@grootlem

I heard discussions from top riders on training camps here with that view. They felt that the Namibian would be better in the heat and that their riding strengths are more matched. We shall see

Twenty years ago I was on the start line with Andre du Plessis. We're still friends even after swearing at each other on stage 4. Ok I did the swearing. Looking at this race I see Mittenwaller suffered a bit. Happens if you don't want to rest a bit in the week leading up to the event. Would've loved to see Miller and Beers in a team. Would have a better chance according to some in the know. And in Olympic years we usually have less top xco riders interested. I know of a few teams definitely coming next year that's focusing on Olympics this year

Nino killing Andri by when? Tuesday?

My yearly visit to the hub. I hear Nibali is a podium contender after the 1st climb of 9 minutes. Yolande de Villiers didn't get a lifetime ban from any doping or cycling authorities, was like a year silent ban if I remember correctly. Epic had a rule that you're not allowed in their event. The newish ironman owners probably changed their rule or they would have no retired "greats" taking part. My favorites if they dont lose to much time in 1st day or 2 is the Spanish BH guys. Cheering for my neighbor Jennie and birthday girl, 49 today, Esther Suss. They considered for a moment to ride UCI women cause you just have to finish to get pocket money but insisted social no stress masters after retirement is going to be a nicer experience. Looking forward to follow the hardest Epic ever

I was more referring to European riders doing events that side compared to SA riders doing events this side

I'm on the hub annually to check if there's an Epic prediction competition so I'm here for the week reading the chatter. My opinion, yes we all have one, is that the average South African cyclist doing tough events is not as fit as the average European rider but we have the latest equipment. I saw that in a Transalp I did with my wife 10 years ago, we were almost the only people in the last quarter of the field on 29ers. Speaking to friends from Sweden, Germany and other places they also say that the people racing that side is fit. Here it's a lot about the image, T shirt, corporate doing events invited on who they are and not if they can ride. And my toughest Epics were ones where I tried to race, easiest were where I didn't race but just had a fun time. So it's more about how you ride and pace it compared to the route. Yes I'm generalising now so shoot

Are there covid protocols for spectators? There are a lot of people out on route at spectator points, a bit more fun than standing in the village

What I don't understand is why there was no mandatory test of each rider before the event. I thought it was sort of standard in sports events now. I'm pretty sure I know of riders that started knowing they could have covid

She came in because of another covid positive. The husband of the original rider that started the race is now also positive. Bad news

I'm just recovering from.a week with quite bad covid. My neighbors also got it they were going to ride mixed and came all the way from Sweden, luckily we don't know who passed it to whom. I'm a bit concerned seeing all the people mixing with no protocols that the event can get stopped if theyre not careful. There's already covid positives amongst the riders. And I hate masks, lockdowns but I don't see a lot of common sense out there.. I just want everyone to be able to finish

he's got serious fomo

Wasn't Craig a last minute replacement? and top masters are behind winning ladies? But I will tell Erik

Why? I think he can as the only real top team with Platt is out

Another possible cause for picking up a bug could be dirty river crossings, mud, cowdung all splashing up to the water bottles. I think a good hydration pack could help if thats the case. Anyway, it feels a bit like when Roglic crashed out of the Tour and race is for 2nd or 3rd. Hope there's more competition next year in all categories, just spoke to a very motivated "master" in Stellenbosch thats looking at who's leading that category and thinking he can go for the top spot.

I was so looking forward to see Canyon Northwave attack on the climbs tomorrow but they are out. Another tummy bug. At least they got a stage win yesterday but very sad for the race