AfterDark

Tx, we are super chuffed with Marco and Pieter's result today. Had a bit of bad luck in previous stages. But had great support from Wessel and Franko backing them. And today it all came together beautifully.

Merger of Typedev Nanotime & Imbuko Giant - made sense for us to combine our resources and to better help out some of the young talent in SA. Hopefully we can help them to get them to the Alan / Matt level so they can do their thing on the international stage as well.

Tristan N has signed up with an international outfit (same as Matt) - you'll probably see them in that teams colours this coming weekend at the Attakwas.

Congrats and well done to all that finished. It is for sure an awesome achievement. Seeing how the pro's were suffering up front, my thoughts went out to the regular Joes and Janes making up the bulk of the field.

Wessel/Tristan showed a lot of fighting spirit over the last half of the stage after Wessel went down hard, lost loads of time and had to replace his seat post. I would hope there is still a race in it between Pyga / Typedev for the red, would make for great viewing.

Unfortunate for Canyon, but it is the nature of the beast to survive all for a week. I'm so stoked for Matt/Jordan having a great day out and stretching the lead over 2nd place. And our other SA teams also had a good day out moving up on the standings. Good to see our teams perform in our backyard.

Got the inside info via my team at the race. Not wanting to spread hearsay, l assume there will be some sort of official release before tomorrow's start when they have validated the times.

Seems you were correct. The team was given a 5 minute time penalty for not swapping out their time chip when they changed over race numbers. Change of bikes are allowed in the race.

I see that rules are dated 2019 & the UCI one is in force from 10/06/2021. I would not think that local race rules can trump UCI regulations. But, there is a manager's meeting at 14:30 - let's see how Epic interpret the rules.

That's why I am asking because the UCI Cycling Regulations: Part IV Mountain Bike states: Technical assistance 4.2.045 Technical assistance during a race is permitted subject to the conditions below. 4.2.046 Authorised technical assistance during a race consists of repairs to or the replacement of any part of the bicycle other than the frame. Bike changes are not permitted and the rider must cross the finish line with the same handlebar number plate that he had at the start.

A quick question to all the knowledgeable Hubbers, as a keen follower of the Epic, I received unconfirmed information that one of the front teams allegedly had to swap out a bike with their 'back-up' team due to a failure of sorts. The question I have; is it allowed to swap out bikes between teams on a mountain bike race, especially a UCI status race? If not, what would the possible repercussions for the team be?

TransB #5 done and dusted. Toughest road conditions up to checkpoint 2 thus far. Felt like riding a jackhammer over the first 100km. And with the headwind, it made for a tough day in the saddle. The blocks they put down on the Fangs made that part easier, MAC is also in good condition with the repairs made, Mini Mac is also much better going with the loose rocks removed. Make sure everything is bolted tight and enjoy the coming weekend boys and girls.

Is it only me or is there a bit of a spelling mistake on the medal. Or maybe it was with opset tweetaling

Who is organising the Sabie Experience for 2012? Dont see it listed on the www.gocyclingsa.co.za as one of their events any more.

Finished first Baviaans. Didnt know what to expect and took it as it came. Was exhausted, sore and cold at end but had blast. Well done to all that finished. And special tx to the organisers and the all the support staff. Can just imagine how draining it was to man the check points through the night. Now it can tick one more of my to do list.