Absa Cape Epic 2022

[love2fly]

39 minutes ago, babse said:

They have literally lit up this race... since Matt is unlikely (but not impossible) going to take yellow, i hope these okes pull it off on the final day. 

I can't see Matt taking it but you never know.

I'm also rooting for SCR for the win.

[ChrisF]

22 minutes ago, love2fly said:

I can't see Matt taking it but you never know.

I'm also rooting for SCR for the win.

 

My heart obviously wants Matt to win it again.  His team mate is good, but just not strong enough to claw back those few minutes.

 

And then .... it IS always good to see the underdogs bring on the fight.  These two Germans certainly made for a VERY lively race.

 

 

Nino .... did he hurt his partner in those first days, trying to make up time for the punctures ?  Some other reason we are not aware of ?  Either way, would have been even nicer to have had a four way battle at the top.

[Danger Dassie]

Pro teams pay, in $. ‘Celebs’ don’t get paid, they may have expenses and the like covered, but generally they need to show a media metric and/or a fund raising for a chosen cause.

[love2fly]

54 minutes ago, ChrisF said:

 

My heart obviously wants Matt to win it again.  His team mate is good, but just not strong enough to claw back those few minutes.

 

And then .... it IS always good to see the underdogs bring on the fight.  These two Germans certainly made for a VERY lively race.

 

 

Nino .... did he hurt his partner in those first days, trying to make up time for the punctures ?  Some other reason we are not aware of ?  Either way, would have been even nicer to have had a four way battle at the top.

Yeah Ninos my guy. I think you're right. Either pushed too hard to make up or one of thems hurting. Too many punctures, particularly rear. I'd look at tyre choice or up pressures to help the sealant do its job. I saw a YouTube video of Yannick....maybe due to not being English mother tongue but he said front: 1.2 bar and rear: 1.25. Can't believe that. Video was posted I think 18 March. Could have meant 1.5 rear but they have had too many flats in this and previous ACE. 

[badiejb]

I enjoyed today's highlights, hope you do too. the light was so beautiful early morning. What a great day of racing in both categories. 

[Fred van Vlaanderen]

1 hour ago, badiejb said:

I enjoyed today's highlights, hope you do too. the light was so beautiful early morning. What a great day of racing in both categories. 

Another great job!!

[DieselnDust]

3 hours ago, ChrisF said:

 

My heart obviously wants Matt to win it again.  His team mate is good, but just not strong enough to claw back those few minutes.

 

And then .... it IS always good to see the underdogs bring on the fight.  These two Germans certainly made for a VERY lively race.

 

 

Nino .... did he hurt his partner in those first days, trying to make up time for the punctures ?  Some other reason we are not aware of ?  Either way, would have been even nicer to have had a four way battle at the top.

 

 

eeererrmm his team is not the reason they can't close the gap...

Matt is more recovered from his bug but his team mate is also ripping his legs off. Chris is in superb condition and my pick for top step in Petropolis....he is in really good form. Compare his and Matt's intensity for the stage..

[mrcg]

11 hours ago, love2fly said:

Yeah Ninos my guy. I think you're right. Either pushed too hard to make up or one of thems hurting. Too many punctures, particularly rear. I'd look at tyre choice or up pressures to help the sealant do its job. I saw a YouTube video of Yannick....maybe due to not being English mother tongue but he said front: 1.2 bar and rear: 1.25. Can't believe that. Video was posted I think 18 March. Could have meant 1.5 rear but they have had too many flats in this and previous ACE. 

Lars came into Epic sick/not fully recovered. Unfortunately he never was fully there or recovered. Obviously the intensity of racing, especially the punctures and chasing didn't help their cause either.....

[mrcg]

8 hours ago, DieselnDust said:

 

 

eeererrmm his team is not the reason they can't close the gap...

Matt is more recovered from his bug but his team mate is also ripping his legs off. Chris is in superb condition and my pick for top step in Petropolis....he is in really good form. Compare his and Matt's intensity for the stage..

There are so many dynamics behind the scenes people know nothing about. One can theories, but never(!) know for certain unless you are close to a sportsperson or team.

I would also agree that Matt is the "weaker" rider in this team. He seems to be struggling slightly more. But there are other reasons too

[love2fly]

58 minutes ago, mrcg said:

Lars came into Epic sick/not fully recovered. Unfortunately he never was fully there or recovered. Obviously the intensity of racing, especially the punctures and chasing didn't help their cause either.....

I feel for Lars. Like Annika, Nino is a team mate that will push you hard and in their first ACE he really rose to the occasion. 

[J Wakefield]

11 hours ago, DieselnDust said:

 

 

eeererrmm his team is not the reason they can't close the gap...

Matt is more recovered from his bug but his team mate is also ripping his legs off. Chris is in superb condition and my pick for top step in Petropolis....he is in really good form. Compare his and Matt's intensity for the stage..

Bold statement about his recovery from the stomach issue there and what the overall effect is. 

[Lexx]

Wow, SCR is kicking Ass. 

[OVERDRIVE]

1 minute ago, Lexx said:

Wow, SCR is kicking Ass. 

Nothing to lose. Dont blame them 

[OVERDRIVE]

4 hours ago, mrcg said:

Lars came into Epic sick/not fully recovered. Unfortunately he never was fully there or recovered. Obviously the intensity of racing, especially the punctures and chasing didn't help their cause either.....

Watching Nino, he would rip the legs off the average man. If not fully fit i would actually rather not ride because he is the sum of all fears

[OVERDRIVE]

On 3/23/2022 at 11:02 AM, DieselnDust said:

Forster looked to be struggling

could be more punctures of the tyres or the lungs

And another puncture now. 

[OVERDRIVE]

On 3/23/2022 at 10:13 AM, openmind said:

Not sure what you mean. I paid full retail for the tyres and they work well. Happy customer. All I meant to say with my post was that the Aspens are not a bad choice for the Epic. Nino either just had really bad luck or he has some custom version of the tyre that is less durable than the stock version, which obviously then was a bad choice. 

And another puncture, just now. Am beginning to think you just lucky...🤣