Albertornians have epic time during race
Govann Botha and Stephan Coetzee from Alberton participated in the 20th anniversary of Absa Cape Epic that was held for eight days in Western Cape and obtained position 153 in their category.
Two Albertorians, Govann Botha and Stephan Coetzee, joined the 20th edition of the Absa Cape Epic held in Western Cape.
The Absa Cape Epic is a highly anticipated event for professional mountain bike riders due to its official classification as a horse catégorie event by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), making it the most broadcast mountain bike race globally.
It’s also the only eight-day stage event for mountain bikes.
The Absa Cape Epic attracts aspiring amateur riders who want to compete against the best. Its sheer scale terrifies even the most experienced mountain bikers.
According to Govann, opportunities began on day one with the prologue stage, a 26km course through Somerset West that included a 1050m climb. This stage introduced all of the elements that would be covered in the subsequent stages.
“I don’t think anyone can prepare you for the eight gruelling days you will experience. We had temperatures up to 46 degrees this year, which resulted in event organisers shortening one stage because of the heat. It was eight tough days with unexplainable moments, views and trails. It was always a bucket list event for my endurance and training partner, Stephan,” Govann said.
Furthermore, he said that it takes a lot of time and planning to complete something like the Absa Cape Epic, and he could not have done it without the help of his sponsors, friends, and loving family.
“Thank you very much to my wife Reecia and our two boys, Liann and Revann,” Govann expressed.
The cyclists rode through Tulbach on the second, third, and fourth days of the ride, covering 90km, 97km, and 94km, respectively.
Every day was a challenge with uphill climbs between 2100m and 2450m. For the following two days, the cyclists cycled to Wellington, covering 73km and 70km. These days involved ascents of 1750m and 2250m.
The final two stages of the ride, which covered a total distance of 87km and 67km, were finally finished around Stellenbosch. The cyclist’s last obstacle was two steep climbs, measuring 2300m and 2000m.
Stephan said that their goal was to finish the race with a solid performance and in excellent shape. But after the prologue stage, they quickly learned the full scope of the race’s demands, which put their physical and mental endurance to the test. Despite this, they had the chance to travel on the most spectacular single track across the breathtaking, wild Western Cape.
“Even after believing that the race had concluded, we were forced to climb again, which pushed our legs, lungs, and upper body to the extreme. I feel blessed and grateful to have shared this experience with my partner and to have finished the Cape Epic race. Although we had a few close calls and fell more than once, we managed to rise to the challenge and continue with the race. Scrapes, cuts, and bruises are common in mountain biking,” Stephan said.
Govann and Coetzee’s team, Heeltyd Speeltyd, completed the race in 52.26 hours and ranked 153rd in their category.
The race’s 20th anniversary featured the longest single track ever in a race, 1850m climbs (27.48m per km), and the greatest climbs per kilometre, totaling 613km.
