CAPE EPIC 2010
Written By Jan Begemann | Date 2010-02-09

After following the Cape Epic as spectator and neutral service mechanic for 2 years, 2010 will be the year to ride the Epic. So far my training is going ok. I wouldn't say great, because I somehow don't find the time for really long training rides, and I know this is going to be a problem. But I did the Transalp Challenge in 2006, so I'm not exactly a rookie.
I had a very successful start in 2010 with coming 2nd in the overall Elite results of the Wayne Pheiffer Crit Series here in PE, followed by winning Sub Vets category in the VW Cycle Tour in Uitenhage and winning the provincial mtb xc race in PE. Just the VW Herald mtb marathon race in Addo last Saturday didn't work out for me. After 40km into the race I fell and bent my derailleur hanger, after 50km my legs were cramping (because I forgot to drink!!!) and after 60km I punctured (nice long sidewall cut). But maybe it was a good thing. I'd be happy to have all the bad luck now and save the good luck for the Epic.
My Epic partner is Stefan Danowski, a good friend from Germany, and (unfortunately) a much faster rider than myself. Luckily he's battling with snow and temperatures below zero, so he won't get the long rides either.
My goal originally was to finish top 50. And with my training so far I's honestly say it's nearly impossible, even though I did a real sacrifice: Since 2nd January (until Epic starts) I don't eat chocolate anymore! I'm seriously addicted to chocolate. I normally eat at least 100g of chocolate per day, and after more than 1 month without chocolate I sometimes can't think of anything else but chocolate! It's killing me! But I've lost 1.5kg in 5 weeks, so at least my plan seems to work.

Jan

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