@grootlem

Check the interview of Bianca Haw, she's obviously not one of your 8 or 10 friends. Think that's about the total

Just a friendly response to some points. I speak to a number of very experienced people and they also don't think it's better. To attract top xco riders the stages should be even shorter, but is it still the Epic then? We are not affected by the men or women race. Or the next Tour de France. But we comment on it. As far as I'm aware most of the other stage races has equal distances. The fact that riders like Neff is training here now and still not racing this means it's still too long and not lucrative enough. But yes they have to do something

I really can't see a difference/advantage in the women race with the shorter stages. Still only 3 competitive teams with one in the lead alone. Not more tv time for them. What's better?

Quite ironic, funny that the whole Cannondale team is here this week but no one taking part in this race. Focusing on xco

They going to Montagu after prologue. Tents will be there

Any idea what was fastest time on an mtb this and last year? And Moir time on gravel bike?

My yearly visit to the hub for Epic chatter. Pity there's no longer a prediction competition on here. My hot take, Gaze won't podium. Will throw bike in bush after a mechanical

Im 100% sure Neff with team Cannondale was in Eden forest that morning. Staying just outside Stellenbosch won't train Vissershok area. Team Cannondale is still on a training camp next week during Epic

I will edit my post. I was angry after I was told what he shouted at his partner when a medic advised him not to continue at a water point.

Hi, I haven't been on here for a few months and thought I'll check in. If this was covered in the previous 80 pages I apologize. I was quite verbal on my social media that the Epic should have qualifying events and times, a bit like Comrades. But I guess part of the business model is to have a certain number out within a short time. I'm not a fan of shortened stages but after a coffee with one of the route guys I understand a bit better. Just a bit Hats off to everyone, I'm glad I did my 5 epics pre 2010 when we could still get half drunk in the chill zone after stages. One Epic Greg Minnaar and myself were last out every night. That's the advantage of a slower partner. RIP to the Belgian rider that passed away.

The article said an investigation was done. The accused wanted a short suspension and non disclosure according to the article. i believe charges has been laid.

What did you think a sports federation or business should do in case of a criminal offence like this? Surely others need to be protected and it must be out in the open?

Nope they're still the same. I heard a few years ago you won't see official pics of strugglers walking or riders hurt. He didn't know the video is on here. Will hopefully get answers next week on what needs to be cut

I just messaged him that's it's still on here. Wouter is in hospital but I've sent him the link now

The person that made the video told me this yesterday. Epic told him to remove it

I don't think the Epic will allow this to be published in its current form. They don't allow images of amateurs and backmarkers pushing, walking, struggling

I heard discussions from top riders on training camps here with that view. They felt that the Namibian would be better in the heat and that their riding strengths are more matched. We shall see

Twenty years ago I was on the start line with Andre du Plessis. We're still friends even after swearing at each other on stage 4. Ok I did the swearing. Looking at this race I see Mittenwaller suffered a bit. Happens if you don't want to rest a bit in the week leading up to the event. Would've loved to see Miller and Beers in a team. Would have a better chance according to some in the know. And in Olympic years we usually have less top xco riders interested. I know of a few teams definitely coming next year that's focusing on Olympics this year

Nino killing Andri by when? Tuesday?

My yearly visit to the hub. I hear Nibali is a podium contender after the 1st climb of 9 minutes. Yolande de Villiers didn't get a lifetime ban from any doping or cycling authorities, was like a year silent ban if I remember correctly. Epic had a rule that you're not allowed in their event. The newish ironman owners probably changed their rule or they would have no retired "greats" taking part. My favorites if they dont lose to much time in 1st day or 2 is the Spanish BH guys. Cheering for my neighbor Jennie and birthday girl, 49 today, Esther Suss. They considered for a moment to ride UCI women cause you just have to finish to get pocket money but insisted social no stress masters after retirement is going to be a nicer experience. Looking forward to follow the hardest Epic ever

I was more referring to European riders doing events that side compared to SA riders doing events this side

I'm on the hub annually to check if there's an Epic prediction competition so I'm here for the week reading the chatter. My opinion, yes we all have one, is that the average South African cyclist doing tough events is not as fit as the average European rider but we have the latest equipment. I saw that in a Transalp I did with my wife 10 years ago, we were almost the only people in the last quarter of the field on 29ers. Speaking to friends from Sweden, Germany and other places they also say that the people racing that side is fit. Here it's a lot about the image, T shirt, corporate doing events invited on who they are and not if they can ride. And my toughest Epics were ones where I tried to race, easiest were where I didn't race but just had a fun time. So it's more about how you ride and pace it compared to the route. Yes I'm generalising now so shoot

Are there covid protocols for spectators? There are a lot of people out on route at spectator points, a bit more fun than standing in the village

What I don't understand is why there was no mandatory test of each rider before the event. I thought it was sort of standard in sports events now. I'm pretty sure I know of riders that started knowing they could have covid