Argus 2014

[Wez-O]

Wesley, where were you seeded? I've been bumped from VA to B group! I reckon a minute isn't too much to catch...

Same with me, also VA to B...

I think we need to split the B group wheel suckers off and join the guys such as Reece and Madlight in making a select "breakaway".

[nebukanezer]

Hi all

 

Norwegian 1st time participant traveling to SA for Cape Argus and found this forum via google. I have some questions that I couldn't manage to find answers to on the official web-site - perhaps someone here could help? After sending some results (had 18 races last year with several podiums) to the organizer they put me in "A".

- What are the VB, VM, VA groups? Says "masters"? Does SA have some sort of seperate master-license system that is different from the UCI-master licenses we have in Europe?

- Will the V- groups then start (with elite ladies) in the start of of the 6:24 group, and us in "A" be placed in the back? How big handicap is this?

- Does the official time start when we cross the start-mat for the 6:24 field? If so then it might actually be an advantage to start in the back and move up in the field?... Sprinting to the finish-line becomes pretty meaningless then also.

- Should i expect the field to move as one massive peleton the first 40-50kms, or will there be break-aways and smaller (faster) groups forming already during the first climb (Edin. dr?)?

- Does anyone know how many riders are in this field (va, vm, vb, ladies, a)?

 

Thanks for any help

[walkerr]

Hi all

 

Norwegian 1st time participant traveling to SA for Cape Argus and found this forum via google. I have some questions that I couldn't manage to find answers to on the official web-site - perhaps someone here could help? After sending some results (had 18 races last year with several podiums) to the organizer they put me in "A".

- What are the VB, VM, VA groups? Says "masters"? Does SA have some sort of seperate master-license system that is different from the UCI-master licenses we have in Europe?

- Will the V- groups then start (with elite ladies) in the start of of the 6:24 group, and us in "A" be placed in the back? How big handicap is this?

- Does the official time start when we cross the start-mat for the 6:24 field? If so then it might actually be an advantage to start in the back and move up in the field?... Sprinting to the finish-line becomes pretty meaningless then also.

- Should i expect the field to move as one massive peleton the first 40-50kms, or will there be break-aways and smaller (faster) groups forming already during the first climb (Edin. dr?)?

- Does anyone know how many riders are in this field (va, vm, vb, ladies, a)?

 

Thanks for any help

 

I am no racer - the other guys will help I'm sure. The one thing I can confirm though is you have your own timing chip. Your time will be when your chip that time crosses the start and finish lines.

 

I'd also say there is no advantage in the Argus to being at the back - bunches get clogged and you get stuck. Stay up front, sit in a small group and share the work over the first 2 ramps up to Hospital Bend and Wynberg, and then make sure you find a nice fast and sensible group for the blast down the blue route. Long and fast, need a good slip, and don't want any muppets who can't bunch ride bringing you down.

 

Enjoy - you'll have an awesome time!

 

Edit: I doubt A group have many muppets though. Sorry, no offense intended

Edited February 13, 2014 by walkerr

[Pure Savage]

Hi all

 

Norwegian 1st time participant traveling to SA for Cape Argus and found this forum via google. I have some questions that I couldn't manage to find answers to on the official web-site - perhaps someone here could help? After sending some results (had 18 races last year with several podiums) to the organizer they put me in "A".

- What are the VB, VM, VA groups? Says "masters"? Does SA have some sort of seperate master-license system that is different from the UCI-master licenses we have in Europe?

- Will the V- groups then start (with elite ladies) in the start of of the 6:24 group, and us in "A" be placed in the back? How big handicap is this?

- Does the official time start when we cross the start-mat for the 6:24 field? If so then it might actually be an advantage to start in the back and move up in the field?... Sprinting to the finish-line becomes pretty meaningless then also.

- Should i expect the field to move as one massive peleton the first 40-50kms, or will there be break-aways and smaller (faster) groups forming already during the first climb (Edin. dr?)?

- Does anyone know how many riders are in this field (va, vm, vb, ladies, a)?

 

Thanks for any help

 

1st question, is your name Edvald by any chance

 

There is no master license as far as I know.

 

They group V's elite ladies in A in one big start chute, first come first serve.

 

Your time starts at 6:24, it does not matter when you cross the mat (Within reason) and ends when you cross the mat at the end.

 

Field should stay together till about 50km.

 

Nobody knows yet the size of the bunches. last year they were 400, we suspect this year they may be smaller.

[Wez-O]

Hi all

 

Norwegian 1st time participant traveling to SA for Cape Argus and found this forum via google. I have some questions that I couldn't manage to find answers to on the official web-site - perhaps someone here could help? After sending some results (had 18 races last year with several podiums) to the organizer they put me in "A".

- What are the VB, VM, VA groups? Says "masters"? Does SA have some sort of seperate master-license system that is different from the UCI-master licenses we have in Europe?

- Will the V- groups then start (with elite ladies) in the start of of the 6:24 group, and us in "A" be placed in the back? How big handicap is this?

- Does the official time start when we cross the start-mat for the 6:24 field? If so then it might actually be an advantage to start in the back and move up in the field?... Sprinting to the finish-line becomes pretty meaningless then also.

- Should i expect the field to move as one massive peleton the first 40-50kms, or will there be break-aways and smaller (faster) groups forming already during the first climb (Edin. dr?)?

- Does anyone know how many riders are in this field (va, vm, vb, ladies, a)?

 

Thanks for any help

Welcome to what will most certainly be a great experience for you.

 

Okay the answers to the best of my knowledge:

- You will find your seeding group by going to racetec.co.za then "My Profile" then "My Events / Results".

Your details and start time will be there.

- SA does have a UCI licensed system which is used for the elite and vet groups including VA (30-29), VB (40-49) & VM (50+). I'm not sure how this is linked to any International system though.

- The start group system this year has changed from previous years, but it does appear that the VA, VB, VM, A & elite woman groups will be small and start together. This will be a very fast group of around 250 cyclists one would assume.

- The official start time is when the gun goes.

- I would expect the group to stick together for the first 40km or so, yes.

[TALUS]

I am sure timing is gun to mat (confirming what they said above). I have been caught out with that.

[nebukanezer]

Great - thanks TALUS, Wez-O, skistart15 and walkerr! Very helpful.

 

Yes I'm sure it will be a great experience - looking forward to it! Fingers x'd for good weather!

 

I'm staying in Cape Town the week before the race and plan to do some training rides. Is the best to just ride south from Camps Bay (early morning perhaps)? If someone has a link to a strava route/ride which they would recommend when traning from Cape Town (staying in Camps Bay), that would be most appreciated. Thanks again.

 

(It is, by the way, slightly challenging to prepare for the race here since its mid-winter... cycled 50k before work this morning in a Blizzard... )

 

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U7kCxFP_deI/ULtRCGkOwyI/AAAAAAAAMiI/YHAdJhjAn9Q/s1600/GOPR5698.JPG

[Wannabe]

You say you are in Cape Town the week before already. There is a group of us that will be doing our final long distance training ride on Saturday 1st March. As you are not allowed to cycle on the first section of the route, we will be following a slight detour and join up with the Argus route proper at the foot of Boyes drive.

Unfortunately it will be a relaxed pace, and might be a bit slow / boring for you. At least it gives you firsthand experience of the majority of the route, and the guys can give you tips on how to handle it.

Edited February 13, 2014 by Wannabe

[Wez-O]

Great - thanks TALUS, Wez-O, skistart15 and walkerr! Very helpful.

 

Yes I'm sure it will be a great experience - looking forward to it! Fingers x'd for good weather!

 

I'm staying in Cape Town the week before the race and plan to do some training rides. Is the best to just ride south from Camps Bay (early morning perhaps)? If someone has a link to a strava route/ride which they would recommend when traning from Cape Town (staying in Camps Bay), that would be most appreciated. Thanks again.

 

(It is, by the way, slightly challenging to prepare for the race here since its mid-winter... cycled 50k before work this morning in a Blizzard... )

Yes, ride from Camps Bay towards Hout Bay and along Chapmans peak (which is the race route in reverse), and turn around and return to Camps Bay. Well that's what I do at least. Perhaps the Cape Town locals have more routes to suggest for you.

[Wez-O]

If you have a car, perhaps you should also drive down to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek and ride those roads. It's an incredible area that you must try see.

[Micky Mouse]

And some of them would have been beaten by 26ers. And maybe a BMX... and 7000 roadbikes

And the unicycles

[Smartie]

Hi all

 

Norwegian 1st time participant traveling to SA for Cape Argus and found this forum via google. I have some questions that I couldn't manage to find answers to on the official web-site - perhaps someone here could help? After sending some results (had 18 races last year with several podiums) to the organizer they put me in "A".

- What are the VB, VM, VA groups? Says "masters"? Does SA have some sort of seperate master-license system that is different from the UCI-master licenses we have in Europe?

- Will the V- groups then start (with elite ladies) in the start of of the 6:24 group, and us in "A" be placed in the back? How big handicap is this?

- Does the official time start when we cross the start-mat for the 6:24 field? If so then it might actually be an advantage to start in the back and move up in the field?... Sprinting to the finish-line becomes pretty meaningless then also.

- Should i expect the field to move as one massive peleton the first 40-50kms, or will there be break-aways and smaller (faster) groups forming already during the first climb (Edin. dr?)?

- Does anyone know how many riders are in this field (va, vm, vb, ladies, a)?

 

Thanks for any help

You see, it is with guys like these that the 1 minute gap from 'A' to 'B' might be insurmountable as otherwise suggested...

[Dragu]

Hi Nebukanezer, BIG respect for a 50k before work in Blizzard. With that in mind you must be pretty strong, fit and fast. Guys have already given you good advice and i would agree, get to your start bunch early and get to the front if possible. Timing is from gun to finish mat so if you start at the back of the bunch you might loose up to a minute or more just to cross the start line and by that time the front end of the bunch is flying. You will save yourself a lot off energy and some time starting at the front. 'A' still a strong group and weather permitting the sharp end of this group should dip under the 3 hour mark which is the benchmark for the more serious Argus cyclist. as for training, yes go South from camps bay toward Houtbay down Suikerbossie and over Chapmans Peak to Noordhoek and back the same way. Will give you some good hills and a good scope of the last third of the race.

 

Other than that, just enjoy the SA sunshine, good people food and drink! All the best!

[nebukanezer]

You say you are in Cape Town the week before already. There is a group of us that will be doing our final long distance training ride on Saturday 1st March. As you are not allowed to cycle on the first section of the route, we will be following a slight detour and join up with the Argus route proper at the foot of Boyes drive.

Unfortunately it will be a relaxed pace, and might be a bit slow / boring for you. At least it gives you firsthand experience of the majority of the route, and the guys can give you tips on how to handle it.

 

Thanks for the opportunity However I'm arriving on the 4th and first ride for me will be on the morning of the 5th.

[nebukanezer]

Thanks Wez-O and Dragus for the route advice - sounds like a good plan. Yes Dragus, I'm definately ready to enjoy the SA sunshine, people, food and drink! Perhaps wait with the drinks until after the race though!

[Wannabe]

Thanks for the opportunity However I'm arriving on the 4th and first ride for me will be on the morning of the 5th.

 

Cool. Enjoy your stay here.