Monday, 19th March 2018 – “Each Cape Epic is an unexpected adventure,” said Joaquim Rodriguez, ambassador of BAHRAIN MERIDA Pro Cycling Team while preparing for the 2018 ABSA Cape Epic. Together with his experienced co-rider, legendary mountain biker Jose Antonio Hermida, he successfully started this year’s edition of a legendary race.
“I had a little more time to prepare this year and I also have a bit more experience in MTB. So I didn’t start from zero, which gives me more confidence and a good feeling,” was optimistic the retired road racing star Joaquim Rodriguez before the start of another spectacular Cape Epic. He added that the combination of mountain biking and gym sessions with a little more emphasis on cardio training proved to be his recipe for success so far.
The team, of course, aims to beat the astonishing 18th position over all that they achieved last year, fighting even for one of the top ten positions. “I am facing this race with more confidence in my riding and knowing that I can perform well from the technical point of view,” continues Rodriguez. “It is hard to make specific predictions because mountain biking is a sport that changes with every kilometer, but one thing is for sure though – we will have a lot of fun. And this is a good guarantee that we will make a good Cape Epic.”
Both riders in BAHRAIN MERIDA jerseys performed well on yesterday’s prologue, conquering the majestic slopes of Table Mountain. But a major part of the total 658 km with 13 530 m of climbing, including four consecutive days of over 100 km, is still ahead of them. Also the final stage will be far from an easy roll to the finish-line, taking riders from Wellington to Val de Vie over a testing 70 km with 2000 m of climbing. The riders will undoubtedly earn that precious finishers medal.
