Stage 3 of the Absa Cape Epic took place in Paarl on a sweltering day. Mark discovered that he was recovered from whatever he suffered with on Stage 2, but the heat and technical nature of the route made for a very tough day out. Here’s how it went for the Working Dads.
Day 4: Stage 3, Fairview-Fairview
Distance: 78km | Climbing: 1450m
Time: 5hr 37min 36sec | Position: 225 overall; 49 Master Men
General Classification: 202 overall; 40 Master Men
Moved down 3 places overall and down 1 position in Master Men.
MARK
We knew it would be a hot day. The forecast was for 43 degrees in Paarl. I was a bit apprehensive about how my body would respond after yesterday’s debauchery. But I felt a hell of a lot better. James broke a spoke after four kays, but managed to pull it out and had no further drama.
There was a huge amount of climbing and a very technical route. Eighty percent of the stage today was singletrack. Lots of rocks and technical sections with dust and sand – what you expect from the Cape Epic.
They shortened the stage but we found it strange because although they shortened it by 12 kays they only cut out about 150 metres of climbing. We basically climbed from 40km to 60km and up about 1000 metres. Technical switchbacks the whole way. We came across several European riders that were sitting down or lying down. They were pretty serious looking athletes so that spoke to how difficult the conditions were.
The water points were a real treat today. To get cold water in the bottles and over our heads. Bliss! I can completely understand why they cut the stage short today. I gather they ran out of liquids.
Jimbo and I had serious ambitions in the Masters category. And Jimbo is more than up for it. He has been riding superbly. So it’s been really frustrating because my body hasn’t responded like I was expecting. It’s disappointing, but we have agreed that whether we come 60th or 160th it doesn’t really matter. What’s important is finishing. And trying to have fun in the process.
Oh, this morning, when we got to the start, I realised I had left my two water bottles at the accommodation! There was a mad scurry at the start line and huge thanks to James Ross-Marsh from Specialized who hooked me up with bottles! Today would not have been a great day, not having water bottles. A real schoolboy error that I will put down to Cape Epic brain fog.
JIMBO
I have never ridden at Paarl. And after today, let’s be honest, I don’t think I’m ever going to be rushing back. Ever. It’s an incredible network of trails. If you look at the profile of the stage it’s an unbelievable spaghetti mish-mash of singletrack. But it’s extremely technical. On the descents you couldn’t ever relax. You had to concentrate on the rocks and drop-offs and super technical stuff.
It took us like two hours to cover the first 20 kays. But then that’s typical Cape Epic. I always find that the Wednesday is often the hardest stage when a lot of riders drop out. The heat we expected. But I do think they should have added another hydration station between Water Points 2 and 3. We basically rode for two-and-a-half hours with no liquid. I think that’s where a lot of the riders came unstuck.
All in all, we made it through a tough day, which is a mini victory because a lot of okes are going home or not able to start tomorrow. We are happy to have one more day behind us.
Stage 4 on Thursday will also take place on the Paarl Trails network (sorry Jimbo!), covering a distance of 80km with 1950 metres of climbing.
You can follow Mark and Jimbo’s progress live by downloading the Epic Series app and selecting them under ‘Riders’. Their team name is Barneys Army/Ride 4 Child and the team number is 397.
Mark and Jimbo are riding 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.
Images: Anthony Churchyard
