Stage 7 of the Absa Cape Epic was also around Lourensford Estate but, due to heavy overnight rain (and winds), was delayed by two-and-a-half hours and shortened. Mark and Jimbo were super disappointed at the shortening of the stage, but just took it in their stride (ha ha)…
Day 8: Stage 7, Lourensford-Lourensford
Distance: 40km | Climbing: 1050m
Time: 2hr 09min 38sec | Position: 175 overall; 31 Master Men
General Classification: 190 overall; 33 Master Men.
Moved up 5 places overall and maintained same position in Master Men.
MARK
We woke up apprehensive because we knew how tough the stage was going to be. With normal, dry conditions it would be tough, but it rained non-stop through the night so the ground would have been soaked! The thought of having to endure that again wasn’t a very positive one.
As we were about to park our car at the race village, we got a message to say that due to the conditions, the route had been shortened to 40 kays with 1050m of climbing. The original stage was to be 67 kays with 2100m of climbing. I’d be lying if I said we were upset about this and our spirits lifted significantly! I think it was the right call by the organisers.
The stage itself went well. We gave it a good burn, had no problems and here we are – at the finish. I think this year’s Cape Epic for me was really special in that I was riding to raise awareness and funds for The Player’s Fund and Ride 4 a Child. Unlike previous years, we both had something bigger than ourselves to ride for. There were plenty of low moments during the week, but take stock of the fact that there are so many people that would love to be doing what we have just done. It really did help get us through.
We are humbled by all the donations that people have made. There have been so many people involved in getting us here. Obviously our wives and families have been unbelievable. My crew at Omnico supporting us and allowing me time off to do this race. Just superb!
This really is an amazing event. The scale of it is remarkable. I still can’t get my head around the depth of the field! In all, a world-class event and a privilege to have been able to ride and complete it.
My advice to anyone that wants to really race the Cape Epic, you need to be so conditioned, including a good build-up of races. You can’t just rock up like we did and expect to be competitive. We were humbled in that regard. At the same time, it was amazing to do this with my best mate, Jimbo. It’s something we have always wanted to do. I couldn’t have had a better partner.
JIMBO
I’m about five ‘yeasts’ down, celebrating firstly, the late start, secondly the reduced amount of climbing, thirdly the reduced amount of distance and lastly, the final day of the Cape Epic.
It is a privilege. Although while we say it’s a privilege, often, you really sometimes struggle to find the reason why you are doing it. But the post-Cape Epic gees kicks in. Today was fast. It was like a two-hour interval session. It wasn’t easy, but we went hard. The rain started falling again just as we were getting near the finish. A good day. A good end to the week.
Everyone here is in good spirits and I think it’s been a really interesting Cape Epic – heat, rain, wind… And through all that, the Working Dads have got across the finish line!
Mark and Jimbo rode the 2025 Absa Cape Epic for two charities: The Player’s Fund and Ride for a Child. The Player’s Fund is an official charity of the Absa Cape Epic and primarily raises funds to assist rugby players that have suffered catastrophic injuries. Find out more on the official website here. You can find out more about the Ride for a Child charity via Mark and Jimbo’s fundraising link here.
PREVIOUS STAGE REPORTS BELOW
THE WORKING DADS CAPE EPIC: SURVIVING A RUGGED ROUTE & EXTREME HEAT
THE WORKING DADS CAPE EPIC: DREAM STAGE TURNS INTO A NIGHTMARE
