Absa Cape Epic 2018

[nathrix]

A race incident no doubt

The German Champ lost control as he changes his line on variable terrain

And ow!

Looks like Fumic’s front wheel touched the front rider’s rear wheel.

[Eugene Oppelt]

Looks like Fumic’s front wheel touched the front rider’s rear wheel.

Meanwhile, I don't like tents ⛺

Cool short vid by Spez on accommodation

 

[SwissVan]

A race incident no doubt

The German Champ lost control as he changes his line on variable terrain

And ow!

Variable terrain.... ?

 

Worst thing he does not even appear to show any concern

[The Bull Shark]

Fumic has been watching one too many of the Manx Missile sprinting videos. 

[MTBeer]

Manuel Fumic and Jeremiah Bishop

https://instagram.com/p/BgwaHdIjawA/

who is the german d 0 0 s? Didn't even check if the other oke was ok?

[scotty]

Meanwhile, I don't like tents ⛺

Cool short vid by Spez on accommodation

 

Few years back they sold these tents to public, I bought 2 and they still going strong. 

[Patchelicious]

Let’s just call a spade a spade, it was a headbutt.

[Rapunzel]

people are too pedantic about what they eat in general, so when they do get something with a little bit of the dreaded lurgy in it their stomach can't handle it.

 

This applies in general, not just to racing snakes.

I have an immune system that is normally invincible (sick about once every 5 years, 12 years since I last had a tummy bug) and I came down the night before queen stage. I do not consume gels / sugary drinks and practise good hygiene so it would be unfair to lay the blame at the door of those of us who got it.

By the end of the Wednesday, unconfirmed reports say that over 200 people had been treated for gastro.

There are many areas where the spread of illness could have been averted.

• Better sanitation: There is virtually no running water in the race village - the 11 taps of potable water for all the riders are used for washing and filling bottles, brushing teeth, washing faces and hands ... and then non-potable water at the showers for washing clothing. Other than this, only hand sanitizer or the wipes you get at the supermarket for cleaning trolley handles)
• Staff toilets not equipped with hand sanitizer (trust me when you have a tummy bug, you have to use whatever portaloo is closest and the thought of people touching my food, suitcase, bike, ... after using these loos is not a nice one)
• Get the professionals in to assist instead of pretending there's no problem. This is an increasing problem each year. Epidemiologists specialise in locating the source and preventing the spread of illness and could have helped prevent this in 2018 / could help prevent it again in 2019

[Eugene Oppelt]

Fumic is one of the coolest ambassadors for the sport.

Highly respected in the bunch.

 

It was the chase for podium deep into one of the toughest stage races on the planet.

If it was deliberate, there would've been a matter for the officials.

[nathrix]

Variable terrain.... ?

 

Worst thing he does not even appear to show any concern

 

Agreed.

Not very sportsmanlike.

Win at all cost, or should i say, podium at all cost...

[Eugene Oppelt]

 

I have an immune system that is normally invincible (sick about once every 5 years, 12 years since I last had a tummy bug) and I came down the night before queen stage. I do not consume gels / sugary drinks and practise good hygiene so it would be unfair to lay the blame at the door of those of us who got it.

By the end of the Wednesday, unconfirmed reports say that over 200 people had been treated for gastro.

There are many areas where the spread of illness could have been averted.

• Better sanitation: There is virtually no running water in the race village - the 11 taps of potable water for all the riders are used for washing and filling bottles, brushing teeth, washing faces and hands ... and then non-potable water at the showers for washing clothing. Other than this, only hand sanitizer or the wipes you get at the supermarket for cleaning trolley handles)
• Staff toilets not equipped with hand sanitizer (trust me when you have a tummy bug, you have to use whatever portaloo is closest and the thought of people touching my food, suitcase, bike, ... after using these loos is not a nice one)
• Get the professionals in to assist instead of pretending there's no problem. This is an increasing problem each year. Epidemiologists specialise in locating the source and preventing the spread of illness and could have helped prevent this in 2018 / could help prevent it again in 2019

 

 

Congratz on your achievement, Rapunzel. 

 

It appears that many standards have dropped or deteriorated for this world-class event.

There were concerns about the quality of service around food and drink last edition.

[nathrix]

Fumic is one of the coolest ambassadors for the sport.

Highly respected in the bunch.

 

It was the chase for podium deep into one of the toughest stage races on the planet.

If it was deliberate, there would've been a matter for the officials.

 

I don't believe it was deliberate at all, it was an accident, but, like i said above...

 

Not even a mention of the incident on his instagram feed to say "sorry bro, hope you are okay, my bad"

[Patchelicious]

Fumic is one of the coolest ambassadors for the sport.

Highly respected in the bunch.

 

It was the chase for podium deep into one of the toughest stage races on the planet.

If it was deliberate, there would've been a matter for the officials.

Exactly why I am so shocked, he supposed to be one of the cool guys.

 

Lets see what he says.

[Velouria]

Regarding this debate about the Epic being easy/not hard 

 

I'll say that NO damn epic is easy 

 

but it's nearly impossible to gauge just how hard the epic might be 

 

 

Riders that have done every single epic will probably say 2008 and 2017 were the hardest epics 

 

but that's just me grabbing at imaginary straws 

 

Just like any bike ride, whether it's taking your kid to school, or doing a 24hr race, the Epic is as tough as you make it.

 

Sit on the rivet for 8 days and it's the toughest thing out there. Ride with a (slightly) weaker partner so that you're in your comfort zone, and it's bearable.

 

Sure, the conditions and the terrain play a factor, but they are the same for everyone. Prepare correctly, and you can take the conditions out of the equation.

 

2008 was tough - the last Knysna to Lourensford edition - so big miles and long days "racing".

 

2017 was tough because of the heat, although the terrain wasn't that demanding.

 

My toughest Epic was 2007 - my first one. Long days. Tough riding conditions. Minimal off the bike support. But the thing I remember most about that Epic was the amount of hike-a-bike we did. I think I spent half of that Epic with my bike on my back.

 

Oh yes - and what about 2009 where we had a 4km hike-a-bike section over the mountains from Villiersdorp to Greyton.

 

And then there was the one where I don't remember much - 2013. I'm so glad I bought the photo package because all I remember is the desire to get off my bike, crawl up into a ball, and cry myself to sleep. There wasn't an easy kilometre all week - our own fault because we were "racing".

 

To everyone that finished - well done. It's a remarkable achievement (especially for us privateers). Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Bask in your glory, chill for a week or two, and enjoy the super strong legs that you'll have in about a month's time!! 

[NicoBoshoff]

Meanwhile Brett Rheeder made more money this weekend taking two runs down Rotorua Slopestyle course than the winning team at the Epic. And he didn't have to sleep in a tent 

[nathrix]

Meanwhile Brett Rheeder made more money this weekend taking two runs down Rotorua Slopestyle course than the winning team at the Epic. And he didn't have to sleep in a tent 

 

Don't think the winning team slept in tents