Dappere

Gerald frequently commented during the live feed on how the event has evolved, possibly to attract more XCO-focused athletes. During the broadcast, he also discussed this point with Benno and another athlete, whose name escapes me. The Wilier team was mentioned several times, with particular emphasis on their XCO background and how athletes with this focus can deliver strong performances at the Cape Epic.

I’ve never suggested that economics should take precedence over health, far from it. Kevin himself often spoke with pride about the broader economic impact of the Cape Epic and referenced it in many of his interviews. My point is simply that this aspect should also be acknowledged — if not celebrated — as part of the event’s overall significance. That said, many of the responses before my initial comment seemed more like a call to boycott the event or to respond with anger or a sense of retribution. When feedback is framed in that way, it becomes all too easy to dismiss it as yet another case of ‘keyboard warriors’ complaining for the sake of it, and that does little to bring about meaningful change. There is plenty to critique — and rightly so — but if the goal is improvement, then the way we voice concerns is just as important as the concerns themselves.

I’m not sure where those figures originate — without proper transparency, it’s difficult to verify their accuracy. As I’ve mentioned previously, I don’t condone poor organisation. However, with South Africa’s unemployment rate at 31.9%, it’s important not to overlook the broader economic benefit events like this can provide. Raising concerns is both valid and necessary, but when the tone shifts towards outrage or retribution, it risks becoming counterproductive rather than contributing to meaningful change.

I don’t dispute the positive outcomes a well-organised event brings — I’m fully aligned with you on that. I also agree that it’s in the organiser’s best interest to take rider feedback seriously if they wish to preserve the event’s long-term appeal and its value to the region. That said, while there’s clearly a lot of frustration being expressed here, the tendency to respond with anger or a sense of retribution is something I struggle to support. I’m genuinely curious — beyond the discussions on BikeHub, what active steps have been taken by those voicing these concerns to provide constructive feedback? On what basis are we saying the organisers are coming across as tone-deaf? To be clear, I’m not suggesting that poor organisation should be overlooked simply because the event delivers value. Quite the opposite — we should acknowledge its value while also raising concerns in a manner that fosters improvement, rather than further division.

Both can — and should — coexist. However, given the sentiment expressed here, it does appear there’s a call to boycott the event or to respond with anger or a sense of retribution, without acknowledging the broader impact the event has had — and continues to have. It comes across as, “I’m angry, so everyone else should be too,” with little consideration given to the wider context or the positive contributions the event brings to local communities and the country as a whole.

Fair – but the event still has a positive impact on South Africa. Beyond the race itself, people are booking accommodation, dining at local restaurants, and supporting small businesses. That broader ripple effect is still significant. It seems we share a similar perspective – appreciate the clarification.

I might receive criticism for saying this, but I don’t entirely understand the sentiment expressed by some people here. I truly don’t believe that the organisers—past or present—would ever wish harm upon anyone participating in the event. A fatality is undoubtedly the worst possible outcome, and my heartfelt condolences go out to the individual’s family and loved ones. That said, I’m not entirely sure what is being expected from the community in response. At times, it feels like there’s a call to boycott the event or respond with anger or vengeance. I understand the emotion behind this, but it also seems to overlook the broader context. Kevin has always been transparent about the nature of the event. That may have changed slightly since the event was sold, but I still believe many underestimate just how massive and complex a logistical undertaking the Epic truly is. In an interview Kevin did around five years ago, he mentioned that each edition of the Epic takes a full 12 months to plan and generates over R300 million in economic impact for the Western Cape annually—in his own words, a conservative estimate. The event employs more than 800 people, and the average stay for a team is around 13 days. The Cape Epic has done a great deal for South Africa and South Africans. It has created jobs, provided exposure and opportunity for local athletes, and attracted international visitors who often return to the country—sometimes multiple times—further contributing to the economy. I know several European friends who have come back to South Africa on holiday after experiencing the Epic. Of course, it is deeply saddening to hear of someone losing their life during such an event, and that should never be dismissed. But I also believe we should acknowledge the positive impact the Epic continues to have, both economically and in terms of building the local cycling community.

If I recall, this was something Kevin implemented. He mentioned that he wanted the race to be more accessible to South Africans, which is why South Africans pay a reduced entry fee. And now, let the “How is R113,500 considered accessible to South Africans?” comments begin. 🙈🫠

My money is on Van H. I'm unaware that Monton offers a custom option, I might be wrong.

+1 Techni Block Active, for arms, legs and neck. Heliocare Ultra 90 for the face.

Tell us how you really feel! 😆 I hear you - there is plenty of overhyped marketing in the cycling world. It’s not a magic bullet, but calling it blatant pseudoscience ignores the real-world mechanical effects. Oval rings don't necessarily increase power, but they change how power is applied throughout the pedal stroke. The benefit isn’t raw wattage but efficiency, particularly on technical climbs and loose terrain, where traction and cadence control are crucial. A well-trained pedal stroke can achieve similar results with a round chainring, but at a low cadence in tricky sections, the oval difference can still be noticeable. Some riders don’t feel it, some swear by it - at the end of the day, it’s just another tool in the box.

Does your LBS have stock available to test in one or two sizes? I’m not too familiar with Cannondale, but a riding buddy of mine has a Cannondale in XL – he is 192 cm tall. I am 180 cm, and his bike is far too big for me. For reference, I ride a Trek in M/L

I have the Oakley Prizm Trail Torch lenses; they're my go-to pair of glasses for winter and early mornings when it's darker outside. I also have the Prizm Low Light lenses on another pair, but I prefer the Trail Torch lenses, especially for mountain biking.

You can find silca products locally from Privateer - which is considered the gold standard of wax. https://privateer.co.za/product-category/silca/

If I'm not mistaken, it was ASG. Your best bet would likely be Cycle Lab – they stock a range of their products.