and just as great trails for mountain biking. If I show my South African friends pictures from the Swiss Epic, they are in absolute awe.

Apart from that there is just always a great vibe at the races in the Wallis, the people there know how to create a great atmosphere. Going up the Pas the Lona at the Gand Raid is a bit like climbing the Alp d’ Huez at the Tour. I’m really looking forward to race the Swiss champs in the Wallis!

Did you already have a chance to look at the track of the Swiss championship? Do you think it will fit you well with its 62.5km, 2600D+ and a high point above 2600 meter above sea?

I only checked the route briefly on the event’s website and tried to recall my memory from what I’ve ridden around Evolène in preparation for the Grand Raid. I like the climbing and definitely think, it’s a route that could suit me. But so does the competition and especially Esther, who is an exceptional climber. I will spend a few days prior the race in Evolène to recon the route and prepare as good as I can.

What will be the next important races after the world championship?

I’m not quite sure yet about July but I’m thinking of doing some XC races in Switzerland. With the world cup in Lenzerheide and the Swiss XC champs close to home, I might give it a go in the lap racing. After that I will go back to SA for two national marathons there and then come for a second Swiss trip with Eiger Bike Challenge, Grand Raid and most likely the Swiss Epic again.

 Thanks a lot and all the best!