Cape Epic 2009 - the innovation continues

The Cape Epic was just a figment of imagination in Kevin Vermaak’s mind 5 years ago. Since then it has become world famous and spawned a whole multi day stage racing culture in South Africa. It is the benchmark that people have come to know and trust. They have also come to know what to expect which is exactly the reason why it has to change again.

So of course when the organisers announced that the race will no longer start in Knysna and the prologue will take place in Cape Town, there were more and enough sceptics and I told you sos. Oh no they must be in trouble or they are just tying to make more money, is it now tour de winelands, and so on. Lets not forget that when the epic came along there were just as many sceptics out there with their theories on why it would not work, how expensive it was etc.

If there is one thing you can be sure of at the Epic then it is that it will challenge your limits, it will be well organised and it will keep you guessing with new innovations. That is after all what the epic is all about, pushing the boundaries and stretching your limits. That is exactly what they are doing again and hopefully will continue to do as the dream lives on.

Riding the Stellenbosch MTB Challenge this weekend I was reminded of just how difficult a shorter route with lots of climbing and lots of singletrack can be. So if the 2009 Epic is to be shorter stages with more climbing and more technical riding with shorter distances then don’t think it will be any easier. One thing is for sure, it will be way more interesting riding and that has always been an area for improvement at the Epic.

So bringing the race to the people may not be such a bad thing after all. Just have a little faith. Somehow they always seem to know what we want before most of us even realise it. Isn’t that what you would expect from a world class brand?

Read about the new 2009 route.