For plenty of us riding Absa Cape Epic this year, this is probably our biggest race of the year. For non-South Africans, it involves a lot of travel, and it’s a really big challenge – big mileage, tough trail conditions and of course the heat.
But it’s only when you get here that you realise what a big race it is in general, in many different ways.
It’s a big deal for Cape Town, it seems. The race has taken over the V&A Waterfront area, logo’ed up the Ferris wheel, and there are banners everywhere. The local tourist board has done itself proud. And all the locals seem to know it’s going on, and are really welcoming to the riders.
It’s a big race for the UCI, it seems, too! I hadn’t realised this, but it’s ranked 2.HC – that’s the same as the Tour! I can’t see me doing many races that are ranked this highly in my life. I guess that explains the hard as nails field – multiple world champions past and present, Tour stage winners, marathon specialists. Names like Sauser, Stander, Brentjens, Hermida, Naef, Platt, Sahm, Udo Bolts, Vastaranta, and the list goes on. Even the amateurs mostly seem to look pretty tough.
At times like this I find I have to remind myself that everyone looks fast at the start of every race, but cut calf muscles and sharp tan lines don’t count for much if you can’t back it up with the riding to match.
Another thing you appreciate once you get here is just what a big logistical undertaking the race is. Here are some pretty mind-boggling stats:
- 190,000 litres of water and energy drink
- 2,400 tents
- 797 crew
- And 1,200 riders
Right now for Mike and me, it’s a big race which starts in under 12 hours, with our prologue beginning just before 8:30. Time to get some shut-eye.