April 6, 2008 (Lourensford, SA) – The final stage of the Cape Epic was the shortest of the entire race (not counting the prologue). The roads and trails were quite nice, but when added up there was actually a lot of climbing right until the end. Pia and I we knew we just needed to ride relaxed and safe to the line to keep our leader’s jerseys we’d worked hard for all week. Leaving the Oak Valley wine estate we went up three small climbs and finally a big one into a nice pine forest, descending to the first and only feed station of the day.

More climbing took us up to a pass where we had to do the first bit of uphill as a mandatory portage and then the whole downhill on foot as well. This was the rule as the trail we were on is a heritage site. The trail was steep with some pretty huge rocks that still had grooves from when the old wagon wheels were going up and down it. This trail was steep and its just unreal to believe that in the past wagons could have navigated it. Amazing.

Pia and I were both feeling pretty sick today with colds. We were not alone in this respect – it seemed like most of the field was sick. It’s really hard with all the communal dining, hand shaking etc. to stay healthy through the week. At least I’ve only really felt bad with the cold for the last two stages. Feeling this way I would not have started any other race yesterday, but being the final stage, and with us leading, of course I had to. The ride the rest of the way to the finish was pretty easy, just gravel roads through various wine estates to the finish at the Lourensford estate.

There was a pretty large crowd to meet us at the finish and it was really a nice festival atmosphere at the line. It’s always an emotional feeling to see the finish line at one of these epic stage races – the fatigue, the relief of stress, feelings of accomplishment all rolled together.

As the stronger teammate for most of the race it had been up to me to do most of the thinking and for Pia to do the most of the suffering for our win. It takes two riders working together to maximize the team’s potential to win one of these races. Right after we crossed the line I was perhaps a bit too excited with my celebrations, let my guard down, and caused us to crash. It was really a drag to finish that way, but even more so as Pia hurt her arm (we don’t know how bady yet).

Oh well, these things can happen, but its a shame after riding 1,000km close to perfectly and have a mistake in the last 10 meters! It didn’t stop us from enjoying the moment with our support crew or the other riders. After the obligatory interviews etc. we were offered a sweet surprise.

After a week of fighting the dust and wind every time the camera helicopter came by to film us they offered to take the lead teams for a ride in the helicopter. What a sensation flying in this tiny helicopter, and we got some spectacular views of the mountains around Stellenbosch to the ocean and mountains of Cape Town.

The awards dinner was at the Spier wine estate and like the whole race itself it was a first class evening. I must say I’ve been super impressed with this whole event, it definitely exceeded all of my expectations. Sure it was long and hard, but that’s how it’s advertised. Once I kick this cold I’m sure I’ll be in good form for the first 3 World Cup races in two week’s time. I know the fields in Europe will be tough, especially with riders all trying to make their various Olympic qualifications.

Doing something such as the Cape Epic significantly changes one’s perspective on what ‘hard’ is. I’ll be sad to get on the plane and leave South Africa tomorrow. however, I leave with a lot of great memories and 1,000km of off-road riding in my legs. Yeah that’s a big training week!