Banbridge CC’s off-road endurance duo, Johnny McRoberts and Gareth McKee, are once again off on their travels to compete in another race of epic proportions. It is quite literally epic, being the largest of the Global MTB ‘Epic Series’ . An 8-day XC MTB stage race covering 700 untamed kilometres, up to 16,000m of rugged climbing, and the gruelling African heat will give the lads their biggest challenge yet.
The Absa Cape Epic in South Africa is widely regarded as one of the very toughest MTB events in the world, and dubbed the “Tour de France of mountain biking. Starting this Sunday, 16th March, with a prologue style stage the lads will then face marathon style stages which will include a varied mix of single track, river crossings, relentless climbing and descents through the Western Cape.
Ahead of the event Johnny used the Costa Blanca bike race as a key preparation event. As well as the difficult terrain and long days he was able to test his event fuelling, pre, post and during the stages which he knows will be a crucial element at the Cape Epic.
Speaking recently Johnny was cautious with his expectations, “We’re not sure how the form will come over the 8 days, the duration and elevation involved isn’t something we’ve replicated and the heat will play a major factor” “Top 20 in the field would be a massive goal, but a major part of that would be the prologue which is used for seeding and group positions. Getting in the right group is key, so we’re not held back on the technical descents.” “Pacing strategy will also be key, those who recover the best are likely to be the strongest at the back end of the 8 days when fatigue really kicks in!”
Joining Johnny will be multi Irish National XC MTB Champion, Gareth McKee, who returns to his native Banbridge CC colours. Known for his technical ability and endurance the Banbridge man clearly has a knack for targeting the big events having also joined Johnny for the Swiss Epic in 2022, although at 350km even that will pale in significance in comparison to what faces the duo next week. He’s also used to racing against the very best in the world having competed for Ireland at the Elite World MTB Championships. He’ll once again be lining up against the world’s elite in Africa where amateurs compete alongside their professional counterparts.
The pair have been in training specifically for the Cape Epic for the last 6 months, with some staggering distances and hours clocked up on their road and off-road bikes, as well as off the bike strength training to assist with the endurance and hopefully stave off fatigue on the body as much as possible.
You can follow the Banbridge CC team via the Absa Cape Epic website, here. If you’d like to get more of a taster of what the event involves, pour yourself a cuppa and check out the video below.
We wish our men the very best for this incredible challenge, and can’t wait to hear the many tales on their safe return!
