inGEAR:
Words: Megan Earl | Photos: Tarryne Rautenbach
A day in the life of an Epic supporter
Whenever anyone asks a rider how the Absa Cape Epic was, most of the time they will say it was the hardest thing they’ve ever done, or that it was a tough mental and physical challenge, or that it nearly broke them or that it did break them. The Cape Epic is not for the faint-hearted and those cyclists who attempt it, and finish it, are legends in their own right. Now, if you asked a supporter / mechanic / physio / sports therapist how their Epic went, they will say, “The Epic was … well epic!” I'm a race events sports physio therapist and this year’s event was one of the hardest Epics my team and I have ever worked at. By the time it finished, it felt like we had done the Epic along with the riders we had come to support! My team consisted of five female therapists, all with different qualifications, and for two of them, this was their first Epic ... and possibly their last. Most people are unaware of what happens in the Supporter's village, as most conversations about a race are discussed from the rider’s point of view. So this is my story about what it’s like from a physio therapist and supporter's point of view.
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I attended registration to meet some of our local and international clients who had signed up with us for the first time, and was immediately swept up in the amazing energy and vibe that permeated the air. This was my favourite part of the Epic, as I got to watch all the goings-on that make the Epic so epic, and see the international riders, many who are famous, who have come to participate in the world’s biggest multi-stage mountain bike race! I also caught up with some of our regular clients, who were attempting their third Epic and hope to achieve their Amabubesi this year, as well as with the teams from Australia, UK, and Switzerland. Some were coming back for more Epic punishment and others were Epic virgins … I hoped they knew what they are in for! But the event won’t be the same without Burry Stander. Maybe this is the year that an African team will win, but there were so many top contenders, it’s anybody’s guess. Waking up at 6 a.m. the next day, we pack the car and my team prepares for the long journey to Citrusdal. I’m off to the Prologue and on the way I see some of the rides making their way up a mountain - its 23 km long and said to be incredibly tough.
Arriving in Citrusdal, we make our way to the local golf course, which is about 800 m from the race village, and where we'll set up. This location is beautiful and we're more than happy to massage and camp on the lovely green grass. We put up four gazebos, massage tables, coffee and snacks and our ice bath; the best part according to some riders. Our riders start coming in for massages around 1 p.m. We also get to meet a lot of first-time riders and some regulars, and enjoy catching up on life, training and the Prologue. Some found it hard or challenging and others hated it! Those that didn’t have a good start were nervous for the next day and for good reason too! One rider told me that he had ridden most of the route during training and reckons it will be a very tough day, especially for the backmarkers. Another rider adds that we may even lose a few riders tomorrow as Dr Evil will be putting their skills to the test … sounds eina! We carry on massaging until 9.30 p.m., wish all of our rider’s good luck for the next day and then go for dinner; a potjie cooked by the guys at the golf course. Very yummy.
Stage 1: 96 km / climb of 2,350 m (this was shortened) We wake up to the sound of the race starting, and once the riders are off we’re on a mission to find a shower and eat some breakfast. Shortly after, we see a helicopter hovering overhead and can’t believe that the first riders are already in! It's a mad rush to collect ice blocks to get the ice bath cold enough for our guys! I ask Charles, one of the riders, what the stage was like and he said it was tough. In places, the sand was so thick that riders had to walk through it, which meant that it was going to be a very long day for the riders and us … eish! Today’s stage had been a physical and mental test, and some of our top riders had the same take on the day; that it was very tough! Some had to walk a good 5 km or more. The backmarkers would probably be walking close on 10 to 16 km! When you hear that one of your riders missed the cut-off by a mere three minutes because of a broken fame, your heart sinks, especially if it’s one of your regular clients who you've supported at many races before. The disappointment on their face … it's this that makes you feel like you are doing the Epic with them. Four of our riders missed the cut-off on that stage, and only by minutes. This stage seems to have been a tough day for a lot of riders! Our team finished massaging at around 10 p.m. and then we still had to pack up as much of the camp as possible into the cars, as we were leaving early the next morning for Tulbagh.
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Stage 2: 146 km / climb of 2,350 m
Stage 4: 120 km / climb of 2,300 m
Arriving at the Supporter's village in Tulbagh, we set up camp on a dust patch, but its right next to the fence where the riders have to finish. So we can literally watch all the action from the sidelines! Once again we see the helicopter hovering overhead, man these guys are quick! As they approach, there is a massive dust cloud behind them … who knew a mountain bike could tear up that much dust! We watched the first few teams fly past us at super speeds. They are incredible!
As the riders make their way to Wellington, we pack up and head to Wellington Cricket Club in search of greener pastures, happy to leave the dusty straw ones behind! And Wellington does bring greener pastures, but our riders are battling with the heat and dehydration is now becoming a common occurrence! Finishing early, we enjoy a welldeserved glass of wine, the first so far, and pizza, and then climb into bed before midnight - absolute heaven!
The riders started coming in and most of them were happy with the stage. By then, it was incredibly hot and the ice baths were appreciated by all. As the day progressed, more and more riders suffered from dehydration that day and unfortunately, one of our riders had to pull out due to dehydration. We finished our last massage at 10.45 p.m. We gave dinner a miss and went in search of a hot shower, but had an ice cold one instead! It’s rough, but we love it!
Stage 5: 75 km / climbing 1,800 km
Stage 3: 94 km / climb of 1,950 m I was up at 5.45 a.m. to tape one of the riders. En route into town for more water and ice, we see the front runners coming in already! So we drive like F1 drivers into town and make it back just in time to start on the first riders! By this stage of the Epic, the massaging has become a little easier for us and lot more painful for the riders.
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I'm up again at 6 a.m. for another rider taping session, while the other therapists are still snoozing; much-needed rest at this stage of the Epic. Today is a short but tough stage and most of the riders come into our tents smiling! They enjoyed the single track and we share in their joy! Happy rider equals happy supporters. The Epic is slowly starting to come to an end, with the hardest stage the next day. Riders have mixed feelings, but are feeling strong. They turn in for an early night, which means we can too! But first we need to pack up camp, leaving one gazebo standing for coffee and taping the next morning!
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Stage 6: 99 km / climb of 2,950 m We wake up at 5.45 a.m. to find a very wet camp and mud everywhere! I knew I brought the wellingtons for a reason :) The riders seem more nervous today, and it's understandable as they face the hardest stage of the Cape Epic yet! If they can get through this then they are home free! Well sort of … We pack up the rest of the camp and drive to Stellenbosch, where we find our patch of ground and set up once more. After breakfast we had to hunt for extra tent pegs because the wind was proving to be challenging! As we arrive back in camp, the front runners are already in. The word is that this stage was a hard as everyone said it would be! Dehydration and stomach bugs continue to plague riders, with many pulling out as they were not willing to risk their health any further. And rightly so! Health first! Massaging starts late today and we hear that more of our riders have pulled out. Our hearts' sink, as there was just one more stage to go! But this is Epic. It is easy to see the toll that today's stage has taken on the riders; legs are very tender and riders are nursing fractured ribs, swollen knees and open injuries from crashes. The mood is sombre!
As the massages come to an end, we say goodbye and good luck to most of our riders. We're not sure if we will see them at the finish in Lourensford. Packing up, the reality that Epic, for us, is over hits us. We are exhausted, sad and relieved at the same time. Each of us has averaged anything from 8 to12 massages per day. We have come to know our riders pretty well over the last week and feel like we have been passengers on the emotional and physical roller coaster that is the Cape Epic.
Stage 7: 54 km / climb of 1,550 m As we were leaving for Johannesburg, this would be the first year that we didn’t get to see the riders cross the finish line. And so it was with mix emotions that we headed for home. Although we have a love-hate relationship with the Cape Epic, we always seem to come back for more! This year was tougher than in previous years, not just for us but for the riders too! So, if you ask us how our Epic was? We will tell you that the Epic … well, WAS epic because there is no other way to describe it. •
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