When asked about his thoughts on the new format, the inaugural Grape Escape winner Kevin Evans said: “I think the race will have completely new dynamics with the solo entry format. It changes the approach to the race, and I'm sure will yield some speedy racing, making for great entertainment.”
Commenting on the upcoming event and competition, team manager of last year’s runners up Team Bulls, Friedemann Schmude said: “The guys are very excited about Nashua Grape Escape, and plan to use the event as a training ground and an opportunity to check out the competition ahead of the Absa Cape Epic. We take the Nashua Grape Escape very seriously, as it is an event that is contested by the top MTB riders who take part in the Cape Epic. We will be watching the likes of Kevin Evans and Christoph Sauser, as they will no doubt give our guys some healthy competition.”
Among the many skilled female riders confirmed for this year’s race is Hanlie Booyens, part of the Team Cape Argus Ladies duo who comfortably won the race last year. Sharing her thoughts on the new solo-format, Hanlie stated: “Personally I think going the solo route is a refreshing alternative to almost every other stage race in SA. Going solo simplifies not only the logistics but the racing itself. How you pace yourself now lies in your own hands. This and the generous prize purse will surely draw a very competitive field.”
Husband-and-wife duo Erik and Ariane Kleinhans who dominated the mixed team category last year, also shared their thoughts on the format change which now makes them competitors. “While the first stage is new, Riebeeck Kasteel is a lovely town and a lovely new starting point. We are both looking forward to the race, the hospitality and the atmosphere was fantastic last year, so we can't wait for the new look and improved 2013 version. With Nashua as the new title sponsor it also seems like the event is growing in stature,” said Erik.
And if national pride is not enough of a motivating factor, the local and international riders will be facing off to win a significantly-increased prize pool of R25 000 for the winning rider, R12 000 for second place and R6 000 for third place. In addition, a R3 000 daily winner’s prize will go to the rider clocking the fastest time on each stage.
New Route and New Format
For the first time this year the event will offer a three-day and a two-day option in the hope to make it more accessible to more riders. The two-day option follows exactly the same routes as the 3-day riders. . The event will also focus exclusively on individual riders and no teams will be entered.
The 2013 Nashua Grape Escape offers a brand-new route designed by leading mountain bike trail enthusiast and guru Meurant Botha, and starts at Riebeek Kasteel Primary in Riebeeck Kasteel on Thursday 28 February. Riders will follow a 78km route on Day 1 and finish at the DJ de Villiers Stadium in Wellington, where the official Race Village will also be located for the duration of the event.
Day 2 starts and finishes at the DJ de Villiers Stadium and takes riders on a shorter, although very challenging, 60km route. On Day 3, riders will tackle a 70km trail to the finish line at Boschendal Wine Estate.
Enter early
David Bellairs, a Director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust, organisers of the event, says: “With the event route and timing proving to be the ideal training ground for the upcoming Cape Epic and only 600 solo spots available, there is quite a bit of interest, and we encourage riders keen to participate to enter as soon as possible.“
For more information about the event, route profiles or to enter online, please visit www.grapeescape.co.za or follow @CycleTourTrust on Twitter or Facebook www.facebook.com/cycletourtrust
For event-related queries, please contact the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust Events Office on (021) 681 4333 during office hours.
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