This is what Kevin Evans (360Life) said last year after he had finished the first stage of the DCM Cape Pioneer Trek:
“It was just not fun. The racing was extremely hard and I could not see the point in punishing myself so late in the season. I phoned my teammate, David George, and told him that if there was one race we would not do in 2011, it was the DCM Cape Pioneer Trek.”
But, as the saying goes never say never. Much can change in a short period of time and that is exactly what happened. After stage three Evans made a 360° turn-about in regard to his continued participation in the DCM Cape Pioneer Trek.
“I again phoned David and told him that if there was one race we would definitely do in 2011 it was the DCM Cape Pioneer Trek.”
Asked about the reason for this dramatic change of mind, Evans said that he began to realize that he was competing in a really unique event.
“Every year I compete in many races around the world. The DCM Cape Pioneer Trek is the only event in which the needs of the riders always come first,” Evans explained. “Henco Rademeyer and Carel Herholdt and their Dryland Event Management Team go out of their way to make the six days of racing a unique experience.
“What is also special about the DCM Cape Pioneer Trek is that it is not just about winning. Dont get me wrong! During every stage the racing is hard, but the suffering becomes bearable because of the camaraderie that develops among all the riders. I really enjoyed the kuier after every stage when the top riders and the fun riders swapped their war stories. I dont always get the opportunity to spend time with my supporters.”
About their goals for the DCM Cape Pioneer Trek, Evans said that an overall victory was not the main priority for his team. But despite his assertions, his citing of rival and 2010 race winner, Christophe Sauser, indicates it will be a competitive Evans who takes the startline in October.
“I think our approach will be much the same as that of Christopher Sauser, the marathon world champion. We want to enjoy ourselves, but if the opportunity should arise to win a stage we would certainly go for it.
“What will be important during the six days of racing will be to test our equipment to get an idea of what we should use during next years Cape Epic. It certainly helps that we will be racing on some of the same routes that have been used for the Epic.”