the unofficial Cape Epic thread

[Mamil]

Tread media reports that organisers say there were no rider fatalities.

 

[Danger Dassie]

27 minutes ago, PhilipV said:

Maybe you need to do what I did, and chat to a Dr working at Paarl hospital?
 

You are after all a journalist? 

Did the Dr provide a written account? 

Because ad hominem snark aside after all, without that it's unsubstantiated. 

Edited March 20, 2025 by Danger Dassie

[openmind]

6 hours ago, dev null said:

Really impressed by the SA youngsters. All those Spur school races of years back starting to realise results. Pity it went tits up.

Schools racing is alive and well, with fields bigger than ever. Just no hamburger sponsor.

https://westerncapeschoolscycling.co.za

Edited March 20, 2025 by openmind

[Wannabe]

Also heard reports from a Dr working at one of the Hospitals where the riders were transported to, NO DEATHS, but three riders in ICU with failing organs. He is on one of my cycling groups.

 

[babse]

Do we actually wish someone passed on? No one died (really hope not) until otherwise proven...

 

On another note. Views on implenting sprint finish bonus seconds? Willier have been epic in their sprints over last 2 stages but have nothing to show for it on GC... maybe 30s bonus for sprint wins?

 

 

 

 

 

after all this is the TdF of mountian biking 👀

[W Smith]

1 hour ago, SwissVan said:

Or via rumours on a cycling forum specialising in classifieds 

Spot on . 

[mikkelz]

I'm sure the rain is a relief from the heat, but camping in the rain isn't much fun. 🙈

[OVERDRIVE]

10 hours ago, Iwan Kemp said:

Let me get this right. You did this one 20km ride this week. That correct? You did not do the Prologue at full tilt, suffered through Stage 1, the stage 2 time trial that even the proest pros said was more XCC than XCM and then took on the heat of stage 3 from the start line? Also, I doubt you were pacing yourself to try and make it to the finish line, and then do another 4 stages.

If it is correct, how does that even remotely compare? 

Let us have peace to all man 

7 hours ago, Lynskey said:

Upset me you did not. You post was to the point of where your ignorance and mindless accusations should be taken to task. Your mind is an empty vessel if that is what you are filling it with.

Regardless of reason, let us never say things like this. Abortion, pregnancy, privacy. 

3 hours ago, Andrew_Smith said:

Apologies if this has been discussed before, but I feel the Cape Epic attracts some riders with more money than experience—since it’s such an expensive race for us mere peasants. Some assume that a bit of riding is enough to prepare them for the challenge.

Surely, there could be a qualification system, similar to the Comrades Marathon, where participants need to meet certain criteria before entering. Of course, this wouldn’t be a perfect solution, and the organisers might not support it since they’d risk losing paying participants.

Anyway, great riding from Tristan and Marco, proudly representing South Africa among the big international names!

That entry fee would make the average man weep

[J Wakefield]

46 minutes ago, babse said:

 

after all this is the TdF of mountian biking 👀

Correct and in July this year 740 teams have signed up and paid to race against Tadej at the Tour this year.

Same-same

[Michael S]

@J Wakefield, any non classified inside information on Outride's stuggles? Or will we have to wait till Sunday to hear the story? 

 

Edit: I say "stuggles" like top 20 in Epic is easy. But the man has set some high standards in the past.

Edited March 20, 2025 by Michael S

[Mayo916]

20 minutes ago, Michael S said:

@J Wakefield, any non classified inside information on Outride's stuggles? Or will we have to wait till Sunday to hear the story? 

 

Edit: I say "stuggles" like top 20 in Epic is easy. But the man has set some high standards in the past.

It sounds like Keegan's back is giving him trouble
 

[Jbr]

23 minutes ago, Mayo916 said:

It sounds like Keegan's back is giving him trouble
 

Probably listened to someone on instragram telling him to raise his saddle

[Robbie Stewart]

1 hour ago, babse said:

after all this is the TdF of mountian biking 👀

That is such a stupid comparison. It's beyond cringe really. The TdF at least is a race worthy of it's title and not a dick measuring contest between fat old guys with fatter wallets like the Epic has become.

[Michael S]

23 minutes ago, Mayo916 said:

It sounds like Keegan's back is giving him trouble
 

That is clear from previous days.

Was hoping John could give us some insights on the why or some other general insights which are not full social media post public nor classified competative advantage for others classified. 

[PhilipV]

2 hours ago, Danger Dassie said:

Did the Dr provide a written account? 

Because ad hominem snark aside after all, without that it's unsubstantiated. 

I’m not in the habit of asking for our conversations in writing.
I will gladly be proved wrong on this, this is people’s lives we are speculating about.
But I trust him more than I trust the epic media releases. 

Edited March 20, 2025 by PhilipV

[SwissVan]

42 minutes ago, Mayo916 said:

It sounds like Keegan's back is giving him trouble
 

Is that a mtb on tar????? In the hardest mtb race in the world 

Pfffft….