The 2023 Cape Epic was one of the toughest in recent years due to the extreme weather that hit the race on day 5 and 6, making it physically and mentally challenging for riders.
Despite the challenges, Luyanda Tobigunya and Sithembiso Masango of Fairtree DP World Cannondale 1 showed their experience to finish 43rd in the UCI category, even with technical issues on stage 3.
Kusaselihle “Lihle” Ngidi and Ongeziwe “Ongs” Tyapa of Fairtree DP World Cannondale 2 did well in their first Cape Epic together but, unfortunately, Ongs fell ill on day 3 and could not keep up the pace.
Atlahang Motsokotsi and Thembela Lukalo of Fairtree NTT 1 had a tough time as well, with Atlahang crashing out on day 5., while Thembela managed to finish as an individual finisher.
Fairtree DP World Cannondale Ladies 1, consisting of Sive Boyce and Ann Swanepoel, faced a challenging debut in the race.
Boyce missed the cut-off on day 1, while Swanepoel had to be hospitalised on day 6 due to extreme exhaustion in the weather.
On the other hand, Yomelela Mfazwe and Ongezo Mini of Fairtree DP World Cannondale Ladies 2 also missed the cut-off on day 1.
The last day of the race was spectacular, with a finish through Stellenbosch and the Banhoek mountains, and all the pain and exhaustion was forgotten with the finish at Val de Vie.
“The teams performed admirably, with Luyanda and Sithembiso’s experience showing and Lihle and Ongs showing great potential for the future,” said Chris Norton, the team manager, who thanked all the sponsors who had made it possible for the teams to participate.
“The teams will no doubt learn from their experiences and come back stronger next year. The race was a testament to the physical and mental strength of the riders and the challenging route.”
