ABSA Cape Epic - A dream about to become a reality.

For any typical human being, we use the word "Never" on a regular basis but who knows what the future holds in for us?? In 2007 the Cape Epic visited Robertson back in 2007 and from hearing all the stories on this event, makes you wanna see all the action happening in front of you. Things like a broken bone or a bleeding arm makes you ask yourself "Do I really wanna do this??" Some of these riders participating in this event, have a reason on why they are doing it. Yes its a very painful week of racing but in the end it makes you stronger as a person. In my case, I used to say "I will never do the ABSA Cape Epic in my life!!" A couple of years later, he I am with the greatest partner of all time David De Backer getting ourselves prepared to take on this journey.

You watch from a spectators point of view that it looks so easy and that riders aren't going through any physical pain yet as you are a cyclist sitting in a saddle for a period of 6-7 hours, your body is really tired and sore as well. Months of good preparation goes into this and hours of doing training day in and day out. Reading the blogs of some of the professional riders, not only do amateurs suffer on these tough conditions but the pro riders as well. Watching the live broadcast of some of the stages, you see how they dump of their bike and push it up on some of the steep climbs. Every day they faces new challenges but yet they conquer each one of them.

For a very time, I sat down and made the decision on whether I should do this or not. Its always a thing that you must think about carefully before making a decision. Not only do you have to think about yourself but as well of your teammate. With strict regulations on the Cape Epic and its riders as well, we can't have a time gap of 2 min between us otherwise we find ourselves being disqualified and no outside assistance so any mechanicals you do get that must be fixed by a mechanic, have to wait till the next water point. Determination, strength and motivation will take us from one stage to another. Its all about not only have faith in yourself but in your teammate as well and its important to train with that person to see whats each other's weak and strong points and how we can work on it.  Support is also a very important thing for anyone. Hear the crowd scream as you finish and feel proud of what you have achieved and see those people who you love such as family and friends. 

I'm very excited to take on this journey with David and experience something different from the most races we normally do. Discover new places, meet new people along the way and just enjoy what the nature has to offer. We look forward to see ourselves on the start line of the 2013 ABSA Cape Epic.

Thanks to everyone for all the great support!

Till next time!

Yolande 

South African Track Championships 2011

Hi guys, sorry for the delays in updating my blog. Here is some photo's of Callen Watson at the South African National Track Championships at the Bellville Velodrome. He got a silver and bronze medal and will represent South Africa at the World Junior Track Championships in England later this year.