the unofficial Cape Epic thread

[The Bull Shark]

Welvergenoegd seemed aptly named for yesterday's ride. I am sure some of the riders had a private smile amongst the pain, sweat and dust on their mugs.

[Michael S]

Swenson struggling. 
Beers said in the interview he spent all day on the front and Keegan is having issues his back and it is becoming "a bit concerning"
Reckon he left it a bit late with coming out to SA, might still be acclimatising, hopefully he comes into it a bit as the race goes on. He was stil crit racing in the US on the 7th of March.

Edited March 18, 2025 by Michael S

[babse]

51 minutes ago, mecheng89 said:

Anyone know what's going on with 1-1, 1-2 (Beers, Swenson)?

The multiple USA xco champ and "king of gravel" is suffering...

 

Shafted another minute plus today. Beers looks pretty dejected not being right up there.

[mecheng89]

1 minute ago, babse said:

The multiple USA xco champ and "king of gravel" is suffering...

 

Shafted another minute plus today. Beers looks pretty dejected not being right up there.

I just watched his interview. Claims Swenson is suffering. 

[mecheng89]

MB and KS came in 6th at 2m17 back, 5th on GC now, 9m17 back. 

[The Bull Shark]

So the "King of Gravel" had a reality check and is nowhere near "King of South African Gravel". We might find his bike on the bottom of the dam at the top of Paarlberg by the end of the day tomorrow.

Edited March 18, 2025 by dev null

[Eugene Oppelt]

My office for the morning:

Conditions are typical summer heat in early autumn with a mild southerly breeze that only dries the throat and not cool the radiator. A perfect day for a hydration pack, although I didn’t see too many on the early starters. 
I suspect the heat has, ironically, made riders opt for water points and not carry excess weight and keep optimal ventilation on the core area and back.

Almost a 1000m mostly rolling terrain today, so pacing strategy and communication will be key.

[The Bull Shark]

Probably the best strategy for today will be to gooi mielies to finish early so as to get out of the sun before the serious heat for the day sets in. They will need as much moisture in their bodies as possible for tomorrow. You do not want to be out there on the road too long in the afternoon heat of today.

Edited March 18, 2025 by dev null

[mecheng89]

33 minutes ago, dev null said:

So the "King of Gravel" had a reality check and is nowhere near "King of South African Gravel". We might find his bike on the bottom of the dam at the top of Paarlberg by the end of the day tomorrow.

I've been told he only arrived in the country 3 days ago. I don't think that's ideal prep.

Let's hope they can re-strategize, re-group and attack from tomorrow onwards.

[mecheng89]

37 minutes ago, babse said:

The multiple USA xco champ and "king of gravel" is suffering...

 

Shafted another minute plus today. Beers looks pretty dejected not being right up there.

Maybe King of US gravel. I don't see rainbow stripes on him LOL.

[The Bull Shark]

2 minutes ago, mecheng89 said:

I've been told he only arrived in the country 3 days ago. I don't think that's ideal prep.

Let's hope they can re-strategize, re-group and attack from tomorrow onwards.

Probably still have tire tracks on his back...

[J Wakefield]

34 minutes ago, mecheng89 said:

I've been told he only arrived in the country 3 days ago. I don't think that's ideal prep.

Let's hope they can re-strategize, re-group and attack from tomorrow onwards.

I would not bet your house on that information being accurate or anything valuable as a reference. 

[Shebeen]

30 minutes ago, mecheng89 said:

I've been told he only arrived in the country 3 days ago. I don't think that's ideal prep.

Let's hope they can re-strategize, re-group and attack from tomorrow onwards.

um ja. he did a (shortened) 100miler in Texas last weekend, doubt that was part of the original conversation when they teamed up. the guy has a big engine, he could still come right.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DG-8Q5dOPtS/?img_index=6

Wonder how much of his kit is compatible with the spez backup team (which is imbuko or insect science?).

 

 

9 minutes to nino is ok since he will either blow his partner or have 20 punctures on a stage soon.

https://rushsports.co.za/blogs/news/tech-keegan-swenson-dropping-bars-and-lifting-trophies

 

 

[Jbr]

Valley of tears ended up being a very short race (to his standards) because they ended the race 1 loop short due to mud/snow.

BUT, the couch expert in me can't help but think he should've been here weeks in advance training with Matt like other teams did. I must say I thought this epic would be over after stage 1 because Matt and Keegan seemed like the dream team. Now it will be interesting as they look like underdogs, with 9 minutes to find, is it even possible ?

Colombo seems like a good match for Nino, if their Aspens don't puncture multiple times it will be difficult to find that kind of time on them. Let's see !

[Shebeen]

1 minute ago, Jbr said:

Valley of tears ended up being a very short race (to his standards) because they ended the race 1 loop short due to mud/snow.

I saw that. but racing in mud/snow doesn't seem like ideal prep for the boland. most of the euro guys have been here for weeks (right?). Saying that, and obviously the level of competition is not the same, but Sofia did the same race and seems to be doing just fine in the leaders jersey.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DG9maL8OwgH/?img_index=1

 

 

1 minute ago, Jbr said:

BUT, the couch expert in me can't help but think he should've been here weeks in advance training with Matt like other teams did. I must say I thought this epic would be over after stage 1 because Matt and Keegan seemed like the dream team. Now it will be interesting as they look like underdogs, with 9 minutes to find, is it even possible ?

Colombo seems like a good match for Nino, if their Aspens don't puncture multiple times it will be difficult to find that kind of time on them. Let's see !

Agreed. I'm also expecting speed company to do speed company things soon which could blow the front pack up and create some chaos.

 

 

[babse]

31 minutes ago, Jbr said:

Valley of tears ended up being a very short race (to his standards) because they ended the race 1 loop short due to mud/snow.

BUT, the couch expert in me can't help but think he should've been here weeks in advance training with Matt like other teams did. I must say I thought this epic would be over after stage 1 because Matt and Keegan seemed like the dream team. Now it will be interesting as they look like underdogs, with 9 minutes to find, is it even possible ?

Colombo seems like a good match for Nino, if their Aspens don't puncture multiple times it will be difficult to find that kind of time on them. Let's see !

Most feared this was the case... for Beers sake i really hope KS comes good.

 

As for Colombo and the reinforced Aspens, both seem rock solid for now so lets see how the go over the race...