CSC/Marcello's Duncan Viljoen withdraws for Libya

Team CSC/Marcello's Duncan Viljoen, from Gauteng, has withdrawn from the South African team to Libya. Viljoen's withdrawal follows last week's decision to quit the CSC/Marcello Giro del Capo team due to ill health. The Team CSC/Marcello rider was due to join his teammate Chris Willemse Jnr as a member of the six-man South African elite team, which departs for Libya on Wednesday March 14, 2007.

While disappointed to lose an opportunity to ride for his country, Viljoen was pleased to hear the selectors had chosen fellow Gauteng CSC/Marcello rider, Jeremy Maartens, as his replacement. Maartens showed excellent form during last week's Giro del Capo, particularly during stage three when he finished in third place. Stage three was the toughest Giro stage and last Friday's was particularly hard when riders competed in high temperatures on a route which took in the steep climbs of Vissershok, Malanshoogte, Contermanskloof and Tiekiedraai.

The complete team will be Chris Willemse Jnr, Jeremy Maartens, Prince Maluleka, Herman Fouche, Shaun Davel and Jonathan Kinnear.

The 860 kilometre Tour of Libya takes place from March 17 to 23, 2007.