Robyn de Groot is a multiple South African marathon champion, with an impressive array of titles under her belt. 2016 was a mixed year for her: a shoulder injury kept her off the bike and forced her to miss Marathon World Champs, where she had been selected to represent South Africa. She was also knocked out of contention for the women’s overall jersey at the 2016 Absa Cape Epic, after her partner Jennie Stenerhag was forced to withdraw due to illness.
This year she will be racing the 2017 Absa Cape Epic with German veteran Sabine Spitz, who finished second at last year’s Cape Epic, alongside teammate Yana Belamoina. The two will be riding as Team Ascendis Health, and look set to be strong contenders in the battle for the women’s podium.
We asked Robyn some questions about her plans for 2017, hopes for the Absa Cape Epic, her new bike, and the obstacles she faced last year.
Photo credit: ZC Marketing Consulting
Part of being a professional sportsperson is coping when things don’t go to plan. 2016 had some ups and downs for you, including losing your Epic partner after a very promising start, and a shoulder injury that saw you off the bike for several weeks, missing some big races. How did you deal with these setbacks, and did you manage to find a positive side to these events?
In terms of Epic last year I decided to continue as an outcast, which was the best decision I could have made. It kept my mind positive, it kept my heart free from disappointment, and by the time I reached Meerendal on the final day I had enjoyed a “pressure-less” ride at Epic. I got to see the event from a perspective that one doesn’t usually get to enjoy when you have your head in race mode.
My shoulder injury tested me properly, however. I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason. I learned to be patient, and funnily enough, it all happened during a time when I needed to focus my energy on my family – which I was then able to do.
Robyn de Groot and Jennie Stenerhag winning stage 1 of the 2016 Absa Cape Epic. Photo by Sam Clark/Cape Epic/SPORTZPICS
You will be riding the 2017 Cape Epic with Sabine Spitz, whom you raced against last year. What characteristics do each of you bring to the team that might see you take the win?
Team dynamics are very important for stage racing: are you looking forward to racing with Sabine, and will the two of you be doing any races together as preparation?
Photo credit: ZC Marketing Consulting
Has your training been going well? Will you be doing any special preparation during the build up to Epic?
Who are the other women’s teams to watch this year, and who will you be keeping an eye on at the start line?
- Ariane Lüthi & partner
- Jennie Stenerhag & Esther Süss
- Sally Bigham & partner
- Hielke Elferink & Cornelia Hug
- Candice Lill (nee Neethling) & Vera Adriaan
- Yolandi du Toit & Theresa Ralph
What do you think of the 2017 Absa Cape Epic route? Will it play to your strengths and which stages might you see as key?
Beyond Epic, what are your goals for 2017? You have unfinished business with SA Marathon Champs and World Marathon Champs, will these be an area of focus for you?
Beyond Epic, we have a National XCM series (Ashburton Marathon series) which offers one-day races and an entire series country wide which I will focus on. It suits the format of Team Ascendis Health this year for me to focus on these kinds of events.
National Champs has, and always will be a goal, as I am sure it is for many others. Marathon Worlds qualification is an objective for sure, as my plans for last year’s Marathon Worlds came to an abrupt end with my crash and shoulder injury.
Robyn de Groot and Jennie Stenerhag on their way to winning the Prologue of the 2016 Absa Cape Epic. Photo by Mark Sampson/Cape Epic/SPORTZPICS