SS1607 -
the formidable Dreyers will not have
it all their own way, however. They’ll need
to look out for Antonio Moreno Ortega
and Ramona Gabriel Batalla of Garmin
Ixcor. Ortega has one Cape Epic under
his belt, having fi nished 132nd in the GC
in 2018. Batalla, like Fischer, would be
comfortable within the women’s fi eld, but
as it is her fi rst attempt at the race, has
chosen to test the waters in the Mixed
category. Her best result of 2018 was
second at the European Continental Ultra
XCM champs so, if anything, even the
longest stages might be too short for her
to really show off her prowess.
Another formidable team are the
husband and wife pairing of Sebastian
and Laura Stark. The German combination
will be riding in the colours of TBR-Werner,
and given Sebastian’s history in the Cape
Epic, they are certainly in contention for
a category podium. In his two previous
attempts at the race, Sebastian has placed
52nd and 17th in the GC. Laura is fi ercely
competitive too, and together the pair
placed second in the mixed category at
the Tankwa Trek in February.
Rustig_MBC Advert (230x150mm).pdf
1
2019/01/28
2:04
Given the strength of the women in the
Virgin Active Mixed category fi eld this year, the race could well come
down to who proves to be the strongest man in the line-up over the
eight days. Despite his lack of mountain biking experience, Freire’s
three-week Grand Tour know-how will surely place him and Fischer
atop Bike Hub’s Absa Cape Epic Fantasy League selection list.
One thing is for sure, it should prove an exciting category in 2019.
Message from Virgin Active
The Absa Cape Epic is an extraordinary event
made special by the spectacular and challenging
route, and by the people involved – organisers,
participants and supporters. This is Virgin Active’s
second year as a headline sponsor and offi cial
health club partner of the race, and we’re delighted
to be part of it once again. Cycling is growing
all the time as a key feature of our members’
fi tness regimens and we continue to add to our
world-class stationery bike technology and Ride classes to meet that
demand. Many more of our members are setting themselves, and
achieving, big fi tness goals, and they don’t come any bigger than the
Absa Cape Epic. I wish all the riders the very best for your preparation
and participation and I’ll be keeping a special eye out for the teams
racing for the Virgin Active Mixed category leader’s jersey, and on our
members who won entries through the Virgin Active Epic Battle.
PM
ROSS FARAGHER-THOMAS, Managing Director