Four teams of Fairtree Imperial Cannondale ground it out in the 2024 Absa Cape Epic, achieving good results despite challenging conditions.
The four participating teams comprised Luyanda Tobigunya and Jan Montshioa; Kusaselihle “Lihle” Ngidi and Damon Terblanche; Ziandro Jordaan and Ongeziwe “Ongs” Tyapa; and Ongezo Mini and Yomelela Mfazwe.
Ngidi and Terblanche achieved the highest ranking of the four teams, finishing in overall ninth place in the amateur men’s category, 57th overall and second in the Exarro category.
“This was one of the most challenging Cape Epics in recent years,” said team manager Chris Norton. “The extreme heat that appeared on day four and five made it one of the most physically and mentally challenging Epics.
“Not only was much of the course extremely treacherous, but this is when most of the field are mentally and physically exhausted, so it really requires mental tenacity to get through to the end. The last day was spectacular with a finish through Stellenbosch and the heat and tired legs were forgotten with the finish at Coetzenburg.”
The team lauded Ngidi and Terblanche’s achievements, especially as it was Ngidi’s third attempt at the gruelling race and Terblanche’s maiden ride.
“They rode brilliantly but unfortunately had technical issues on day three, which set them back,” Norton added. “They took the podium on four of the seven stages, and we could not have asked for more from both riders. This is our best ever finish (in terms of overall position) and although we did not win the Exarro category, we are still unbelievably proud of these riders’ result.”
The experience of Tobigunya and Montshioa led to these two riders having a good start, but the Saronsburg mountains got the better of them on stage three and Tobigunya snapped his hanger on his bike in the first 15 km. They completed the race in overall 89th position and 21st in the men’s amateur category.
The team of Tyapa and Jordaan also enjoyed a great start to the Epic, and their amazing teamwork saw them finish in overall 165th place and 48th in the amateur men’s race.
The only women’s team of Mfazwe and Mini took on their second Epic, and managed to cross the line in Stellenbosch this time around. Last year, the pair were forced to retire on the second day of racing.
“Their preparation this year was completely different and they were on much better equipment,” Norton related. “Their incredible fortitude was shown when they rode two nine-hour days in a row and continued with the same fighting spirit the following days.
“Being the only black African women’s pair in the race was another incredible achievement and they finished first in the Exarro category. Their result was 476th overall and ninth in the amateur women’s race, riding for an incredible 38 hours!”
