Cape Epic - Stage Four

Team manager and spokesperson Yolanda had this to say: "It was a solid performance today. They got a lot of go forward early on. They were solid on defense, attacked well and did well in the loose. They conceded a bit towards the end, but I'm very happy with their performance."

245th place.

Cape Epic - Stage Three

The hills are alive with the sound of music - well, to be more accurate, the sound of Russell swearing and clearing his throat. Hills and sand are two of his favorite things.

We had as long tough day, and several times Russell threatened to quit. But somehow he pushed through the pain and suffering, and we got our best placing yet - 291st.

Cape Epic - Stage Two

What a great stage. We ride single track till we were sick of it. And then a little but more.

It was tough. It was hot. But it was fun.

7h40.

Cape Epic - Day One

Done.

With a bit of moaning, swearing, grimacing, writhing and cursing. And that was just Russell's massage.

7h55 and 341st position.

Cape Epic - Day 0

The nerves are on code red, man the battle stations, one minute to midnight, or whatever other analogy you might prefer. This is it, we have registered, sussed out the opposition (and they seem to get better each year), had the race briefing, got the goodies, packed the bags, ridden the bikes one last time, had the final supper with the family, and quietly died a thousand deaths. No turning back now.

Watch out - Team Burger Kings (Team # 74) is ready to deal with whatever Dr Evil can throw at us.

The Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour Wrap up

The Results

With the Argus now a memory, the legs starting to feel a little better, and plans already being made for next year, I present the scoreboard:

Name	Race Time	Position	Gender Position	Age Position	Start Group	Group Position
Me	03:08:08	305/28817	282/22533	50/2210	VA	53/234
Craig	03:08:09	306/28817	283/22533	41/3071	VA	54/234
The Tourist (Russell)	03:19:16	810/28817	749/22533	114/3322	VB	151/229
The Greek	03:59:32	5460/28817	4934/22533	813/3071	GG	8/526
Bonte	04:17:22	8355/28817	674/5472	109/745	T	262/466
Yolanda	04:17:22	8358/28817	675/5472	105/712	T	263/466
The Runner	04:23:43	9422/28817	8316/22533	1306/3071	PC	9/375

What the scoreboard doesn't say is just how tough it was:

• I spent 50kms chasing the back of the VA bunch after getting dropped over Smitswinkel, only catching Craig right on the finish line
• Yolanda and Bonte had to stop for a puncture that took 8 minutes to fix (they still beat their nemesis, although Yolanda still bears the psychological scars of a good tongue lashing from Bonte!)
• The wind was howling - The Runner did a valiant job riding solo around the Peninsula
• The Tourist collapsed in a heap, cramps ripping through his legs as we tried to enjoy a rewarding beer in Kalk Bay
• The Greek crawling up into a ball in the beer tent, totally exhausted