Photo by Gary Perkin/Cape Epic/SPORTZPICS
A big day’s riding was completed today with a mix bag of unbelievable Walvanpas trails. Gavin and I were well positioned at the start of C gate this morning just behind the Outcast pro riders. The rain was falling down on our heads and we were actually quite pleased to have cool weather in Wellington. Having spent quite a bit of training time here in January and February, we knew the danger we could be in if we had a 35 degree plus kind of day.
The start was fast and the tough on the legs. I’m notorious for slow starts and gaining momentum much later in the stage while Gavin is a good starter. The first hill was extremely hard on the legs and mine felt like they were still at the breakfast table and nowhere near race ready. We settled in after 20km and gave it a good go.
Even though it was a short stage, it was staggered with some nasty climbs. We were treated to the white route on Walvanpas trails as well as some new farms that we haven’t ridden before. I’ve said this on a number of blogs that the riding in this area is of the best in the country. You have to have strong climbing legs and good technical skills to flow through the unbelievable single tracks. They are fast with a lot of switchbacks, but oh my, they are good when you get a clean run at them. Having some experience in these parts, Team used their knowledge to power up certain climbs knowing that we would be in front for the beautiful single track.
We had a two water points very close that were only separated by 9km. That is a clear indication that you are going to get spanked with a killer climb. We refilled at the bottom at water point 2 and prepared ourselves for the beast. The sun was baking now and the rain was a distant memory. With yesterday’s monstrous stage in our legs, this climb was taking its toll on a number of riders. We kept our steady tempo and were thankful for all those interval training sessions Ian Rodgers had set in our training schedules. At the top of the climb a third water station was available, but we decided to skip it so we could get a jump on the riders that were in our group. It was a smart bit of riding because we were gifted a free run down some of the most amazing flowing trails this country has to offer. It was an absolute pleasure after a gruelling day’s riding.
Riding into the village and hearing Mike Finch and Paul Kaye greeting all the finishers gave us a lift and we shifted the chain onto the big blade and powered through. It has to be said, when you have the smiling faces of your wife and children at the finish, it brings on a huge emotional surge. I was so happy to see them waving and putting their little hands out for a high-five. I’m not sure how I’m going to keep the tears back tomorrow, but before we get ahead of ourselves, I’ve got 92km with the infamous Perdeberg on route to Meerendal!
I can’t believe we are almost here. One more sleep and one more ass numbing trip to the wine lands of the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town.
A special wish of good fortune to all the riders who’ve made it to the final stage from Team . Have a memorable day out tomorrow and savour the finish line.
All the best
Mark
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