Greetings from the Robertson, home of grapes and orange juice. And rooiwyn.
I am supporting a group of Dutch cyclists who are here "just to finish" this event, the "Tour de France" of mountain biking. Their laid
back attitude is a joy, and quite refreshing from the obsessive-compulsive approach of so many "wanabee pro's" attracted to this sort of challenge.
After a the hot and dusty prologue in Meerendal Wine Estate outside Durbanville, we headed to the town of Robertson, where we are based until Wedenesday. Our accomodation is "palacial" so to speak; totally unexpected and we each have our cottage high up in the mountains above town WITH electricity nogaal!
It's been great catching up with many of the other support staff/mechanics/masseurs and groupies I've come to know over the past seven years whilst "working" at this event. More like a "working holiday" and training camp for yours truly than real work.
Bumped to the legendary Udo Boelts outside the dining tent last night. Udo is a former Tour de France rider and highly respected domestique to the likes of Jan Ullrich and Erik Zabel who, although retired from pro cycling, competes at a high level in marathon mountain biking and masters athletics. He has already completed the Trans-Andes in January as well as running a "very bad and tiring" New York marathon in 2:55. His regular Epic partner, Carsten Bresser, ran a cool 2:27! Who says cyclists cannot run? Udo is currently leading the mixed division at the Cape Epic, but seems more concerned about his family and being back in time for the Easter school holidays back home in Germany. Check this interview I did with Udo at last year's ABSA Cape Epic:
Our mechanic, Mark Weedall, had another long night last night. What with 52 bikes to service, he only finished work at 2am this morning, but was in good spirits nonetheless when we fetched our steeds for today's start.
A huge leading bunch of 10 teams were 2 minutes ahead of sentimental favourites 360 Life at the firts spectator point - not a good sign, although it is still early days. Let's hope that they can turn it around; only seven days to go!
About to meet up with my friend Craig and his daughters as I type this. I'll be practising high jump with Cameron while Cuyler does handstands on the field. Hope to update regularly with photos throughout, internet access dependant.
