Mark Nel accepted an invitation out of the blue four days before the race from Patrick von Schoor to do the Absa Cape Epic as his teammate. Knowing just how formidable the Cape Epic is to finish when prepared, we think he’s mad! So, we asked him to write a daily diary so we can follow his suffering, er, um progress.
Over the past 18 or 19 years, I have always been in pretty good racing condition all-year round, mostly on the road. To the point that I would normally be able to accept a Cape Epic racing invitation a few days before the race without any real worry and be able to complete it.
However, this year was different. We had our third child last year and I started a formidable new job in May this year. So, my normal conditioning just isn’t there. Having said that though, I didn’t hesitate to accept Patrick’s late invitation to do this Cape Epic with him. What an opportunity!
Although we have never ridden together, we get on really well. I have remained good friends with my previous Cape Epic partners based on the bonds we built during the race and I believe it will be the same with Pat.
Pat recently turned 50 but he’s in great physical condition and has the mindset of an athlete. He’s a former Springbok water polo player and he trained properly for this Cape Epic. I’m 39 so 11 years younger than Pat, but as we all know in bicycle racing, age doesn’t really determine your ability or potential. And of course, I haven’t really prepared for this Cape Epic!
I am nervous. Far more nervous than I have been in previous Epics. I haven’t trained for it specifically and as a result I don’t have a set goal, unlike at previous Epics. I also got Covid-19 in July and it hit me hard. But I do feel I’m back to good health, just a bit short on fitness. So, we’ll see how we’re going on Stage 2 or 3 and decide what our long-term goal will be then.
We were hoping to get in a ride on the Prologue course today, but the rain was torrential and common sense kicked in. The last race I did was in March 2020, which is a long time ago by anyone’s standards, especially mine. Registration was very subdued compared to previous Epics. But the process was smooth and the bag collection is always a big highlight. That’s when it all becomes more real!
Going into an event like this at such short notice has only been possible because the people closest to me have backed me. Things at work and home are pretty hectic right now, so it means a lot to me that my wife, Nicole, and my work colleagues have given me their full support!
It looks like it might be raining tomorrow (Sunday), so hoping the Prologue goes smoothly. We’ll give it a good go and our goal is just to finish safely. Wish us luck!
