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Question:
Cape Epic 2021 will be limitd to x number of riders based on which authority:
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?
On 8/26/2021 at 10:04 AM, eala said:We have an entry and are preparing .I reckon there might even be less than 500 .We had an option to postpone before the 10th august .So far no other communication .If the WC is on level 1 ,then 500 riders .Will WC be on level 1 in October is the big Question .Personally i don't think level 1 in 5 weeks is realistic .
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.
On 8/16/2021 at 10:48 AM, david@bikeshop.co.ke said:Hey SA MTB'ers . . .
The organizers said 60 days prior to the event starting 17th there would be an announcement . . .
What's the COVID status in South Africa at the moment? Are you guys racing other events, are they going ahead?Thanks a lot!
David Carroll.
Emotionally fatigued and stressed 2021 rider from Kenya.
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:It’s going to be interesting for sure.
Roglic seems to be struggling when things get steeper than about 15%, in his favour is the long flat that he can TT on better than outright climbers.
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!
As one of the riders affected by this, I think this is a reasonable and fair outcome and the organisers have done well given the circumstances. Many of the optional extras are also being carried over at 100% of value. I now have the motivation back to hit the turbo while in lockdown and start training towards 2021!
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
I know of a large group of about 50 international riders (including some lawyers) that are looking to take legal action against the organisers. This is subject to the outcome of their response in terms of redress or defer options.
The basis for the legal action would be along the lines of the misrepresentation act in UK law as the organisers waited to the very last moment to communicate their decision, which left international riders having travelled to cape town, without the possibility to cancel or postpone flights, accommodation, camper rentals...etc
@Pelayo
Do you know how to contact this group of riders ? I am very interested. Thanks.
I know of a large group of about 50 international riders (including some lawyers) that are looking to take legal action against the organisers. This is subject to the outcome of their response in terms of redress or defer options.
The basis for the legal action would be along the lines of the misrepresentation act in UK law as the organisers waited to the very last moment to communicate their decision, which left international riders having travelled to cape town, without the possibility to cancel or postpone flights, accommodation, camper rentals...etc
Any way to get in contact with these group of 50 riders?
Thanks
No man don't be silly. You just want to sell more tyre plugs nuh?
another advantage to high volume tyres for sandy courses is you can fit a lot more sealant in them to combat thorns!!! You really do want the extra cushionon the front wheel though. sharp edged rocks will be aplenty as will thorns and all other kinds of trail obstacles that a slice of your tyres.
Pick your favourite tyre and get the 2.35-2.4 version of it
[emoji119]
[emoji108]
Superb!
It still has the same side knob profile and that is when it lets go in the corner
Looking at the "race" I think it will float even more. but that is just my opinion
Why do you want such an aggressive Tyre for the Epic?
Ardent Race gives me a little bit more confidence than the IKON as a front tyre.
And still rolls well.
My doubt was mainly in the size of the tyres,... as I am not used to 2.35 ...
Thanks for all your info!
I found my Ardent "float" on and and nearly lost the front on many corners.
Epic route is going to be DRY and sandy
Just to clarify that I did not meant Ardent,... but Ardent Race (which is like a hybrid between the Ardent and the Ikon).
Thanks to all for your replies and valuable information!
The course is going to be very sandy with a lot of lose rock about.
The higher volume tyres will provide more comfort through a slightly lower air pressure and better floatation through the sand
Hi DieselInDust!
Nerves picking up as the date for the race approaches,....
Doubt about tyre choice....
Front I have it clear, Ardent Race 29x2.35 with EXO
Rear is where I am more doubtful, ... Ikon but in what size? 2.2 or 2.35?
2.2 is my regular choice and I am a bit concern on such high volume tyre of the 2.35 as a rear tyre.... but maybe the 2020 course deserves it. What’s your opinion? Will you be riding the Cape Epic?
The eco casing with triple compound is enough. You don't want the heaviest tyres for the 2020 route. High volume fast rolling tread is perfect. Don't run pressure lower than 1.4bar in the 2.35. If you do then use a foam liner or procore
And why do you recommend high volume? My normal choice of tires for such races is Ardent Race 29x2.2 EXO 3C front and Ikon 29x2.2 EXO 3C rear,... but maybe should I look to higher volume version? Aren’t they more easy to puncture? 6 months to test and check.
Thanks a lot for your valuable information. [emoji119]
Thanks a lot!That wagon trail descent is treacherous. Very narrow loose stones and very rocky.
I would also opt for 2.35 to 2.4 tyres for the 2020 Cape epic. Lots of sand next year. Sharpen up on your sense of humour too. Trust me, you will need it
Wasn’t it rocky and puncture prone?
I was thinking in wearing Ikon 29x2.35 tires with Double Down (reinforces casing and more rubber for extra protection),... but they weight almost a kilo per tire!
Apart from weight, another drawback of those DD tires is that they are difficult to fit in (and take out) the rim, if needed, to fit a tube in case of puncture....
Question for the local riders or for riders who know the Cape Epic 2020 tracks ...
Would you go with or without a dropper post?
Thanks!
Wooooowwww!
Excited about the route for Cape Epic 2020!
Need to double the training to get prepared for the race,... check our presentation video here:
In Spanish but pretty straight forward... and some nice drone footage too. Tell us if you like it! Thanks.
Hi Fernando,
Same problem here. They refunded ... but in my case not the exact amount (small differences due to currency, maybe?). I asked for the difference, around 50€ in my case... See if they make the full refund.
regards y saludos desde euskadi!
Iker A
All money refunded... including the remaining 50€.
So situation restored.
The cape epic organization has been very supportive and insistent with their bank until situation has been fully restored.
Thanks to Nathalie Diacon - Athlete Services Coordiantor - for helping with this until it has been resolved.
back to training!
;-)
Hi epictarmac and everyone. ABSA has many "small banks" like Barclays Mauritius which by the way was the bank that received the money at least for those early birds entries... may be Absa saving some taxes???? At last the own Mauritius bank fixed the problem. Wasn`t Cape Epic issue they said. Might be true, but no help from them, just good words. And a good week of headache for me and my bank here. Hope you get it solved quickly!!!
Hi Fernando,
Same problem here. They refunded ... but in my case not the exact amount (small differences due to currency, maybe?). I asked for the difference, around 50€ in my case... See if they make the full refund.
regards y saludos desde euskadi!
Iker A
Cape Epic 2021 happening?
in Absa Cape Epic
Posted
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!