Cape Epic Exxaro development teams

[Metzet]

Marketing ploy by Exarro..

 

probably would have been better to get a lot more (prev disadv) riders involved by supplying entry level MTBs and entering "cheaper" 3 day stage races.. those that perform in the top of their group get to race the EPIC.

 

Healthy competition amongst their academy, race experience at a "low key event " but more importantly you have at least exposed more people to cycling.. if that was the true intention of the Exarro academy..

 

my 2c..

[Bira]

You guys are totally out of line .I personally train two of those so called spur fun riders ,namely Spha Mtshali and Siyabonga Njiva . These guys only received comfirmation of there epic entry about three months before the Epic . They worked very hard in a very short space of time to get into shape just to finish this ride . Given the short space of time they did very well . Contrary to your s short sighted and uneducated comments , these two riders did not receive unlimited support from a big corporation . A entry yes , but the rest my privileged friends. Came out there own pockets . So judge not !

So someone looks at the telly and is an instant expert. Amazing powers of deduction and intuition!

To say they shouldn't have been there because of skills/attitude whatever is absolute bollocks, because by the same token MANY of the non development riders shouldn't have been there either.

I admire the Exxaro initiative.

It looks sustainable and is well integrated on the branding platform of the Cape Epic, right alongside Absa, etc.

 

What is impressive is the statement that, in a few years, they want to compete at the highest level.

 

+ 10000000

 

The key word here is "development". These guys were given a shot at something that they might never had experienced otherwise.

They can take what they have learned from this and better themselves going forward.

 

Everyone should be able to enjoy this sport......

Edited April 5, 2012 by Bira

[Metzet]

So someone looks at the telly and is an instant expert. Amazing powers of deduction and intuition!

To say they shouldn't have been there because of skills/attitude whatever is absolute bollocks, because by the same token MANY of the non development riders shouldn't have been there either.

 

its not bollocks if.. they have been coached properly and have a bit of race experience and they still continue to do it!

...that goes for the non development riders too...

 

doesn't matter if you pink, green, black or white, if you racing / behaving like a MUPPET, then you shouldn't be there..

[scotty]

.

['Dale]

Maybe 'development' window dressing to an extent, but at least they are doing something there, which is LOT more than can be said for other events./ series.

 

Also Christophs Songo project is great work - BMX track in the 'location' etc, that's making a diffs for sure..

 

:thumbup:

['Dale]

.

 

Garfield watching some soapie, eh, Scotty...

[sharkysa]

I rode with a few off the Exxaro riders,obviuosly their ettiquette and skills in the bunch were not great but that is to be expected. There are many experienced riders that do the same things which is irritating. I just tried to explain some of the 'rules' of riding and thats all they needed was a helping hand.

 

I also chatted to a few of the riders and they were having the experience of a lifetime and full of smiles, good for them.

 

the only negative thing I witnessed was one of the riders throwing his emty water bottle into the fynbos, not cool.

 

Otherwise I am all for seeing more participation by underprivilaged riders in our sport.

[Danger Dassie]

its not bollocks if.. they have been coached properly and have a bit of race experience and they still continue to do it!

...that goes for the non development riders too...

 

doesn't matter if you pink, green, black or white, if you racing / behaving like a MUPPET, then you shouldn't be there..

 

It is bollocks. They have singled out purely because of the 'development' tag. If it was anyone else there wouldn't be any of this moer en toe.

[Danger Dassie]

I rode with a few off the Exxaro riders,obviuosly their ettiquette and skills in the bunch were not great but that is to be expected. There are many experienced riders that do the same things which is irritating. I just tried to explain some of the 'rules' of riding and thats all they needed was a helping hand.

 

I also chatted to a few of the riders and they were having the experience of a lifetime and full of smiles, good for them.

 

the only negative thing I witnessed was one of the riders throwing his emty water bottle into the fynbos, not cool.

 

Otherwise I am all for seeing more participation by underprivilaged riders in our sport.

 

Exactly my dealings with them. Think also a lot of the issues where in large part to feeling overwhelmed with an event like this, but it's been an invaluable learning curve.

[Metzet]

It is bollocks. They have singled out purely because of the 'development' tag. If it was anyone else there wouldn't be any of this moer en toe.

 

read my post...if they had been coached properly and have a bit of race experience ..

 

if the guys don't know then YES it is bollocks.

 

It's a purely marketing strategy by Exarro .. the end

[reteid]

if walking up a hill is an indication of a development rider that should not be there in the race then i am also a development rider .i walk some uphills maybe because i have developed more around the waist the last 25 years since starting cyling.

[scotty]

Garfield watching some soapie, eh, Scotty...

Quiet morning at work so it's something to liven it up.

[4u2nv]

You guys are totally out of line .I personally train two of those so called spur fun riders ,namely Spha Mtshali and Siyabonga Njiva . These guys only received comfirmation of there epic entry about three months before the Epic . They worked very hard in a very short space of time to get into shape just to finish this ride . Given the short space of time they did very well . Contrary to your s short sighted and uneducated comments , these two riders did not receive unlimited support from a big corporation . A entry yes , but the rest my privileged friends. Came out there own pockets . So judge not !

 

Entry = limited support ? mmmm

Can I get some limited support for next year please. I will buy bring my bike, you supply the entry and kit.

Thanks.

['Dale]

You guys are totally out of line .I personally train two of those so called spur fun riders ,namely Spha Mtshali and Siyabonga Njiva . These guys only received comfirmation of there epic entry about three months before the Epic . They worked very hard in a very short space of time to get into shape just to finish this ride . Given the short space of time they did very well . Contrary to your s short sighted and uneducated comments , these two riders did not receive unlimited support from a big corporation . A entry yes , but the rest my privileged friends. Came out there own pockets . So judge not !

 

I remember that story of "a late call" during one of the interviews.

During the interview, the riders were talking about still being school-going and how it was tough to train in light of that.

 

Anyone who starts up in this tough endurance sport is a 'development' rider.

 

Being enabled with some means and opportunies to do so by some positive initiatives like Exxaro is special, visionary and exemplary.

Bring it on!

 

:thumbup: :thumbup:

[Sharkie 2]

What bunch are all of you people reffering to?

This is a MTB event, a bunch does not help you even close to what a road cycling bunch does. What if there is a huge hole in the jeep track or a rock, must they just ride through it?

[Pusher]

Marketing ploy by Exarro..

 

probably would have been better to get a lot more (prev disadv) riders involved by supplying entry level MTBs and entering "cheaper" 3 day stage races.. those that perform in the top of their group get to race the EPIC.

 

Healthy competition amongst their academy, race experience at a "low key event " but more importantly you have at least exposed more people to cycling.. if that was the true intention of the Exarro academy..

 

my 2c..

I agree. Think The Epic might have been a bit over the top for their first multi-day stage race.