the unofficial Cape Epic thread

[deonkretch]

12 hours ago, Shebeen said:

simple:

Kevin prioritized the rider experience to build the long term legacy of the event at the expense of short term profit.

Ironman are using the long term legacy to prioritize the short term profit at the expense of rider experience.

 

well that's the way this keyboard warrior sees it, backed up by riders from the field

@Shebeen That sums it up perfectly. I have been riding on and off since 2013 and finished my 5th on Sunday - yes it was tough.  All the comments thus far about crappy rider villages, paying R35 for a coke in the rider's chill tent or walking to the other side of the village for water are 100% spot on. Compared to the ABSA VIP area (i.e. Constantia) the rest of the village looked and felt much like Khayelitsha next to a fancy suburb. Like any war the generals need some good cannon fodder - that's what the riders beyond the top batches were there for.

Compared to previous years the finish was a huge disappointment - no more "get onto the stage and wave to your family and supporters" who kept you going during the months of prep, this year you were herded on past the finish, moved to a photo backdrop in the middle of nowhere, where one of three camera guys snapped a photo before you were ushered into the tent to get T-Shirt... Please move along - we need to get this done today.

As for the route - yes, the weather played a huge role - but having a time trial the day prior to an expected scorcher where the slower riders were forced to start the time trial around 11:00 and spend most of the day out in the heat exacerbated the effects of the already shortened following day in the Paarl heat.

Should there have been more waterpoints closer to the last climb on that stage, yes. 

Where there enough "Fit" and "mobile" medics at this crucial section on the route? No, not by a long shot. To put "Fit" and "Mobile" into perspective - if a medic is expected to traverse those distances in that terrain on foot in +40ºC with equipment in heavy overalls and boots they need to be mobile. The medics running past us down the mountain were doing their best to do their jobs should never have been put into that position - on a good day this was already a challenge, and this was not a good day.

I would have expected the Epic to be on par with some of the smaller events such as the Cape Pioneer run by Dryland - yes, they have smaller fields riding, but with roving medics on bikes or Quads, you always felt that someone would get to you quickly if there was an issue. (And don't give me the rubbish about motorbikes on the route - if they're suitable for the media crews they are damn well suited to a few medics too).

The Epic missed the mark here completely - and their handling of the fallout is typical PR bullsh*t. We rode and walked past riders in a terrible state on this section (some covered with branches to try and create shade) handed out the hot water we had left in our bottles and luckily made it out to the top where we were rationed by the USN teams to a half jug of one of their electrolyte drinks - NO - they did NOT have water available for us when we passed the hydration station.

No level of should've, could've or would've will change the terrible fact that this should never have happened. My thoughts are with the rider's family that tragically lost his life. 

As Stephan mentioned above I am also waiting patiently for the rider survey, but by no means holding my breath that it will do any good.

This may all sound negative, and the bulk probably is, but the spirit, camaraderie and gees out on the trails made up for this. Guys and girls showing true grit and determination under properly tough conditions, the odd smile and laugh when you landed on your back in the mud for the umpteenth time, yo-yoing past the same riders for hours and eventually building lasting friendships forged on dusty trails, baking hot mountains and muddy singletrack - one word #anotherkakdayinafrica - that's how we like it!

For me, I've closed this chapter on my Epic riding days (well maybe I'll ride again when I reach the Great Grand Masters category in a few years), but for now it's back to social rides and tours with mates that enjoy some riding, a coffee and a glass (or two) of good wine.

To the other riders that completed this years Epic, we have a saying in Afrikaans "Dit was nie ligte musiek nie" - and 2025 was definitely not "light". Take a few days off the bike, make sure the kids, missus, mister or whoever supports you knows that you appreciate them, drink that extra glass of wine and enjoy the extra slice of pizza too, you deserve it!

[Prince Albert Cycles]

7 hours ago, deonkretch said:

@Shebeen That sums it up perfectly. I have been riding on and off since 2013 and finished my 5th on Sunday - yes it was tough.  All the comments thus far about crappy rider villages, paying R35 for a coke in the rider's chill tent or walking to the other side of the village for water are 100% spot on. Compared to the ABSA VIP area (i.e. Constantia) the rest of the village looked and felt much like Khayelitsha next to a fancy suburb. Like any war the generals need some good cannon fodder - that's what the riders beyond the top batches were there for.

Compared to previous years the finish was a huge disappointment - no more "get onto the stage and wave to your family and supporters" who kept you going during the months of prep, this year you were herded on past the finish, moved to a photo backdrop in the middle of nowhere, where one of three camera guys snapped a photo before you were ushered into the tent to get T-Shirt... Please move along - we need to get this done today.

As for the route - yes, the weather played a huge role - but having a time trial the day prior to an expected scorcher where the slower riders were forced to start the time trial around 11:00 and spend most of the day out in the heat exacerbated the effects of the already shortened following day in the Paarl heat.

Should there have been more waterpoints closer to the last climb on that stage, yes. 

Where there enough "Fit" and "mobile" medics at this crucial section on the route? No, not by a long shot. To put "Fit" and "Mobile" into perspective - if a medic is expected to traverse those distances in that terrain on foot in +40ºC with equipment in heavy overalls and boots they need to be mobile. The medics running past us down the mountain were doing their best to do their jobs should never have been put into that position - on a good day this was already a challenge, and this was not a good day.

I would have expected the Epic to be on par with some of the smaller events such as the Cape Pioneer run by Dryland - yes, they have smaller fields riding, but with roving medics on bikes or Quads, you always felt that someone would get to you quickly if there was an issue. (And don't give me the rubbish about motorbikes on the route - if they're suitable for the media crews they are damn well suited to a few medics too).

The Epic missed the mark here completely - and their handling of the fallout is typical PR bullsh*t. We rode and walked past riders in a terrible state on this section (some covered with branches to try and create shade) handed out the hot water we had left in our bottles and luckily made it out to the top where we were rationed by the USN teams to a half jug of one of their electrolyte drinks - NO - they did NOT have water available for us when we passed the hydration station.

No level of should've, could've or would've will change the terrible fact that this should never have happened. My thoughts are with the rider's family that tragically lost his life. 

As Stephan mentioned above I am also waiting patiently for the rider survey, but by no means holding my breath that it will do any good.

This may all sound negative, and the bulk probably is, but the spirit, camaraderie and gees out on the trails made up for this. Guys and girls showing true grit and determination under properly tough conditions, the odd smile and laugh when you landed on your back in the mud for the umpteenth time, yo-yoing past the same riders for hours and eventually building lasting friendships forged on dusty trails, baking hot mountains and muddy singletrack - one word #anotherkakdayinafrica - that's how we like it!

For me, I've closed this chapter on my Epic riding days (well maybe I'll ride again when I reach the Great Grand Masters category in a few years), but for now it's back to social rides and tours with mates that enjoy some riding, a coffee and a glass (or two) of good wine.

To the other riders that completed this years Epic, we have a saying in Afrikaans "Dit was nie ligte musiek nie" - and 2025 was definitely not "light". Take a few days off the bike, make sure the kids, missus, mister or whoever supports you knows that you appreciate them, drink that extra glass of wine and enjoy the extra slice of pizza too, you deserve it!

Nice balanced report Deon and well done on finishing “ die nie ligte musiek nie Epic “

[andydude]

14 hours ago, Lynskey said:

My last epic was 2014. I got an invite a week before. So nothing new happened,  we came 159 I think, at that time i was riding 5 times a week for about an hour per ride. I wouldn't do it now. I don't ride anywhere near as much and I am just gone 50. Every single scenario is different. There is no one size fits all here. 

Just saw this in my photo memories from 2014. Your remember this stage 1 / day 2 I think! I went through a new set of brake pads that day and everyone was scrambling for new ones 😄

[Lynskey]

2 minutes ago, andydude said:

Just saw this in my photo memories from 2014. Your remember this stage 1 / day 2 I think! I went through a new set of brake pads that day and everyone was scrambling for new ones 😄

😶🤣  yeah. I used to do my own repairs so I had stuff with me. Not a fan of mechanics at races. Amazing at the time you would give half a leg not to be there but when you finished you absolutely loved it. 🤣

[andydude]

I think somebody mentioned how the Epic has changed to shorter but harder/more climbing, and I checked 2014 vs 2025 from official pre published routes. I know this doesn't take everything into account, e.g. type of climbs, techincal, etcetera, but still interesting.

2014: 729 km 14850 m elevation

2025: 591 km (-19%) 16350 m elevation (+10%)

[Lynskey]

5 minutes ago, andydude said:

I think somebody mentioned how the Epic has changed to shorter but harder/more climbing, and I checked 2014 vs 2025 from official pre published routes. I know this doesn't take everything into account, e.g. type of climbs, techincal, etcetera, but still interesting.

2014: 729 km 14850 m elevation

2025: 591 km (-19%) 16350 m elevation (+10%)

I always look how fast the winning time is. To me that represents if it is getting easier or harder. After every year the people swear that it was the hardest. Just my 2c!

[Dappere]

10 minutes ago, andydude said:

I think somebody mentioned how the Epic has changed to shorter but harder/more climbing, and I checked 2014 vs 2025 from official pre published routes. I know this doesn't take everything into account, e.g. type of climbs, techincal, etcetera, but still interesting.

2014: 729 km 14850 m elevation

2025: 591 km (-19%) 16350 m elevation (+10%)

Gerald frequently commented during the live feed on how the event has evolved, possibly to attract more XCO-focused athletes. During the broadcast, he also discussed this point with Benno and another athlete, whose name escapes me. The Wilier team was mentioned several times, with particular emphasis on their XCO background and how athletes with this focus can deliver strong performances at the Cape Epic.

[DieselnDust]

37 minutes ago, Dappere said:

Gerald frequently commented during the live feed on how the event has evolved, possibly to attract more XCO-focused athletes. During the broadcast, he also discussed this point with Benno and another athlete, whose name escapes me. The Wilier team was mentioned several times, with particular emphasis on their XCO background and how athletes with this focus can deliver strong performances at the Cape Epic.

Hans Becking

[Shebeen]

11 hours ago, deonkretch said:

@Shebeen That sums it up perfectly. I have been riding on and off since 2013 and finished my 5th on Sunday - yes it was tough.  All the comments thus far about crappy rider villages, paying R35 for a coke in the rider's chill tent or walking to the other side of the village for water are 100% spot on. Compared to the ABSA VIP area (i.e. Constantia) the rest of the village looked and felt much like Khayelitsha next to a fancy suburb. Like any war the generals need some good cannon fodder - that's what the riders beyond the top batches were there for.

Compared to previous years the finish was a huge disappointment - no more "get onto the stage and wave to your family and supporters" who kept you going during the months of prep, this year you were herded on past the finish, moved to a photo backdrop in the middle of nowhere, where one of three camera guys snapped a photo before you were ushered into the tent to get T-Shirt... Please move along - we need to get this done today.

As for the route - yes, the weather played a huge role - but having a time trial the day prior to an expected scorcher where the slower riders were forced to start the time trial around 11:00 and spend most of the day out in the heat exacerbated the effects of the already shortened following day in the Paarl heat.

Should there have been more waterpoints closer to the last climb on that stage, yes. 

Where there enough "Fit" and "mobile" medics at this crucial section on the route? No, not by a long shot. To put "Fit" and "Mobile" into perspective - if a medic is expected to traverse those distances in that terrain on foot in +40ºC with equipment in heavy overalls and boots they need to be mobile. The medics running past us down the mountain were doing their best to do their jobs should never have been put into that position - on a good day this was already a challenge, and this was not a good day.

I would have expected the Epic to be on par with some of the smaller events such as the Cape Pioneer run by Dryland - yes, they have smaller fields riding, but with roving medics on bikes or Quads, you always felt that someone would get to you quickly if there was an issue. (And don't give me the rubbish about motorbikes on the route - if they're suitable for the media crews they are damn well suited to a few medics too).

The Epic missed the mark here completely - and their handling of the fallout is typical PR bullsh*t. We rode and walked past riders in a terrible state on this section (some covered with branches to try and create shade) handed out the hot water we had left in our bottles and luckily made it out to the top where we were rationed by the USN teams to a half jug of one of their electrolyte drinks - NO - they did NOT have water available for us when we passed the hydration station.

No level of should've, could've or would've will change the terrible fact that this should never have happened. My thoughts are with the rider's family that tragically lost his life. 

As Stephan mentioned above I am also waiting patiently for the rider survey, but by no means holding my breath that it will do any good.

This may all sound negative, and the bulk probably is, but the spirit, camaraderie and gees out on the trails made up for this. Guys and girls showing true grit and determination under properly tough conditions, the odd smile and laugh when you landed on your back in the mud for the umpteenth time, yo-yoing past the same riders for hours and eventually building lasting friendships forged on dusty trails, baking hot mountains and muddy singletrack - one word #anotherkakdayinafrica - that's how we like it!

For me, I've closed this chapter on my Epic riding days (well maybe I'll ride again when I reach the Great Grand Masters category in a few years), but for now it's back to social rides and tours with mates that enjoy some riding, a coffee and a glass (or two) of good wine.

To the other riders that completed this years Epic, we have a saying in Afrikaans "Dit was nie ligte musiek nie" - and 2025 was definitely not "light". Take a few days off the bike, make sure the kids, missus, mister or whoever supports you knows that you appreciate them, drink that extra glass of wine and enjoy the extra slice of pizza too, you deserve it!

great race report from the field.

 

So what next?

*Epic take this on board and look to find the sweetspot on making the bulk of the amateur field happy to be there with a few more luxuries, while still bankrolling the whole affair?

*races that fell away - 7 day joberg2C/7day pioneer come back to fill the void

had a quick squizz at Cape pioneer. currently in year two of a 5 stage relaunch with 2 race villages. about 140 teams (some single riders) so probably 200 riders in 2024. entry is R21k pp early bird for a team. accom ranges from R2k for a tent up to R43k if you run a hedge fund. or arrange your own.

If I was their marketing guy I would be punting this race HARD right now.

 

[DieselnDust]

1 minute ago, Shebeen said:

great race report from the field.

 

So what next?

*Epic take this on board and look to find the sweetspot on making the bulk of the amateur field happy to be there with a few more luxuries, while still bankrolling the whole affair?

*races that fell away - 7 day joberg2C/7day pioneer come back to fill the void

had a quick squizz at Cape pioneer. currently in year two of a 5 stage relaunch with 2 race villages. about 140 teams (some single riders) so probably 200 riders in 2024. entry is R21k pp early bird for a team. accom ranges from R2k for a tent up to R43k if you run a hedge fund. or arrange your own.

If I was their marketing guy I would be punting this race HARD right now.

 

naaaaah, the name is toooo bloody long

[andydude]

1 hour ago, Lynskey said:

I always look how fast the winning time is. To me that represents if it is getting easier or harder. After every year the people swear that it was the hardest. Just my 2c!

Your wish is my command!

2014: 1st 30:31:59 2nd +10:23 3rd +13:26

2025: 1st 23:12:39 2nd +1:31 3rd +12:58

That is quite a big difference in winning times!

Edit: Just on that they went 24% less time in 2025. Would be a bit less if you add the shortened stages, time. But not much.

Edited March 26, 2025 by andydude

[ajnkzn]

19 minutes ago, Shebeen said:

great race report from the field.

 

So what next?

*Epic take this on board and look to find the sweetspot on making the bulk of the amateur field happy to be there with a few more luxuries, while still bankrolling the whole affair?

*races that fell away - 7 day joberg2C/7day pioneer come back to fill the void

had a quick squizz at Cape pioneer. currently in year two of a 5 stage relaunch with 2 race villages. about 140 teams (some single riders) so probably 200 riders in 2024. entry is R21k pp early bird for a team. accom ranges from R2k for a tent up to R43k if you run a hedge fund. or arrange your own.

If I was their marketing guy I would be punting this race HARD right now.

 

Joberg2c lives on as Go2Berg!

[DieselnDust]

9 minutes ago, andydude said:

Your wish is my command!

2014: 1st 30:31:59 2nd +10:23 3rd +13:26

2025: 1st 23:12:39 2nd +1:31 3rd +12:58

That is quite a big difference in winning times!

Edit: Just on that they went 24% less time in 2025. Would be a bit less if you add the shortened stages, time. But not much.

then 2008 was by far the hardest at over 36 hrs for the winning time

[andydude]

10 minutes ago, DieselnDust said:

then 2008 was by far the hardest at over 36 hrs for the winning time

Sheesh that was hectic!

2008	2008 Absa Cape Epic: 28 March to 5 April. 966 km & 18 529m climbing, from Knysna to Lourensford

[Spinnekop]

1 hour ago, andydude said:

I think somebody mentioned how the Epic has changed to shorter but harder/more climbing, and I checked 2014 vs 2025 from official pre published routes. I know this doesn't take everything into account, e.g. type of climbs, techincal, etcetera, but still interesting.

2014: 729 km 14850 m elevation

2025: 591 km (-19%) 16350 m elevation (+10%)

I did the 2006 Epic.  When it was still fun and adventure.
940km with 16605m elevation

Winning time of Christoph Sauser and Silvio Bundi was 34:41:41

2025: 
37% less distance.  1.5% less elevation.

🤪

Edited March 26, 2025 by Spinnekop

[Spinnekop]

Question to people that perhaps did the other Epics abroad.

Are they just as hard?  Just as grueling?
 

Edited March 26, 2025 by Spinnekop