The Computer Mania MTB team is changing gears in October as they prepare to take on the 2021 Absa Cape Epic. The team, which was launched in January 2021 has spent the year racing cross-country races on the World Cup circuit. With the postponement of the Absa Cape Epic to October, it proved to be the perfect time for team riders, Daniel van der Walt, Johan van Zyl and Cherie Redecker to take on the gruelling stage race.
Computer Mania MTB Racing team will front two teams for the event. The young guns, Daniel and Johan will team up for their first serious stage race in the elite men’s field, while Cherie joins forces with Adelheid Morath of Germany, as they set their sights on a shot at the elite women’s podium.
Returning to the race after her only appearance in 2015, Cherie is excited to tackle the 2021 event having gained more experience and racing knowledge. Since 2015, the race has evolved, however the brutality of each stage and the combination of fatigue and stress to the body over the eight days is still something to contend with.
Despite her rocky start to the season with a broken collar bone in March, Cherie has managed her recovery through the season and is looking forward to the challenge. “Racing with Adelheid will be a great experience, with her commitment to the sport I know she is a partner I can count on” explains Cherie. “Hopefully we can aim for some podiums and fly the Computer Mania flag high.”
Having competed in races like Lesotho Sky and the Engadin Bike Giro, Cherie has gathered some important stage racing experience since her first Absa Cape Epic. With this experience under her belt, Cherie is confident about the partnership between Adelheid and herself.
The German powerhouse, Adelheid Morath, has a wealth of experience on the stage racing scene, having medalled at the Absa Cape Epic and the Swiss Epic in previous years. Lining up for her fourth Epic, and coming off a silver medal at this year’s Swiss Epic, Adelheid is no doubt a powerful rider.
“I am excited to race the Epic again, it has been a last minute pairing but I am feeling strong on the bike” explained Adelheid “The goal is a podium spot, and even though Cherie and I have never raced together it is an experience that I’m looking forward to.”
For Daniel and Johan, this will be their first race where they will compete as a team, instead of against each other. The two U23 riders will have a battle on their hands, yet they are excited for the challenge ahead. Their cross-country focus plays perfectly into the short 20km prologue, however the young guns will have to manage their effort for the week to ensure they make it through all eight days.
Despite their urge to kick off the week with a solid performance, the guys are approaching the week with bigger goals. “It would be great for us to go all out on the prologue, but a target for us is to take the Absa African Jersey, we’re expecting some strong competition so we will have to keep it smooth and save ourselves for the bigger days” explains Daniel.
Johan echoed Daniel’s sentiments and is aware of the challenge ahead. “I am really excited, I think it will be a good experience to test my limits and see how deep we can go each day” Johan stated. “It will definitely test our friendship, but I’m sure it will be a good learning experience for our racing as well as our friendship.”
As a Wellington local, Johan’s knowledge of the trails surrounding his home town will be invaluable at the end of the week. As body and mind struggle for focus, the familiarity of the trails will bring some level of comfort to the unknown.
With just under a month until the race starts, the team is eagerly waiting to pin on their numbers. Balancing their preparation for SA XCO Nationals last Saturday, as well as working in some longer days has added another layer to the already tricky planning puzzle.
Source: Computer Mania MTB Team
