Two local cyclists did well and completed the Cape Epic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gys Malan and Raymond van Niekerk, competing under the name GysRays, finished 55th for men (41) after seven stages and eight days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two cyclists agree that the Cape Epic was not only challenging, but also an experience of a lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n News24<\/i> reported that the prologue and first two stages of this year\u2019s Cape Epic were characterised by extreme heat and wind, resulting in a significant attrition rate. Only 474 teams managed to finish stage 1. Despite extending the cut-off time to 11 hours, 29 teams could not finish the second stage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the Cape Epic Facebook page the supporters and cyclists speak with praise about this event. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWow, what a week of watching this amazing sport and sharing the trials and mountain bike riders journeys through or spectacular Western Cape trials,\u201d one commentator said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Cape Epic was also marked by drama after one cyclist died. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the first stage of the race, at Lourensford in Somerset West, a rider required critical care and was attended to by the medical team before being airlifted to a nearby hospital for further treatment. He later died in hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe share our greatest sympathies with the family and friends of the rider and will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time,\u201d reads an official statement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe thank the medical personnel who provided them with continuous medical support and care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 2023 Absa Cape Epic will be held on 19-26 March 2023 and early bird entries opened on 28 March 2022.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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