Ballito cyclists complete tough Swiss Epic
On their toughest day the duo took on 100km of cycling in torrential rain.
In the far eastern reaches of the Swiss Alps last week, almost 1 000 cyclists took on a gruelling five-day mountain bike challenge.
Only 700 made it to the finish line of the Spar Swiss Epic, among them Ballito residents Mark Jason (49) and Nicholas Arthur (30).
The duo were taking on their first Epic in Switzerland, having previously completed multiple Cape Epics – South Africa’s defining mountain bike race.
“It was my first time riding with Nick, but I had previously raced the Cape Epic with his dad, James. So I went from being the youngster in the group to the veteran!” said Jason.
Riders covered 359km in the five days, traversing the peaks and troughs of eastern Switzerland, from Arosa, through Laax and finishing in Davos.
“It was very very tough climbing, almost 12 000 metres. This was entirely off-road, mostly on single track and small service roads,” he said.
With the difficulty dial already turned to 11, the riders were greeted on their toughest day with 100km of cycling in torrential rain.
This made the challenge ever harder, particularly when navigating the tricky and technical descents in the mountains.
Nevertheless, Jason and Arthur remained strong, finishing 79th in their category in a time of 28:24.51.
They were the 6th placed South African team in their category in an event that saw South Africa as the second most represented country behind Switzerland.
“It’s now under the banner of the Spar Group, so I think that has increased the interest and relevance locally. There were around 120 South African riders in the event.”They
joined the almost 50 countries represented, with everyone trying to prove themselves in the Epic series.
With the Cape Epic and Swiss Epic, the Pioneer in New Zealand previously formed the triple crown of mountain bike races.
Following Covid-19 difficulties the Pioneer was discontinued, meaning Jason and Arthur have grabbed the double crown that is available.
“For now I have no plans to take on any more Epics, I have done five in total. But who knows, if I’m feeling good then it’s never out of the question.”
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