Absa Cape Epic 2022

[tubed]

24 minutes ago, edgarblount said:

https://www.cape-epic.com/news/1360/adversity:-the-breakfast-of-champions/

Thanks for sharing, well worth the read.

Martin is the epitome of resolute, regardless of the circumstance.

At the sharp end of the race we have Matt Beers, excelling, coached and equipped by the best and fully deserving of his status.

At the blunt end of the race we have Ngubo, showing grit and determination and fully deserving of his entry.

Proud of the Saffas.

I'd be intrigued to share a beer with both. 

 

[Fred van Vlaanderen]

1 hour ago, TheoG said:

I watched intermittently so also not sure, maybe punctures again combined with not feeling good.  Maybe someone else know why Scott Sram was so terrible today?

Long story short, Forster struggled with form/fatigue. 

[Lexx]

39 minutes ago, Jewbacca said:

The Epic is pretty unique in how it's set up though. 

The Pro's and the bob hopes ride the same route at the same time. I don't know too many other events that claim to have the world's best pro's and proper weekend warriors slogging it out on the same route at the same time. 

Especially an event with this sort of coverage. 

 

Comrades 🙄

[Jewbacca]

2 minutes ago, Lexx said:

Comrades 🙄

The comrades makes a massive effort to show the sloggers! 

I was thinking more along the lines of pro bike racing, but I'll allow it! hahaha

[DieselnDust]

Epic used to have a 60min highlight package that told the story of the weekend warriors. They gave that up in 2009 as the last time I recall seeing one was of the 2008 edition.

They made a conscious decision to focus solely on the race as that was deemed to be the future of the event despite the weekend warriors being the funders of the event. Without them its not possible.

Someone told me that this is the market to look after as if you don't then they will ride away. I call BS on this because the only concession to the back markers is the extension of the cut off on some stages yet despite no fan fare there seems to be a never ending supply of weekend warriors to keep the cash rolling in.

So clearly the focus on the race and ww's having the opportunity to ride the same trails is enough incentive to participate

[babse]

that 10min reel showed in the supper tent every evening shows quite a few rear ended okes... maybe that is suffice for them? 🤭

[NC_lurker]

2 hours ago, edgarblount said:

https://www.cape-epic.com/news/1360/adversity:-the-breakfast-of-champions/

I'm a bit ambivalent about the Epic coverage, I really don't mind who wins in the pro ranks.

However if the coverage also included focus on guys like this then I'd be all over it. 

[edgarblount]

8 minutes ago, NC_lurker said:

I'm a bit ambivalent about the Epic coverage, I really don't mind who wins in the pro ranks.

However if the coverage also included focus on guys like this then I'd be all over it. 

Absolutely! 

 

Edited March 24, 2022 by edgarblount

[edgarblount]

Absolutely!

[Jbr]

Crazy how epic is demanding on components, they are all having issues I've never had in 30 000km over the last 2/3 years, and I'm assuming most would go in a race like this with a fully serviced bike !

[_David_]

I wonder when it comes to Free-hubs what is better 3 pawl or ratchet? I had the 3 pawl fail on my bike last week.

Edited March 24, 2022 by _David_

[Old and Slow]

12 minutes ago, Jbr said:

Crazy how epic is demanding on components, they are all having issues I've never had in 30 000km over the last 2/3 years, and I'm assuming most would go in a race like this with a f̶u̶l̶l̶y̶ ̶s̶e̶r̶v̶i̶c̶e̶d̶ brand new bike !

Fixed that for you.

[TheoG]

1 minute ago, _David_ said:

I wonder when it comes to Free-hubs what is better 3 pawl or ratchet? I had the 3 pawl fail on my bike last week.

Good question, would also like to know.  I have DT Swiss 54T star ratchets on both my bikes so that's my only reference, zero issues so far.

[Fred van Vlaanderen]

23 minutes ago, Jbr said:

Crazy how epic is demanding on components, they are all having issues I've never had in 30 000km over the last 2/3 years, and I'm assuming most would go in a race like this with a fully serviced bike !

I would think that the increase in mechanicals would be due to a couple of factors: a. riding in bunches (i.e. not always being able to choose your lines, following distance, wheels picking op rocks and throwing in front of others), b. fatigue and c. generally just riding faster and harder compared to training and then mistakes happen.

I very seldom have issues when riding alone, but issues seem to be more frequent in races.

[droo]

1 hour ago, Jbr said:

Crazy how epic is demanding on components, they are all having issues I've never had in 30 000km over the last 2/3 years, and I'm assuming most would go in a race like this with a fully serviced bike !

You'd be surprised how many okes either cut corners on maintenance before the event, or leave a full rebuild to 3 days before when they're tapering so have no time for a shakedown ride to check that everything's working properly.

 

There's definitely an element of bad luck involved in some of these failures, but there are definitely many that I've seen that could easily be avoided with proper prep and a bit of mechanical sensitivity from the rider.

[PhilipV]

5 hours ago, bolt67 said:

We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of a race participant at the Cape Epic. During Stage 1, a rider required critical care, was attended to by the medical team and airlifted to a nearby hospital where they received further treatment. Despite best medical efforts, the athlete passed today. We share our greatest sympathies with the family and friends of the rider and will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time. We thank the medical personnel who provided the rider with continuous medical support and care.

Aaai. When the red helicopter flew over my house on Sunday heading to Lourensford I told my father that it had to be an epic rider. Sadly I was right. 
Conditions were rough on Sunday.