2 minute read

CYCLE RACE ACROSS THE RIVER THE RACERS GO!

from The Stanford Spectator Issue 11

from The Stanford Spectator Issue 11, page 18

PRIDE PANTHERA BIDS FAREWELL T...

By: Andrew Herriot

The 2023 Absa Cape Epic Cycle Race takes in 658 gruelling kilometres, with 15 775 metres of limit-testing climbing through its eight days. Each two-person team is stretched to the absolute limit. These are the statistics:

The 2023 edition of the Absa Cape Epic ensured that charm and challenge existed on a knife’s edge as the route weaved through pristine fynbos, across rivers, and nature reserves where antelope roam free and even skirted a lion sanctuary while moving between vineyards, and the most demanding peaks.

Stages 1 and 2 started and finished in the seaside whale-watching town of Hermanus and showcased the region’s spectacular riding, from the Hemel en Aarde Valley to beyond Stanford and into the Akkadisberg and Paardenberg mountains where limestone trails, steep pitches and gale force winds were rife, blasting directly into one’s face.

The 2nd stage of this gruelling event was welcomed by early Stanford risers to a tumultuous roar and cheers as the cyclists circled the village green. In those early hours, Stanford was alive with the sound of music - whistling, clapping and utter acclimation. Prodigious events don’t happen too often in our village, and we were all hugely grateful.

Happiness and flag waving were in abundance by loyal Stanfordians as they admired the sheer strength of commitment for each person, woman, and man. It must be voiced that it takes sheer guts not on a personal basis for each cyclist but to commit to a partnership of one other cyclist where dual endeavours coexist and are crucial.

At this point, most Stanfordian observers were in awe knowing that there were still five more days ahead in which these two-wheeled cyclists would pursue across and over tracks that even a normal walker would have some serious doubts about traversing. Not these cyclists!

Wild cheers emanated from the hundreds of residents, including the many youngsters. A massive wave sent these stalwarts off while the onlookers loudly yelled “thank you” for stopping by.

“I can do this,” one cyclist was heard muttering as he pedalled towards yet another stage. “Yes, you can,” I thought.