Born and bred in Cape Town, Janez Vermeiren is a South African-Belgian model and TV presenter, probably best known as one of the sexy DIY handymen on Top Billing, before he became a full-time presenter for the premier leisure and lifestyle show and co-hosted Top Travel with Jeannie D.
The self-confessed ‘workaholic’ is also a businessman and is the owner of Full Circle Model and Celebrity Management, which he started together with Paul Coetzee in 2007
Janez Vermeiren and Michael Mol preparing for the 2013 Absa Cape Epic
With both parents of Belgian origin, Vermeiren grew up
in a very artistic and open-minded family. He travelled extensively through
Europe as a child and later returned to his family in Belgium where he studied
for three years.
Vermeiren joins Team Absa 2013 as an Epic ‘virgin’ and
mountain bike stage race rookie. He keeps active by running, cycling, playing
tennis and going to the beach, where you can catch him showing off his beach
bat skills. Vermeiren currently resides in Camps Bay with fiancée Juliana and
son Matisse.
“I am so ecstatic to be riding the 2013 Absa Cape Epic
as part of Team Absa,” says Vermeiren. “I have been following the race for many
years and have always dreamt of taking part. And the fact that this is the 10
year anniversary of the race makes it extra special. I am so excited to be part
of it!” Vermeiren says he is most looking forward to the camaraderie between
all the participants. “This is a true team event and to share this experience
with a riding partner is amazing.”
In preparation, Vermeiren is already sacrificing that
extra cold beer at the end of the day and keeping red meat in his diet to a
minimum. Pasta or pizza is the order of the day as his favourite meal to
carbo-load before a big training session or race and he is planning to go into
the race fully prepared and in great physical condition.
Vermeiren is competitive and sporty, and likes to work
and play equally hard. “My individual race strength is climbing - I love the
challenge of conquering hills! My plan is to pace myself throughout the 8-stage
race, and not go out too hard initially.”
As a member Team Absa, Vermeiren will be riding on
behalf of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and will be partnered
with full-time engineer Clayton Duckworth.
Follow Janez on Twitter @Janez_Vermeiren.
Karl Platt and Christoph Sauser win NTT Masters category in fine style
