The Life Time Grand Prix is a prestigious off-road series in the USA where the best athletes get selected to compete in seven iconic races across the country for a $250,000 prize purse, split evenly between men and women.

70 athletes (35 men and 35 women) were selected for the 2023 series and current Absa Cape Epic winner & South Africa marathon Champion Matt Beers is one of them. Matt is also a proud Squirt brand ambassador having used our lube since its inception.

Matt is not the only Squirt Cycling Ambassador competing in the series. Our USA Ambassador Alex Howes has also been selected and we are excited to follow their racing exploits in the upcoming Life Time Grand Prix Events.

Matt’s schedule will include the following events:

• UNBOUND Gravel – June 3, 2023

• Crusher in the Tushar – July 8, 2023

• Chequamegon MTB Festival- September 16, 2023

• The Rad Dirt Fest – September 30, 2023

• Big Sugar Gravel – October 21, 2023

We caught up with Alex in our previous Squirt interview, so let’s catch up with South African cycling phenom Matt Beers to find out what makes him tick.

Questions:

1. Who is Matt Beers?

I started out wanting to be a professional motocross racer. I travelled to the USA to race and chase that dream but it ended when I injured my foot badly. In the rehabilitation process, I discovered cycling and exchanged motorized wheels for self-propelled wheels. Now we are here.

2. Where is home?

Cape Town, South Africa

3. When did you fall in love with bikes?

I always rode bikes as a kid, jumping and fooling around with friends, etc. But after my motocross injury, I really found joy in it.

4. What is it that attracts you to the sport?

The fact that hard work outweighs talent to a certain degree. You can control your path through the right doors that open and hard work.

5. As the 2023 Absa Cape Epic winner, what were your (or the team’s) biggest challenges to overcome during this year’s Cape Epic?

The biggest challenge to overcome was after stage 1 where we lost eight minutes. From that day onwards, we never gave up, knowing anything and everything could happen. It’s only over when you cross that finish line on the last day.

6. What made you decide to focus on the Life Time Grand Prix Events in 2023?

The USA is in a boom of gravel and mountain biking at the moment. The whole industry is watching that space so I thought it would be a great opportunity to showcase my abilities as a rider and to do something new.

7. Your goals for the Life Time Grand Prix Events?

My goal is definitely to win one or two lifetime races but also stay consistent and being in contention for the overall.

8. Strangest food you were thinking of while riding?

Tomato soup (on a really cold ride).

9. Lucky charm?

I have a badge/ emblem from my late mother that I keep on my bike.

10. What do you always take on a trip?

Running shoes

11. What would you be if you were not a racer?

A mechanic, maybe.

12. Your favourite Squirt Cycling Product?

Chain lube – I’ve been using it since it first came out years ago.

13. Best tip for MTB beginners?

Go out and explore, don’t be caught up on whether your bike or kit is good enough.

14. I like my coffee…. Strong with a hint of milk.

15. I would love to go ride with….Tadej Pogacar.

16. The secret to happiness….to go on a bike ride in the middle of nowhere.

17. My greatest exhilaration….going down a trail faster than I should be going.

18. I fear…. the inability to exercise.

19. Passion….fruit.

20. I wish…. I look forward to another day of getting better.

21. I rage….when people drive badly.

Rider Profile’s

1. Name: Matthew Beers

2. Nickname: Matt

3. Age: 29

4. Birthdate: 10/01/1994

5. Birthplace: Cape Town South Africa

6. Height: 196cm

7. Shoe size: 47 EU UK 12

8. Social media handles: @mattbeers55