2015 Absa Cape Epic Ride Guide

THE UNTAMED AFRICAN MTB RACE 15 – 22 March 2015

RIDEGUIDE WHERE TO WATCH WHO TO WATCH ALL ABOUT THE RACE

8 DAYS 739 km 1 200 RIDERS

OF ALL WE MINE, POSSIBILITY IS THE MOST VALUABLE. At Exxaro, we don’t only believe in powering possibilities for South Africa, but for the people who, given the chance, will one day make our country even greater. Which is why, in August of 2011, the Exxaro MTB Academy was established, as a way to introduce mountain biking to historically disadvantaged communities and individuals, to help transform both the sport and the lives of those who would otherwise never get the opportunity to participate. In the four years since establishing the Exxaro MTB Academy, we’re proud to have provided young riders life skills, education and opportunities to help realise their dreams. Proof that of all we mine, possibility is by far the most valuable.

www.exxaro.com

RIDEGUIDE Editor Chris Whitfield (tenfour) Project Manager Samantha Wright Mapping Craig Beech Contributors Neil Gardiner, David Moseley, Dan Nicholl, Tim Brink, Samantha Wright Advertising Representatives Jon Adams, Shelley Diesel Art Director Christo Toua Production Managers Media24 Photographic Contributors Gary Perkin, Greg Beadle, Nick Muzik, Sven Martin, Emma Harrop, Ewald Sadie, Warren Elsom Karin Schermbrucker, Sam Clark, Kelvin Trautman, Sportograf Marketing and Communications Sarah Harrop Absa Cape Epic Tel 021 426 4373 info@cape-epic.com www.cape-epic.com

CONTENTS Editor’s letter

4

Messages – and a word from the founder

7

Who to watch

16

The favourites in the elite categories

The category jerseys

22

Gunning for it

24

The legendary Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjå takes on the Absa Cape Epic

Mixed, Masters and Grand Masters

26

Route map

28

The race village

30

Towns and destinations

32

Spectator information

36

Where to watch

Introducing the route

39

The prologue programme

41

The route in detail

42

Descriptions, predictions and race advice

The Grand Finale

58

Overcoming adversity

60

Ariane Kleinhans and Annika Langvad on defending their 2014 title

Racing to victory

63

2014 winners Kristian Hynek and Robert Mennen reflect on their success

Platt vs Sauser

67

Who’ll be first to that elusive fifth overall win?

Cycling in support

71

Top South African rider Erik Kleinhans on being a support team

Toughest climbs

76

Epic veterans on the hills that savaged their legs

First and last

78

The 2014 winners … and the last-placed team

The lingo

82

The A-Z of MTB

These mechanics don’t panic

86

Working all night to keep riders on their bikes

The top tools

89

Seven essential items for the daily ride

Hospitality

91

The best ways to keep up with the racing

The Absa Cape Epic journey

92

Exxaro MTB Academy

94

Official charities

96

10-year riders

99

Meet the nine riders going for a 10th finish

Epic by numbers

104

The Absa Cape Epic history

106

Stage 9 After Party

113

Epic rugby

114

From scrums to saddles, from blindsides to bicycles

Day in the life of an amateur

From bagpipes to those blue loos

118

In union there is great strength

No matter how steep the climb ahead, with the right partner by your side, great things are made possible.

Absa Cape Epic, 15 - 22 March 2015.

Conquer as one. Prosper.

Absa Bank Ltd Reg No 1986/004794/06 Authorised Financial Services Provider Registered Credit Provider Reg No NCRCP7

TJDR 57142

EDITOR’S LETTER If anybody wants to get a sense of what it takes and means to do the Absa Cape Epic they should get themselves down to the Grand Finale finish at Meerendal Wine Estate on 22 March 2015.

There they’ll see the triumphant faces of the professional teams that end the day as winners – the winning men and women and those at the top of the other categories. They will see the joyous celebrations of the team that wins the prestigious final stage.

If they look hard enough, they will also see the strain etched into those faces: 2014 winner Kristian Hynek has talked about the tension inherent in racing over such distance and terrain, while trying to hold a lead and deal with the inevitable mechanical issues that arise.

A little later they will see the top amateur riders crossing the line. These are tough men and women from around the world who ride at a very high standard. Quite a few are people who discovered mountain biking at an age when they were no longer able to compete at a top level, or they once were warriors. Their celebrations are heartfelt and often quite moving: they have mostly achieved their personal goals.

But perhaps the most compelling sight at the finish line is the overjoyed, and often overwhelmed, first-timer. Almost to a man and woman these are people who had taken a step into the unknown eight days earlier. They 4

will only have known the Absa Cape Epic’s fearsome reputation and that many people on the Prologue start line do not make it all the way to the Grand Finale.

They will have asked themselves: “Am I up to it?” And then, across the eight days, they would inevitably have been confronted by moments that test their strength, physically and mentally.

Most would have reached a point at some or other stage where they ask themselves: “Why am I doing this?” And then: “Why should I carry on?”

These questions arise at dark times. They come when cold and driving rain is seeping through your clothes or when hours of heat has sapped your strength and turning over a pedal feels like a mighty effort. They nag at you when a stomach bug won’t go away and you feel like you are going to retch at any moment. Or when you get your third puncture of the day and the Hyenas – the sweeps – are snapping at your heels.

Crossing the Grand Finale finish line means those riders have confronted and somehow answered those questions. It takes a lot of doing, and it means even more. That is why they raise their arms to the heavens, hug their partners and quite often shed a tear.

Chris Whitfield Editor

SPORTZPICS/SAM CLARK/CAPE EPIC

SCENIC BEAUTY IN MOTION It takes hours of dedication, endurance, discipline and team work to complete one of the most scenic and gruelling mountain bike races in the world. At Sasol, we are proud to once again sponsor the prize money for the Women’s Category. We wish all the riders, especially the women and the Sasolracing Woman’s team success in the 2015 race.

www.sasol.com OFFICIAL FUEL PARTNER

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

5

Accelerate your ambition.

Ride with passion.

Creating a technology solution for the world’s toughest race isn’t easy. That’s why we signed up.

Dimension Data is a technology solutions provider, using global service delivery capabilities and an entrepreneurial spirit, to accelerate the business ambitions of all our partners.

Dimension Data is proud to be the technology partner to The Absa Cape Epic, a gruelling 730km race that’s about the trials and triumphs of the human spirit.

Dimension Data will be providing Wi-Fi, enabling the streaming of content through multiple devices for you to experience the race on and off the trail.

Accelerating an epic experience through Dimension Data technology solutions.

dimensiondata.com

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT OF UCI A former winner of the Absa Cape Epic once dubbed it the Tour de France of mountain biking. The comparison has stuck, and with reason.

Over the years this demanding stage race has captured the imaginations of riders and fans alike, becoming a major and much-awaited fixture on the international mountain bike calendar.

The Absa Cape Epic is taxing. It requires the riders to dig deep mentally and physically but rewards them with a satisfaction and joy that is not easy to measure. The annual rush to register speaks volumes about its popularity.

The spotlight will soon be on the riders, but I take this opportunity to thank all those behind the scenes, in particular race founder Kevin Vermaak and his team, the event’s partners and sponsors as well as the great many volunteers

who willingly give up their time to be part of the occasion.

All have a precious part to play in the organisation of this event, which requires major logistical preparation and minute attention to detail.

When it comes to mountain biking, South Africa needs no introduction. Pietermaritzburg has hosted the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup three times, as well as the UCI Mountain Bike & Trials World Championships in 2013 and the UCI Mountain Bike Marathon Championships last year. This is a true sign of commitment to our sport and I wish to thank Cycling South Africa and its President, William Newman, for their vision, dedication and continued support for the UCI’s policy to develop cycling worldwide.

Brian Cookson President UCI

To all those racing over the upcoming eight days – whether professionals battling for a spot on the podium or amateurs simply aiming to get to the end – I wish you the best of luck.

A WORD FROM THE FOUNDER One of our aims at the Absa Cape Epic is to constantly evolve the race. This has required ongoing innovation from our staff and the broader Absa Cape Epic family. Among that family is our great set of sponsors, and this year we are seeing the fruits of one of their initiatives.

In 2014 Sasol helped us achieve a long soughtafter ambition: to give the women competitors the same prize money as the men. After dominating the Mixed category in the two previous Absa Cape Epics, Ariane Kleinhans was persuaded to switch to the women’s race and duly won it with Denmark’s marathon World Champion Annika Langvad.

This year they will be joined by mountain biking legend Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjå of Norway, riding her first Absa Cape Epic with Switzerland’s Kathrin Stirnneman, and a host of other top women riders. They will be among the biggest women’s field ever entered in the Absa Cape Epic. It is very rewarding for us to see these indications of increased interest in the women’s event, and we believe the racing this year could be as competitive as among the top men.Talking of men, the Absa Cape Epic continues to attract some of the toughest: former rugby World Cup winners. This year the Springboks will again be competing for that trophy, so it is great to

welcome former winners John Smit, Butch James and Joel Stransky back to the Absa Cape Epic field. I think the fact that rugby players come from a team environment is part of the appeal: the Absa Cape Epic demands that you work together if you are to succeed.

The team aspect is, in fact, key to the whole event. We could not dream of hosting it without the amazing Absa Cape Epic staff, volunteers and crew, who work tirelessly year round and then on the event itself. We are also very grateful to the towns, regions and municipalities which host the event each year.There is also the great team of sponsors, and this year we are delighted to welcome some great new partners: Dimension Data as our official technology partner; Mölnlycke Health Care, which will assist riders recovering from any injuries; Rubena Tyres, which will provide support en route and at the race village; and Sport Taxis, which will handle airport transfers before and during the race.

As I suggested above, our sponsors have increasingly become central to the innovation we seek for the Absa Cape Epic. Another innovation this year was the staging of the first Snow Epic in Engelberg, Switzerland in January. Watching a new event being born reminded me of the day back in 2004 when we started the first Cape Epic.

Kevin Vermaak Race Founder Absa Cape Epic

It also reminded me of the long road we have travelled together: thanks again to all of you who have joined us on this incredible journey.

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

7

MESSAGE FROM ABSA Welcome to the 2015 Absa Cape Epic.

This year’s edition is very special as it marks our 10 year partnership with the event.

Partnership is integral within the realms of the Absa Cape Epic and this is underpinned by the different partnerships you as a rider will experience in conquering this iconic mountain bike race.

David Wingfield Chief Marketing Officer Barclays Africa

At Absa, we strive to create successful partnerships with our stakeholders and our purpose is to help people prosper and achieve their ambitions – in the right way. We endeavour to carry this theme forward into the Absa Cape Epic, by assisting our clients and you the riders in making your journey that little bit easier and enjoyable.

Partnerships are all about trust, commitment, dedication and support. The role of your family and your support system behind the scenes cannot be underestimated. This is highlighted in no better way than when you are out there training for the event, putting in hour after hour in what will culminate in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We at Absa would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your partner a successful race in conquering the Absa Cape Epic as one. We will be at Meerendal Wine Estate, cheering you on over the finish line on Sunday, 22 March 2015.

MESSAGE FROM DIMENSION DATA The Absa Cape Epic is billed as the toughest mountain bike race in the world, and at Dimension Data we do not back down from a tough challenge.

Keeping 1 200 amateur and professional mountain bikers connected to their friends and families over eight days of tough riding is one of the reasons we are doing this.

Sean Joubert Managing Director Dimension Data Middle East and Africa

8

The Cape Epic is the most televised mountain bike stage race in the world and as Dimension Data we have the responsibility of enabling this beautiful race to be screened to over 150 countries around the world. As a global company with proudly South African roots we are very proud of the opportunity this presents for thousands of people to be exposed to our beautiful country.

We will provide bandwidth and connectivity at each race village. This will involve providing a seamless service to at least 4 000 devices accessing the networks at any given time. This is an exciting challenge for us and we are ready to take it on.

Good luck to all participants as they take up the challenge and accelerate their ambitions by riding one of the toughest mountain bike stage races. I am sure they all looking forward to the amazing experience, just as we as an organisation are also looking forward to showcasing our technology.

www.mitas-tyres.com

Upgrade your ride

The largest European bicycle tyre producer

MESSAGE FROM EXXARO The Absa Cape Epic is widely recognised as the world’s premier international mountain bike stage race, and since 2012 Exxaro has been a proud headline sponsor and official development partner of the event.

Sipho Nkosi CEO Exxaro Resources

We also established the Exxaro MTB Academy with the specific aim not only of helping to promote the sport in disadvantaged communities, but of providing the opportunity for young South Africans who would never have been exposed to mountain biking, to learn about it, participate, develop their skills and show their mettle! Now more and more of these youngsters can see the possibilities - and we have the power the help them realise that.

With every race comes more opportunity, and more chances for young riders to shine and to build a future for themselves and their communities.

The Exxaro MTB Academy teams have made us proud and I wish them and all other participants in the field all the best for the race. Put mettle to the pedal!

MESSAGE FROM SASOL For Sasol, being part of the Absa Cape Epic in 2014 was exciting for the brand, and it was indeed an honour and a privilege. As a headline sponsor for 2015, we are excited to continue our valuable partnership with the race, which has become a premium cycling event not to be missed by sportsmen, sportswomen and the growing spectator-following in general.

Ed Cameron Senior Vice President Sasol Southern Africa Energy

10

Sasol is proud to continue sponsoring the prize money for the Women’s category in this phenomenal mountain bike race. To prepare for the challenges of the race requires dedication, endurance, self-discipline and teamwork. Our decision to participate as a headline sponsor is based on the same principles which are embedded in our vision as a company, and form part of our ethos of contributing towards empowerment and gender equality.

The pioneering, evolving spirit of the race urges participants to push themselves beyond the limits thought possible. At Sasol we strive to be the best and add value to resources to produce high quality product ranges, including fuels, chemicals, gas and electricity and share the common trait of innovation with the organisers.

To all the riders, especially the women and the Sasolracing team, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you the best and trust that your 2015 experience will be a memorable one.

We look forward to cheering you on throughout the race, from the Prologue on Table Mountain, when you compete for the Sasol hotspots, to the finish at Meerendal.

In the words of Claude Pepper: “Life is like riding a bicycle. You don’t fall off unless you plan to stop pedalling.”

PERFORMANCE ENHANCED DOWN.

PERFORMANCE ENHANCED DOWN

INTRODUCING TURBODOWN. We started with natural down, then pumped it with Omni-Heat insulation and lined it with Omni-Heat Reflective. People may call you a cheater, but those people are probably cold. Coming to SA soon.

Columbiasportswear.co.za

OFFICIAL OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE APPAREL

MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER OF THE WESTERN CAPE

12

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2015 Absa Cape Epic. We consider it a privilege to have the Western Cape hosting this event, once again, which also happens to be the most televised of its kind in the world.

The Absa Cape Epic has become one of the key sporting events in our annual calendar, not only in the province, but across South Africa.

Every year thousands of tourists pour into our country and region to either participate or bear witness to this incredible feat by the competitors. Your support and commitment to the Absa Cape Epic is valued.

I would also like to acknowledge the continued involvement of the Absa Cape Epic in charity and social development.

On behalf of the Western Cape Government, I extend my deepest gratitude to the organisers, sponsors and participants for their commitment in doing so.

Sport also plays a crucial and life-transforming role in young people’s lives and the example of the cyclists also provides role models for our youth. Like the years gone by, I hope the 2015 event is a success yet again.

To all the competitors, I wish you the best of luck and strength for your race.

Helen Zille Premier Western Cape

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

13

739 KM. 8 GRUELLING DAYS. 16 000 M OF CLIMBING.

OFFICIAL SPORTS DRINK SUPPLIER TO THE 2015

www.energade.co.za

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR OF CAPE TOWN It gives me great pleasure to once again express my support and well wishes to all those involved in the upcoming 2015 Absa Cape Epic.

It has evolved into a massive success, attracting thousands of riders and international media coverage. As such, it plays a significant role in our efforts to make Cape Town the events capital of Africa.

This spectacular event has emerged as one of the most significant mountain bike races on the global sporting calendar. It has also become one of the key fixtures of Cape Town’s diverse and exciting annual events calendar.

I would like to commend the organisers and sponsors for all their hard work in putting on a world-class race each year. We can all be proud of the success and growing popularity of the Absa Cape Epic.

While it is one of the most challenging races for avid bikers, it also takes riders along some of the most scenic routes in the world. Events such as the Absa Cape Epic provide an invaluable contribution to our efforts to create an inclusive city which embraces all sporting events and codes.

I would like to welcome all participants from both local and international destinations, and wish them the best of luck. May they enjoy the challenge and beauty of the ride, and return again next year.

Patricia De Lille Executive Mayor Cape Town

MESSAGE FROM CAPE TOWN TOURISM Since its inauguration in 2004, the Absa Cape Epic has grown in leaps and bounds, to become what is now one of the most talked about mountainbiking events the world over.

As cyclists prepare for the gruelling conditions with the aim of success etched in the back of their minds, so too do the event organisers. I would like to congratulate them and all of the volunteers involved for making the Absa Cape Epic a world class event.

As the Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, Wesgro would like to thank the vast global media following of the Absa Cape Epic. Your coverage continues to promote the Western Cape as one of the most scenic destinations in the world.

There is so much to discover in Cape Town and the Western Cape, a land filled with friendly people, vibrant nightlife, scenic natural beauty, unique landscapes, culinary experiences and adventure.

This year sees cyclist meandering through stunning backdrops, showcasing Cape Town, Durbanville, Wellington, Worcester and Elgin.

The finish line will no doubt be the key focus for all riders, however I encourage you to take the time to soak up our vibrant local culture and embrace the beauty on offer throughout our province.

Well done to all the cyclists for your participation.

Your hours of training, sacrifice, fighting spirit and team work are all traits that each and every one of us can learn from to achieve success in our everyday life.

Nils Flaatten CEO Wesgro

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

15

WHO TO WATCH MEN

TOPEAK-ERGON

16

This is the heavy-hitting pairing that was billed as race favourites before the start of the 2014 event, but Lakata had to step down before the start with a serious injury. The Austrian has had mixed fortunes in the race and he would surely have watched his understudy, Robert Mennen, going on to win last year with a tinge of regret. Hynek and Mennen proved to be a near perfect combination, with the Czech’s aggressive racing style complimenting the German’s level headedness. Since Lakata’s temperament is similar to that of Hynek’s, they’ll have to take extra care to stay calm under pressure. This is one of only a couple of teams capable of challenging Sauser and Kulhavy.

Kristian Hynek

It seems almost unfair that the winner of the 2014 race now rides as ‘the second team’ in support of Hynek and Lakata. But let’s not forget that Lakata is a former marathon world champion. Besides, Mennen’s calm demeanour will be highly valued, especially in pressure situations.

Mennen knows first hand how essential a backup team is – mechanicals nearly cost them the 2014 race. Bishop is a former US cross country champion and has completed one Absa Cape Epic, in 2008 when he finished just outside the top 10.

Robert Mennen

1-1

CZECH REPUBLIC

Alban Lakata

1-2

AUSTRIA

Age: 34 Epics completed: 1 Stage wins: 1 Overall wins: 1

Age: 35 Epics completed: 6 Stage wins: 2 2010 XCM World Champ

2012 XCM European Champ

@KristianHynek

GERMANY

8-1

Age: 29 Epics completed: 2 Stage wins: 1 Overall wins: 1

@TeamTopeakErgon

Jeremiah Bishop USA

8-2

Age: 38 Epics completed: 1 Gold Medalist Pan American Games

2013 XCM National Champ

@RobertMennen

@JeremiahBishop

INVESTEC SONGO SPECIALIZED There are very few mountain bikers in the world with the firepower and versatility of Christoph Sauser, holder of multiple UCI World Cup wins, cross country and marathon world championship titles, an Olympic bronze medal and four Absa Cape Epic wins. Perhaps the only rider matching him is his partner for 2015, Jaroslav Kulhavy, the current Olympic cross country champion, world marathon champion and 2013 Absa Cape Epic champion. Together ‘Susi’ and ‘the Czech Express’ won convincingly in 2013 despite early mechanical issues. They will start as the out–and–out race favourites.

Christoph Sauser

2-1

SWITZERLAND

Jaroslav Kulhavy

2-2

CZECH REPUBLIC

Age: 38 Epics completed: 9 Stage wins: 31 Overall wins: 4

Age: 30 Epics completed: 1 Stage wins: 5 Overall wins: 1

2000 Olympic Bronze Medalist 4 x World Champ

2012 Olympic Gold Medalist 2 x World Champ

@Sauserwind

@JaroslavKulhavy

RECM Kleinhans and Bell are accomplished and decorated riders, with Kleinhans wearing green and gold stripes on his sleeves as a former South African cross country champion and Bell winning an overall MTN National Marathon Series, the Cape Pioneer Trek and Sani2C. They will be riding in support of Sauser and Kulhavy, but are more than capable of a top five placing and fighting it out for the Absa African jersey.

Erik Kleinhans

9-1

SOUTH AFRICA

Nico Bell

9-2

SOUTH AFRICA

Age: 32 Epics completed: 7

Age: 31 Epics completed: 5

2009 XCO National Champ

2013 National Marathon Series Winner

@ErikKleinhans

@NicoBellsRacing

THE BULLS

These two Germans have the pedigree to excel at the Absa Cape Epic.

Mid-race last year they were relieved of their duties as back up team to Platt and Huber and set free. At the end of the week they ended up on the podium. Talent like this in the Bulls camp gives them extra cards to play, and they’ll have three-time winner Stephan Sahm as more backup.

In the fine line between victory and success, this could be the tactical factor that tilts the playing field in the Bulls favour.

Tim Boehme

One half of this formidable duo is still the joint record holder for the most overall wins at the Absa Cape Epic. Karl Platt of Team Bulls has won four times. In 2013 he and Huber simply weren’t able to match the pace of Sauser and Kulhavy, and Platt retired from the 2014 race after a nasty crash. The pressure mounts for these two in 2015: they have some scores to settle and Platt wants a fifth title to pull ahead of Sauser. In terms of all-out firepower, they’ll struggle to outgun Songo-Specialized, so they’ll be employing their tried and tested tactics of staying patient, then capitalising ruthlessly on others’ mistakes.

Karl Platt

GERMANY

3-1

Simon Stiebjahn

3-2

GERMANY

Age: 32 Epics completed: 7

Age: 24 Epics completed: 2

2014 XCM National Champ

2012 U23 XCM European Champ

@TeamBulls

@Stiebi90

4-1

GERMANY

Age: 36 Epics completed: 10 Stage wins: 14 Overall wins: 4

Urs Huber

SWITZERLAND

4-2

Age: 29 Epics completed: 4 Stage wins: 2 2011 XCM National Champ

2008 XCM National Champ

@Plattos

@Huber_urs 2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

17

MEERENDAL CENTURION-VAUDE If the Absa Cape Epic had a sportsmanship trophy, it would certainly have gone to Kaufmann and Kaess in 2014. After losing the Yellow Zebra jerseys on Stage 2 and dropping out of the running for overall victory with a mechanical, they switched focus and hunted for stage wins. That was until they found their friends Mennen and Hynek with two flat tyres at the side of the road. Despite being under no obligation, they donated their wheels. Kaufmann and Kaess have three factors in their favour going into the 2015 event: they’re superbly accomplished marathoners (each with national titles under their belts); they now have their own back up team; and then there’s karma.

Markus Kaufmann

With Geismayr and Pernsteiner on board as their ‘support team’, Kaufmann and Kaess might be wishing for a time machine to take them back to last year’s race, when a broken frame put an end to their overall hopes. Their 2015 allies are well-pedigreed in off-road cycling – Geismayr is an accomplished mountain biker and cyclocross rider and Pernsteiner was third at the Austria MTB National Championships.

Daniel Geismayr

5-1

GERMANY

Jochen Kaess GERMANY

5-2

Age: 33 Epics completed: 4 Stage wins: 1

Age: 33 Epics completed: 4 Stage wins: 2

2012 XCM National Champ

2010 XCM National Champ

@CenturionVaude

@BikeBrazzo

AUSTRIA

12 -1

Hermann Pernsteiner AUSTRIA

12-2

Age: 25 Epics completed: 1

Age: 25 Epics completed: 0

3 x XCC National Champ

Salzkammergut Trophy Winner

@DanielGeismayr

@CenturionVaude

MULTIVAN MERIDA Multiple stage winners and seasoned Absa Cape Epic campaigners, Hermida and van Houts have tasted yellow twice before. However, it seems that they’re cursed and they experienced terrible luck on the both days that they wore the Yellow Zebra jerseys. Their bad luck did little to dampen the spirits of the Spanish/Dutch duo and their attacking racing style and off-the-bike comedy and dance routines certainly make them the most watchable team in the race.

18

José Hermida SPAIN

6-1

Rudi van Houts NETHERLANDS

6-2

Age: 36 Epics completed: 6 Stage wins: 6

Age: 30 Epics completed: 3 Stage wins: 6

2010 XCO World Champ

2011 XCO National Champ

@Josehermida

@RudivanHouts

WHO TO WATCH THE ABSA AFRICAN CHALLENGE

SCOTT FACTORY RACING Buys and Beukes might edge RECM Kleinhans and Bell as favourites for the Absa African special jersey. In 2014 Buys teamed up with then cross country world champion Nino Schurter and did his country proud, with two stage wins. The Scott camp is a tight knit, spirited team and this will bolster their campaign at the 2015 race – not only for the red jerseys, but the yellow ones too.

Philip Buys

7-1

SOUTH AFRICA

Matthys Beukes

Age: 26 Epics completed: 5 Stage wins: 2

Age: 27 Epics completed: 2 Stage wins: 1

2014 XCO African Continental Champ

2010 XCO National Cup Champ

@PhilBuys

While his 2014 partner Beukes gets a promotion to team number one within the Scott stable, the youngster Heyns remains in his role as support rider. Even though Heyns is still a rising star in the sport he’s more than qualified to show Du Toit the ropes in an arena that is like no other in mountain biking. Their job description will be made clear at the start, but the players’ roles can change in a heartbeat.

7-2

SOUTH AFRICA

Gert Heyns

SOUTH AFRICA

@MatthysBeukes

13 -1

Age: 21 Epics completed: 1 Stage wins: 1

Arno du Toit

13-2

SOUTH AFRICA

Age: 22 Epics completed: 0

2014 U23 XCO National Champ

2014 3rd U23 African Continental Champs

@GertHeyns

@ArnoduToit

BIOGEN-VOLCAN This highly experienced duo will be highly motivated this year after their chances were dashed in 2014 by a one-hour penalty given to Evans for taking a shortcut. They have all the experience to do well - Evans has previously finished second and third in the Absa Cape Epic and Knox has finished the event five times. They will start as top contenders for the Absa African jersey, but will also be eyeing a top five overall finish.

Kevin Evans

SOUTH AFRICA

10-1

Age: 36 Epics completed: 9 Stage wins: 4 4 x XCM National Champ

@kevinevansracin

Max Knox

10-2

SOUTH AFRICA

Age: 27 Epics completed: 6 2012 XCM National Champ

@maxknoxcycling

FD logo with white or light background

FULL DYNAMIX

Fuldynamix logo with white or light background

FD logo with black or dark background

This young duo may be riding under a new team name, but the partnership between Croeser and Walker is tried and tested. They raced together successfully in 2014 at South African stage races and shared the podium with the likes of Christoph Sauser. Walker is a marathon and stage race specialist, while Croeser’s versatile talents are evidenced by a South African cross country championship title and a second place finish at South African marathon championships. They’ll be watched closely by all Absa African jersey contenders.

Rourke Croeser SOUTH AFRICA

11-1

Travis Walker

11-2

SOUTH AFRICA

Fuldynamix logo with black or dark background

Age: 23 Epics completed: 1

Age: 23 Epics completed: 0

2014 XCO National Champ

2014 3rd U23 XCO National Champs

@RourkeCroeser

@TravisWalkermtb

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

19

WHO TO WATCH SASOL WOMEN

RECM SPECIALIZED Kleinhans and Langvad’s superiority was never in doubt in the 2014 race, despite a disastrous Stage 1 when they lost huge tracts of time after a puncture. Many thought that Esther Süss and Sally Bigham would offer up a stronger challenge to the Swiss/Danish team, but RECM were uncatchable once they had got ahead. Expect the same kind of dominance from this team in 2015, barring incident, but they’ll have to watch carefully for challenges from Süss and new partner Alice Pirard, as well as unknown quantity, Team World Bicycle Relief.

Ariane Kleinhans SWITZERLAND

5 0-1

Annika Langvad DENMARK

50-2

Age: 31 Epics completed: 4 Stage wins: 22 Category wins: 3

Age: 30 Epics completed: 1 Stage wins: 7 Category wins: 1

2013 XCM National Champ

3 x XCM World Champ

@ArianeKleinhans

@AnnikaLangvad

MEERENDAL/WHEELER Belgian rider Pirard won the Belgian marathon championships and Cape Pioneer Trek last year, which was duly noted by Süss. The Swiss legend has picked Pirard to partner her in 2015 on Süss’s attempt at a third Epic title. Süss’s achievements are impressive, with multiple marathon world championship titles and a podium spot at the 2013 cross country world championships. In six of her Absa Cape Epic attempts, she’s only finished off the podium once (when she didn’t finish at all). We’ll see these two a great deal during race week.

Esther Süss

SWITZERLAND

5 1-1

Age: 40 Epics completed: 5 Stage wins: 20 Category wins: 2

BELGIUM

51-2

Age: 26 Epics completed: 0 2 x XCM Belgium Champ

2010 XCM Word Champ

@Wheelerwind

20

Alice Pirard

@teammeerendal

SELLARONDA HERO Briton Bigham holds two Absa Cape Epic titles and is a former national marathon champion. She raced to second place overall with Süss in 2014 and this year the British powerhouse has picked Klemenčič. The Slovenian has raced in both the Beijing and London Olympics cross country events, but she is really a marathon specialist (with a European championship title to her name), so the long climbs and 100km-plus stages should suit her abilities.

They’ll almost certainly be a stone in the shoe of the major contenders.

Sally Bigham

52 -1

ENGLAND

Blaža Klemenčič SLOVENIA

Age: 36 Epics completed: 4 Stage wins: 9 Category wins: 2

52 - 2

Age: 34 Epics completed: 0 2004 XCM European Champ

4 x XCM National Champ

@TeamTopeakErgon

@IronSally1

WORLD BICYCLE RELIEF After the news was announced that Dahle Flesjå would ride in 2015, the biggest question on everyone’s lips was: “Who with?” Such is the legendary status of this athlete that few (if any) riders are worthy partners. Stirnemann, though, appears to have what it takes – she’s the current world cross country eliminator champion. If there was ever a chink in Dahle Flesjå’s armour, it’s that she lacks stage race experience and hasn’t done much racing with a partner. She and Stirnemann will have to get in tune with each others efforts as Dahle Flesjå aims to capture the only major mountain biking title not in her trophy cabinet.

Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjå

53 -1

NORWAY

Kathrin Stirnemann

53 - 2

SWITZERLAND

Age: 38 Epics completed: 0

Age: 25 Epics completed: 0

2004 Olympic Gold medallist 9x World Champ

2014 XCE World Champ

@Meridabikes

@kathrinsti

ASCENDIS HEALTH Stenerhag has had some great results on the road, including winning the 2009 Cape Town Cycle Tour. After her switch to mountain biking, she took third in 2014’s Absa Cape Epic. She has teamed up with the current South African marathon champion, Robyn de Groot. They’d do well to ride their own race and keep their efforts smooth, rather than surge with every move as the top riders in the world joust with each other.

Robyn de Groot SOUTH AFRICA

5 5 -1

Jennie Stenerhag SWEDEN

55-2

Age: 32 Epics completed: 0

Age: 39 Epics completed: 2

2 x XCM National Champ

2 x XCM National Champ

@robyndegroot

@JennieStenerhag 2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

21

CATEGORY JERSEYS MEN The yellow zebra jersey is worn by the leading team in the Men’s category. Stage times are added up and the team with the lowest cumulative time at the end of each stage gets to wear the iconic jersey the next day. The team in yellow after the full eight days of racing is the overall winner. The category attracts elite mountain bikers from around the world and showcases the best that the sport has to offer. Competitors have included Olympic gold medallists, current and former world champions and top-ranked marathon and cross country mountain bike professionals.

SASOL WOMEN In 2014 the Sasol Women’s category prize purse was boosted to equal that of the men, thanks to Sasol’s sponsorship. Since 2012 the top women riders also gained UCI points, which served to sharpen the competition in this category, with 2015 promising to be the most closely contested yet. Current and former world champions, Olympic medallists and the world’s top women marathon racers have contested the distinctive orange jersey.

MASTERS The race for the blue Masters’ category jersey has become nearly as fierce as that for the overall victory.

Both team members in this category must be over 40 years of age. Former world champions, ex-Tour de France riders and veterans of the world’s pro circuits have battled it out for bragging rights in this category.

The winners routinely finish in the top 20 of the field, making it a race within the race.

GRAND MASTERS The distinctive purple jersey was introduced in 2013 and has proved to be highly competitive, with several teams vying for the top spot. To compete in this category both team members must be over 50 years of age. In 2014 the leading Grand Masters team finished in the top 20, proving that these riders still have what it takes to mix it up at the front of the field.

MIXED The male/female combination adds a different dynamic to racing the Absa Cape Epic, and the race for the dark green jerseys has proved to be strongly contested. As in the other categories, communication and understanding your partner’s strengths and weaknesses is critical to success in the mixed race. Many of the world’s top riders have competed in this category.

22

SPECIAL JERSEYS ABSA AFRICAN JERSEY The striking red Absa African Jersey is awarded to the highest-placed team where both members hold passports from an African country, regardless of their category. With the sport of mountain biking growing rapidly across the continent, competition for this special jersey becomes more intense every year. The overall winners of the Absa African jersey are awarded the Burry Stander Memorial Trophy.

EXXARO JERSEY The Exxaro Jersey is awarded to the top historically disadvantaged South African team where both riders are under the ages of 26. The Exxaro MTB Academy was created to increase access to the sport for previously disadvantaged South Africans. In recent years the number of competitors for this jersey has mushroomed.

OTHER JERSEYS

Then XCO world champion Nino Schurter and his South African counterpart and teammate Philip Buys in 2014

WORLD CHAMPION Every year there are riders in the field who are entitled to wear the distinctive rainbow jerseys – white with green, yellow, black, red and blue stripes across the chest. These are reigning world champions in any of the cycling disciplines. A world champion must wear the jersey when competing in the same discipline, category and speciality for which the title was won. The Absa Cape Epic naturally attracts cross country and marathon mountain biking champions, but others from different disciplines have also taken on the world’s premier mountain bike stage race.

SOUTH AFRICAN CHAMPION The South African champions’ jerseys have green and gold stripes across the chest. Reigning South African champions in each of the various cycling disciplines wear them when competing.

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

23

GUNNING FOR IT Norwegian Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjå’s mountain biking CV goes on and on. And on.

The 42-year-old cycling legend has an Olympic Games gold medal in the cross country discipline (2004), nine World Championship titles (four in Cross Country, five in the marathon discipline) and many more European and National Cvhampionships. And literally hundreds of successes in other races over the years.

In spite of all her achievements, and at an age where many an athlete might be easing off, the competitive flame still burns bright in Dahle Flesjå. In 2015 she takes on the world’s premier mountain bike stage race, the Absa Cape Epic.

Her teammate will be Switzerland’s Kathrin Stirnemann, the existing cross country eliminator world champion: “Kathrin is a very technical rider and fast downhiller, so I believe this will be a big strength for us even when we face unknown terrain,” said Dahle Flesjå.

“Kathrin is a fighter and that is important in this hard stage race. I think she is a nice and fun girl to be around. In my opinion these are important and necessary attributes for good teamwork,” she added. Dahle Flesjå and Stirnemann will take part in the four-day Afxentia stage race in Cyprus at the end of February before heading to South Africa.

Dahle Flesjå has played down her chances of an overall win, saying: “I will need many years of experience of this race to be able to fight for the win, but I hope my partner and I can go for one stage win during the eight days”.

“It will be very hard with lots of hours of suffering even if we do not race maximum every day, and a lot can happen during each stage,” she added.

Her competitors, though, will be taking that with a pinch of salt. Her pedigree – the finest among any woman competitor in the world right now – suggests she will be very competitive once the race begins with a prologue on Table Mountain on March 15.

Dahle Flesjå also paid tribute to the Absa Cape Epic’s ground-breaking 2014 initiative when, with sponsors Sasol, it decided to give women equal prize money to men: “I think the Absa Cape Epic did a great thing for our sport. The event is famous and known all over the world and with this kind of attitude is says a lot about how we look at men and women in this sport.

“We still have to keep motivating women to join us and enjoy this sport because more men are taking part, but having the same prize money gives a sign that this is a sport also for all women and we are treated equal.”

24

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

25

Barti Bucher

MIXED, MASTERS AND GRAND MASTERS In 2014 the top Masters Category team of former Olympic gold medallist Bart Brentjens and Abraao Azevedo finished an incredible 14th overall. Both partners in this category have to be over 40 and the Dutch/Brazilian pairing saw off many top riders nearly half their ages.

But even more astonishing was the performance of the top Grand Masters – each partner being over 50. South Africa’s Andrew Mclean and Austria’s Heinz Zoerweg finished under three minutes behind Brentjens and Azevedo in 15th overall.

The standard of racing outside the main men’s and women’s elite categories has risen to such an extent that the competition is often just as fierce. 2015 is shaping up to be as tough as ever in these categories.

Brentjens, overall winner of the second Cape Epic in 2005, will be back with Azevedo and will start as favourites in the Masters. They will have their work cut out, with formidable 2011 category winners Carsten Bresser and Udo Boelts of Germany back in the race.

Perhaps their greatest challenge though will 26

come from Azevedo’s 2013 Absa Cape Epic partner Nico Pfitzenmeier, who has teamed up with fellow South African Robert Sim for the 2015 event. Also in the mix should be South Africans Warren Squires and Nic White, who finished third in the category last year.

The Grand Masters, only introduced in 2013, has rapidly become one of the most contested categories. This year local star Mclean will be riding with fellow South African Greg Andersen, but his 2014 partner Zoerweg has teamed up with the apparently ageless Swiss rider Barti Bucher, who will start as favourites.

The Mixed Category is hard to call this year, with few tested combinations in the field.

On paper the winners could come from the pairing of South Africa’s Nizaam Essa and England’s Catherine Williamson, Germany’s Ivonne Kraft and Slovenian Peter Vesel or South Africans Hanele Steyn and Fourie Kotze. Keep an eye out too for the pairing of former South African rugby World Cup winner Joel Stransky and Anriette Schoeman, for years South Africa’s top road rider and now a committed mountain biker.

Bart Brentjens (left) and Abraao Azevedo

Aurelle Hallbwachs (left) Yannick Lincoln winning the Mixed category in 2014

Andrew Mclean (left) Heinz Zoerweg 2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

27

P

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

WOLSELEY

STAGE 5 STAGE 6

N7 WELLINGTON

STAGE 7

PAARL

MEERENDAL

DURBANVILLE

N1 CAPE TOWN FRANSCHHOEK STELLENBOSCH

PROLOGUE VILLIERSDORP

STAGE 2 GORDON’S BAY SIMON’S TOWN

ELGIN

STAGE 1

BOTRIVIER

HERMANUS

ROUTE SPONSORS 28

ROUTE MAP CERES

15 – 22 March 2015 739km Distance

16 000m Climbing

PROLOGUE

SUNDAY 15 March

Cape Town

20km

600m

STAGE 1

MONDAY 16 March

113km

2800m

STAGE 2

TUESDAY 17 March

DISTANCE

STAGE 4

Elgin

CLIMBING

Elgin

DISTANCE

WORCESTER

Elgin

CLIMBING

Elgin

2300m

92km

DISTANCE

CLIMBING

STAGE 3

WEDNESDAY 18 March

128km

2300m

STAGE 4

THURSDAY 19 March

Elgin

Worcester

ROBERTSON

DISTANCE

Worcester STAGE 3

CLIMBING

Worcester

111km

2000m

STAGE 5

FRIDAY 20 March

DISTANCE

Worcester

CLIMBING

Wellington

117km

2500m

STAGE 6

SATURDAY 21 March

DISTANCE

N2

Wellington

CLIMBING

Wellington

71km

2000m

STAGE 7

SUNDAY 22 March

DISTANCE

Wellington

87km

DISTANCE

CLIMBING

Meerendal

1500m

CLIMBING

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

29

16 12

9

10

11 8

6 7

1

4

3

2

30

5

17

13 14 15

RACE VILLAGE 1. Start and Finish 2. Timing and PA 3. Sasol Interview Lounge 4. Woolworths Recovery Zone 5. Absa Hospitality 6. Sponsor Row, Trade Tech Zone 7. Presentation Podium 8. Castle Lite Chill Zone 9. Race Office 10. Race Hospital and Massage 11. Liqui-Fruit Kids Zone 12. Rider Tents 13. Mobile Homes and Epic Suites 14. Rider Dining 15. Crew Dining 16. Rider Showers 17. Evoc Rider Bag Service

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

31

TOWNS AND DESTINATIONS

The Absa Cape Epic is welcomed by some outstanding venues and locations as it traverses new and old terrain in the quest for scenic mountain-biking perfection. All the while it showcases the Western Cape and its amazing diversity

CAPE TOWN Prologue The “Mother City”, sprawled around the iconic Table Mountain, is the oldest in South Africa and its cultural heritage spans more than 300 years. It boasts the top five national attractions in South Africa: Table Mountain, a world heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature; the V&A Waterfront, a unique shopping and leisure experience on a scenic working harbour as well as the registration venue for the Absa Cape Epic; Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned; the Cape Town Wine Routes, where some of the world’s best wines are produced; and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, internationally acclaimed as one of the great botanical gardens of the world. This colourful and thriving city has become a sought after international tourist destination, celebrated for its natural beauty, excellent restaurants and rich cultural offering. Besides all this it is an adventure seeker’s paradise, with the mountain and sea serving as their giant playground. climb, swim in the clear mountain pools or

32

Official Website: www.capetown.travel Tourism Info: +27 (0)21 487 6800

ELGIN Stage 1 | Stage 2 The Elgin Valley is renowned for its fresh produce, cool-climate wines and beautiful country living. The lush garden valley only 45 minutes from Cape Town has been supplying fresh produce to the region and beyond for almost a century – most notably apples and pears. More recently it has gained a reputation for outdoor adventure sports.

The area is a treat for mountain bikers, with an extensive network of tracks and trails catering for all skill levels. Visitors can also experience the many restaurants, delis and wine farms in the region.

Official Website: www.elignvalley.co.za Tourism Info: info@elginvalley.co.za +27 (0)21 848 9838

WORCESTER Stage 3 | Stage 4 This charming town is the central point of the Cape Winelands District – the economic hub of the Breede Valley. It lies at the feet of the majestic Brandwacht and Langeberg Mountains and its broad streets are lined with beautiful gabled buildings. A wide variety of activities are on offer throughout the year. The Worcester Museum at Kleinplasie depicts pioneer agricultural life at the Cape with fascinating live demonstrations. The Hugo Naudé Art Museum and Jean Welz Art Gallery are also worth a visit. The Karoo Botanical Desert Garden, with its unique succulent plant species and hiking trails, is a must for nature lovers. And then there are the 11 awardwinning wine cellars and three world-class olive estates on the Worcester Wine & Olive Route.

Official Website: www.worcestertourism.com Tourism Info: info@worcestertourism.com +27 (0)23 342 6244

WELLINGTON Stage 5 | Stage 6 Wellington is celebrated for its beautiful Cape Dutch homesteads, picturesque environment, gardens and numerous wineries. Outside the town the historic Bain’s Kloof Pass, a national monument built by master road engineer Andrew Geddes Bain, carves a beautiful path through the indigenous flora and rises above crystal-clear streams and rivers. It is the perfect spot for hikers and fly fishermen.

The town also offers guided wine walks and horse trails through the rich farmland and fynbos. Fruit orchards, wine estates, buchu plantations and olive groves surround the town, which has become well-known for its dried fruit industry. Its vine-cutting nurseries are also responsible for the production of about 80% of the South African wine industry’s vine root stock.

Official Website: www.wellington.co.za Tourism Info: info@wellington.co.za +27 (0)21 873 4604

MEERENDAL WINE ESTATE Stage 7 Only 20 kilometres from Cape Town, Meerendal is one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa. It was founded in 1702 when Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel granted the farm to Jan Meerland. It has since became famed for its award-winning wines produced from a variety of noble cultivars. Besides its wine, the iconic Meerendal Boutique Hotel offers luxury accommodation to guests in tranquil surroundings. And then there’s the food: the Crown Restaurant, Bistro and Wine tasting venues are situated in the historic old barn overlooking immaculate vineyards, rolling Tygerberg hills and flourishing birdlife. Meerendal Wine Estate has also become an extremely popular mountain biking venue and hosted the Absa Cape Epic Prologue from 2012 to 2014. In 2015 that relationship takes on a new dimension when the estate hosts the closing stage, the Grand Finale, of the Absa Cape Epic.

Official Website: www.meerendal.co.za Tourism Info: info@meerendal.co.za +27 (0)21 975 1655

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

33

RENAY GROUSTRA EVOC

CC 3l ruby

CC 3l lime

LITE PERFORMANCE BACKPACK // CC 3l Featherweight minimalistic hydration backpack with optimised back ventilation for competitive use, e.g. when covering countless vertical metres or participating in a tough stage race. The pack features a 2-litre hydration bladder as well as enough storage space for the absolute essentials.

CC 3l black

PROUD SPONSOR OF

SPECTATOR INFO Come along and support your team throughout the race at the various spectator points that are dotted along the route. Race Villages are also a great place to watch the riders start or finish on any particular day - entry is free, and there is a dedicated Family Zone to cater to all.

Download the official Spectator Guide (Detailed maps, driving directions and times)

at www.cape-epic.com

PROLOGUE

SUNDAY 15 March 2015 - UCT, Cape Town – 20km

(also see page 42)

The Prologue is the team time trail that kicks off the racing and determines starting positons for Stage 1. The 2015 prologue will be taking place on the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain with the staging grounds at the University of Cape Town.

Start Spectator Point A: Tafelberg Road - Dead Man’s Tree Spectator Point B: Newlands Picnic Site Finish

STAGE 1

From 6:45 7:10 7:45 7:53

Last 12:00 12:30 12:45 12:50

Rider Distance 11,3km 18km 20km

MONDAY 16 March 2015 - Oak Valley to Oak Valley – 113km

(also see page 44)

Stage 1 offers spectators three fantastic viewing spots. Houw Hoek Inn is a gracious combination of old-world charm and modern conveniences where spectators can relax and watch the race go by while enjoying some breakfast. South Hill hosts Spectator Point B and will be offering wine tasting, as they did in 2014 (to great acclaim!). Spectator Point C at Thandi will have sumptuous lunch options, accompanied of course by world-class wines straight from the farm: a perfect way to while away the afternoon as the riders pass by.

Start Spectator Point A: Houw Hoek Inn Spectator Point B: South Hill Farm Spectator Point C: Thandi (Farm Kitchen) Finish

STAGE 2

Lead 7:00 9:07 10:19 11:04 11:24

Back 7:30 11:44 14:09 15:39 16:19

Rider Distance 55km 87km 105km 113km

TUESDAY 17 March 2015 - Oak Valley to Oak Valley – 92km

(also see page 46)

Close to the race village and a great spot to catch the action is Spectator Point A at Elgin Country Club. With breathtaking surroundings and lots of refreshment on offer this is a perfect spot to view the early racing. The amphitheatre at Paul Cluver plays host to Spectator Point B: it has lots of seating and space for children to play and is an ideal setting to relax and take in the race.

Start Spectator Point A: Elgin Country Club Spectator Point B: Paul Cluver Wines Finish 36

Lead 7:00 8:56 9:50 10:45

Back 7:30 11:52 13:40 15:31

Rider Distance 44,5km 68km 92km

STAGE 3

WEDNESDAY 18 March 2015 - Oak Valley to Worcester – 128km (also see page 48)

Boskloof Sports Field offers a wide open space with views of the surrounding mountains for spectators to spread out and watch the best of the best race by (and, of course, the rest of the field). Spectator Point B at Eagle’s Cliff Wine Estate will offer wine tasting as well as other food and beverage offerings while riders pass through the water point and the cellar itself. Bird lovers should keep an eye on the sky for the pair of rare black eagles, which call the cliffs home.

Lead 7:00 8:29 9:48 11:40

Start Spectator Point A: Boskloof Sports Field Spectator Point B: Eagle’s Cliff Finish

STAGE 4

Back 7:30 10:28 13:07 16:51

Rider Distance 38km 75km 128km

THURSDAY 19 March 2015 - Worcester to Worcester – 111km (also see page 50)

Besides being Spectator Point A, Fairy Glen Game Reserve also hosts the famous African Big Five. Game drives can be pre-arranged with the reserve for spectators aiming to see some of South Africa’s wildlife, or they can simply enjoy some tea or coffee as the riders whizz by. At Spectator Point B, Glen Heatlie Farm will provide refreshments for all to enjoy. Then the Karoo National Botanical Gardens makes for a truly picturesque and tranquil environment for spectators to kick back and watch tired riders begin their final strech back to the race village.

Start Spectator Point A: Fairy Glen Game Reserve Spectator Point B: Glen Heatlie Farm Spectator Point B: Glen Heatlie Farm Finish

STAGE 5

Lead 7:00 8:02 8:39 10:27 11:40

Back 8:00 10:04 11:19 14:54 16:21

Rider Distance 28km 43km 93km 111km

FRIDAY 20 March 2015 - Worcester to Wellington – 117km (also see page 52)

Spectator Point A is on an unnamed farm and will delight spectators with its views of the riders descending into the Wolseley Valley. Platvlei to the West of the area offers charming views of its orchards as well as a real farm atmosphere as the riders pass through the farmyard.

Start Spectator Point A: Unnamed Farm Finish

STAGE 6

Lead 7:00 8:29 11:32

Back 7:30 10:28 16:35

Rider Distance 36,5km 117km

SATURDAY 21 March 2015 - Wellington to Wellington – 71km (also see page 54)

The penulitmate stage for the 2015 race offers spectators a number of opportunities to watch riders battle it out. Welbedaght Wine Farm, besides boasting its very own cricket oval, will provide a great place to start the day with a hearty breakfast.

Spectator Point B at Linton Park Wines will allow spectators to take in the ambience of this old-world wonder while watching the racing. The beauty of the Lelienfontein Farm is another must for spectators and will have various refreshments on offer under the old oak tree. Doolhof, the final spectator point for the day, will offer delicious picnics to spectators who can find a shady spot to unwind and enjoy the afternoon.

Start Spectator Spectator Spectator Spectator Finish

Point A: Welbedaght Wine Farm Point B: Linton Park Point C: Lelienfontein Point D: Doolhof

STAGE 7

Lead 7:00 7:15 7:45 8:05 9:03 10:30

Back 8:30 9:15 10:00 10:40 12:37 14:36

Rider Distance 8km 19km 26km 48,5km 71km

SUNDAY 22 March 2015 - Wellington to Meerendal – 87km (also see page 56)

The final spectator point for the 2015 Absa Cape Epic lies on the stunning vineyards of Vondeling Wines, chosen to give spectators enough time to get to the finish once their riders have passed through. The new Grand Finale venue of Meerendal Wine Estate is not to be missed: spectators can enjoy the live entertainment throughout the day while giving the riders the heroes’ welcome they deserve.

Start Spectator Point A: Vondeling Finish

Lead 8:00 8:46 11:15

Back 8:45 10:17 15:16

Rider Distance 23km 87km 2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

37

EPIC VISION. EPIC RIDE.

OFFICIAL EYEWEAR

Neil Gardiner Neil Gardiner has been racing bikes since 1987 and has competed in Europe on the road and track. He discovered mountain biking in 1994 and has held a national age group cross country title. He is a live commentator at the Absa Cape Epic.

Chris Whitfield Chris Whitfield has finished the Absa Cape Epic four times as an enthusiastic amateur and now works for the race as a media advisor. He took part in the 2014 trial ride.

ROUTE INTRO The Absa Cape Epic route returns to the Mother City in 2015 when the Prologue is staged on the flanks of Table Mountain.

The iconic mountain last hosted the world’s premier mountain bike stage race in 2009.

This time the Prologue will start and finish at the University of Cape Town.

Table Mountain will feature again during the Grand Finale, Stage 7, when the remaining riders will get a stunning view of it as they close in on the new finish venue at Meerendal Wine Estate. As they crest the Dorstberg above the Meerandal Manor House and buildings they will see the mountain in the distance, a signal that their journey is nearly complete. Between the start and finish, though, riders will be taken on a route laden with many tough climbs … and some fun singletrack.

In contrast to previous years, when it featured near the end, riders will be confronted by the legendary Groenlandberg after only 20km of Stage 1. The other climb that is destined to enter Epic folklore is the Paardeberg on the final stage, which gains a lung-busting 600m of altitude in less than six kilometres.

In-between those peaks the race villages will be hosted in the Elgin Valley, in Worcester and in Wellington. Mountain bikers all know that Elgin and Wellington have some of the best trails in the country and Stages 2, 5 and 6 include many kilometres of these. Another highlight will be the ride through the Fairy Glen private game reserve, home to Africa’s big five wild animals – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and Cape buffalo. But fear not … the lions are fenced off from the passage through the reserve.

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

39

PROLOGUE

15 March 2015

University of Cape Town The Prologue is the team time trail that kicks off the racing and determines the starting positons for Stage 1. The 2015 prologue will be taking place on the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain with the start and finish at the University of Cape Town.

First riders start: 06h45 Women’s elite riders: 10h30 Men’s elite riders: 11h00 Winner’s expected: 12h00 Prize giving: 12h30

Please note: Due to the environmental sensitivity of Table Mountain National Park, spectators are kindly requested to only make use of the two dedicated Vantage Points on the route and are to abide by the rules governing those areas at all times.

Vantage Points: Newlands Picnic Site Tafelberg Road – Dead Man’s Tree

Do not litter. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in Table Mountain National Park. Spectators are to obey marshalls at all times.

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

41

PROLOGUE

START LOCATION: UCT, Cape Town FINISH LOCATION: UCT, Cape Town

20km DISTANCE 600m CLIMBING

It’s only 20km, but riders will know after 600m of hard climbing that the Absa Cape Epic has begun.

For the first time, the Cape Epic visits the University of Cape Town, where the Prologue starts and finishes. The course leaves the Seat of Learning and immediately heads upwards, including two of the more testing climbs on the mountain, one at about 8km which has been given an unprintable, expletiveladen name by the locals – riders will know it’s coming when they pass the quarry on their right – and the other at 12km called Dead Man’s Tree (the last 50m are brutal). The route heads up to Tafelberg Road and from there it is mostly downhill for the remaining kilometres, including some fun singletrack: enjoy!

42

NEIL’S PREDICTION FOR THE PROS:

CHRIS’S ADVICE FOR THE AMATEURS:

This is the domain of the cross country racers, due to its relatively short distance, steep climbs and technical singletrack. While it may seem unlikely that the marathon specialists, with their ‘diesel engines’, will shine at the Prologue, it is always a clear indicator of the form of those in the hunt for the overall title. Take a look at the Prologue podium at the 2014 edition, with eventual winners Robert Mennen and Kristian Hynek of Topeak-Ergon on the third step.

Your heart rate will inevitably be high on the start line, so resist the temptation to hammer the first few hills. There are more than a few sharp climbs, and one or two of them will have your eyes watering. The last third of the ride is mostly downhill, but be careful on the steep descent below the King’s Blockhouse which takes you to Plum Pudding Hill - it has a treacherous section or two and it is way too early in proceedings to have a fall. Those inclined to racing – not just finishing – will be able to gain time on rivals on the hilly sections, but it is early days and not worth overcooking your engine.

RATING

SEAT OF LEARNING

S U N DAY

15 MARCH

“The trails around Table Mountain are incredible and it’s the combination of the sea, the mountain and one of, or maybe the most beautiful city in the whole world.”

Christoph Suaser 4 x World Champ

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

43

STAGE 1

START LOCATION: Oak Valley, Elgin FINISH LOCATION: Oak Valley, Elgin

113km DISTANCE 2800m CLIMBING

Unlike previous years, where Oak Valley Wine Estate has featured towards the end of the route, in 2015 riders will spend their first few nights at the lush Elgin property.

In every other aspect, though, Stage 1 is a dip into the deep end – after 20km of traversing the rutted dual track above the Eiekenhof Dam riders are confronted by the Groenlandberg, perhaps the most notorious of all Absa Cape Epic climbs. The rugged road up the mountain rises more than 600m along 9km of rocky, sandy climbing – the average gradient is 7% but sections occasionally tilt up to over 20%. Shortly before the mast at the summit riders veer left on to a rocky and rutted descent and should watch out for the washed away sections. More rocky trail follows across the back of the Groenlandberg as well as another tough climb on an unstable surface before a sweeping descent, a bump or two and some short singletrack takes you to Water Point 2 at Houwhoek Inn. Crossing under the N2 it is time to explore the south side of the Grabouw region. Riders will loop through the Kogelberg Nature Reserve – one of 400 unique biosphere reserves in the world – and private farmland before heading back under the N2 via Lebanon’s flowing singletrack trails. The last climb from Thandi Wine Estate takes riders back to Oak Valley and another burst of singletrack fun before the finish.

44

NEIL’S PREDICTION FOR THE PROS:

CHRIS’S ADVICE FOR THE AMATEURS:

While the savvy riders in the main field ride within themselves, the gloves are off among the top pros.

They’ll be fighting at the front for a good position on the climb up Groenlandberg so as not to get caught behind slower riders and let any teams slip off the front. Many will be in the ‘red zone’ with their heart rates well over their aerobic threshold, which they’ll pay for later. There are always surprise results on Stage 1 and it paints a good picture of what’s to come, but it’s way too early to predict a winner after only two days. A key race decider is the descent off Groenlandberg. In the pack, at full speed, it’s not easy to see a rut or sharp rock before it destroys a tyre, a wheel, or worse…

Remember that time you rode conservatively? Well, be twice as conservative today. There is a lot of climbing and distance to be covered on this stage (not to mention the rest of the week), but most threatening to your chances of finishing might be the rugged terrain. Make sure you have sufficient sealant in your tyres and that they have enough pressure to avoid snakebite punctures but also not so much that you land up spinning on some of the loose surfaces. Have some plugs - and know how to use them - and have a spare tube taped to your bike. Hopefully you will have chosen a tyre that gives you decent grip and has reinforced sidewalls. Water Point 1 comes early, at 20km, but there is some rugged riding before Water Point 2: make sure you have enough liquid and food and ride conservatively. The racing snakes among you will want to keep up a steady pace, but this is a tough stage and too much, too early will up the risk of doing silly things towards the end... and later in the race.

M O N DAY

RATING

GROENLANDBERG!

16 MARCH

“Groenlandberg is THE mountain of the Absa Cape Epic. It’s really rough out there… a lot of stones and the scenery is like on the moon” Urs Huber 2011 XCM National Champ

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

45

STAGE 02

START LOCATION: Oak Valley, Elgin FINISH LOCATION: Oak Valley, Elgin

92km DISTANCE 2300m CLIMBING

An interesting mix – a balance between tough climbing, fast flat sections and some great singletrack.

First there are a few climbs to negotiate though: at about 5km there is a short but particularly nasty one that has concrete strips for traction (beware of the tricky descent too), then on to tackle the Nuweberg from the East side. This is the biggest climb of the day – it is about five-and-a-half kilometres with a gradient steeper than 25% on one section. Watch out for some washed out segments on the descents as the course weaves over the hills above Grabouw and on to singletrack heaven. The trail carves through about 7km of forest before depositing elated riders at the Elgin Country Club and Water Point 2.

The singletrack is far from over though and soon riders will be crossing over and through the Oak Valley Wine Estate and Paul Cluver Estate, both with some of the best purpose-built trails around. Expect loads of spectators at the Paul Cluver amphitheatre with its bridges and North Shore-type elevated sections.

46

NEIL’S PREDICTION FOR THE PROS:

CHRIS’S ADVICE FOR THE AMATEURS:

It’s perhaps a little early for the group of main contenders to split up on the first 25% gradient climb on the concrete strips. But be sure that the strongest riders will pile on the pressure, glancing back to see who are showing weakness. With so much singletrack, and some highly skilled cross country riders in the field, it’ll be hard for the marathon specialists to gain any advantage in the latter half. They’ll do well to hang on to the coat tails of the short course specialists and capitalise on their endurance capabilities on the climbs near the end. Expect to see the a close finish in Oak Valley.

A conservative start is recommended again: you will want to be fresh for the trail sections later in the stage so that you can enjoy them and don’t make fatigue-induced mistakes. In spite of the fun sections the 2 300m of climbing makes this stage no picnic and requires a lot of concentration. If you have good technical skills you will be able to make up time on the trails, but will also need to be wise not to fire too many shots on the early climbs.

T U E S DAY

RATING

TRAIL FEVER

17 MARCH

“Stage 2 has it all – a huge contrast of terrain – there’s the rugged, washed-out tracks of Nuweberg – then there’s the manicured singletrack to follow.”

Kati Csak Race Director

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

47

STAGE 03 GROENLANDBERG!

START LOCATION: Oak Valley, Elgin FINISH LOCATION: HTS Drostdy, Worcester

128km DISTANCE 2 300m CLIMBING

And now for something completely different. Stage 3 takes riders from Oak Valley to Worcester via some 128km and 2 300m of climbing.

The day’s biggest climb, The Tierkop over the eastern flank of the Groenlandberg, starts around the 7km mark. Then there is a lot of fast descending – with some washed out and rocky sections before riders cross the Van der Stel Pass road and are confronted by The Serpent, a nasty zigzag climb which can be seen ahead from across the valley and which rises more than 26% as it begins. A further two short but tough climbs drop riders onto the tar road that traverses the Theewaterskloof Dam. The route leaves the tar with a sharp rise but eventually flattens out and follows the canal road past Villiersdorp, over a climb and into the sort of shrubbery typical of the Karoo. Soon the route crosses farmland and the award-winning Eagle’s Cliff Wine Estate, which is also the venue for Water Point 2. Riders should enjoy this section before the tough Arendskloof climb and rocky descent prior to a flattish 40km skirting the Brandvlei Dam into Worcester.

48

NEIL’S PREDICTION FOR THE PROS:

CHRIS’S ADVICE FOR THE AMATEURS:

This may not be the hardest stage of the 2015 race, but it’s sometimes these mid-week days in the Karoo that catch even the finest athletes in the world off guard with the heat and the terrain. A conservative approach will reward the smarter teams, especially with the sharp rocks on the trails – those riding close to the limit court disaster in the rugged red landscape, as many have discovered to their cost.

It’s likely to be a war of attrition – for the legs and equipment.

If the weather plays along and you ride within your limits, this stage does not have much in the way of technical riding and should not be too trying. The terrain becomes drier and more Karoo-like as Worcester approaches, which also means thorns so be sure you still have enough sealant. There are lots of wide-open spaces so take extra liquid if it is hot. The racing types, if they’re feeling strong, will be able to put their heads down and, well, race.

W E D N E S DAY

RATING

SERPENT AHEAD

18 MARCH

“The view is so beautiful when you come into Worcester, semi desert Karoo terrain. For me it’s the perfect landscape for mountain biking.”

Jochen Kaess 3x German Marathon Champ

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

49

STAGE 04 GROENLANDBERG!

START LOCATION: HTS Drostdy, Worcester FINISH LOCATION: HTS Drostdy, Worcester

111km DISTANCE 2000m CLIMBING

After a flattish section out of Worcester followed by a manageable rise or two riders will soon be on the flanks of the Windpomp Climb – used previously as part of the 2011 Stage 4 time-trial.

If you aren’t Christoph Sauser or trying to beat him, you might also have time to catch a glimpse of some of South Africa’s big five wild animals – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and Cape buffalo – as the route goes right through the Fairy Glen Private Game Reserve. A few more steep climbs follow and at 65km the hard work pays off as riding eases and the route makes its way along the Hex River Valley and back in roughly the same direction that riders have come from.

At about 90km brace for three steep climbs, the Skyscrapers, and some gnarly descending before the route heads towards the race village in Worcester.

50

NEIL’S PREDICTION FOR THE PROS:

CHRIS’S ADVICE FOR THE AMATEURS:

With the fight for general classification beginning to develop, the main contending teams will already be apparent. As often happens, some pre-race favourites will be out of the running for overall honours (either after a previous mechanical or illness). These teams may look for a stage win by attempting a daring breakaway. But the GC challengers can’t afford to let them get too far. Look out for an epic battle on the last three climbs – the Skyscrapers.

The surface is rocky and rugged. Another day to check the sealant and tyre pressure. And ride carefully - jagged rocks can tear open the strongest of tyres. This is generally inhospitable terrain and will be very testing if it is hot: make sure you have enough to drink.

Racing snakes in the amateur ranks beware – this stage is going to give bikes a beating and repairing them on the route takes valuable time, so try to ride smoothly.

T H U R S DAY

RATING

ROCK ’N ROLL

19 MARCH

“ The ‘Untamed African’ day, with riders visiting the big five game reserve Fairy Glen. Riders may even get a chance to see the Cape leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros, elephant and, of course, the lion.”

Kevin Vermaak Race Founder

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

51

STAGE 05 GROENLANDBERG!

START LOCATION: HTS Drostdy, Worcester FINISH LOCATION: CPUT, Wellington

117km DISTANCE 2500m CLIMBING

The race leaves Worcester in a north-westerly direction and, after a flattish section to get the legs warmed up, will bump into the foothills of the Fonteintjiesberg.

The first serious climb, Powerlines, will have riders on the tip of their saddle to keep front wheels down. A few dips and rises later the track veers left across the Wolseley Valley to a pleasant fast, flat section running parallel to the Breede River and on to the famous (some say notorious) national monument of Bain’s Kloof Pass. It’s a long, smooth climb on tar but riders can’t relax after reaching the summit as, after a short descent, the route turns left off the tar road and on to the Welvanpas trails, and in this case the new black route. Gaining some 300m in 3km of tough climbing the Full Monty climb looms ahead. Then onwards to some of the best trails in the country – look out for Cool Runnings and Cool Runnings Too – taking riders to the overnight stop at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s DJ de Villiers rugby fields.

52

NEIL’S PREDICTION FOR THE PROS:

CHRIS’S ADVICE FOR THE AMATEURS:

Usually we look to the last few obstacles in a long stage for the final selection to unfold and the results to be decided. This points us to Bains Kloof Pass on smooth tar and the climbs of Welvanpas. But it’s highly likely that the stage will be decided long before, on the early rises. The jagged profile in the first half denotes some steep gradients and those with serous grit will be able to exert pressure on the rest of the field, causing ‘the elastic to snap’. Teams that fall off the pace then won’t have the morale to chase for 60km, especially if alone on the open roads. Plus, fatigue will slow them down on the trails of Welvanpas.

This is a long stage with some tough climbing towards the end.

Conserve some energy for the final trails – so you are in good shape to enjoy them and so you don’t make mistakes due to fatigue. The trails today are mostly not too technical … unless you are going at Greg Minnaar-like speed. Roadies will enjoy the challenge of the Bain’s Kloof climb on tar and those with good technical skills will make great time on the trails.

F R I DAY

RATING

BAIN’S OF OUR LIVES

20 MARCH

“Wellington is awesome. Susi and me had a great time there.

Some of the best singletracks in the world… ” Jaroslav Kulhavy Current XCO Olympic champ

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

53

STAGE 06 GROENLANDBERG!

START LOCATION: CPUT, Wellington FINISH LOCATION: CPUT, Wellington

71km DISTANCE 2000m CLIMBING

At 71km this is a short loop, but don’t be deceived. This is a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde experience – alternating between showing its pleasant face and, well, an uglier one.

Being Wellington, this means Welvanpas and another sampling of its incredible singletrack. The climbs are intense and among the steepest that riders will encounter on this year’s Absa Cape Epic; be prepared for Pig’s Peak and Moonwalker. With more than 30km of singletrack – including Roller Coaster, Point Break and Heaven’s Gate – riders will need to be on their toes from soon after the start through the Voor-Groenberg farmlands. The up and down nature of the stage means there will be little respite and focus will be key. A fierce climb, appropriately named Forever, takes riders up to the Bain’s Kloof road at the 60km mark followed by another section of the black route, which will deliver riders home to the race village with smiles on their faces.

54

NEIL’S PREDICTION FOR THE PROS:

CHRIS’S ADVICE FOR THE AMATEURS:

Historically, the penultimate day has featured a large proportion of singletrack, rewarding the riders for their tenacity throughout the week. It’s also a day that the UCI World Cup cross country superstars earmark for a stage win, regardless of whether they’re high up on GC or not. The trails of Welvanpas suit their riding style well – tight and technical with some short, hard climbs. Not to say that the marathon specialists won’t be in close attendance, it’s just that when the chips are down, the cross country riders will have that edge to get them to the top of the podium in Wellington.

The day is characterised by tough, short climbs and descents that require maximum concentration and will take it out of you. Brace yourself for a day that will test more than just your legs: upper body and mind will also be called upon to show their mettle. Be ready to make some quick gear changes as sharp descents turn into sharp rises. There are some quite technical morsels on the trails, but these are manageable as long as you keep a positive frame of mind. And, as always, pace yourself. The racing types will also need to be at their most alert. A good start is important so that you don’t get delayed by slower riders on the trails.

SAT U R DAY

RATING

JEKYLL AND HYDE

21 MARCH

“We’re cross country racers and Wellington and the trails around there are definitely a highlight of the Absa Cape Epic” Philip Buys Current African cross country champion

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

55

STAGE 07 GROENLANDBERG!

START LOCATION: CPUT, Wellington FINISH LOCATION: Meerendal Wine Estate

87km DISTANCE 1500m CLIMBING

On Stage 1 riders encountered one of the Absa Cape Epic’s legendary climbs, Groenlandberg. On Stage 7 riders will come face-to-face with a climb that will similarly enter Epic folklore – the Paardeberg.

The stage starts with 25km of fast riding on farm and district roads, but all the time the Paardeberg’s brooding presence will loom in the distance. After Water Point 1 the route goes straight into the climb – and continues on it for nearly 6km, during which about 600m of elevation will be gained. Take a moment to admire the views from the top, they are spectacular: Table Mountain to the South West and the West Coast stretching away to the North. The descent is as sharp as the climb and care must be taken on the unstable surface and rutted sections.

From then it is 45km of fast roads before climbing again onto Meerendal Wine Estate’s Dorstberg. At 82km the route swoops down through Meerendal’s legendary trails towards the estate’s historic Manor House and the finish line glory of the 2015 Absa Cape Epic Grand Finale.

56

NEIL’S PREDICTION FOR THE PROS:

CHRIS’S ADVICE FOR THE AMATEURS:

With the final stage broadcast live internationally, and thousands of spectators lining the finish chute, a Grand Finale victory is a prestigious one and highly contested. We’ve seen some thrilling dashes to the line, and with this year’s new venue, it is likely to be even more so. The racing is sure to ignite on Paardeberg, leaving a few teams in the lead as they head toward Meerendal, where Dorstberg will decide the small selection of teams that sprint it out for the spoils.

Like a horse smelling its stable, you will be tempted to pick up the pace on the final stage. The long, flat sections will encourage this, but rather succumb to this temptation only after you have conquered the Paardeberg climb and descent. Water Point 1 arrives early and you might be inclined to ride past, only do so if you still have lots to drink – even on a cool day you will need to hydrate more than usual going over the Paardeberg. Check your brake pads overnight – they will wear down on the Paardeberg descent, where you will need to be careful. For the rest, hang on to the bunches that will inevitably form on the district roads, enjoy some spectacular Western Cape scenery and give it a rip on Meerendal’s trails: they will take you to the finish in an appropriately upbeat frame of mind. Much the same applies to the racing snakes – it is the last day and you might as well leave it all out there. Have a jol.

S U N DAY

RATING

TWIN PEAKS

22 MARCH

“Meerendal is like a Disneyland for kids. There are really steep uphills, singletrack… plenty of nice courses. But of course, you have to pace yourself – if not, you can blow up really easy.”

Jose Hermida 2010 World Cross Country Champ

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

57

58

GRAND FINALE

22 March 2015

Meerendal Wine Estate, Durbanville Meerendal Wine Estate has in recent years become synonymous with the Absa Cape Epic, with the relationship developing like the fine wine they produce.

From the Prologue venue to the new Grand Finale venue for 2015 the estate is a firm Epic favourite, thanks in no small part to its exceptional trails and fast singletrack.

the final battle between some of the world’s best mountain bikers. Bring along family and friends to welcome the Epic hero’s home.

Not only is Meerendal an incredibly fitting end to eight incredibly tough days of competition and camaraderie for the riders, but it is also a chance for spectators to witness

It promises to be a day of adventure accompanied by great food, wine, live entertainment and activities for the whole family.

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

59

OVERCOMING ADVERSITY

After Stage 1 of the 2014 Absa Cape Epic Annika Langvad and Ariane Kleinhans were staring disaster in the face. The had suffered a series of punctures and mechanical problems and were in third place, more than 22 minutes behind leaders Sally Bigham of England and her Swiss partner Esther Süss.

“It was an awful day. We had punctures the whole time. And every time we fixed it we had to fight our way back. Just to get another puncture. It was horrible,” said Denmark’s Langvad afterwards.

Their performance over the remaining six stages, however, confirmed that they were the dominant force in the category. By the end of Stage 2 they had reduced the deficit to under 14 minutes and after Stage 3 just over 11 minutes. They finished Stage 4 in first place a minute ahead of Süss and Bigham and then pulled away to 15 minutes after Stage 5, 25 minutes after Stage 6 and more than 37 minutes at end of Stage 7, the Grand Finale.

As is almost inevitable in the Absa Cape Epic, Süss and Bigham suffered their own 60

mechanical problems. They are, however, both world class competitors and it is evident that Kleinhans – a Swiss national who lives in Stellenbosch – and Langvad will be the team to beat again in 2015.

Perhaps most remarkable about the performance though was their teamwork.

They had not raced an Absa Cape Epic together before and it was Langvad’s first experience of the event. “We took some time before the race talking about what would be challenging for us as a team and addressing all possible factors,” said Langvad. “Coming into the race as a cross country rider, I would tend to go faster at the beginning of the race and each stage. With the experience of Ariane we got the right pace dialled in pretty quickly in order to get us riding very consistently.”

Kleinhans, who had twice won the Mixed Category with her husband Erik, agreed: “To ride with a new partner was definitely a big change for me, but also a nice challenge.

From the beginning Annika was aware of the importance of a good partnership and we talked a lot about how we could perform best as a team. I think we worked extremely well together, even though we have quite different physical abilities.”

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

61

Number one priority “Annika focuses on the Cross Country World Cup and is a very powerful rider. She is very good on short punchy climbs and on the flats. Racing mostly marathons I’m more of a diesel engine and like long steady climbs,” said Kleinhans.

Perhaps their teamwork has been helped by the fact that both women seem to share a similar philosophy to their sport. They are among the most amiable professional sportspeople you can imagine, but are extremely driven and tough once the racing starts.

Langvad will continue being a regular on both the World Cup Cross Country circuit and the Absa Cape Epic: “I love the cross country discipline and will continue racing that. I love the speed and intensity of cross country racing, and I also love the endurance you need for marathons. If you plan it right, you can easily combine racing the two disciplines.”

She has quickly become a fan of the South African event: “It’s very well organised! When you come from the European mountain bike scene you’re truly amazed by the level of the Cape Epic event.”

62

“The Cape Epic can be proud of being among the pioneers regarding equality in prize money (between the sexes, thanks to Sasol’s sponsorship),” said Langvad. “Inequality builds the perception of female athletes being inferior to their male conterparts. That might have been true earlier, but today we work our butts off as much as the men.”

“Equality in prize money serves as an important signal, as well as actually making it more likely that female athletes are able to make a living out of the sport,” she added.

Once again the teammates are on the same page on this issue: “The initiative of the Cape Epic to boost the Women’s Category played a very big role in making it more competitive,” said Kleinhans. “But the Cape Epic didn’t just throw a lot of prize money into the category – which is already an amazing gesture – they also made a big effort to create media coverage about us, which is fundamental to making the sport more professional.”

In 2015 the Women’s Category will be even more competitive. Barring disaster, though, these two extraordinary athletes will be right at the front once again.

RACING TO VICTORY

Last year’s Absa Cape Epic winners, Kristian Hynek and Robert Mennen, will be tackling the event again in 2015, this time with different partners but similar ambitions.

Mennen will be riding with American Jeremiah Bishop and Hynek will be pairing up with powerful Austrian rider and six-times Cape Epic finisher Alban “The Albanator” Lakata.

By combining the all-round versatility of Hynek and the powerhouse ability of Lakata, Topeak Ergon Racing Team is making it clear that they have no intention of handing over the Epic crown without a fight. Having a defending champion like Mennen, who has been mentored in the Topeak Ergon ranks

by Lakata, racing in support also shows that Topeak Ergon will do everything in their power to snatch back-to-back Absa Cape Epic titles.

Splitting last year’s winners should make for an interesting and intriguing contest, as both will be eager to show that last year’s result was no fluke.

healthy 10-minute cushion, but they needed a helping hand from some friends to get over the line. On two of the stages Hynek was twice the beneficiary of sportsmanship by fellow professionals Centurion-Vaude Germans Markus Kaufmann and Jochen Kaess - when they handed over their wheels after he got punctures.

The rapid change of tyres meant Hynek and Mennen hardly lost any time, allowing them to keep up with their general classification challengers. After breaking a frame on Stage 2, Kaufmann and Kaess were out of the running for the title.

Their sportsmanship again shows the best qualities of an event like the Cape Epic; while the competition is fierce, the camaraderie is still ever-present. After last year’s race Mennen said he had no idea how to thank the German pair. “I must actually apologise because we took away their chance of a stage win,” said Mennen at the time. “We’ll have to do something big for them.”

Fresh in the memory of the team will be 2014’s moments of good fortune. Hynek and Mennen eventually won the race with a

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

63

64

Defending the title With the tough terrain and demanding stages, anything can happen at the Epic, but that’s not stopping Hynek from aiming big in 2015. “After winning the race last year my ambitions cannot be any lower than that,” says the Czech rider. “But for sure I am aware of the extreme competition again and I know that defending the title will probably be even harder. I will not be disappointed with a podium finish, but the goal is to win again.”

Lakata, a winner of the UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships in 2010 and a runner up last year in Pietermaritzburg, believes his strength and endurance sets him apart. “I am competitive, and I always want to test myself to find out just how good I really am,” he says.

Paired with Hynek’s strengths on long climbs and drawn out flat sections, the team can certainly be labelled as one of the favourites for 2015.

Mennen and his partner will also bring an edge to the event.

Known as a cool-headed strategist amongst pro riders on the European scene, he’s able to dictate a race when the mood suits him. His ability to adapt to any situation will also come in handy when the Epic decides to throw one of its famous weather curveballs. Though Mennen was the unfortunate recipient of a buck “attack” during 2013’s Cape Epic (where he was partnered by Lakata) and had to withdraw on Stage 1, he was back the very next year to win the world’s premier mountain bike stage race. That says everything you need to know about his character – not to mention his love for visiting South Africa (despite the odd rogue buck). “I enjoy coming here for the landscape, the coffee, the trails and the bike community. It’s very special.”

Hynek, too, is also looking forward to another South African adventure. “South Africa is an amazing country,” he says.

“The people, food, wine and of course the beautiful scenery makes it a wonderful place to visit. When I visited Cape Town last October I actually finally had some time to enjoy all of it and I am definitely looking forward to coming again – it’s no wonder that so many people have decided to stay in South Africa after coming for vacation!”

Though they won’t be riding together in 2015, both Mennen and Hynek are under no illusion of the challenge that lies ahead. To get the best out of their legs at the Cape Epic they started training slightly earlier than usual. They won’t give much away when it comes to specific race strategy, but they both admit that, while not taking the route into account in their race preparation, the race is tough and requires high levels of dedication to prepare for.

“I don’t take each year’s new route into consideration when training,” says Mennen. Most of the time the character of the race regarding the climbing stays the same, so I just train for that. It’s tough. You need to work to win it.”

Hynek is keeping his cards close to his chest too. “I just stick to my plans. The training is very complex.”

Getting through the high-quality 2015 field could prove complex too, but as the pair showed in 2014, they have the drive and determination to conquer the toughest terrain at the toughest race.

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

65

1200 dirty riders.

1401917_FP_E

And the water used to clean them.

66

The Absa Cape Epic showers use 75% less water than before thanks to Hansgrohe EcoSmart showerheads. The best part? You still get a soothing shower experience. Everybody wins.

For product information, visit www.hansgrohe.co.za or contact 021 447 7144. Follow the team on Twitter @TeamHansgroheSA and www.TeamHansgroheSA.co.za.

THE BATTLE CONTINUES

PLATT VS SAUSER The build-up to the 2014 Absa Cape Epic was overshadowed by one of modern sport’s defining rivalries as four-time Absa Cape Epic winners Christoph Sauser and Karl Platt aimed to be the first to a landmark five wins.

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

67

But the vagaries of mountain biking put paid to both men’s hopes of winning. Platt, in the form of his life and riding with the talented Urs Huber, crashed on Stage 2 and had to pull out of the race a day later. Sauser’s partner František Raboň of the Czech Republic had recently converted from road to mountain biking and, although an exceptional athlete, struggled with the demands made by the world’s premier mountain bike stage race. They were well-placed halfway through the event, but also suffered mechanical problems and ultimately finished second. The unheralded Topeak Ergon team of the Czech Republic’s Kristian Hynek and Germany’s Robert Mennen paced themselves brilliantly to take the win.

But as the 2015 event loomed both men would inevitably have pondered the possibility of getting their fifth win.

Both are moving towards the twilight of their competitive years and over eight days from March 15 to 22 of 2015 will have the extra motivation of becoming the first five-time winner.

German Platt won the first Epic in 2004, when it was raced between Knysna and Cape Town, with Namibia’s Mannie Heymans. He did it again in 2007, 2009 and 2010 with countryman Stefan Sahm. Sauser won with fellow Swiss Silvio Bundi in 2006, with Burry Stander in 2011 and 2012 before the South African died in an accident while training, and with Czech Jaroslav Kulhavy in 2013.

In person Platt is affable, charming and laughs easily, while Sauser appears reserved, considered and thoughtful. The German says he is “addicted to fast cars”, while Sauser lists reading and following the news among his off-thebike activities. Then they get on their bicycles, where their approach to racing suggests different aspects to their personalities. Platt’s Epic wins have generally been built on patience and attrition, while Swiss Sauser acknowledges that his races have been “pretty much all or nothing” – winning or DNF (did not finish) thanks to crashes, illness or “some drama”.

Sauser’s pedigree is unquestionable. Besides his Epic wins, he is a former Cross Country World Champion, Marathon World Champion and Olympic medallist.

In 2015 he will again be riding with Kulhavy, himself an Olympic gold medallist, a former Cross Country World Champion and the reigning Marathon World Champion.

They were near unstoppable in 2013 and Platt described Kulhavy, as “really something… he was an absolute machine on the flat sections”. Team Bulls’ Platt is again riding with fellow German Huber - the same partnership finished second in 2013 - and both were in excellent form in 2014 before Platt’s crash.

Sauser says he is at his best on long stages: “that’s where I get the adrenaline … towards the end”. Platt said: “I’m not a perfect climber but I have technical skills on the climbs and downhills. If I am in good shape I get stronger and stronger in stage races.” Both paid tribute to the Epic’s role in growing mountain biking and the now international status of the event.

68

“It would be interesting to see where South African mountain biking would be without the Cape Epic”, said Sauser. Platt added: “It’s got better and better and there is great coverage all around the world. It is the biggest (mountain bike) stage race in the world and the best organised. With all the media coverage it is very special.”

He also believes the race has helped change mountain biking around the world. In South Africa the change is marked: “In the Western Cape now there are trails everywhere … the best trails ever.”

“It’s funny to see the 2004 videos … how crazy we were on 26-inch bikes (nowadays just about everybody rides the bigger-wheeled 29ers), and hard tails (as opposed to the double suspension bikes preferred by most of the top pros now),” says Platt. Sauser points out that the event has become far more competitive over the years, and therefore much tougher: “We used to race for the last hour-and-a-half of the stage. Now you are fighting for position from the first minute.” That fight in 2015 may define who is remembered as the greatest Absa Cape Epic contestant of the current era.

THE STATS SAUSER

PLATT

Age

38

36

Height

1.81m

1.84m

Weight

70kg

70kg

Nickname

Susi, Schmoose

Plattos

ABSA CAPE EPIC Men’s category

4

4

Stage Wins

31

14

Epics

9

10

wins

Completed OTHER RESULTS 2007, 2011, 2013 XCM World Champ 2008 XCO World Champ 2 x World Cup Overall Winner 14 x World Cup Wins Bronze Medallist 2000 Summer Olympic Games

7 x Transalp winner TransGermany winner TransSchwarzwald winner Transrockies winner 2 x German XCM Champ

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

69

Avis is with you at every stage.

For five years Avis has been a proud sponsor of the Absa Cape Epic. We’d like to wish all the competitors well as they conquer this year’s course. Avis has you covered for all your transport needs with great rates for drop offs, pick ups and car rental for the race.

For great rates on Avis car rental please call 0861 021 111 and quote the Avis Worldwide discount number M277006 or visit cape-epic.com

CYCLING IN SUPPORT As the Absa Cape Epic becomes tougher and more competitive, top teams are relying on support riders to help them win the coveted title of Epic champions.

In team sports like rugby, soccer and cricket, to name just a few, a strong squad is becoming essential to a team’s success.

Teams need strength in depth in all key positions if they want to win leagues or World Cups.

a two-time Mixed Category winner, is now an integral feature of the race. “In the beginning it was a lot of district roads, and relatively ‘simple’ riding,” says Kleinhans.

“But as the event has become tougher, with rougher terrain and serious mountain bike days all week, the support of a back up team is a must have if you’re seriously challenging for the title.”

Soccer teams around the world build squads that can last long seasons of league, cup, international cup competitions and international matches. Later this year the Springboks and Proteas will hope to have squads that can handle any situation at the respective 2015 World Cups.

In 2014 Kleinhans and teammate Nico Bell of Team RECM acted as back up at the Absa Cape Epic for 2013 winner Christoph Sauser and then-new partner Frantisek Rabon of Meerendal Songo Specialized. Ben Bostrom and Paulo Montoya, Meerendal Songo Specialized 2, acted as the second support team for Sauser and Rabon.

Increasingly, this is happening in cycling too. A Tour de France winner crosses the line first thanks to individual talent, but also because he has a strong team helping him along the way – fellow cyclists as well as a support crew of dieticians, mechanics and more. Even a Cape Town Cycle Tour winner like Nolan Hoffman, a renowned sprinter on the South African road cycling scene, relies on the work of his teammates to get him into a position to sprint for the win (as he did in 2014).

Potential winners of the Absa Cape Epic, an event already unique amongst cycling races thanks to its two-man team format, are now also bringing bigger teams to the event, a full game-day squad almost, to ensure that they have the best chance of winning.

This in-race support, says Erik Kleinhans,

For Kleinhans, 2014 was a unique experience. Previously, in 2007, 2008 and 2010 he’d raced in the men’s category. He turned to mixed in 2011 and alongside his wife, Ariane, he won that category in 2012 and 2013. Then he got the call from Sauser asking if he’d race as a support team. “I’ll admit, it was a strange feeling going into the event, knowing that we would not be ‘racing’,” says Kleinhans, “but we knew from the beginning what we were doing and what was expected of us.” Interestingly, Kleinhans and Bell had to sign an agreement saying that they would not pass and ride away from Sauser and Rabon at any stage of the race. “It was a big commitment for us,” he adds, “But Nico and I, I like to think, have got supportive personalities, so we were definitely right guys for the job.”

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

71

Evolving race strategy Kleinhans believes that it will be impossible for future two-man teams to win the Cape Epic without support teams. “There is no way Robert (Mennen) and Kristian (Hynek) would have won in 2014 without support (which they received from Team Centurion-Vaude),” he says.

“And there is no way that Christoph and Franti would have come second without our help.”

Everything is well planned ahead of race day, and both support teams perform different roles. Kleinhans and Bell were back up team one, while Bostrom and Montoya were back up team two. If Sauser or Rabon punctured then Bostrom and Montoya would have to stop and one of them would hand over a wheel. Kleinhans and Bell would then pace Sauser and Rabon back to the front, or as close as they could manage.

As is often the case with events like the Cape Epic, things don’t always go to plan. “Ben and Paulo started struggling on Stage One because there were so many thorns, then we would have to give a wheel away to Christoph and Franti. It was an unfortunate Epic in that regard, because all three of the teams had lots of small mechanicals. There were so many thorns. After 20km on Stage One we had a situation where our tyres were out of sealant. It wasn’t just us, though. It affected a lot of the teams. We didn’t even puncture properly, we just had to keep filling the tyres until we ran out of bombs.”

At one stage Kleinhans and Bell were in touching distance of the African Jersey, but their series of mechanicals and thorny issues eventually ruled them out. Not having something to “race” for could deter some professionals, but the bigger picture and racing for a team victory kept Team RECM motivated. “I actually really felt a part of the racing,” says Kleinhans, who also admits that he felt like he was in the best riding shape of his life at last year’s event.

“Nico got sick before the race, so he was a little off at the event. But other than that we were always up there and involved with the main players, so that was a good feeling. Technically it felt like we were racing for the win as well, because we were racing to help Christoph and Franti get over the line first. Epic for me was always this far away planet, but this year I felt part of the event because we were right up there with the leading men’s teams.”

72

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

73

Support stars Racing in support of other riders not only comes with a shift in mindset, but also with its own set of goals and milestones. Kleinhans says he took a lot of satisfaction from his support role because he was able to provide encouragement and chase different targets throughout the eight days of the Epic. On an incredibly wet and muddy day, when Sauser and Rabon had a long mechanical delay, Kleinhans and Bell had to pace them all the way to the front again.

Rabon, with a long history in road cycling but tackling his first mountain bike race of Epic proportions, was having a bad day in the mud. “Franti just wasn’t used to those conditions,” says Kleinhans. “To get them to the front again we put in a huge amount of effort. It really felt good afterwards. On the climbs Christoph would surge ahead, but Nico and I stayed with Franti and gave a little nudges of encouragement if he was starting to flag. It made me feel like I was chasing pole position myself, and in a way was quite a special responsibility.”

On that particular day Kleinhans also happened to have one of his best rides at the Epic. “I think we came sixth or seventh – it was probably my best result in the men’s category, and to achieve that in such a strong field was very special. We also started that day five minutes behind everyone because of all the Day One problems (Team RECM moved from 29th to seventh overall after their Day Two performance – Ed). So I think we would have had a good chance in the African Jersey category, but that’s beside the point because we were never racing for it. It was never our goal.”

2015 could have been a different story for Kleinhans and Bell, who hoped to challenge for the African Jersey instead of supporting another team. Specialized, however, requested in the months leading up to the even that Kleinhans and Bell perform support duties again.

“Originally, Nico and I were going to race for ourselves, meaning the African Jersey and a high general classification spot was on the cards,” says Kleinhans. “But Specialized asked us to ride as a support team again. The Cape Epic is one of the major goals for the company and after last year we have quite a bit of experience in that role. Our goals stay the same, except that it becomes secondary behind fully committing our services the Christoph and Jaro.”

Local teams challenging for honours at the Epic usually go into the event without support teams. If Kleinhans and Bell had been riding for Team RECM, as per the original, plan. They would have been on their own. For local teams the extra numbers don’t add up – at almost R100 000 for the extra team, it’s too expensive. “About 10 teams will come with back up teams,” says Kleinhans, “and those are generally all international teams.”

The challenge is on for a local team to win the event that takes place in their own backyard. “It’s difficult for us,” says Kleinhans, “but we’re improving every year. Nico and I rode alongside the top international guys last year. For us, the chance to race with these guys helps us improve. Look at something like The Fairview Attakwas Extreme MTB Challenge, which a lot of guys use to fine-tune their riding ahead of Epic. Attakwas attracts the top international riders. Last year I was at the front with Karl Platt, Christoph, Urs Huber and Franti, and I was the only South African up there (Kleinhans finished fifth, the top local finisher – 10 minutes ahead of the next South African rider - Ed).

That makes you want to train a bit harder. You start believing more in yourself and start pushing yourself to go further because you know the ability is there.”

74

ADD

T U AC

E V ABO

OLID. S K C O R .

T R-LIGH E H the T A E F .

E S herlight at I t C a e E f struction R d n n P o a c d Y n li L o o L b s r A k a c c C SURGI e can be ro Lefty fork, BallisTec of that a bik

-smooth 29 is pro The Scalpel ith its ultra stiff-and ut there, o W n . o e p a im e t w e e sam ots. ng XC duali the ABSA Cape Epic. iv li p d C n T a h S C e E is at and prec alling and ers and riders an edge d e p t n ie c s rac st effi It’s the mo the XC tool that give is the Scalpel

OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTOR WWW.OMNICO.CO.ZA

So what have been the toughest climbs during the 11 years of the Absa Cape Epic? The people best-placed to pass an opinion would be the veterans, including those who have completed every event – and every climb – of the past 11 years.

Craig Beech, for example, will be lining up to do his 12th event on March 15: “Stage 4, 2012 … we found ourselves during the early or middle part of the day, looking up at Charlie’s Heaven, mountain side of Stanford,” he recalled. “It had been dramatically transformed by a fire a few weeks prior to the race. It may have been rideable during the trial and planning stages, I certainly found it anything but.”

Bez Bezuidenhout, who will do his 10th Absa Cape Epic in 2015, concurred: “Charlies Heaven in Caledon was tough.”

Hannele Steyn is also an 11-times finisher, but her worst climb will remain a secret: “I love climbs, but respect them as well. I cannot name the toughest one, because the name I gave to it is not a word you can publish!”

Four times winner Christoph Sauser, and due to finish his 10th this year, said that for him “it is not the climb itself much more the competition or speed we go up”. He added: “I remember my first Epic in 2005 when I thought it will be all easy at the start, but (Bart) Brentiens and (Roel) Paulissen went flat out over all the Knysna climbs. I was dying until we finally got dropped … at that stage I did not mind any more. Next day my mindset was better prepared.”

William Simpson, aiming to do his 10th in 2015, simply said: “All the ones you have to push!”

Henning Blaauw, scheduled to finish for the 10th time in 2015, has in fact remembered quite a few: “There are so many of them that are tough but a monster one was the Kamanassie mountain stage from Uniondale to Oudtshoorn into a head wind (2007). Many teams did not finish that day. Another huge climb was the Calitzdorp Crusher (also 2007), it was incredibly steep and combined with the heat on that day was just back breaking to do. So many teams got caught out by that climb that it ended up as a day of just trying to survive and complete within the maximum stage time.”

But there is one climb that has been etched into Absa Cape Epic folklore over the years and which drew the majority of votes from the veterans: the Groenlandberg.

Former overall winner and defending Master’s category champion Bart Brentjens, racing for the 10th time in 2015, was one of them: “Groenlandberg … especially from the direction of Villiersdorp.

Louis du Toit, back for his 10th event in 2015, thought it was the ascent up the Groenlandberg in the event’s 2004 founding race. Hendrik van Huyssteen, taking on the race for the 12th time, said: “Never-ending Groenlandberg, from various sides over the years.”

And Mike Nixon, who has climbed Mount Everest as well as doing every Absa Cape Epic to date, simply felt there was “none tougher than Groenlandberg”. Jaco Kamfer, also riding for a 10th time this year, said simply: “There is one climb that stands out – Groenlandberg.”

The bad news for 2015 Absa Cape Epic entrants is that Groenlandberg is back on the route. The good news is that it is early on Stage 1. But the other bit of bad news is that there is another climb on the very last stage that is destined to enter Epic folklore. If you haven’t heard of the Paardeberg before, you will after Stage 7.

76

TOUGHEST CLIMBS

Christoph Sauser and Frantisek Rabon power up Rusty Gate near Greyton 2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

77

78

FIRST AND LAST Although separated by over a day of overall riding time at the Absa Cape Epic, the first-placed and last-placed teams at the event shared many of the same emotions and challenges as they raced to achieve their mountain biking goals.

For the professionals and the amateurs alike the Absa Cape Epic is a big deal. 2014 lastplaced rider Cordell Buys looked at the race as such a mammoth task that he pulled out before starting in 2013 because he knew he wasn’t ready and didn’t want to take on the challenge when defeat was a very real outcome. He put his head down and aimed for 2014.

Current champion Kristian Hynek calls it “the” mountain bike race, and one of his two biggest challenges (the other being the World Champs). Hynek’s 2014 race partner Robert Mennen calls it “the most famous mountain bike race in the world”. These three men, along with Buys’ partner Johan van der Merwe, took the challenge in 2014 and achieved their goals, with some surprising similarities along the way.

Last year Mennen and Hynek of Topeak Ergon Racing won the Absa Cape Epic in an overall time of 30:31.59,2.

The last-placed team of Buys and Van der Merwe – Team 2 Not So Fit Buddies - came rolling over the line in an overall time of 59:23.29,1. The results are vastly different, but the results are also the same – both teams are official finishers of the Absa Cape Epic, an event that all four men see as the ultimate mountain biking experience.

While more than a day separates their finishing times, many experiences for the two teams were shared – the route they cycled was the same, and all four men had to train outside of their comfort zones to meet the demands of Absa Cape Epic. Worries about finishing were shared, while both teams needed a sound strategy to deal with the difficulties presented by the race environment. One team was chasing a victory, the other an official finish that would be a personal victory. In the end they triumphed in their own ways, but not without a few interesting diversions along the way.

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

79

EPIC SNAPSHOTS

Team 2 Not So Fit Buddies on… their favourite day Definitely Stage 1, when two guys sponsored by Absa got a mechanical failure. Cordell lifted the guy with the bust bike on his handlebars and I carried the bicycle on my back for the last 10km home. From there, we were nicknamed the angels, for saving their Epic and still finishing in a respectable time of 9h23min. – Johan van Der Merwe

When is a hill not a hill?

Buys and his 2014 Cape Epic partner Van der Merwe live in Welkom, a city renowned for its “flatness”. It’s so flat that the only hill in the area is called “Koppie Alleen” (Hill Alone). It’s as aptly named as they come. “Boet, you have to understand,” says Buys. “I work 10km from my house, and if I had to cut down all the trees between my office and my home, I’d be able to see my front door from my work desk.”

Buys and Van der Merwe had to make do with training for hours on flat stretches of road. They did, however, find some altitude gain in the form of mine dumps. “In the early evening we’d cycle to the mine, ride up and down the mine dump hills as many times as we could before security spotted us and then race out of there when they started chasing us.”

Mennen and Hynek, of course, had no such problem.

Though with the Cape Epic starting quite early in the mountain bike season the 2014 champions had to slightly adjust their training. “We are used to training hard and eating right,” says Hynek, who will be racing alongside Austria’s Alban Lakata at the 2015 Absa Cape Epic, “but for the Cape Epic you need to be in a great shape earlier than usual, so winter time for us has to be very tough and effective in terms of training, eating and recovery.

Sometimes the conditions in South Africa can be a big challenge, but that is something you cannot really train for, you just need to be prepared to deal with it on the day.”

Race to survive Preparation is key for an event like the Absa Cape Epic, but as Hynek says, you cannot always prepare for what happens during the race. Stage 2 in 2014, for instance, was an absolute mud bath that saw riders of all abilities struggling on the route.

Topeak-Ergon Racing on… their favourite day I think there were many “favourite” days or moments… I liked the Prologue very much, where we finished third as the first “non-cross country” team.

Then Stage 2 when we won and got back in the fight for the lead after having bad luck on Stage 1. And, of course the last day, but only the last 5km when we started to enjoy the overall win. Crossing the finish line in Lourensford was an amazing feeling and big relief! – Kristian Hynek

80

By their own admission, though, Team 2 Not So Fit Buddies, as the name suggests, did not clock enough training hours. The Prologue and Stage 1 were almost their undoing. During the Prologue Van der Merwe’s heart rate shot skywards, much like the famed and feared Stairway to Heaven climb at Meerendal. Then on Stage 1, after feeling that he was letting Buys down, Van der Merwe shot out of the starting pen to show that he had what it takes to finish the Cape Epic.

“I concentrated on my strength,” says Van der Merwe, “which is my will to survive through life, but I almost lost my partner!” Buys confirms that the race was almost over before it began. “Johan is hardcore. He flew on Stage 1 like he was trying to catch the front group,” says Buys. “Eventually he started to tire and I gave him a piece of my mind.” On Stage 2 they reverted to their initial strategy, which was to take it nice and slow, and by Stage 3 they were in sync.

The experience shows the value of communication between teammates and sticking to a pre-race strategy. If it’s good enough for professionals like Mennen and Hynek, then it’s good enough for everyone else. “Strategy is important,” says Mennen. “Last year our tactics were a little defensive, but it worked. The idea was to not take too many risks, see what the other riders would do and then react.”

Tempers can also flare when partners don’t stick to their plans. It’s something that affects the pros too. Taking a moment to remember your race goals is essential. “Kristian and I stayed on good terms by remembering that we have the same goals and can win only if we work together,” says Mennen. “You should never race against your partner. All riders should race as a team against the competitors.”

Pedal pressures In the heat of the race, or just to get over the line of a particular stage to be able to start all over again the next day, everyone riding the Cape Epic has to dig deep at some stage. At one point during the race Hynek was struggling with mechanicals, which adds considerably to the tension when you’re in the vicinity of a first-ever Cape Epic win.

“Towards the business end of the event, as the pressure rises, it gets psychologically tiring,” says Hynek. “But in the Cape Epic it is not only about you, but also about your partner and the support team which is trying their best to create for us the best possible conditions so we can focus on our performance. So you just go, the motivation is right there!”

Mennen was calmed by the entirely reasonable philosophy of “anything can happen” at the Cape Epic. “I was motivated by the fact that the race isn’t over until it’s over,” says Mennen. “That kept me positive.”

Team 2 Not So Fit Buddies on… crossing the line for the last time My chain broke 3km from the line, so I held onto Cordell’s shirt and he took me to the line. All sorts of emotions overwhelmed us. We laughed, cried, were happy and sad simultaneously, both to see our loved ones and friends, and because all good things come to an end. - Johan van Der Merwe The last stage was tough. You think it’s almost over, but there is still lots of riding to do. My knee was buggered, I was in pain and the Hyenas were sniffing.

Eventually, with 20km to go, we got into the zone and made it home. A huge relief and overwhelming happiness. – Cordell Buys

For those not racing, the pressures take on a different shape.

Newbies like Buys and Van der Merwe just want to get to the end and motivations come in many forms. “Every time when I really had to dig deep,” says Van der Merwe, “I thought of my children, my girlfriend, Melanie, and all those pessimistic cyclists of Welkom that opened up a betting pool against us completing the Cape Epic.”

Buys, who admits that every day of the Cape Epic was tough, was in his element. His coping technique was to simply enjoy the challenge. “I come from a roadie background, where I was used to just gritting my teeth and getting stuck in. At the Cape Epic I just told myself ‘this is hardcore stuff. And I love it’.”

Topeak-Ergon Racing on… crossing the line for the last time It is hard to describe. Closer to the final day it was getting psychologically harder and harder, the pressure was growing and I was just afraid of making some stupid mistake. The last few kilometres and crossing the finish line was a combination of huge satisfaction and relief from the huge stress. – Kristian Hynek It was wonderful. After so much pain you are really looking forward to crossing that line. The spectators are amazing. It’s a special atmosphere that gives me chills when I think about it. – Robert Mennen.

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

81

THE LINGO AIR when both wheels leave the ground simultaneously.

As in: “Woody was getting huge air over those jumps.”

BAIL to jump off to avoid a crash.

As in: “I bailed just before things went pear-shaped.”

BERM a raised embankment on a trail designed to make cornering quicker … and more exciting.

As in: “Wow, I was nearly horizontal on that berm.”

BOULDER (OR ROCK) GARDEN a boulder-strewn section of trail.

As in: “Man, that rock garden was gnarly. I nearly wiped out.”

BOMB a canister containing highly pressurised CO2, designed to quickly pump up a tyre.

As in: “I got a puncture at 30 kays but bombed it and could catch up again.”

BUNNY HOP a jumping technique that enables you to clear obstacles such as logs or ditches without stopping.

As in: “I saw Dave do an endo at that ditch but managed to bunny hop it.”

BURP

when a tubeless tyre slips off the rim momentarily and loses air.

As in: “Jon’s tyre burped on those roots and he nearly had a lie down.”

CHAINRING TATTOO the scar that is left from getting your leg gouged by a chainring.

As in: “Nice chainring tattoo, dude.”

82

CHAIN SUCK when your chain jams into your chainrings, normally in bad conditions.

As in: “Jeez, this chain suck sucks.”

DAB to put your foot down to prevent a fall.

As in: “I thought Jonno was good on the technical stuff but he was dabbing all the time.”

DOUBLE SUSSER a bike with front and back suspension.

As in: “Double sussers are more comfortable for long rides and stage races.”

DROP OFF where the trail turns into a ledge, taking the rider over a sharp drop.

As in: “Christo only saw that drop off at the last second and nearly did an endo.”

ENDO a crash which throws the rider over his handlebars.

As in: “Did anybody see Andrew’s endo? I thought he’d never get up.”

FACE PLANT to land on one’s face in a crash.

As in: “Iceman face planted on that drop off.”

FLATTED getting a flat tyre.

As in: “Goose flatted as he was taking the lead.”

GRANNY GEAR the lowest gear on a bike.

As in: “How mean was that climb? I had to use my granny gear to get up there.”

HARDTAIL a bike with no back suspension.

As in: “Nah, I prefer to ride a hardtail on the shorter stages.”

HORIZONTAL TRACKSTAND when a rider fails to disengage his or her cleats when stopping and falls over.

As in: “Look, Sam did a horizontal trackstand.”

INVOLUNTARY DISMOUNT a crash

As in: “Robyn was leading the women’s race until she had an involuntary dismount.”

LIE DOWN a crash

As in: “Tim had a little lie down on that rock garden.”

LID a helmet

As in: “Rad lid, bru.”

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

83

LINE the best path through a technically difficult section

As in: “Sarah had the line nailed through that gnarly bit.”

OFF-CAMBER the opposite to a berm – a section of trail that slopes the wrong way, making cornering difficult.

As in: “There are too many off-camber bits on this trail.”

RAIL to negotiate a corner successfully at speed.

As in: “Woah! Marc railed that twisty single track section.”

SHRED riding difficult trails with speed and style.

As in: “Man, Chris was shredding those singletracks today.”

SINGLETRACK a narrow trail.

As in: “What a stage … there were about 40 kays of singletrack out there.”

SNAKEBITE (ALSO PINCH FLAT) same as a pinch flat, but with two holes.

As in: “Silent Pete was leading but then he pinch flatted.”

SWITCHBACK tight turns on hills.

As in: “Man, I love railing those switchbacks at Meerendal”

WASHOUT when the front tyre loses traction on a corner.

As in: “Rich went too fast into that corner and washed out. Eina!”

WEIGHT WEENIE a rider who is obsessed with the weight of his bike.

As in: “Moose is such a weight weenie … why doesn’t he just go on a diet?

And then there’s the great wheel size debate …

26ER tyre diameter of 26 inches, now largely obsolete except on some downhill bikes.

As in: “Have you seen Sarah is still on a 26er? Shame!”

29ER tyre diameter of 29 inches.

As in: “My 29er just rolls over obstacles like they aren’t there and climbs like a dream.”

650B: ACTUALLY A 27.5ER halfway between the 26er and 29er and a relatively new innovation.

As in: “I’m too small for a 29er but the 650b is just perfect … plus it’s better on the tight stuff.”

84

THESE MECHANICS DON’T PANIC

86

Your equipment, months of training and technical abilities on the bike all go a long way to getting you to the finish of the Absa Cape Epic. Also an essential ingredient when it comes to completing the Untamed African Mountain Bike Race - the hard-working event mechanics.

If you can’t plug (or change) a tyre, if you can’t tell your sealant from a sea lion, and if you think a multi-tool was that kid in high school who kept stealing your lunch then the Absa Cape Epic probably isn’t the event for you. Due to the harsh nature of the course, the inevitable weather surprises and the fact that the race isn’t quite designed for mountain biking novices, it’s essential that all competitors possess more than basic mountain bike mechanical knowledge.

Still, even if you can craft handle bars out of a tree branch, or convert your bike to a singlespeed when your derailleur snaps off there are some things that can’t be fixed on the fly. Daily maintenance, too, is an absolute must if you hope to complete eight days of riding. That’s where the event mechanics come to the party. These guys prepare just as much as people riding the event. For the mechanics, the joy is in seeing their customers cross the line, but not before they’ve worn their hands to the bone by tinkering away for eight straight days…

For the mechanics, what kind of preparation goes into a race like the Absa Cape Epic?

Jason Lind – Olympic Cycles: We move most of our workshop to be able to tackle almost anything in the race village before riders have to get back on to their bikes. We have been at the Absa Cape Epic with a workshop since 2005.

Every year we learn, every year we try get that little bit slicker.

Robert Cunnington – Cycles Africa: Good prep is essential. Due to the diverse range of bikes and products being used on the event, it’s near impossible to have everything you may need for every bike. In my case we only support certain brands of components and as such we can cater for all potential needs that may arise during the event for these products.

Maurizio Mottalini – Cyclelab: I wouldn’t say we plan too much for what we do at the Absa Cape Epic. What we do, though, is always make sure we have enough spares going into an event like the Cape Epic. When it’s dry it’s not a problem, but when the rain comes you need to have enough brake pads, chains, cassettes and so on. The mud, water and fine sand gets into everything.

Is it an all-night job, or has your process been streamlined over the years?

Jason: Our longest night has been a rainy day where the miserable weather continued into the evening. We were still finishing bikes off when the riders were getting up for breakfast.

These days we only take on enough work that even if we have a terrible weather day or riders have some bad mechanicals that we work till about 1am at the latest.

Robert: Typically on a bad weather day some mechanics will be working right through the night. I would say that over the years, as riders become more prepared and as many mechanics often work with the same riders year after year that the finish times (for our work) gets better and better.

Maurizio: It depends on the amount of riders you are looking after, but when it’s wet anything can happen. We (four of us) take on about 18 riders, but then we’ll also look after the “walkins”. We can’t help everyone, but we try and do what we can. I think two years ago there was two very wet days and I think I got the last bike ready at 6am in the morning.

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

87

Riders learn to “cope” with the event. Is being a mechanic at the Absa Cape Epic also something of a marathon, with so much to be done over the 8 days?

Jason: I have ridden the event twice and been on the course with our workshop five times. The prep for riding is worse than the prep for the workshop, but riding the event is far easier than being race support!

Robert: Absolutely. A lot of what the mechanics do is quite repetitive - wash, service, lube and so on each day. On top of this, every couple of days we have to pack up camp and move to the next venue. We are awake, usually before the riders are, to get their bike set for the day’s stage and will go to bed after them. An 18 hour day for a mechanic is not uncommon. We definitely need to pace it over the week and take rests during the day while the riders are out on course. Most mechanics at the event are seasoned veterans and as such are pretty much acclimatised to what is expected of them over the week.

What do the mechanics enjoy most about working on stage races like the Absa Cape Epic?

Jason: Seeing the wear and tear happen from one day to the next, plus the learning experience. Things happen at the Absa Cape Epic that an average bicycle workshop would never see; products made for world class racing in Europe may not make it halfway through the Absa Cape Epic.

Robert: Seriously, the opportunity to take our workshops into some beautiful parts of the country and do what we love out in the sun!

Maurizio: You know, you grow with the riders as the race develops. You’re working hard every day to make sure the bikes are ready and to get the rider back on to the course, so it does become quite pleasing to see the guys coming in at the end of the day.

It’s actually very rewarding.

What maintenance advice can you give to riders to help lessen the burden on mechanics during a stage race?

Jason: Make sure you bike is as good as new before you get to the Prologue. Make sure you have it checked and maintained daily.

We find that by midweek riders who have done no maintenance are then looking for assistance and those are the bikes that are time consuming and full of problems.

88

Robert: Be prepared. Start the race on a bike that is as new as possible. Try to have a new chain, cassette, BB, chain rings, headset bearings, gear cables, tyres and brake pads at a minimum. Make sure the bike is fully serviced including all bearings and suspension. During the race, take beers, coffee and food to your mechanic, look after them. A happy, well fed mechanic is what you want!

What is the toughest part of your role at the Absa Cape Epic?

Jason: The nerves. It is completely nervewracking working at the Absa Cape Epic.

No matter how much care and attention and testing we give the bikes before putting them to sleep to be raced the following day, anything can happen. Riders put their lives on hold to prepare and get through the event and it always makes me nervous that something on the bike gives in before the riders do! We do what we can and hope for the best. Even when we know it is not our fault, it is like being part of an F1 pit-crew – you share some of the responsibility. There are always lots of smiles and relief when we see our riders cross the finish line hassle free.

Robert: Noise. The nature of the event is such that unless you actually leave the race venue, it’s going to be noisy. Even at night, where you have generators and refrigerated trucks running constantly.

Maurizio: You’re working non-stop, day-in and day-out for the duration of the event.

It’s incredibly tiring and you don’t get much rest. On days that you move camp it can be quite hectic too. You have to pack, unpack at the next camp and then you’re straight into working on the bikes. You also working on five or seven bikes a day, at a very high pace.

You’re also away from the workshop, so you end up doing some “MacGuyvering” during the week. The problem-solving keeps you on your toes; for instance this year we had to cable-tie a frame together!

THE TOP TOOLS To survive an event like the Absa Cape Epic you need more than mountain biking skill and fitness, you also need to know your way around a bike and how to use the tools you are carrying.

At the Absa Cape Epic the mechanics work tirelessly to get your bike in working order for each stage. But when you’re out on the course, it’s DIY or you’ll face a dreaded DNF. Our mechanic experts recommend every rider carries these seven essential items.

Multi tool with chain breaker

Almost every cyclist has a multi-tool; it’s the one item most riders are comfortable with. More of a mystery, perhaps, is a chain breaker. The chain breaker does what the name advertises – it allows you to remove a damaged link on the chain. Remember to carry links that are specific to your chain.

Tyre levers

These are generally small and light, so there’s no excuse to leave home without them. At an event like the Absa Cape Epic, you’ll invariably need to remove a tyre at some stage. Tyre levers make that a relatively simple task in the world of MTB quick-fixes.

Spare chain link

See above. Again, when the going gets tough at the Absa Cape Epic, it’s your bike parts that take a beating.

Above all, practice removing and replacing a chain link before you have to do it for the first time out on the Cape Epic course.

Tube, preferably with sealant (and puncture repair kit)

Even tubeless tyres can have a bad day at the Absa Cape Epic. For instance, Erik Kleinhans recalls having so many thorns last year that he and partner Nico Bell were out of sealant and repeatedly inflating their tyres just to get home. A tube is a last resort, but it’s better than nothing. (And take along the puncture repair kit!)

Spare derailleur hanger

The hanger doesn’t often snap, but when it does you definitely want a spare, or your whole race could be, er, derailed. These are bike-specific so make sure you get the right hanger for your frame. A good idea is to simply buy the spare when (or if) you are buying a new bike.

Bombs

This is obvious, but it bears repeating. Don’t leave home (or your tent) without them.

Pump

Another obvious one, but worth remembering in the age of bombs. Cyclists rely on bombs, but at an event like the Cape Epic you could easily run out – and then how will you pump up your race-saving spare tube?

Forget-me-nots

You might laugh, but many an eager stage racer has bolted out of a tent and into the starting pen minus a few essential items for the day ahead. Gloves get left behind in the commotion, as do sunglasses (100km with dust flying into your eyes is no fun at all) and cellphones (emergencies can happen). Place these near the tent “door” so you literally trip over them on the way out.

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

89

Add

Helicopter Tours FROM

R1 900

HOSPITALITY DAILY RACE TOURS A perfect opportunity to experience all the excitement and intrigue of the 2015 Absa Cape Epic.

Experience the crowd, the course, the energy and the excitement during our official Daily Race Tours. Follow the leaders and experience the electric atmosphere as the world’s best mountain bikers pass the spectator points amidst the beautiful Western Cape countryside.

Return to the finish line to a sprint finish for the stage victory and the daily awards presentation in the hospitality lounge. This is followed by a comprehensive guided tour of the race village to get a glimpse behind the scenes of the organization and to taste the experience of life in the race village.

PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Transportation in exclusive air-conditioned 9-seater passenger vehicle • Dedicated driver and hostess service • Reserved areas at public spectator points • Catering with delicious snacks on route • Race commentary and results service • Commemorative gift – different every day • Finish-line track-side hospitality to watch finish and daily awards presentation • Private guided race village tour Secure your Daily Race Tour Packages for R990 (incl. VAT) per person for the 2015 Absa Cape Epic by purchasing this at the online store.

HELICOPTER TOURS Experience the 2015 Absa Cape Epic with a unique “bird’s eye view” in one of our exclusive helicopter tours.

Cost: from R1900.00 (incl. VAT) per person per 20 minute tour. Available for purchase at the online store.

FLIGHT TIMES:

For the Grand Finale we offer an exclusive Helicopter Shuttle Service from the V&A Waterfront to Meerendal Wine Estate and shuttles between stage locations can be scheduled on request.

• during VIP Race Tours from 07h00 until 12h00 • after Stage Winners finish from 12h00 until 18h00 • Sunset Flight from 18h00 until 19h00

The Heli-Team is looking forward to welcoming you to the race!

GRAND FINALE HOSPITALITY The Grand Finale plays host to more than 15 000 people. The prestigious Luxury Hospitality Lounge, located at the finish line, provides the perfect venue from which to participate in the celebrations, fun and entertainment while enjoying a bespoke experience with luxurious décor, fine foods and live TV. Date: Sunday, 22 March 2015 Time: 10:00 - 17:00 Cost: from R1500.00 (incl. VAT) Optional extra: Book an exclusive helicopter shuttle service from the V&A Waterfront to the Grand Finale venue.

PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Entrance to Grand Finale, including all performances • Preferential parking • Extensive range of buffet style finger foods • Complimentary local bar • Dedicated hostesses, waiters and cocktail waitresses • Individual tickets can be purchase at the online store.

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

91

92

THE ABSA CAPE EPIC JOURNEY The Absa Cape Epic is much more than just a mountain bike race, it is a distinctive challenge that requires immense commitment and discipline.

Absa has been the proud title sponsor and partner of the Absa Cape Epic since 2006 and continues to be a part of an event that not only makes an impact on the lives of the teams who participate, but also on the lives of the communities who benefit from the race. It is a partnership that continues to grow from strength to strength, that inspires others to reach unreachable heights.

The Absa Cape Epic is much more than just a mountain bike race, it is a distinctive challenge that requires immense commitment and discipline. Absa knows that training for the Absa Cape Epic is no easy task, so in preparation for the Epic, Absa has created bespoke Absa Pride experiences for its valued clients, who embody the same values of conquering and prospering as one.

The Absa Pride programme includes exclusive group training rides, where the Absa Pride riders have a great opportunity to meet their fellow Absa Pride members and seek training and nutritional advice from relevant experts and partners. The programme gives Absa the opportunity to host these key clients, guests, riders and partners in a relaxed and intimate environment. This experience is extended to the riders’ spouses and children for a host of fun activities, so they too can be part of the Absa Pride family.

The level of commitment that goes into preparing for the Absa Cape Epic must not only be matched between yourself and your riding partner, but also by your family and friends who collectively play a vital role in supporting you as you work towards Conquering as One. In touching the lives of the future generation, Absa is one of the headline sponsors of the Diepsloot Mountain Bike Academy (DMA).

The DMA is a sports development and youth empowerment programme which provides its members with academic support, access to mentorship and personal development, and opportunities to participate in recreational and competitive cycling activities. The participants of the project are primarily residents of Diepsloot, aged between 10 to 24-years-old and are sourced from schools in the area.

Through the partnership with Absa, three of their most talented riders were given the opportunity to participate in the 2014 Absa Cape Epic, namely William Mokgopo (now a Professional MTB rider), Tsepo Nyirenda and Moses Letsoalo. Through the Absa Pride programme, a number of Absa Pride riders have opened their hearts and doors to create employment opportunities through the Pride network for the Academy. Thank you for partnering with us on yet another Absa Cape Epic journey. Let’s stay focused on Conquering as One while enjoying the Absa Pride programme and taking the Diepsloot Mountain Biking Academy to new heights.

On event, Absa looks to remove all concern for the Absa Pride riders other than what is in front of them on the bike.

A luxurious hospitality marquee awaits the riders on completion of the stage, while on route Absa has provided the Pride members with full Assos cycling kit, the leading brand for professional mountain bikers around the world.

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

93

EXXARO MTB ACADEMY PUTTING OPPORTUNITY INTO THE CYCLE

94

“While there may be power in what we do, there’s also unlimited possibility for the people we touch. Powering possibility in many ways!” – Sipho Nkosi, CEO, Exxaro Resources Since 2012, Exxaro has been a headline sponsor and official development academy partner to the Absa Cape Epic. The Exxaro MTB Academy was established with the aim of introducing the mountain biking experience to historically disadvantaged communities and individuals, and ultimately to assist with transforming the sport in South Africa.

By partnering the Absa Cape Epic, Exxaro has chosen to use the sport as a catalyst for change and hopes to help the youth of our country to fulfil their dreams, and through those dreams, to help rebuild their communities.

Less than a year after the Exxaro MTB Academy was established, it delivered the first success stories. In 2012, nine teams of previously disadvantaged riders participated in the Absa Cape Epic, and three of those teams finished in the Top 100 of the elite men’s category – in 57th, 73rd and 75th place respectively. Azukile Simayile and Siphosenkosi Madolo won the inaugural Exxaro Development Jersey and then went on to ride their first race abroad.

They completed the TransAlp race in Europe successfully and their best result for the week was to finish in 48th place during one of the stages.

In 2013, 13 Exxaro Academy development teams lined up at the start, one of which was the very first ladies development team ever. It was an

emotional moment for the ladies when Rozalia Kubwana and Alicia Meyers crossed the line.

Results of the top three development teams improved significantly from 2012, with overall finishes in 39th, 59th and 66th place. Phillimon Sebona and Prince Maseko won the Exxaro Development Jersey and again the Academy sponsored an entry into the TransAlp race. This was also their first international experience and they finished 30th in the last stage and 45th overall!

Eleven Academy teams were entered in 2014 and nine finished the race successfully. Rozalia Kubwana and Shalotte Mojela became the first ever all-South African black women’s team to complete the race, in an overall time of 54:12.13,7.

Five Academy teams finished in the Top 100 of the general clasification. Siphosenkosi Madolo and Azukile Simayile (from team Meerendal Songo Specialzed) managed to keep the lead on all the stages and won the Exxaro Jersey for the second time in three years. Their winning prize was a R50000 donation towards their education. The official Exxaro trophy, designed

by Lwandiso Njare, was also introduced.

The Exxaro MTB Academy is still providing a house for the top riders. They are receiving life skills, personal mentoring, nutritional guidance, specific training programmes and sport psychology assistance. A few of these riders have already received assistance to complete or rewrite their matric to enable them to enrol for further studies. Each rider in the house will soon have an Individual Development Programme to guide their future development and personal growth.

VISION: to introduce the mountain biking experience to historically disadvantaged communities and individuals, and to ultimately assist to transform the sport in South Africa.

OBJECTIVES: • Increase the number of HDSA riders participating in MTB • Increase the number of HDSA riders participating in and finishing events like the Absa Cape Epic, and thereby establishing them as role models for young kids • Associate Exxaro with empowerment, leadership and support of the transformation of MTB in South Africa • Contribute to the upliftment of Exxaro’s communities – bringing MTB to the people • Use sport (MTB) and a healthy lifestyle to improve people’s quality of life • Create change in the lives of communities by providing young people with a healthy alternative – sport vs drug and alcohol abuse • Inspire children/young adults to build a positive future for themselves and their families, thereby creating an environment to fulfill their dreams and rebuild communities 2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

95

OFFICIAL CHARITIES

CANSA aims to lead the fight against cancer in South Africa.

Its mission is to be the preferred non-profit organisation that enables research, educates the public and provides support to all people affected by cancer. CANSA Active is an initiative that encourages people to become active and lead a healthy life style while staying safe in the sun. This is achieved by using the education and sun screen products provided by CANSA and its invaluable partners.

CONTACT: Munnik Marais mmarais@cansa.org.za

JAG was founded in 2007 and is made up of five core programmes which focus on different sporting disciplines and societal issues. They are: rugby, running, cycling, basic athletic movement and anti-bullying. Sport is not just a game, it’s a set of life lessons, and any child growing up without these lessons is at a disadvantage.

CONTACT: Shireen Sadien shireen@jagfoundation.org.za

Laureus’s core concept is simple: to create global awards that recognise the achievements of today’s sporting heroes and to bring sportspeople together. Once that community is brought together – with the support and investment of Laureus’s Founding Patrons and Partners – it creates a powerful message that can help social projects which use sport as a tool for social change. That message, simply, is Laureus Sport for Good.

CONTACT: Brett Graham brett@laureus.co.za

TM

MOBILISING PEOPLE

WITH BICYCLES

qhubeka.org

Qhubeka helps people move forward and progress by giving bicycles in return for work done to improve communities, the environment or academic results. Having a bicycle changes lives by increasing the distance a person can travel, what they can carry, where they can go and how fast they can get there.

QHUBEKA: Gaylene Campbell events@qhubeka.org

It was one of the defining images of the 2014 Absa Cape Epic: 42-year-old Spaniard Sergio Paz held his bike aloft in his right hand as he finished the event.

The stump of his left arm, severed at the elbow when he was a young man, was raised in triumph. Beside him cancer survivor and partner Ruben Folgado, 43, also held his bike in the air. His left hand casually clutched Sergio’s prosthetic limb.

The picture spoke of the two men’s courage in completing one of the world’s toughest endurance events. Folgado, also Spanish, lost part of his kidney three years ago to cancer. Paz lost his arm below the elbow to a “work accident”. They both spoke later about the need to overcome adversity, but their efforts had not been simply about themselves. Team CANSA Tarraco 2 had been riding to raise cash and publicity for the Cancer Association of South Africa.

“The purpose of CANSA is to lead the fight against cancer in South Africa by offering a unique, integrated service to the public which involves holistic cancer care and support to all people affected by cancer,” explains Folgado. “We are very proud to support such a worthy cause. Helping others while doing something you enjoy is something unbelievable.

The motivation is increased and no matter how difficult the challenge, everything is possible.”

“After my cancer experience I decided to live my life to the full and take on challenges. I rode the Absa Cape Epic for the first

96

ASSOCIATE CHARITIES

The Anna Foundation aims to empower disadvantaged rural children with life skills and core values, building self-worth and self-responsibility. The “3 Rs Programme: Reading, Running, Right-ing” is implemented after school hours and incorporates education, sports and life skills programmes (presented through drama). Women and men from farming communities are trained by the Foundation to run the 3 Rs programme. The aim is for each child, man and woman to develop a positive vision for their future and ensure they make a positive future contribution to South Africa as a whole.

CONTACT: Carolyn Clark carolyn@annafoundation.com

time and it was one of the most beautiful moments in my life.

Sergio, my partner, has lost both his parents to cancer at a young age. So he also identified with the cancer cause.” He said the CANSA support staff at the event were “lovely” and made them feel as if they were in a home from home.

“Sergio is really brave. Riding a mountain bike on such extremely difficult paths with one arm is very impressive. He is the kind of human that uses adversity as an opportunity for personal growth. He faces the adversity with optimism and is the perfect partner for this challenge.” Paz said “I wanted to show how adversity can be overcome with optimism and sacrifice”.

CANSA is one of the Absa Cape Epic’s official charities along with the JAG Foundation, Laureus Sport for Good and Qhubeka. They are part of the Absa Cape Epic’s formal charity engagement programme designed to leave a lasting legacy in the communities and areas visited by the race each year. Based on their partnership status, charities are given a platform to gain exposure, raise funds and run projects in the communities that the race visits. The two-tiered charity partner programme also includes associate charities the Anna Foundation, the Big Tree Foundation and the Cape Leopard Trust.

Besides these initiatives, several riders take on the event to raise funds for various charities. From 2011 to 2014 riders themselves raised over R14 million for charities ranging from songo.info to the Chaeli Campaign and the Save the Rhino Trust.

The Big Tree Foundation believes that education is the key to changing the future of our country and the world. It sees education as the central trunk of the Big Tree and projects are focused on rural children and their needs for school clothing. Big Tree Foundation acts to improve conditions both in and out of the classroom and provides comfortable school clothing. Being comfortable in the classroom has a direct impact on the learners’ ability to concentrate and focus on the task at hand.

CONTACT: Victor Sables victor@bigtree.org.za

The Cape Leopard Trust was launched in August 2004 as an active predator-conservation working group in the Cape. It uses research as a tool for conservation, finding solutions to human-wildlife conflict and inspiring interest in the environment. It has become the authority on predator conservation in the Cape and a leader on the issue in South Africa. The project has grown to include initiatives in the Cederberg, Namaqualand, Gouritz Corridor and the Boland mountains.

CONTACT: Helen Turnbull contact@capeleopard.org.za

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

97

OFFICIAL REMOVAL COMPANY

10 YEAR RIDERS

William Simpson

Among the 1200 riders on the start line at the 2015 Absa Cape Epic will be nine riders setting out to complete the event for the 10th time. Four times winner Christoph Sauser, former winner Bart Brentjens, Kevin Evans, Jaco Kamfer, Louis du Toit, Henning Blaauw, Johan Bezuidenhout, William Simpson and Marc Wiederkehr will join a select group of 13 riders who have done 10 or more Cape Epics. We asked them to share their insights into the event‌ and to explain why they keep coming back.

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

99

QUESTIONS 1. How do you feel about reaching this landmark? Was it something you set out to do?

2. Which was the toughest Epic you have completed, and the toughest stage?

3. Who are you riding with this year?

4. You are obviously a “fan” of the Epic, what is it about the event that has kept you coming back over the years?

5. What is your profession and where do you live?

CHRISTOPH SAUSER 1. For me it is not important how many Epics I have completed, it is much more about how many I have won, and the stories and memories behind them!

2. The one I had to drop out of because of my partner (who was injured), or the ones where we got a time penalty or we lost time due to sickness. The toughest stages for me are the ones we have to chase back because of mechanicals. If you have done so many stages as I have you also have some mechanical stories to tell about.

3. Jaroslav Kulhavy of the Czech Republic 4. See question 1 above. Plus, I love stage racing. It creates lots of stories, friendships and sometimes also rivalries.

5. Professional cyclist, Switzerland.

BART BRENTJENS 1. Of course it is amazing to reach the finish every year I have participated. But not doing the first edition in 2004 and 2006 is still something I don’t like. For me the Cape Epic it’s something magic.

2. It is always difficult to dig back in my memories, but I think it was 2010 riding with Yelmer Pietersma, when I had a crash on the 1st or 2nd stage and bruised my ribs. I had pain the whole week and then diarrhoea because of the painkillers I had to take. The toughest stage...I don’t know, must be some of them to or around Worcester. It’s depends also on your partner – not only the terrain.

3. Abraao Azevedo of Brazil.

4. The Western Cape has the best conditions for riding your mountain bike. Combine this with a stage race, the best organisation and a lot of media attention … this is what a mountain bike race needs to have. They call it the Cape Epic.

5. Professional mountain bike team manager. Media commentator. Netherlands

WILLIAM SIMPSON 1. Not really, but I am a person of bad habits. I ended up doing 18 Two Oceans marathons so this followed naturally.

2. All the years had their moments, but the Cederberg sand on Stage 1 in 2013 seems to stand out.

3. My son, which will be very special for both of us.

4. Great routes and partners, especially Mike Nixon, who put up with me for all those years!

5. Motor Dealer, Cape Town

LOUIS DU TOIT 1. I am very grateful to be able to compete without injury and, honestly, I never thought I would do 10.

After three I was quite happy, but thanks to sponsors I was able to continue.

2. 2004 was the first, and you did not know what to expect. The toughest stage was the first stage in 2005 in the rain.

3. I’m riding with Craig Blake. It will be his first Epic and he is young and a racing snake.

I will have to start training.

4. It is something completely different and a world-class event.

5. Medical Rep, Bloemfontein.

100

KEVIN EVANS 1. It doesn’t really feel any different to any other year, but when I look at some of the newbies, I realise how many experiences this race has given me over the years.

2. 2006 was for me really tough, long stages, tough conditions, and top riders. Stage 1 in 2008 – from yellow jersey to losing 30min. Stage 3 in 2010, from yellow jersey to losing 25min. The toughest climb was Franschhoek Pass in 2006.

3. Max Knox 4. Biggest mountain bike race in the world on your doorstep.

5. Professional cyclist.

HENNING BLAAUW 1. It was never a bucket list item that I set out to do but as the years carried on I sort of realised that I am getting closer to the 10-year mark.

2. The toughest one must have been the first one in 2004. The wet and cold stage from Caledon to Oak Valley in 2012 was really tough due to the conditions and the added strain on the equipment.

3. I am riding with Louise Ferreira and it will be our second year that we are competing in the Mixed Category as Team Globeflight 4. It’s about being part of an amazing event, with really great routes, and every race being an adventure.

5. Director of Gemini Marine, Cape Town

JOHAN ‘BEZ’ BEZUIDENHOUT 1. Only once the first 10-year awards were done two years ago. I then decided that I also want the helmet with my name on!

2. 2008 was the tough one. Swellendam to Bredasdorp in that year was huge for me.

3. I did my first with my business partner, John, five with my cycling mate, Fuzzy, two with a school mate, Alewyn, and 2014 with my son, Pieter, who has got the nod for my 10th.

4. The Cape Epic team has done a marvellous job. They have upped their game each year and now have a truly world-class event.

5. Business Owner, Durbanville.

MARC WIEDERKEHR 1. I don’t see it as reaching a landmark, and as long as I keep on enjoying the race I will keep coming back.

2. The year I got food poisoning from a restaurant the night before Stage 1 (2011).

3. This will be my 7th Epic with the same partner, Gus Klohn – part of the reason I keep on coming back.

4. You can escape reality for a week every year 5. Dunkeld Cycles shop owner, Johannesburg

JACO KAMFER 1. I originally only wanted to do three.Then five. But you can’t stop at five, so I carried on and now I can’t stop at nine.

2. Each year is tough. There is no such thing as an easy Epic and there are hard times and good times on every one. The toughest stage was the one when all the rain fell in 2012. It was rainy, muddy and cold all the way from Caledon to Oak Valley.

3. This year I am riding with Johan van der Watt, who will be doing his second Epic. I have had different partners each year and they have all been great.

4. I keep coming back because it changes. You never know what to expect so every year is a new adventure. I have done other stage races where they do the same course every year and I have stopped going back to them.

5. Business owner, Pretoria.

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

101

LIVE

LIVE RIDER TRACKING

@absacapeepic

FOLLOW LIVE ON www.cape-epic.com

Up-to-the-minute race updates

Follow your friends and loved ones online

Live race results available on our website

#2015AbsaCapeEpic /capeepic Get an inside view into the race and Like our page

SHARE YOUR FAN PICTURES #2015AbsaCapeEpic Show the world your Epic pictures

SUPERSPORT

102

Experience the Absa Cape Epic on Instagram

GAME

/absacapeepic WATCH DAILY HIGHLIGHTS on SUPERSPORT

/absacapeepic

Catch the highlights and special compilations on our YouTube Channel

PLAY THE GAME Play against actual riders

EPIC BY NUMBERS

104

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

105

THE ABSA CAPE EPIC HISTORY

1.

2.

In 2004 race founder Kevin Vermaak launched his first Cape Epic, taking riders from Knysna to Stellenbosch over eight days. The winners were Namibian professional Mannie Heymans and a man who was destined to become one of the event’s greats, Karl Platt of Germany.

By the second running of the Cape Epic in 2005 more of the world’s leading professionals were taking part and the race was won by Olympic gold medallist Bart Brentjens of Holland and his Belgian partner Roel Paulissen.

2006 signalled the emergence of another Absa Cape Epic superstar, Switzerland’s Christoph Sauser. He and countryman Silvio Bundi won the event by 29 minutes – still the biggest winning margin to date.

In 2007 the event’s most successful pairing, Platt and fellow German Stefan Sahm, won after a thrilling race in which the lead changed four times. Eventually they triumphed over challengers Paulissen and Denmark’s Jakob Fuglsang.

3.

4.

5.

106

In 2008 Paulissen and Fuglsang, who went on to compete in the Tour de France, turned the tables on Platt and Sahm, winning by nine minutes. It was the last time the event would be raced from Knysna to Stellenbosch.

2009 signalled a new approach by the race organisers in which the start and finish venues were changeable and some stages were looped - starting and finishing at the same location. The Prologue was held on the slopes of Table Mountain for the first time and the race finished in Somerset West after visiting Villiersdorp, Greyton and the Elgin Valley. But it was back to the old firm at the front of the field as Platt and Sahm held on to win overall. The previous year South African Burry Stander and Sauser had emerged as a formidable threat only to be forced out by injury: in 2009 they were penalised an hour for receiving outside assistance and effectively forced out of the race.

In 2010 Platt and Sahm notched up their third overall win together – without winning a single stage. Stander and Sauser finished second in spite of the South African being ill early in the event.

In 2011 Stander and Sauser banished the years of disappointment by winning convincingly, taking five of the seven stages. In doing so Stander became the first South African to stand on the top step of the podium at the finish of the Absa Cape Epic.

The Swiss/South African duo repeated the medicine in 2012, winning comfortably.

Sadly, it was the last time Stander was seen at the Absa Cape Epic. On January 3, 2013, he was killed when struck by a taxi while training on the KwaZulu Natal South Coast.

Sauser hurriedly recruited Olympic gold medallist Jaroslav Kulhavy as his partner for 2013 and the pair took the victory in an emotionally-charged event just two months after Stander’s death.

In 2014 all eyes were on Sauser and Platt: who would be first to win five times? In the event both were struck by misfortune - Sauser and Frantisek Rabon were unable to overcome delays caused by mechanicals and Platt, riding with Urs Huber, pulled out after injuring his leg in a crash.

Czech Kristian Hynek and his German partner Robert Mennen eventually emerged as winners in a thrilling race in which the lead changed hands on each of the opening four days.

In 2015 all eyes will again be on Sauser and Platt: will one of them nab that landmark fifth win?

6.

7.

8.

1. Mannie Heymans in 2004; 2. Roel Paulissen and Karl Platt in 2007; 3. Karl Platt and Manie Heymans in 2004; 4. Stefan Sahm in 2010; 5. Bart Brentjens in 2005; 6. Stafan Sahm and Karl Platt winning in 2007; 7. Christoph Sauser and Silvio Bundi win in 2006; 8. The inaugural Epic field leaves Knysna.

2004

Focus / Rocky Mountain

Mannie Heymans

Karl Platt

2005

Giant

Roel Paulissen

Bart Brentjens

2006

Specialized

Christoph Sauser

Silvio Bundi

2007

Team Bulls

Karl Platt

Stefan Sahm

2008

Cannondale Vredestein

Roel Paulissen

Jakob Fuglsang

2009

Bulls

Karl Platt

Stefan Sahm

2010

Bulls

Karl Platt

Stefan Sahm

2011

360ne-Songo-Specialized

Christoph Sauser

Burry Stander

2012

360ne-Songo-Specialized

Christoph Sauser

Burry Stander

2013

Burry Stander - Songo

Christoph Sauser

Jaroslav Kulhavy

2014

Topeak-Ergon Racing

Robert Mennen

Kristian Hynek 2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

107

108

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

109

110

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

111

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS 2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC TITLE AND HEADLINE SPONSORS

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC SPONSORS

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC DESTINATION PARTNERS

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC VENUE PARTNERS

112

STAGE 9 AFTER PARTY

22 March 2015 Grand Café & Beach

Stage 9 is the official after party of the Absa Cape Epic and we are bringing the celebration back to the Mother City! Set on a private beach with sky and ocean as the ideal backdrop, the Grand Café & Beach is the most desirable venue in Cape Town and the official venue for Stage 9.

We have the view. Pair that with delectable finger food, excellent entertainment and a private beach bar, for a guaranteed evening to remember.

All we need is your “good company”...

See you all at Stage 9!

Time: 18h30 for 19h00 Price: R450 Tickets can be purchased in the Rider Zone, at the Race Office during the race or via registration@cape-epic.com

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

113

The standard Absa Cape Epic rider isn’t difficult to identify says Dan Nicoll: skinny frame, tan lines ingrained from lycra and sunglasses, bodyweight not much more than the bicycle.

Gaunt frames trimmed down from hours of training, most riders look like they’re in urgent need of a decent meal. Which means they don’t look anything like Springbok prop forwards…

Few athletes are more physically unsuited to life on a bicycle than the men who do duty in rugby’s front row, where brute strength and weighing 120kg are fundamental requisites. But despite the apparent madness of some of sport’s biggest men taking on a challenge that favours svelte endurance athletes with barely a sprinkling of body fat, rugby has provided the Epic’s most unlikeliest finishers – and none more so than Robbie Kempson.

Over 37 Test matches for the Springboks, Kempson was the quiet enforcer of the side, a hard, technically astute prop who could play on either side of the scrum. But the qualities that made him a South African rugby legend certainly weren’t those of a man hoping to conquer nearly 800 kilometres of the world’s toughest mountain bike challenge – which made Kempson heavy favourite to be the first man to drop out when the 2008 race got underway.

But of all Kempson’s sporting attributes, a stubborn refusal to give up was foremost throughout his rugby career, and the big man brought that same quality to the Epic. Slogging his way through each day in a blur of sweat and colourful language – and grim threats to find Epic founder Kevin Vermaak the moment he was back in the race village – Kempson was almost always the last man to finish each day. But he did finish, and when he hauled his 118-kilogram frame over the final line, Robbie Kempson completed one of the Epic’s more extraordinary chapters.

Also hailing from the front row club is Marius Hurter, not that you’d know it to look at him. A member of the 1995 Rugby World Cup squad, Hurter played professionally in England, where he was renowned for his ferocious scrumming and raw power. But while the frame’s still bigger than most of the Epic peloton, Hurter cuts a considerably smaller figure now than in his rugby days, having discovered a genuine passion for riding. He’s unlikely to threaten a podium, but Hurter is an accomplished finisher who’s now a proud member of the Amabubesi Finisher’s Club.

114

AN EPIC ACHIEVEMENT

John Smit 2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

115

Joel Stransky

Butch James and Jade Gutzeit 116

Stefan Terblance (left) and Joel Stransky

Even leaner than Hurter, however, is another of rugby’s toughest men: former Springbok skipper Corné Krige. Krige got his first taste of the Epic riding a single stage with another former Springbok, Tiaan Strauss – and had to be dragged through the last 20 kilometres by Strauss, suitably chastened by the challenge of the race. But it fired up Krige’s competitive instinct, accompanying Strauss through the 2013 race, the demands of which Krige likened to squaring up to the All Blacks.

Strauss himself has a close link to the race: as well as being a multiple finisher, he’s served as chairman of the Big Tree Foundation, an official charity of the race that’s done sterling work supporting education projects in the areas through which the Epic has moved through the years. Crossing the finish line is an incredible achievement, but for Strauss, it’s the commitment to philanthropy that’s just as laudable.

Krige isn’t the only Springbok captain to have conquered the Epic – there’s a World Cup-winning skipper who’s also completed the challenge.

Having ended his stellar career at Saracens, John Smit returned to South Africa in time to train for and ride the 2013 edition. 111 Test matches in the cauldron of the scrum had made for a most demanding career, but even Smit conceded that the Epic made for a different challenge entirely. It took an almighty effort, and some extremely long days in the saddle, but it must have been worth it, for Smit is signed up to ride again in 2015.

One last forward warrants a mention. Training in African sunshine is tough enough; training in pouring rain and freezing conditions in Wales verges on madness. But that’s exactly what former Welsh captain Colin Charvis did to prepare for the Epic, after being invited to “a gentle ride through the Cape Winelands for charity” by JAG Foundation founder Greg James. With partner and Olympian Okkert Brits struggling on day one, Charvis looked like being an early casualty, but after a brave solo charge to the finish got him home seconds before cut-off, the British and Irish Lions loose forward, trademark afro billowing out from beneath his helmet, soldiered through to complete a race he’ll be returning to ride in 2015.

days on the wing for the Springboks.

Somewhat quicker have been two of KwaZuluNatal’s more celebrated stars. Centre Jeremy Thompson is not just a multiple finisher, but an accomplished amateur mountain biker, taking on races across South Africa – although the Epic remains his defining cycling achievement. A more recent addition to the race is Stefan Terblanche, whose extraordinary fitness and conditioning allowed him to not only participate, but to seriously compete in the Men’s Category in 2014, exhibiting both the pace and courage that highlighted his rugby days.

If any rugby player has become synonymous with the Absa Cape Epic, however, it’s 1995 Rugby World Cup-winning flyhalf Joel Stransky. As fierce a competitor as any of the professionals, Stransky has now ridden six Epics, frequently as a lead member of the Absa contingent, and usually in his trademark luminous pink mohawk helmet. He also uses the race as a platform for charity, raising considerable amounts of money each year; throw in his constant public support for and endorsement of the race, and the man who kicked rugby’s most famous drop goal is now just as celebrated as a mountain biker.

2015 will see the Rugby World Cup play out in England and Wales in September and October; if the Springboks do manage to deliver on South African hopes and bring home the trophy, there’ll be a whole squad of rugby players to celebrate.

But they won’t be the only big men with cause for cheer: Smit, Stransky, Charvis and the rest of the rugby legends taking on the Epic will face every bit as great a challenge as the players at the World Cup. The courage, determination and strength needed to win the rugby, will have been mirrored in a mountain bike race in South Africa earlier in the year, as some of sport’s biggest men again defy the suggestion that rugby players can’t finish the Absa Cape Epic.

Forwards finishing the Epic is surprising; backline players are physically more suited to mountain biking, and a number of rugby’s quicker, smaller men have risen to the challenge. 2007 World Cup-winning flyhalf Butch James is amongst them, having finished 2014’s Epic with relative ease.

Breyton Paulse didn’t find things quite so simple, and lost his trademark good humour on more than one occasion before crossing the finish line.

(He hasn’t been seen on a mountain bike since.)

And Chester Williams, another of the stars of 1995, managed to get through the race in 2010, although not quite at the speed he was famous for in his 2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

117

DAY IN A LIFE OF AN AMATEUR

118

These are the diary days of our lives The Absa Cape Epic is a different experience for every single rider. Three-time-finisher Tim Brink remembers a day-in-the-life at the Epic.

4:30am - an alarm buzzes I have no idea what the time is. Sure, my phone knows, but it’s so early my eyes refuse to deal with the glare in my predawn tent. The bag piper is still winding down – again, for the third night running, I have found a tent in the corner of the camp where the man takes his place.

4:45am – systems check Time to get up and at it. I check with my partner if he is, a, alive, and, b, awake. All systems functioning. Excellent. I open the zip of the tent, taking care not to touch the foot of my sleeping bag, which is sodden – the joys of being six-foot in a five-foot-nine tent – and remembering to let the crickets leave first. There is no natural light yet. A slightly smoother grey in the east, but not by much. And that could be the glow of 1 200 staggering head torches, making their way to the flushing blue boardrooms that host the morning’s first meeting. Tooth-brushing and a gentle seated check that all body parts are functioning done, the food tent is next.

5:10am – chews your own adventure In the evenings, this table-clothed feed-shed is buzzing.

Tales of conquest, near-death experiences and unseemly bravado, each wilder than before, raise the volume, and good cheer. Not so in the morning. Nerves, and the need to force-feed calories at a time when all you want to do is vomit, make conversation difficult. Not even the hot brown water helps – thank goodness for the espresso stand outside, how did we ever make the start line in the early Epics, without committing murder?

6:00am – a bum deal Breakfast bolted down, I have one more stop before it is time to pack: The Bum Clinic. Not for me, you understand.

I prepared well. I even lied to my partner about how many pairs of Assos I bought, so I could have a fresh pair for each stage. My life partner, not my riding partner. Riding partners don’t lie. No, my best mate has skimped on the butt butter, and now finds himself in the Queue of Shame, waiting for medics to peer judgmentally at his crotch. I am here as support, and to make sure he takes his medicine.

2015 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE GUIDE

119

6:20am – slather to the music John Wayne and I head back to the tent, where we start two onerous tasks. The first is the application of goo. This comes in three varieties: bum cream, sun screen and menthol-laced muscle repair stuff for the achy bits. I have put these in the appropriate order; the critical order. Damnation to the guy who decided numbers one and three should be packaged in the same tubes – bleary eyes and gloomy tents guarantee at least one nether-numbing mistake. It does, of course, cure the bleary eyes, but it’s not recommended outside a dungeon.

6:40am – dress, pack, undress, repack, loo, undress, dress Today is not one of those days, but I have just found my HRM strap under my mattress, as I pack eight days into the world’s smallest suitcase. Experience (almost every morning, to be honest) has taught me the only way to install this is to get rid of the jacket, gilet, shirt and undershirt that have only just been put on. And the good news is that as soon as I have re-dressed, that final dose of last night’s dinner will need urgent release, too, and the strip routine will be repeated in the confines of the blue loo - with the added requirement of not letting anything touch floor, walls or roof. The Epic turns us all into Twister champions.

7:10am – bags under your arms The first 10 minutes in the start chute are spent regaining feeling in my arms. We seem to miss the memo to train our arms for the Epic. Not for the riding, or the pushing, but for the daily drag of bag, from tent to truck. This has got better with the loss of the Knysna-to-Stellenbosch route, where it was a daily duty. But today is a moving day, and my toothpick arms are on strike.

7:25am – the final countdown Five minutes to go. Paul, Mike and Sipho are cranking out the tunes. Paul’s jokes are on track – same-same, but still funny in our delirium. Sipho is rolling his eyes as Paul spots me and cranks up Thunderstruck.

Kwaito ain’t king for three minutes and eleven seconds. Don’t complain, buddy, we could all be putting our “hanz up in zee air”.

A few of the veterans remember this and we chuckle as we foist our terrible Mike-zee-Mike impersonations on bewildered virgins. And then it is time to go…

120

7:40am – missing in action Where the hell is my partner? I am at the back of the group now, three kilometres in, and he still hasn’t caught me after his final porta-loo pitstop. “I’ll catch you”. Famous last words… I now have to believe our daily riding buddies that he came screaming past at the one-kilometre mark asking if they had seen me. He’ll wait, right? Sure. At the first water point, two hours of frantic chasing later. Both of us chasing. Idiots. Rookie error. Again.

1:00pm – another stage bites the dust Miraculously, we make it to another finish line.

Thunderstruck booms. Sipho groans. My partner cries, again. Gosh Darnit. Have I not taught you anything?

1:10pm – recovering in style Recovery milk, some excellent Woollies tummy love (I don’t miss the DIY early days at this point) and it is off to find our bags and tents. Our bikes are being washed and lubed (again, some progress I can deal with), and now it is time for the showers. First, work out which side the Euros have chosen. Ah, there they are. We were promised some shameless undressing, and we got it – unfortunately we couldn’t choose the artistes. So now we queue on the other side of the trucks, and keep our retinas intact.

6:00pm – Take yesterday’s routine, add repetition and repeat Clean and fresh, and time for dinner.

Unsurprisingly, the crickets have followed us.

As have Paul’s jokes. The scene is festive – even as we are exposed to Kati’s daily route guide. “It is not so bad”. But only tomorrow will we find out how economical your truth was this time. For now, it is time to find my tent, my sleeping bag and my earplugs.

Night, all!

polar.com/za

Choosing the right partner is half the journey done.

Choose a partner that will help you face each day as it dawns no matter the challenge.

The Polar V800 with integrated GPS is the ultimate choice for the most ambitious athletes.

Choose your partner

V800.

Chosen by champions.

RIDE GUIDE

Together we will overcome

THE UNTAMED AFRICAN MTB RACE

Partnerships based on a shared vision are a powerful combination.

This is because you can overcome anything with the inspiration and willpower of the person by your side.

Absa Cape Epic, 15 – 22 March 2015.

Conquer as one. Prosper.

Absa Bank Ltd Reg No 1986/004794/06 Authorised Financial Services Provider Registered Credit Provider Reg No NCRCP7