Barry_W Posted March 20, 2019 Posted March 20, 2019 I have a question, as a rider that started mountain biking in the 90’s and then got back into cycling a couple of years back. I have no idea why most of the races I see these days like the Cape Epic etc. are all two people teams races,I have tried to Google it and asked various people but can’t find an answer.I would really like to know how it evolved from guys (and girls) going out solo to race to what seems to me to be a team sport of two racers?
Me rida my bicycle Posted March 20, 2019 Posted March 20, 2019 Because like sex it's more fun with a partner???????? Joking aside there's still big solo races but, I am no expert. I would think to make it more interesting/competitive. From the racers side being in a team vs solo I would say the support from team mate would make a big difference.But ja I am no expert it's just what I think.
Oufy MTB (Roadie) Posted March 21, 2019 Posted March 21, 2019 To double entries, lol. Not sure what the reasons are but I recently participated in a tough one day event as a team.I must say, it was more enjoyable and would definitely do it again
V12man Posted March 21, 2019 Posted March 21, 2019 Safety - being a team reduces the organisers risk of losing someone and having someone close to help in the event of an injury.
Knersboy Posted March 21, 2019 Posted March 21, 2019 Was also wondering about this yesterday but from a slightly different perspective. Was this format introduced by the Cape Epic or was it already around when the Epic started?
DJR Posted March 21, 2019 Posted March 21, 2019 Safety - being a team reduces the organisers risk of losing someone and having someone close to help in the event of an injury.This is the correct answer.It not only reduces the medical risk in that you always have a buddy who can help or call for help in case of a crash, it also makes it more likely that riders will sort out their own mechanicals, support each other through difficult patches and finish under their own steam. That is particularly valuable from a logistical point of view, because large parts of the route cannot be accessed with vehicles. Ambulances and sweep vehicles cannot reach everywhere, even quad bikes cannot get up some single track. (Helicopters are too expensive to use for anything other than serious emergencies.) Our terrain and the remoteness also often means help will take a while to arrive and a buddy is very valuable in such a scenario. The original idea, I think, came from the military, where it is called the 'buddy system' .
DJR Posted March 21, 2019 Posted March 21, 2019 Was also wondering about this yesterday but from a slightly different perspective. Was this format introduced by the Cape Epic or was it already around when the Epic started?As far as I can recall, the concept was introduced by the Epic. The other 2-man races like W2W, Sani etc are all younger than the Epic. The stage races that are older than the Epic, like To Hell and Back, Imana Wild Ride, are individual races. Anyone else?
Dicky DQ Posted March 21, 2019 Posted March 21, 2019 During the 1st few epic, when entries were low and the field spread out it was a requirement. Today not so much but it still prevails. I recall riding one Epic when a bit unfit and there were long stages that I never saw another person except my partner. The stages these days are short and typically on a clover leaf trail you are never really very far from help. It does however add a dynamic in that you now have to manage yourself and your partner.
SwissVan Posted March 21, 2019 Posted March 21, 2019 Mountain biking as a whole is not a team sport, it’s just the marathon multi stage type events, most of which were not around in the early nineties. It just seems like it because the most popular events (by participation) are now team events. Maybe they should make XCO a team event....
River Rat Posted March 21, 2019 Posted March 21, 2019 I see this changing as more and more stage races are offering solo entries, thankfully. This suits me personally as I find riding partners that have a similar riding style to me difficult to find. I am way below average on the climbs and above average on the technicals and descents. So I either kill my legs trying to keep up with my partner on the climbs or he is risking life and limb staying with me on the decents.
montyzuma Posted March 21, 2019 Posted March 21, 2019 As far as I can recall, the concept was introduced by the Epic. The other 2-man races like W2W, Sani etc are all younger than the Epic. The stage races that are older than the Epic, like To Hell and Back, Imana Wild Ride, are individual races. Anyone else?Imana is a team race...
Gnarly Posted March 21, 2019 Posted March 21, 2019 Imana is a race? If it starts with a gun, flag or whistle ..... we racing Boet!!!
'Dale Posted March 21, 2019 Posted March 21, 2019 If it starts with a gun, flag or whistle ..... we racing Boet!!! Post of the day.
Barry_W Posted March 21, 2019 Author Posted March 21, 2019 Thanks guys, that added a bit of perspective.
Danger Dassie Posted March 21, 2019 Posted March 21, 2019 Racing was invented when the second bicycle was made.
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