Jeffreys Bay – There has been much competitiveness and rivalry amongst athletes in the run-up to this year’s Oakley X-Over event. A one-of-a-kind ‘cross-over’ contest, the Oakley X-Over comprises mountain biking, golf and surfing, with the winner across all the three divisions crowned the eventual winner. Last year, in its inception year, the event was won by Butch James.
Bob Skinstad will be challenging Butch James for the XOver15 title during the Winterfest.
In a major announcement from Oakley Sports Marketing Manager and X-Over founder Seth Hulley, Australian surfer Tom Whitaker has been announced as the event wildcard. Tom, affectionaly known as ‘Whits’ is a former World Surf League Championship Tour athlete, who enjoyed 8 years competing at this top level. Tom is currently an Oakley coach/mentor, but still competes on the World Qualifying Series and is currently rated 21 on the series.
“We’re very stoked to have Tom onboard for the Oakley X-Over,” said Hulley. “He is fit and so competitive, and will definitely give the boys a serious run for their money.”
When he heard the news, Whits was equally excited at his inclusion. “I am honoured to be invited to the X-Over,” said Whits. “It’s game on. I won’t back down from a hard ride in the mountain bike event, nor will I shy away from the golf nor the surf contest.”
The other exciting news to break is that the public entrant has been announced. The competition to get a slot into the event was an online contest in which a member of the public had to show his Obsession with the #Oneobsession campaign. Participants were encouraged to upload images of themselves strutting their X-Over stuff, and Wihann Kotze was the best example, posting images of himself playing golf, mountin biking and surfing, and won the slot to compete in the Oakley X-Over 2015.
“I am so amped for the Oakley X-Over,” said a very excited Wihann. “I have been training by mountain biking, I have been on the driving range and have been surfing whenever I can. It is very exciting to be in the event and to compete against the Oakley athletes and I am looking forward to getting involved.”
The Oakley X-Over takes place on 9 and 10 July, and forms part of the JBay Winterfest. The JBay Winterfest presented by Woodlands Dairy is set to take place from 8-19 July, and will comprise the Oakley X-Over, the JBay Open WSL Championship Tour surfing event, The Billabong Junior event, skate events, extreme trail running, mountain biking, fishing, music, kite festival, open water swim events and much more. For more info go to www.jbaywinterfest.com
The event hashtag is #XOVER15
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Co-sponsors: Jeep, ID Construction, JBay Winterfest, Trek, Striped Horse Beer.
Partners: Red Bull, Seashells, Jolly Dolphin, GoPro, Skull Candy and Aguila Game Reserve.
