ikerarri

Registration for Cape Epic 2026 is open. 54 minutes later, 154 registered teams appear on screen... Myself? Not 2026. Maybe 2027.

My report on my 2025 Cape Epic. Having completed the 2021 Cape Epic successfully, with 8 months of training, better numbers than in 2021 and a younger and strong(er than me) riding partner ... all looked good when we travel to Cape Town from home Basque Country. We had some days for acclimatization. 1st day testing in Meerendal and 2nd day in Bloemendal Trails … where I crashed badly on my right side against the rocks in the Lombard’s Terra’s gap-jump (which I unintentionally took). Pain was bearable so far, so I took the start of the prologue which we completed at a very slow (and painful) pace in less than 2 hours. Yes, I was one of the riders walking up some of the steep climbs … I felt like a knife stabbing my side / lower back in all the a-frame fence ramps where a had to kick-pedal through. Could not stand up on the bike and could not push harder than some 200w … could see the stars in daylight. Side note: do not criticise riders that walk up steep climbs in the prologue, there might be some story behind you do not know (and not necessarily undertraining). 😊 Stage 1 was long and hard. Again, better than in the prologue but still limited in my breathing and power in the legs. Pain was intense in the right side lower back,… but legs also got pretty tired. Finished the stage in less than 7 hours and a half,… but starting to worry about things not getting better, pain not diminishing and legs not being able to deliver what they had. Stage 2 time trial was a relatively easy stage on paper. 62 km and mainly flat. I felt quite OK in the first kms so we decided to open gas and made very good progress in the first hour. From P170 to p124 in our category in the first 15km. We were back! … but happiness lasts little in the house of the poor (Spanish saying). My power and strength started to drop like a stone as the heat increased. I was toasted, … soon all our progress went overboard, my heart rates high and my power numbers low,… reached WP2 with heat stroke symptoms. Got checked by in the medical tent, drank a lot of Coca Cola, got cooled down and hydrated, blood pressure checked, sugar levels, temperature, etc… and after 40 minutes I was good to continue. Finished stage 2 with fatigue and dehydration symptoms … and with intense heat forecasted for the already hard stage 3, I decided I would take a day off to rest, recover and attempt to continue as blue rider on stage 4. My aim was to enjoy the Cape Epic (rather than suffer to be a finisher), so that seemed the best route to follow. On my rest on scorching hot stage 3, I made a visit to Paarl hospital to discover I had a broken rib. End of the game for me. Changed my role and mindset to assistant of my teammate + videographer. More on the drama from stage 3 later in another post. So, I went on camping mode the rest of the Cape Epic, watching the pros, supporting my teammate (that made it as individual finisher), following the race as a spectator. Not what I have trained for, not what I have desired, but adapting to circumstances. Enjoyed it in a different way. I also had the chance to meet personally @DieselnDust, which I knew from the forum and had been helped by him in various questions I asked. I had a high opinion and respect about him, which I keep after meeting him in person in Lourensford. Will there be another Cape Epic in the future for me? Early to say. Mixed feelings and need some time to reflect and settle down things. Not in 2026, I think.

Thanks for the info. And ... yes, I think this is very relevant information. Distance and relevation do not tell the whole story of the "hardness" of a race. Many times weather conditions, terrain difficulty, stomach issues, and other factors account much more. And having a general view on how many teams start and how many teams make it to the finish is a very good indicator, in my opinion. Are riders better or worse prepared now compared to some years ago? I would say, generaly, better. And I have reasons to back up this. Nowadays there is more focus on training plans, and personal trainers, nutrition plans, and use of potentiometers, and software to monitor and improve training. I am getting older (yes), but my numbers are getting better (also). Are some people undertrained and going to the epic unprepared because they can afford (economicaly) it? Yes, sure, but ... I do not think this is a growing trend.

Wow @DieselnDust,… that is very helpful from your side. I did the Epic 2021 (the one in October), on Maxxis Forekaster 2.35 front and Ikon 2.35 rear. No inserts. Exo protection. We had some rocky days around Witzenger Valley and Tulbagh,… and smoother later around Wellington. Average speed was around 13-14 kph incl rests, … which is around the “75% back” if I can say that way. Happy with that tire choice but Maxxis has now destroyed the Forekaster putting more weight on it and making it a trail tire. Finisher is the main goal but, of course, everybody wants to overtake riders 😉 so I was considering a Rekon Race combination front/rear or maybe something a little bit more grippy in the front. I am now riding Vittoria Barzo/Mezcal 2.35 but do not have enough mileage to judge them well on performance (and reliability). If it gets clay muddy 2.35 or 2.40s will be too big, but we will have to bet one tire combo as travelling with tires and changing them while in race in tubeless setup is a bit complicated. Thanks for the very valuable information!

Thanks Daniel, nice video and good advice! Much appreciated.

What tire choice would you recommend for 2025 Cape Epic route? I was thinking in 2.35 - 2.4 XC fast rolling tires (MAXXIS REKON RACE for example),... but I wonder if there is any need for larger knobs or more protection/robust tires .... Local expertise is much appreciated ;-)

Ok,... from today, South Africa is on Alert level 2. I thought that meant 250 people maximum in outdoor gatherings... but seems that it is modified to 500 people... is it correct? So that means that the Cape Epic has a pretty good chance to happen on October 17th? We are all in for the race!

Question: Cape Epic 2021 will be limitd to x number of riders based on which authority: A - South African national B - Western Cape C - Local municipalities D - Most restrictive of above 3 I can see situation is improving, ... but I do not know if fast enough. Still in Alarm level 3 in South Africa and less than 6 weeks for race start.... how do you see it?

Yes, that is the Big Question. As international rider, I find difficult to follow closely the COVID situation in Western Cape. I guess there are different levels, and currently WC is in level 3, right? Dropping 2 levels in a bit more than a months… looks quite difficult. Anyhow, even with level 1, and 250 teams,… I see some contradictory information. If you check the Cape Epic 2021 Team list (in mobile app “Epic series”, you will see there are around 340+ teams registered. And the Pro teams are missing (and they will be on the start line for sure). Take another 20-25 teams…. How are they going to make the cut to 250 teams? Are some of the teams registered in provisional status or something? We are preparing for the race. Training, travel arrangements, flights, etc… I do not want to have another last-minute-cancellation or postponement as with Cape Epic 2020 (we were already in Cape Town in March 2020). Hope the organisation plays responsably.

I asked the organizzation and they told me.... Rider Communication #11 applies. Bellow main contents of that Communication: "While you and your partner have been focused on your training for The Race That Measures All, we have remained committed to doing everything we can to ensure the 2021 Absa Cape Epic takes place safely from 17-24 October and that we offer you the very best MTB experience. We are on track to do just that and will be ready for you later this year! Understandably though, with a few necessary changes to what you would normally expect at an Absa Cape Epic. In addition to the implementation of the 5 key principles of our Return to Trails policy in all areas of the event, we will continue working with the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with government regulations. We ask that all riders adhere to the safety protocols in place at the time of the event and we will provide more clarity on any such regulations and/or safety protocols as the event draws nearer ..." So Cape Epic is going ahead. For the moment. Iker A (will be there if it takes place)

If you wanna check Strava segment details ... there is this one: https://www.strava.com/segments/24879242 (Strava URL deleted, search for segment “Ezaro 2021”). KOM is about 7min 30secs. There is another segment “Ezaro” (with the wrong profile reading though), but is the same Segment roughly and KOM is 7min 02 seconds. So be prepared for explosive 7 minute espectacular climbs!

Sure! And beware Ézaro is short but ... very steep! Only 1,8km but sure we will see some riders put a foot on tarmac. Yes, you read it well. 29%.

As one of the affected riders ... ... I am reflecting on the options. I thought it was going to be worse. So first impression is ... “not bad”. True that last hour cancellation was a big disappointment and some expenses could have been saved if the decision was taken earlier ... but decision taking was complex at those circumstances. Covid-19 came as a tsunami. Will have to talk with my team mate. Reflect. And decide. By the way, -25% discount for “normal” entries before June 15th is an attractive proposal for new riders! See how things have change in a month: from highly oversubscribed, difficult to get an entry, expensive,... exclusive event,... —> to no lottery, -25% discount for early birds, “please, come in 2021”. What’s behind? My opinion: - uncertainty (will 2021 event take place for sure? Will Covid be overcome?) - prestige of Cape Epic, after the hit - need for cash

@Pelayo Do you know how to contact this group of riders ? I am very interested. Thanks.

Any way to get in contact with these group of 50 riders? Thanks