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Absa Cape Epic 2018


Acerunner

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Posted

We have the talent, but no sponsors and they just disappear.  You'll probably have to compete in Europe on a regular basis to get close and the young guys don't have those opportunities. James Reid was what Alan Hatherly is now, winning XC and Marathon and he is not even racing anymore.  I think one of the main reason by Burry set such a amazing example, apart from being super talented, was that he had the backing of Specialized.  With that came the international opportunities and the mentorship from someone like a Christof Sauser.  Just look at Grotts, he's not the best MTB'er in the world, but yet he is leading the Epic purely because of Kulhavy, being his partner, and Sauser giving advice in the background.

 

Think there's so much more to South Africans not performing than just saying, we're not as good as the other guys.

Posted

I think I may get flogged for saying this..but the SA/Africa whatever it is called category may be doing SA riders more harm than good. ..they just have to test themselves against the guy they race week in and week out locally and not the very best..

 

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I tend to agree with you, it is actually sad not seeing more Saffas racing for gold in their own back yard. I would like to be cheering them on, but how do you cheer for 15th place? at least our pros beat the weekend warriors in the local races. I do hope they step up next year.

Posted

We have the talent, but no sponsors and they just disappear.  You'll probably have to compete in Europe on a regular basis to get close and the young guys don't have those opportunities. James Reid was what Alan Hatherly is now, winning XC and Marathon and he is not even racing anymore.  I think one of the main reason by Burry set such a amazing example, apart from being super talented, was that he had the backing of Specialized.  With that came the international opportunities and the mentorship from someone like a Christof Sauser.  Just look at Grotts, he's not the best MTB'er in the world, but yet he is leading the Epic purely because of Kulhavy, being his partner, and Sauser giving advice in the background.

 

Think there's so much more to South Africans not performing than just saying, we're not as good as the other guys.

you make good points

Posted

We have the talent, but no sponsors and they just disappear. You'll probably have to compete in Europe on a regular basis to get close and the young guys don't have those opportunities. James Reid was what Alan Hatherly is now, winning XC and Marathon and he is not even racing anymore. I think one of the main reason by Burry set such a amazing example, apart from being super talented, was that he had the backing of Specialized. With that came the international opportunities and the mentorship from someone like a Christof Sauser. Just look at Grotts, he's not the best MTB'er in the world, but yet he is leading the Epic purely because of Kulhavy, being his partner, and Sauser giving advice in the background.

 

Think there's so much more to South Africans not performing than just saying, we're not as good as the other guys.

Burry wasn't always backed by Spez..he went over to Europe and did it the same way most do..work damn hard and made lots of sacrifices to be able to race and live in Europe before big sponsors came knocking.

 

If you want to make it as a cyclist (any discipline) get out of SA.. If you aren't willing to sacrifice over in Europe and go make opportunities for yourself you will not make it then frankly you don't deserve it.

 

 

 

 

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Posted

Burry wasn't always backed by Spez..he went over to Europe and did it the same way most do..work damn hard and made lots of sacrifices to be able to race and live in Europe before big sponsors came knocking.

 

 

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Agreed, and we have guys doing that, but after a year or two they still do not get the big guns signing them to keep living the dream.

Posted

Agreed, and we have guys doing that, but after a year or two they still do not get the big guns signing them to keep living the dream.

Then perhaps they just aren't good enough..I know its harsh to say that, but that is the reality of it.

 

They seem to think if they enter big xco races in Europe they'll get seen..sorry no-one is going to see a rider that gets pulled off the course because they are getting lapped..but someone may see you if you start getting consistent results in the smaller xco races in Europe..and yes there are plenty of them.

 

 

 

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Posted

Yes he’s a big unit

So we gotta game into account p/w

 

And with variable terrain

Deep into a stage race

And overall concentrated effort

 

That’ll warm me up

 

He is around 75kg I think?

Posted

The best way to explain this is the example of soccer/football - we have very talented players (as does any other country), but also have the numbers - but how many are making it?

Too few. This is down to many factors: attitude, environment, training (approach, planning, vision etc.), travel opportunity...and much much more.

Talent is just not enough - bottom line.

 

Quick quesi on live streaming: been trying to catch up on action today and the live streaming only shows the finish line. No action and commentary from this morning as in the past few days??

What's up with that? Where can I watch today's live broadcast? HELP  :eek:

 

No worries....found it!!  :clap: 

Posted

Bliksem. Was that today? Would be interested to see some of the other guys power outputs. But that max is massive. Wonder how long it was for though?

 

Yip was today

 

Posted on his instagram account

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