Events

2020 Cape Epic Cancelled

Supplied by Cape Epic.

By Press Office · 221 comments

Out of concern for the health and safety of our riders and other stakeholders, following recent advice received from the Western Cape Government, we have no choice but to cancel the 2020 Absa Cape Epic due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

Mediclinic, the event’s medical partner since inception and which provides services to many Western Cape events, supports the decision. The decision also has the full support of most of our sponsors, including our headline sponsor, Absa.

The event was due to start on Sunday March 15 on Table Mountain and end on March 22 in Paarl after travelling to Ceres, Tulbagh and Wellington.

I have taken this step with a heavy heart, but the health and safety of everybody involved in the event has to be paramount. At 6pm today we received the formal advice from government.
Race founder, Kevin Vermaak

Kevin appealed for patience from all stakeholders, who will be contacted directly regarding the way forward.

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Comments

DieselnDust

Mar 19, 2020, 11:19 AM

The only way a mechanic can rwndeesedvic

Wait.. do mechanics ALSO have to pay the epic a fee for the "privelidge" of providing mechanic services to teams?

Yip if you in tweede kamp then you are paying to be there and you are paying a lot. I doubt any of the shops are making money out of their presence at the event but rely on the marketing to generate loyalty and a retained customer base.

 

I heard that the event was planning to charge tweede kampers for the water for bike wash and the air that they breathe too

eddy

Mar 19, 2020, 11:42 AM

Off the bat, Financial crisis’ are a lot harder to insure against than natural disasters. Pandemics are predictable to some degree. Also, co-insurance and reinsurance treaties are setup specifically for this. They are also very aware of their risk exposure for certain risk types, eg: events. If there is over exposure they will adjust.

 

When there is a government sanction cancellation, extra clauses come into play. Like Catastrophe events. When this happens there is extra protections.

 

This is only on the insurer side, the event organizers still need actually take out insurance with the correct cover amounts. edt: this is where I think there might be an issue. However the holding company of the Epic are well versed in running events and the legalities around it.

 

 

Aware of that, and I hope you are right but AIG was to big to fail and yet it did. Lots of people who thought they were covered found out too late that the cover wasn't worth the paper it was written on. 

 

I wonder which underwriter or reinsurer has reserves to cover and survive the CONCURRENT cancellation of the Olympics, the F1 season, the NFL, NBA, English and European football leagues, 6 Nations, US Masters and 20 PGA golf events each with a budget dwarfing that of Epic, Wimbledon, the other 3 Grand slams and all other tennis events, probably Giro and possibly TdF, etc, etc. whilst the global economy contracts drastically at the same time?

 

In this context Epic and IM are minnows. The total Epic budget would struggle to buy a 30 second advertising slot during the Super Bowl, at $9.2million a minute.  

 

And that is just sporting events. Add to that entertainment - Glastonbury and all other music concerts, theater show runs, etc. In a wurst käse scenario even the Munich Oktoberfest.

 

May the same co- and re-insurers not also be on the hook for covering losses in industries other than events ? Credit guarantees will be called upon as hundreds of thousands of business go to the wall globally. Travel insurance as flights are cancelled and airlines and hotel groups go bust. Unemployment insurance as millions lose their jobs. Professional liability insurance as class action scumbags start suing the doctors and hospitals that failed to save people's loved ones (can almost guarantee this will be tried on), 

 

This is not likely to be one house burning down or even all houses in St Francis burning down, but all houses in many places and many houses everywhere burning down. All at the same time.

 

I hope I am wrong but I think the insurance industry will be hard hit.

 

ps.

 

If there is any consolation to me it is that I am not a Lloyd's name......

Patchelicious

Mar 19, 2020, 11:52 AM

Not an expert on this but catastrophes are usually localised so insurers can spread their risk, but if the whole world starts claiming for the same incident then insurers are stuffed.

 

Unless the claim amounts are small enough for insurers to handle I guess

You are absolutely right.

 

What we also need to consider the drop in claims for other risks.

With the reduced travel, many other risk types, motor, personal accident etc will drop and limit losses.

Patchelicious

Mar 19, 2020, 11:56 AM

Aware of that, and I hope you are right but AIG was to big to fail and yet it did. Lots of people who thought they were covered found out too late that the cover wasn't worth the paper it was written on. 

 

I wonder which underwriter or reinsurer has reserves to cover and survive the CONCURRENT cancellation of the Olympics, the F1 season, the NFL, NBA, English and European football leagues, 6 Nations, US Masters and 20 PGA golf events each with a budget dwarfing that of Epic, Wimbledon, the other 3 Grand slams and all other tennis events, probably Giro and possibly TdF, etc, etc. whilst the global economy contracts drastically at the same time?

 

In this context Epic and IM are minnows. The total Epic budget would struggle to buy a 30 second advertising slot during the Super Bowl, at $9.2million a minute.  

 

And that is just sporting events. Add to that entertainment - Glastonbury and all other music concerts, theater show runs, etc. In a wurst käse scenario even the Munich Oktoberfest.

 

May the same co- and re-insurers not also be on the hook for covering losses in industries other than events ? Credit guarantees will be called upon as hundreds of thousands of business go to the wall globally. Travel insurance as flights are cancelled and airlines and hotel groups go bust. Unemployment insurance as millions lose their jobs. Professional liability insurance as class action scumbags start suing the doctors and hospitals that failed to save people's loved ones (can almost guarantee this will be tried on), 

 

This is not likely to be one house burning down or even all houses in St Francis burning down, but all houses in many places and many houses everywhere burning down. All at the same time.

 

I hope I am wrong but I think the insurance industry will be hard hit.

 

ps.

 

If there is any consolation to me it is that I am not a Lloyd's name......

Thats a good example of the what I am referring too. Our local insurers ( some friends we share), who covered some of those properties were quick to claim massive losses, however 80% of those losses were paid by offshore re-insurers. 

 

Yes, you are right looking at the Epic, these are minnows. I am not sure how events like the Olympics cater for these losses. Often these bespoke cash positive organisations cater for this with their own cash reserves, "self insure".

The Bull Shark

Mar 19, 2020, 11:59 AM

Certainly if the entry or money was returned I would hand it back to the sponsor. I don't think that's what Moridin was asking though. I interpret his question as will sponsors recover their loss from the riders they sponsored. in that case I think its a great question. if the entry is carried over to 2021 or the entry fee is returned then I don't think the riders would even know unless the sponsor wants the rider to returm for 2021. In most sponsored cases the sponsor pays the Cape epic for the entry directly so if the entry fee is refunded it will go back to the payer is how I understand it

 

Yup, that is basically what I was asking.

T_Boss

Mar 19, 2020, 12:11 PM

 

Wait.. do mechanics ALSO have to pay the epic a fee for the "privelidge" of providing mechanic services to teams?

The Epic and pretty much every other event too. I have no connection to the epic so no reason to defend them, but why would they give a service provider a platform to operate their business and advertise their “brand” for free? Doesn’t really make sense.

 

As mentioned, tweede kamp service providers pay a pretty penny to be there. But don’t thing the official event “service providers in the main area get off lightly, they probably need to cough up even more as they are official event sponsors/partners.

T_Boss

Mar 19, 2020, 12:13 PM

No, that is not how event financials work. Most sponsorships are financial contributions.

Yes, and they normally only pay at the commencement of the event, or in some cases after the successful completion of the event.

 

As the title sponsor, maybe ABSA will make some compensation available to ease the blow and make it possible to run the event next year, but I won’t be surprised if the other sponsors don’t pay a cent this year

Skubarra

Mar 19, 2020, 12:47 PM

Crazy to think we now would have been a little more than half-way through the Epic.

 

Few days ago people were bashing the organisers (ok some still are) for cancelling, now it's unimaginable that the event would still have been continuing. 

 

World changed a lot the last few days

Rigardt@Scott

Mar 19, 2020, 4:25 PM

Check your policy schedule, there will likely be limits.

I'm sure there will be... but my point is pretty much the same as yours - insure your event one way or another if it so expensive!

Patchelicious

Mar 19, 2020, 4:51 PM

I'm sure there will be... but my point is pretty much the same as yours - insure your event one way or another if it so expensive!

I hate to sound like a stuck record, but insure anything that you cannot afford to lose. But as always, speak to a broker to make sure that you are protected!

DieselnDust

Mar 19, 2020, 6:34 PM

Or insurance for marriage.

 

 

Now there's a high risk product

Tim Brink

Mar 19, 2020, 6:35 PM

Discuss: 

post-86413-0-56163000-1584642899_thumb.png

Jewbacca

Mar 19, 2020, 6:45 PM

Discuss: 

The fans demand it... If there weren't so many 'You're so rad', 'Lekker boet, f*k alles, julle is so mal' etc comments fueling the idiocy on social media I'm 100% sure the 'gees' would die and the reality of what they are doing would set in.

 

The fans.... The Ego.... The circle 

T_Boss

Mar 19, 2020, 6:54 PM

Discuss:

Just remember, the sooner everyone gets this, the sooner we can go back to business as usual! Unfortunately lots of people will die in the process. Some of them may even be known to you.

 

The issue in SA, and the rest of Africa for that matter, is governments have made countless empty promises for years, but have failed to provide decent housing/sanitation/healthcare etc. added to this, aids denialism is now going to bite them in the arse, never mind the fact that the poorest insist on breeding non stop. As sad as it is, this virus is just doing what Mother Nature intended, and trying to balance the scales again.

 

Objectively, Covid19 is not really a big issue - the log term effect caused by the panic and disruption is.

 

Subjectively , one might feel different and feel worry/concern/remorse for your fellow human or at least your loved ones who are at risk.

 

Population growth is still going to outstrip deaths from Covid 19. In 18 months from now, most people will have forgotten all about this. We need to be smart about how we approach the time in between, so that the whole system doesn’t collapse and everyone is bankrupt and destitute by then, because that will lead to things far worse than this virus.

Rigardt@Scott

Mar 19, 2020, 7:45 PM

Edit: not worth it.

Stretch

Mar 19, 2020, 8:03 PM

If AIG were still around they would probably give it a punt!

I bought travel insurance from AIG the other day....
BigDL

Mar 19, 2020, 8:21 PM

How can you retain money for services not rendered. It doesn't work like that. That LBS should be named and shamed

Presume they’ve bought parts, perhaps prepaid accommodation, maybe taken On extra staff for the event. I would imagine that cash flow is what’s stopping the refund, not unwillingness

DieselnDust

Mar 19, 2020, 8:39 PM

Discuss: 

Ok I'll bite....

 

I think James is over-reacting. Not every tourist or international traveller is a COVID19 carrier. If these okes are out riding their bikes and they've been here a while now, they're obviously healthy and not ill. Fairly good chance they didn't bring any virus with them form whenst they came.

 

I feel like some of the reactors are applying xenophobic fear and that's not healthy either. These athletes were out here for a race. Their health has/is being monitored closely. They're probably the lowest risk. Its the peeps who don't have that level of health care that we should be concerned about, oh and all those poepholle coming back from skiing holidays in Italy.

 

Now the moral matter of standing together in this time of crisis.Indeed we must. We must also be sensible, honest and act without ego. 

 

Yesterday evening I went for a spin along the green belt. Through Orphen Drive lower forest there must have been a dog convention. Families out walking their dogs. People running and lots of average Joe's on their way to Tokai Mtb Trails. I thought it was quite something to behold. Its like people are taking the opportunity to get back to enjoying life. Who knows where the crisis will be in a month. Are any of these sun revellers spreading the virus? I doubt it, but maybe one is.

 

Here's something controversial to think about. Is avoiding the virus really the best course of action. The idea is too flatten the curve so that it remains within a manageable range. But what about spreading it through managed exposure (similar to what the UK is attempting to do). 

 

Believe me I am taking this thing seriously. Chatted to an ex colleague in the UK last night. The refinery he works at is engaging consultant to develop emergency shut down plans. If they have too many operators out with the disease then they will need to shut it down. 

 

are pro's riding around taking happy snaps being insensitive? I don't know. I'd like to think that they're still out there doing their jobs to best of their ability and still trying to entertain us.

aquaratza

Mar 19, 2020, 9:58 PM

Yesterday evening I went for a spin along the green belt. Through Orphen Drive lower forest there must have been a dog convention. Families out walking their dogs. People running and lots of average Joe's on their way to Tokai Mtb Trails. I thought it was quite something to behold. Its like people are taking the opportunity to get back to enjoying life. Who knows where the crisis will be in a month. Are any of these sun revellers spreading the virus? I doubt it, but maybe one is.

I agree; people getting out in the open is not going to bring about the apocalypse. Let them ride...

Shebeen

Mar 19, 2020, 10:27 PM

If AIG were still around they would probably give it a punt!

Speaking of punts

 

https://static2.stuff.co.nz/1350020795/972/7808972.jpg

babse

Mar 20, 2020, 8:23 AM

 

 

Yesterday evening I went for a spin along the green belt. Through Orphen Drive lower forest there must have been a dog convention. Families out walking their dogs. People running and lots of average Joe's on their way to Tokai Mtb Trails. I thought it was quite something to behold. Its like people are taking the opportunity to get back to enjoying life. Who knows where the crisis will be in a month. Are any of these sun revellers spreading the virus? I doubt it, but maybe one is.

 

 

 

Working in Newlands forest, the parking area has been at capacity over the last few days, far worse than during December holidays when everyone is on holiday.

Pelayo

Mar 25, 2020, 4:51 PM

I know of a large group of about 50 international riders (including some lawyers) that are looking to take legal action against the organisers. This is subject to the outcome of their response in terms of redress or defer options.

 

The basis for the legal action would be along the lines of the misrepresentation act in UK law as the organisers waited to the very last moment to communicate their decision, which left international riders having travelled to cape town, without the possibility to cancel or postpone flights, accommodation, camper rentals...etc

Lincoln

Mar 25, 2020, 5:40 PM

What confuses me...isn't it that Cape Epic is owned by same company as Ironman. Yet Ironman have stated that Cancelled races due to COVID-19 will mean automatic deferrement to 2021 race.

Ozzie NL

Mar 25, 2020, 6:08 PM

What confuses me...isn't it that Cape Epic is owned by same company as Ironman. Yet Ironman have stated that Cancelled races due to COVID-19 will mean automatic deferrement to 2021 race.

Yes CE is owned by Ironman but suspect there’s a big difference between sunk cost at Epic vs IM so deferment has very different financial consequences
Jewbacca

Mar 25, 2020, 6:30 PM

Well, in reality both Iron Man and Epic are subsidiary companies under the Wanda Group unbrella... So they probably have very different T's and C's as they are 2 different companies.

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