Absa Cape Epic old-timers Adrian Enthoven (42) and Delaney Impey (39) will be riding the 2012 event under the team name JAG Craft in the Masters category. This year’s race, which takes place from 25 March to 1 April 2012, will once again take 1200 riders through some of the Western Cape’s most unspoilt territory. The race will kick-off with the prologue at Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville and will finish at the traditional Lourensford Wine Estate.
This will be the fifth Absa Cape Epic for Enthoven. He explains that the race is addictive. “It’s a phenomenal race and a big focus for me every year. I just can’t seem to get enough of it!”
Enthoven will be riding with Impey, who will be particpating in his third Absa Cape Epic. Says Enthoven: “Delaney and I are physically well matched and we share the same goals and ambitions for the race. Although we’ve only teamed up recently, we have developed trust and belief in one another.” Impey is also excited about the race but is aware of what a huge commitment it is. “It’s a fantastic race but requires a lot of personal sacrifice. This year, unlike other years I have really enjoyed the training leading up to the race itself. It’s important to enjoy the training and preparation before the big day,” adds Impey. “Also, I would not be doing the race this year unless I totally believed in the partnership and knew that it would be a successful one. Adrian and I are similar in many ways and no matter what is thrown at us, we’ll keep a level head and get on with the task at hand.”
Enthoven boasts a number of achievements to his name. He has entered 7 Absa Cape Epics, 5 of which he has completed. He came 2nd overall in 2010 and 3rd overall in 2011. In 2008 and 2009, Enthoven finished 11th and 12th overall in the Sani2C and 7th in the MTN Ultra Clarens race in 2011. Last year, with Shan Wilson, Enthoven finished 2nd in the Knysna Garden Route 300 and this year, were the overall winners with partner, Impey.
In terms of training, these two seldom train together but as Impey explains, they both have faith in one another when it comes to training individually. “We both prefer to mostly train alone and put in the time when it best suits our lifestyles and commitments. We both get on with the job at hand and have the confidence that the other is doing the same.”
Enthoven began his training last year November. “I try to ride 20 to 25 hours a week with one week around 30 hours. From the middle of January to now, I then moved to doing intervals and as much racing as possible while still keeping the hours up,” says Enthoven. Impey trains 6 times a week while following power specific workouts. He is coached by Shan Wilson, who will also be riding the Absa Cape Epic this year. “At the beginning of the season, my coach and I sat down and agreed to the goals for the year and this is the programme we stick to and review on an on-going basis.”
Both Impey and Enthoven’s diets consist of eating as healthily as possible with Impey’s having to be strict and managed leading up to the Absa Cape Epic.
Both riders are looking forward to the race this year. Adds Enthoven: “I’m looking forward to what I’m sure is yet another gem of a route by Leon Evans (aka Dr. Evil), and the great vibe that always accompanies this race.”
Impey enjoys spending his free time with his family and this year, he and Adrian will be looking for a good result in the Sani2C which occurs a few weeks after the Absa Cape Epic. Adds Enthoven: “We’re looking for a top 10 overall finish in the Sani2C. In my free time though, I like to take my wife out on a date, read to my children and get in as much sleeping as possible!”
With neither having injuries that could affect their performance at this year’s Absa Cape Epic, Enthoven and Impey are hoping for some podium finishes. Says Enthoven: “There’s a very strong Master’s field this year, so I think a category stage win for us will be difficult. However, I think we have a reasonable chance ending up on the podium if we remain consistent and avoid major mechanicals or crashes.”
With a strong head and a good partnership, Impey believes you can complete the Cape Epic while Enthoven adds that you need to believe in yourself and your ability. “We’re most limited by our minds, not our bodies,” says Enthoven.
Impey gives advice to other participants stating that one must enjoy training. “It’s important in making this event a memorable experience. Far too many people go into the Cape Epic either over trained or hating their bike before they’ve even started.” Along with this, Impey says honest communication and a partner with the same goals and aspirations are vital.
Enthoven concludes: “Always ride close together. Never ride off the front if you are the stronger rider – it is very demoralising for your partner. Also, take good care of your bum – riding a Cape Epic stage with an inflamed saddle sore is no fun! It is a very long race and there’s plenty of time to make up for the positions you’ve lost. Lastly, don’t take unnecessary risks. A good result at the Absa Cape Epic comes with a steady and consistent ride and few mistakes.”
Mountain biking enthusiasts not participating in the Absa Cape Epic are invited to enter the Vineyard Races, which consist of the Vineyard Ride and Vineyard Run, both sponsored by Cape Times. These races promise participants breathtaking scenery and spectacular mountain biking terrain. The Vineyard Run offers a fun run (6km) and a trail run (15km) and the Vineyard Ride offers a 27km and 50km race. Interested riders can register online at www.vineyard-races.co.za.
Lourensford Wine Estate will once again host the finish of the race and the Grand Finale celebrations on 1 April 2012. The Grand Finale will kick off with live entertainment by well-known South African band Freshlyground, a Farmer’s Market, delectable food and wine as well as glorious scenery. Vantage points will be accessible to the general public, so that all may have a piece of the mountain biking action. Entrance is free.
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