Hilton.

This explains it quite well, for now: https://www.trainerroad.com/blog/calories-and-power/ (Basically, although 4kJ of effort theoretically requires 1 Calorie (1kcal) of fuel, our human bodies are about 20% - 25% efficient. I.e. We need 4x as much fuel, due to heat loss etc. So we require about 4 Calories to do that work. Hence 1kJ effort ~= 1 Calorie of fuel in)

The rear tyre in the pics clearly says GRID casing, which makes sense for the rockiness of the Epic. I think I remember Matt saying he used the Grid casing in past years? The bike specifications details above says that he uses the Control casing. It's a little detail, but it matters, for preventing punctures. My epic evo came with Control casings, and I found the sidewalls too thin in our WC terrain for surviving the long distance marathon races at speed.

A also want to know about the Seat tube angles. Very slack at 73.5 degrees (in Low position to get 66.5 Head angle). With the flip chip in High position, can get a Seat angle of 74 degrees. The new Epic 8 has a STA of 75.5 degrees (though my 2023 Epic Evo has a STA of 74.5), so not that different I suppose. It looks quite slack though, hanging the saddle right over the rear tire, halfway to the rear hub.

KMC chain for Fini, I believe https://www.instagram.com/p/C4K6oumMErd/?img_index=1

Nino and Fini are a minute back at this point, struggling up the Wagon pass: https://x.com/CapeEpic/status/1769972197110534602?s=20

Here is the Pro model. It costs R190 000. Relative to the S-works, it loses out on: Roval S-Works wheels, the Flight Attendant suspension (on the 2nd from the top model?!), it downgrades the drivetrain to XO T-Type AXS from XXSL, the SL integrated cockpit, and of course the S-Works 12m carbon frame. It loses all of that. And STILL costs as much as the S-Works like 2 years ago. 😡 (Never mind that the Comp is almost identical to my '23 Epic Evo, including 120mm travel and GX mechanical drivetrain, not AXS, for R105k 🤨

And from one Sid the Sloth to another @Sid the Sloth (Dan Loubser) Well done for another impressive year! Sorry your break didn't go the distance, but the bravery on display was inspiring 💪 🏆 Was really great for us to watch the catch up of the Pro's on YouTube after the race.

Here's my equivalent HRZ breakdown. I started in &, and did a 2:55 My strategy this year was to go as hard as I could on the climbs, crest them near-ish the super climbers at the front, and spend little energy chasing back between climbs. The strategy made all the difference this year. 1.85m tall, 75kg, 34yo.

Inside joke 😆 that was also my first thought when I saw this

If there wasn't a pinch point getting onto Nelson Mandela boulevard 1km from the start, resulting in 80% of the group chasing hard to get back on by Hospital Bend, then this wouldn't matter.. then you could just sit anywhere in the group from the start. But as it is, it is much more favourable to be near the front of the group from the gun. It's not about the timing across the mat.

I used to have the Garmin Duel, but at some point it died on me, and warranty couldn't help me (I think it was just outside warranty). I now use the Wahoo Tickr 2, and it's brilliant.

I know what you mean. We need to be very specific about the type of racing, and the terrain / area. In the Western Cape, for long distance XCM over rocky terrain, we need as much durability as we can get. My bike cape with Spez Ground Control 2.4 tires in the Control casing, but those were too thin: Got more than 1 snakebite puncture. I could have gotten the Grid casing, but decided on the Maxxis Rekon R's instead. For XCO, or less rugged terrain, I think you can save weight with the Pirelli's etc. I would.

Love my Maxxis Rekon Race's, EXO casing, 2.35 front and back. Super durable, fast rolling, and relatively light-weight for the width. Also importantly, they have solid cornering knobs, which lots of other similar tires skimp on.

Absolutely amazing. That kloof, Die Hel, is so beautiful, wow. I need to organise a trip out there. Thanks for sharing

If I remember correctly from previous years, the Racetec seeding batch is more of a general suggestion of your batch for PPA-type races. I don't think it necessarily tells you exactly which Cycle Tour start batch you will be in. Probably close though.

Has anybody who did the 99er received their official CTCT seeding batch email yet? On the 13th Feb (15 days ago already!), we all received the following email: "Most race numbers have already been allocated. However, your seeding is currently being processed and will be sent out shortly. Entrants who will not be receiving their seeding just yet include: Recent entrants and substitutions Riders who participated in the Gryphon 99er (expect your seeding next week) ... A final seeding notification will be sent prior to the commencement of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Registration and Lifecycle Expo "

The Imbuko was a fantastic route. What a privilege to be able to ride these amazing trails. All the pros in quoted here also said how great it was. Big Kudos to the organisers as well. The water point at Canetsfontein had a great vibe, and all the WPs were well stocked. And wow, how was the Cliff Hanger ?!? Wow! The downhill hairpin bends were hairy, but yoh the view!! I met up with another rider who had a fall on the way down - I hope there weren't too many falls. All around, it was a special experience. Last note: the litter! Come on guys. I was about 1/3rd from the front of the field, so there was more than half the riders behind me, and the number of discarded gels on the route was terrible. We have to do better

Having done the Attakwas and the Imbuko Big5 both more than once each, I can attest that I feel more broken after this than even the Atta! 🔥 Toughest 1 day mountain bike race that I've ever ridden - why do we do this to ourselves?

Well there they are, seeding emails just got sent out. In D. I think I'll need to query that at registration - should be a bit higher. But I think there are a few different race timing services out there, not all sharing results.

Link for more info and pics: https://outercycles.com/products/the-link-gx Geometry, for those interested:

Lyne just released a new line of E-bikes, branded as Outer Cycles. Very exciting for this great brand based in Cape Town: I'm sure more details and a full write-up will be coming soon here. In the meantime, some pics and details: Alloy frames 160mm front and rear suspension travel 85N.m Shimano EP8 Motor (32Kph) 630Wh Shimano Battery Lyne Components dropper post, cockpit and rims The Link model comes in two build kits: GX groupset, Rockshox ZEB Fork, Rockshox Super Deluxe Shock, SRAM Code R brakes NX/GX groupset, Rockshox 35 Gold Fork, Rockshox Deluxe Shock, SRAM DB8 Brakes What do you guys think?

Update: 40 degrees forecast now for Oudtshoorn:

Oh boy, long-term forecast is looking HOT 🥵 Oudtshoorn on Windguru:

Any update on the Coros integration with Vitality? Is this likely to happen this year? Especially with that lovely, well-priced Eliud Kipchoge edition Pace 3... @Christian van Zyl

Wait, nevermind, I think it's been smoothed out a lot! Check here: