Steve Smith Takes 5th At Round 1 In Pietermaritzburg

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa—Devinci Global Racing’s Steve Smith rocketed to 5th place in the UCI World Cup opener, returning to the podium after clinching a string of hot results last season. Teammate Nick Beer finished 12th in his first ride under the DGR banner. 

“This is solid start to the year," said DGR Team Manager, Gabe Fox. "The team dynamic is proving tight, and I expect the momentum to build as the season progresses." 

The Pietermaritzburg course is known for grueling pedaling sections and this proved to be a challenge across the field. After Saturday qualifying, Smith sat in 3rd place—0.87 seconds behind eventual race winner and hometown hero, Greg Minnaar. Beer qualified 13th and George Brannigan in 32nd. 

Saturday night brought heavy rainfall, resulting in havoc on the track. But by mid-day Sunday the sun was out in force, returning the lightning-fast course to ideal conditions. The final saw Andrew Neething of South Africa set the first podium-worthy time, but as top qualifiers arrived times began to drop. After the dust settled Smith finished 5th, Beer 13th, and Brannigan 40th. 

"It wasn’t exactly the result I was looking for, but in a race where the times were so close I'm happy to finish on the podium and start the season with a banger,” Smith said. 

“My goal was to finish in the top 10. I had a great run, but left a bit on the course. The new team and bike is a great fit for me and I look forward to the season" added Beer. 

Devinci Global Racing is supported by: Cycles Devinci, SRAM, RockShox, Avid, Truvativ, Easton Wheels, Schwalbe, E-Thirteen, ODI, and Fox Head Clothing. 

Cycles Devinci is a Canadian bicycle manufacturer based in Chicoutimi, Canada. It has led the industry by way of manufacturing expertise and product development since its inception in 1987. Cycles Devinci continues to forge ahead with suspension guru Dave Weagle’s patented Split Pivot suspension platform. Combined with the company’s Axis Technologies, Devinci is set on a path for domination. For more details on Devinci and DGR, visit devinci.com