LeoKnight Posted March 22, 2018 Posted March 22, 2018 Ooh. So basically 111km of sandy, rocky hell. Watch for a few retirees because of falls or broken bikes, or just plain broken spirit because of all the sand. At the end of the day they will feel like they had done 200km on their MTBs. I predict more time lost by some teams because of sidewall cuts. This stage is all about looking after your bike and your body. + wind
Eldron Posted March 22, 2018 Posted March 22, 2018 I quite agree. Ariane certianly wasn't managing the racing with a new partner very well. Especially one who was not only new to the Epic but quite possibly doing her first big race for the year which just happens to be a demanding stage race. Contrast that to how Annika has managed Kate and her efforts. Kate, like Gita, is new to the race not that you'll notice it from either the results or how good she looks at the end of a stage. One thing doing big numbers in training and another to do them in racing. Annika has helped her adjust well. Barring a big bad mechanical I can not see how Team Sparkle Watts is going to lose this. Sent from my SM-J200H using Tapatalk Agreed....but....I think Kate prepared better than Gita. Kate was logging HUGE miles and prepping specifically for the Epic. I heard a lot of "for the first time" and "not used to" in interviews with Gita. I don't think the problem was all Ariane's fault. That said - we know very little so it's mostly speculation :-)
LeoKnight Posted March 22, 2018 Posted March 22, 2018 Agreed....but....I think Kate prepared better than Gita. Kate was logging HUGE miles and prepping specifically for the Epic. I heard a lot of "for the first time" and "not used to" in interviews with Gita. I don't think the problem was all Ariane's fault. That said - we know very little so it's mostly speculation :-) Agree with your assessment, 1) we don't know what was discussed between the two of them, be that what the strategy was going to be, preferences around support, sharing of experience, etc. For all we know it could have been Gita's request for the approach to how they support each other. 2) In her own words, she knew this is a new experience for her, that she knew that the last 30km every day is going to be tough for her, limited long miles training, the heat, the dust, and the speed was pushing her over the limits everyday. What I did hear in her interviews is that she was really putting in everything all on the line, as she did not want to disappoint her partner who offered her the opportunity. I do hope that Gita rides the Epic next year again, having gains some much needed experience in the last few days, regarding her choice of partner, on that I can't comment.
ichnusa Posted March 22, 2018 Posted March 22, 2018 How am I supposed to track Kulhavy if his tracker is off?
Shebeen Posted March 22, 2018 Posted March 22, 2018 So since the mens race is still wide open, today might be pivotal being the last “long” day (more time out, more chance of gaining overall time). Is it just me or is Fumic/Avancini one of the few top teams with both partners performing at the same level? Most of the other teams are somehow mismatched in terms of shape, skill, health, etc.well well well that's all good and proper, until you look at tomorrow's stage http://www.cape-epic.com/cms/data/route/122.20170915025304.img.jpg 39kms...pfft, what's the fuss? 1430m of climbing?!!.....holy kamoly, do you know how hard it is going to be managing your effort here on tired legs? okes are going to pop like mielies on the stove
Eldron Posted March 22, 2018 Posted March 22, 2018 well well well that's all good and proper, until you look at tomorrow's stage http://www.cape-epic.com/cms/data/route/122.20170915025304.img.jpg 39kms...pfft, what's the fuss? 1430m of climbing?!!.....holy kamoly, do you know how hard it is going to be managing your effort here on tired legs? okes are going to pop like mielies on the stove I looked at the climbing and thought "pffff that's nothing in the Epic" - then I realised it was the TT. 1430m of climbing in 39km is hardcore. I bet Grotts is giggling in glee that he'll be the hammer for a change!
s14phoenix Posted March 22, 2018 Posted March 22, 2018 Is it just me or is there very little team spirit or cohesion in the Songo camp between Kulhavy and Grotts... looks all business not much fun - no high fives etc?
Eldron Posted March 22, 2018 Posted March 22, 2018 Where is that echo...'Songo flat!' I'm fairly sure there is a pattern developing here....unbelievable....
Shebeen Posted March 22, 2018 Posted March 22, 2018 Is it just me or is there very little team spirit or cohesion in the Songo camp between Kulhavy and Grotts... looks all business not much fun - no high fives etc?I think Grotts is in aerobic shock for at least 2 hours after each stage. I wouldn't read too much into it. ultimate Epic combination, Lakata and Kulhavy - they would ride everyone else into the ground.
Shebeen Posted March 22, 2018 Posted March 22, 2018 EPIC livestream 10:30Cricket @ newlands 10:30 going to be some split screen action in my office.
PhilipV Posted March 22, 2018 Posted March 22, 2018 ultimate Epic combination, Lakata and Kulhavy - they would ride everyone else into the ground.as long as there are long sections where they can both throw down hammers.They seem to not flow too lekker on singletrack. Coolharvey didn't look to good in the tech sections at the world cup when you juxtapose them to Nino and Fumic et al.
ichnusa Posted March 22, 2018 Posted March 22, 2018 Songo might well loose this race due to punctures!
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