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Andisiwe Skeyi and Malusi Buthelezi (Team Exxaro/Datacentrix) personified what teamwork is about on Stage 1 of the 2018 Absa Cape Epic on Monday, as they survived the tough 110km route.

For Andisiwe it was only her second stage race having completed her first event just three weeks ago. From early on the two Exarro riders battled at the back of the field, Andisiwe struggling up the climbs and by 35km the two were last in the field.

As they survived the climbs and headed into the second half of the stage it was clear that Andisiwe was taking strain but Malusi, a veteran of four Absa Cape Epics, proved to be the ultimate Epic #ConquerAsOne partner. On the climbs he pushed Andisiwe and encouraged her every pedal stroke shouting ‘Power, Power!’.

At the final checkpoint Andisiwe, who only began riding at the Exxaro MTB Academy in 2017, sat under a tree to take a breath but once they were given the go ahead by the medical staff, they decided to continue thanks to Malusi’s encouragement.

Together they pushed to the finish, Andisiwe managing to find a second wind, overtaking the second last pair in the final kilometre and pushing to the finish.

“It was incredible to watch how Malusi encouraged Andisiwe. A great example of teamwork,” said Rob Vogel, one of the two sweepers, nicknamed the Hyenas, who follow the final riders on the course.

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