By Brian Canty
Six Irish riders will take on the challenge of a lifetime for the next eight days when they start the Absa Cape Epic mountain bike stage race in South Africa on Sunday.
It’s a race that has gained notoriety for its gruelling nature, high attrition rate, unforgiving terrain, unpredictability and intense competition.
But Cork men Michael Creedon, Colin Crowley and Des Nangle as well as Tipperary native John Mason, Darragh O'Dwyer and Declan Doyle are in there amongst some of the best in the world keen on making an impact.
Crowley has ridden the race once in the past and explained a little bit about what’s entailed.
“It’s a 739 kilometre race across South Africa with 16,000m of climbing, starting from the University of Cape Town and finishing in Durbanville,” explained Crowley.
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A very strong road rider, John Mason is one of the six Irish men in South Africa for the Absa Cape Epic starting on Sunday.
It’s no ordinary race, with entries selling out well in advance. Amateurs get to ride with the professionals and it’s done in two-person teams.
“I was keen to ride it with my brother Aidan (well-known Irish road rider - Ed) this year but travel and work wouldn’t allow me to train,” added Crowley.
“It’s very hard to get an entry for the race but I managed to secure one last year for 2015 so I can’t wait to get started now and make the most of it - and improve on before.”
Crowley has only been racing four years and is a relative novice compared to most of the riders he’ll face.
But he believes he’s ready for the challenge and is hoping to break into the top 100 in his category.
Blistering heat and tough terrain are just some of the challenges the riders will face this week.
There are five categories; male two-rider team, female two-rider team, mixed two-rider male and female team, as well masters, where both riders are aged between 40 and 49 years, and grand masters, where both riders are over 50 years.
“I’m in excellent shape,” Crowley told stickybottle from the race headquarters today.
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“The Epic really demands everyone has to be in top shape.
“It is the world’s most gruelling mountain-bike race and I’ve been training for around six months for it.
The fun really starts if and when the heavens open; that's when the rain turns the course into a mudbath.
“What makes the race tougher than others is that you don’t have service cars, so if you break a chain or a wheel you have to fix it yourself and still make the finish before cut-off.
“It is very cruel. All of your training, commitment can be wiped out by bad luck.
“You’re allowed to start the next day but will not be recorded as a finisher if you fail to finish outside of the cut-off.”
Crowley’s teammate for the week is experienced An Post Rás rider John Mason, who wore the climbers’ jersey in the Tour of Ulster last year.
They will be away for 12 days in total, though Crowley is based in neighbouring Mozambique and Mason travels to South Africa regularly with his work at Glanbia.
The scenery is never less than absolutely incredible; not that the competitors will have much time for sightseeing.
Crowley says that based on his past experience of the event, he knows the next week will throw a lot at home.
“You’re talking about everything from Holes, loose rock, very dodgy descents, extreme heat,” he said.
“The amount of climbing involved is high and you’ll need to contend with dehydration, crashing, river crossings, a world-class field; it’s a bit of everything.
“But we’ve trained well; up to 20 hours a week since October so we’re ready for it.”
To keep track on their progress check out www.trackerrideepic.co.za.
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