How exciting for Hermanus to host the Absa Cape Epic this year. A cycling race that lasts 8 days and covers around 700 kilometres, with an accumulative vertical gain of 15 400m. Cyclists from all over the world spilled into our town, camping in the high school and filling our guest houses, hotels and restaurants. The Potting Shed accommodated both event organizers and riders. Listening to stories of preparation and training was just something else. The time and dedication for months that goes into this is just mind blowing. Wow these men and ladies are really something else. Full of dedication and endurance!

The Epic route changes each year, but is always in the Western Cape. This year riders started in Hermanus and went through the beautiful local wine valley of Hemel en Aarde, later seeing Elgin, Grabouw, crossing the finishing line in Paarl. The atmosphere and adrenaline from the participants gave me goose bumps as I watched them at speed from various viewpoints in the Overberg. Heat was not on their side and the medical tent looked like a war zone treating injured and with cuts, broken bones and infusing glucose drips for the dehydrated.

In order to qualify for a finish you have to remain with your partner. Teamwork is essential and with a cost to enter at over R60,000 a pair you need a good, strong, healthy partner. Mathew Browne and Claude Tyers from Hermanus joined forces this year and proudly finished 90^th in the Masters category (for over 40’s) and came 290^th overall out of 670 entries. Well done to you guys.

Off up the #Hemelenaarde Valley #Hermanus