The Cape to Cape Mountain Bike Stage Race has been running between Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste since 2008, growing in size and stature every year. There are four stages over four days. The stages range from 38 to 68 kilometres. This is not as long as some well known Mountain Bike Stage Races in other countries – however this doesn’t mean it is easy. The 2011 race attracted a stunning 620 riders and ran from October 20th to 23rd, and was won by Swell-Redshift rider Andy Blair. MarathonMTB.com had the opportunity to talk to Blair about his race win, and the race itself.
“The race is quite dynamic, with a lot of attacking. Even though the stages are shorter than a marathon,with fast open trails and fire road you end up getting bunches of riders.” As one of the nations best Cross Country racers, and clearly one of the most versatile, Blair said the format made the racing unique. “You don’t get that style of racing in an XC race, that’s more like a time trial. And in a Marathon you don’t need to think about the next day. But in a Stage Race you have the cumulative fatigue, and you’re constatntly eating and drinking. Even in the stage, you’re making sure you don’t go too deep… you know if you dig deep one day, it could cost you the next day.”
Blair came into the race and was absolutely flying, putting almost 7 minutes or more into the rest of the field. “I wasn’t expecting such good form at the Cape to Cape. I was surprised with the form. I haven’t done much intense training. Some crits, some SE (Strength Endurance) work and long rides. Hopefully I can get quicker.”
A more local schedule, gym work, 'cross racing - something in this combination had Blair off the front in a big way
The field of racers was impressive, and Blair mentioned a couple of stand out riders and performances. “There had only been prize money announced for the win, which meant things settled a bit. Jason English and Craig Cooke were on equal time behind me, with Pete Hatton back in fourth. The organisers announced prize money for second and third, which changed things a bit.”
It’s a fact of racing. If there is good money on, the best racers will attend, and the racing will be top notch. The event will gain more coverage and more people will come next year. Prize money down the rankings was an added incentive.
“What he (Pete Hatton) did on the last day was absolutely amazing. I lost count on my fingers and toes how many times he attacked. Craig Cooke is a really strong dude. he and English were equal on time, and Hatto was 45 seconds back in 4th. He finally got away near the finish, and I bridged across. He managed to move up into third, but not 2nd.”
The Cape to Cape was clearly an enjoyable race for Blair, and he enthused that it was logistically pretty easy too. “We got a big mansion with some other people, and had two cars. The racing is all point to point, but it’s easy to do car shuttles. Some of the others were keen to get into the wines and beers, and those options are there in Margaret River.”
The overall win at the Cape to Cape is yet another great result for Andy Blair and his Swell-Redshift team in 2011. Blair attributes his success to a number of things, “not going to Europe has allowed me to focus on more than just the National Series this year. I wasn’t riding or racing as much in winter. I skied a lot, and spent time in the gym. The 2011/2012 National Series is a big focus though.” Before then though, there is the 7th Briars Highland Fling, on 13th November. MarathonMTB.com will have a rundown of the start list, and some insights from Andy Blair in the coming days.
Kicking around the podium with Pete Hatton - a prediction for the coming few months?