Every year the organisers of the Cape Epic outdo the year before with new innovations to the race. This year is no exception.
Additions to the race
On the practical side, which the mere mortals will be interested in; There will now be individual shower cubicles plus your kit will be washed for you after each stage, complete with SMS to tell you when it’s ready for collection. Oakley have come on board as the official eyewear sponsors offering servicing and cleaning of any eyewear on route.
Very Competitive Masters Category
Every year the Masters Category has become more and more competitive and this year Telkom Business will be sponsoring the blue jersey. Kevin Vermaak, founder and director of the Absa Cape Epic adds: “The race for the Telkom Business blue Masters’ jersey will surely be one of the most hotly contested categories with contenders such as former Olympian Bart Brentjens and Jan Weevers, both of the Netherlands, and previous winners in this category Shan Wilson and Andrew Mclean (from South Africa) participating again this year.
“Double Olympic medalist and former World Cross-country champion Brentjens; announcement that he’d race as a Master most likely sent shivers down the spines of riders who thought they had a shot at wearing the coveted Master’s leader jersey.”
Development Team Announced
And finally, last year, Exxaro Resources was announced as a new headline sponsor and official development academy partner to the Absa Cape Epic. Consequently, the Exxaro MTB Academy was established with the vision to introduce the mountain biking experience to historically disadvantaged communities and individuals, and ultimately assist to transform the sport in South Africa. As a result nine teams from the Academy have been entered into this year’s race. Exxaro will provide full support to the teams. Each individual rider will receive a training programme to focus on specific challenges. The development teams will also receive brand new bikes.
Looking To 2013
2013 marks the 10 year anniversary of the Epic, and never to rest on their laurels, the organisers have already alluded to the race being even bigger and better. It’s all under lock and key of course but one just addition which they let slip is the inclusion of a Grandmasters Category, with some big names coming from abroad to battle it out for the title. Watch this space for more on next year’s race.
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