Absa Cape Epic 2018

[davetapson]

The epic is so tough/easy even Nino now has a DNF

Yesterday's stage was so hard it broke him? Or would that have been the prologue?

[Boerklong]

Did not see him in the pack this morning

[Gen]

Expect a lot of wheelies for the helicopter today, then.

 

 

thought about it this morning.

 

I know they lost time yesterday, but for stirneman to pull out 18 hours before the start of stage 2 seemed a bit premature....the body can recover amazingly sometimes. Defending champs could have at least waited until km 30 today before pulling the plug.

 

 

{but what do i know}

If they feel that it isn't worth putting his body through that then it's the right call....they have a xco season to prepare for and I suppose time spent trying to ride while your body recovers could be better spent recovering properly to focus in the next goals..

 

NINO has a xco season to fight for and it's going to be some fight...why go ride around the WC if you can't win anything as a solo/outcast rider when you can be spending that time more effectively in preparation of the rest of the xco season.

 

Sure Nino will thrill us all with some nice tailwhips today.[emoji1303]

 

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[Eldron]

This could have been due to the weather too? There were some tough days.

 

For sure.

 

Slight tangent.... You could also argue that 29er wheels and dual suspended bikes have grown tremendously in the last few years so the DNF rate should have dropped accordingly. It didn't so "obviously" the race has gotten harder....

 

Either way I think you're way off the mark with your "epic lite" and "series of XC races" comment.

 

The stats suggest it's just as hard as it has always been.

[PhilipV]

Maybe it's because the majority of riders these days have deep pockets/celebs?

Don't get me wrong, the epic is a hell of a tough stage race day in and day out.

 

I'm not convinced the current format is tougher compared to the previous years. All of them were tough. Also if you look at the huge improvements in bikes, equipment, nutrition and better training programs, you should not have an excuse not to finish unless you get sick or crashed out.

 

Just my 2c, armchair critic (cum laude).

I think the deep pocket/celeb factor does contribute.

 

Having done the old format in 2006, I reckon is much rather do the current format with more trails, more rocky jeep tracks and generally harder terrain than the old long gravel road epic. Flip that was 120-140kms of boring (did add to the mental element though.)

 

But I reckon we'll see at least one or two hard days still this year that will have people saying "this year is the toughest ever" or "this was the toughest stage ever."

[Thor Buttox]

This thread needs to take a lesson from Bob Dylan in that maybe it's just that 'The times are a changing'...

 

Come gather round people whereever you moan...

 

Just enjoy the race for what it is - a gentle meander around the winelands with gyppo guts everywhere, dust everywhere, no water anywhere... Sounds like a piece of cake.

[nathrix]

I think the deep pocket/celeb factor does contribute.

 

Having done the old format in 2006, I reckon is much rather do the current format with more trails, more rocky jeep tracks and generally harder terrain than the old long gravel road epic. Flip that was 120-140kms of boring (did add to the mental element though.)

 

But I reckon we'll see at least one or two hard days still this year that will have people saying "this year is the toughest ever" or "this was the toughest stage ever."

 

On 26" alu/steel htails with rim brakes

 

Fortunately today we have gravel bikes for those long dirt roads

[PhilipV]

On 26" alu/steel htails with rim brakes

 

Fortunately today we have gravel bikes for those long dirt roads

Jip, I rode a giant XTC2. Tubeless was a game changer then.

 

Even on a gravel grinder I'll still be noted out of my mind. If it wasn't for the partner and conversation of the people around us I would have had a totally different experience.

[nathrix]

 

 

[V12man]

Did not see him in the pack this morning

He would be starting in A group - so he doesnt interfere with the racing - assuming he starts that is.

[stefmeister]

Expect a lot of wheelies for the helicopter today, then.

 

 

thought about it this morning.

 

I know they lost time yesterday, but for stirneman to pull out 18 hours before the start of stage 2 seemed a bit premature....the body can recover amazingly sometimes. Defending champs could have at least waited until km 30 today before pulling the plug.

 

 

{but what do i know}

For many the Epic might seem like a really big deal, but these guys are professional athletes where this is just but one of many races in a year. No point risking any potential health damage or recovery for some bragging rights. It's only the plebs that brag around the braai and internet forums about how they're so tough and managed to finish their race with only one wheel and explosive diarrhoea.

[fanievb]

He would be starting in A group - so he doesnt interfere with the racing - assuming he starts that is.

 

tracker show him in the race village 

[SwissVan]

Expect a lot of wheelies for the helicopter today, then.

 

 

thought about it this morning.

 

I know they lost time yesterday, but for stirneman to pull out 18 hours before the start of stage 2 seemed a bit premature....the body can recover amazingly sometimes. Defending champs could have at least waited until km 30 today before pulling the plug.

 

 

{but what do i know}

Was thinking the same

But usualy with these top guys it’s all or nothing

Edit: Also it would be awkward and difficult not to influence the outcome for other teams, unless he just cruised with the fun riders

[dev null]

Was thinking the same

But usualy with these top guys it’s all or nothing

Edit: Also it would be awkward and difficult not to influence the outcome for other teams, unless he just cruised with the fun riders

 

Knowing Nino, that is exactly what he would do. Cruising among the pack having a jol.

[Chingy182]

Yesterday's stage was so hard it broke him? Or would that have been the prologue?

Best guess is he probably arrived at the epic under-prepared, unfit and fat

[Hairy]

Puncture for KulH....spaz tyres don't seem to have much luck at the Epic