Of the 1172 riders who started their epic journey at Diemersfontein, 83.6% successfully completed their Absa Cape Epic adventure by crossing the final finish line at the Lourensford Wine Estate. In the remaining 16.4% figure that is not classified as official finishers, the blue board riders (riders whose partners dropped out) are included. 445 teams were ranked on the GC (General Classification), with both team riders awarded the medal as official Absa Cape Epic finishers. 90 individual cyclists successfully completed the 8 stages without their partners. So for Team Mio to cross the line together as partners is a great success story, and a race that both us will remember for ever and stories to tell for years to come.
So for the Team Mio guys to finish the race in the mid field of the pack was a great result. Given the training Kav had to endure and limited gaps in the weather that the entire Euro's had to train we finished ahead of most Pommie's teams. They are some dark moments for some riders and many tales of heartbreaks for those who invested so much into this race and unfortunately didn't finish. Some travelled two days to ride and miss the cut off times by 1 minute on day 1 many shattered hearts. Others partners blow out and would be found on IV dips at nights in the medic tents and many dehydrated from the 40 degree heat. But most common where riders found lying on the side of track not knowing what day it is nor being able to remember there name. But not for Kav and myself.
This race is not easy, and can honestly say that most people in life will not come close to pushing their bodies to the level Kavan had to endure to get through. The pain barriers and saddle sores day after day cut deeper and deeper as the race goes on. For the riders to push through these barriers mentally and physically in order to cross the line is a feeling of accomplishment second non - respect to all.
As I think back on what made this race, the most engraved memories where the spectators and side support that every little township and school that stood on the dusty road high five'ing us as we rode each stage. The crowds which gathered at the water points and vantage points where great as the commentators shout out of the loud speaker" Here comes Team Mio GPS -Kavan from the United Kingdom and Paris from New Zealand" and everyone would cheers and shout words of encouragement as we rode by. The scenery and mountain ranges that I was able to take in was simple Epic, South Africa is truly impressive at 9 am in the middle of the fynbos filled mountains but harsh at 2pm under 42 degrees of direct sunlight!
Asked if I would ride this again, my answer would obviously be " Hell yeah". However the coin spent on this event is huge and the race fees are going up even more next year to R32 000 which many just not be able to condor up. Many local South African's and international's will be forced to look at riding cheaper events i.e.: Sani 2 C, BC, Rockies as the event status is now that of caliber that only the exclusive team and rich self funded internationals can afford. As I have a confirmed entry for 2011 through Carrie's volunteer’s roles, my plan is to try obtaining a sponsor to ride under for 2011. Now that I understand what it takes to race this event and the training needed, I will be aiming for a Top 30- 50 position in 2011. So let me know if you know of anyone wanting some the best exposure through one of the world's most elite sporting event in the world.
Well till next year, thanks again to everyone who supported us from Mio GPS, Carrie, Claudia, Alistair, Rick and Lor, Temple bikes, our families and friends.
Cheersy
P
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