![\"ccs-62657-0-63752800-1548142301.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-63752800-1548142301.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo credit: Ewald Sadie. Absa Cape Epic.<\/span><\/p>\nManuel Fumic and Henrique Avancini, have worn the yellow zebra leaders\u2019 jerseys in each of the last two editions of the Absa Cape Epic. This year the Cannondale Factory Racing duo have their sights set on the top step of the podium; and if they secure the title there could be no winners more popular.<\/p>\n
Brazilian Avancini, the reigning World Marathon Champion, has the fanatical support of his patriotic countrymen to call upon. While the German cross country champion, Fumic, has done much to popularise mountain biking globally. Though he no longer races in baggies Fumic remains one of the most recognisable figures in the elite peloton. The pair owe some of their popularity to their swashbuckling, attacking, style of racing \u2013 but more to their charming smiles and readiness to share their experiences of the sport they love.<\/p>\n
Fumic, in particular, has also come to love South Africa, spending long weeks training here during the summer months. Having already done reconnaissance rides of the 2019 route he will have near local levels of knowledge going into the race. \u201cThis 2019 route looks good to us on paper\u201d Fumic acknowledged. He then elaborated: \u201cMore climbing also means more descent; and the technical singletrack will suit our strengths.\u201d Adding his opinion to that of Fumic, Avancini added: \u201cI predict a more aggressive and close race then last year. I really appreciate that a good part of the route is located on very traditional areas for mountain bikers. I hope that people will get easier access to watching points and enjoy the Absa Cape Epic more closely.\u201d<\/p>\n