![\"ccs-62657-0-48405800-1547110939.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-48405800-1547110939.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>Photo credit: Michal Cerveny.<\/span><\/p>\nThe Czech Express, as Jaroslav Kulhav\u00fd is fondly known, is uniquely suited for the trials of the Absa Cape Epic. The need for a combination of power on the rolling transitional phases of the race, with explosive climbing and superb technical abilities seems tailored to the defending champion\u2019s skill set. His partner, Howard Grotts, excels most meanwhile, later in the race and when the climbs become brutally steep. The 2019 Absa Cape Epic route then plays perfectly into the combined strengths of the defending champions.<\/p>\n
Stages 1, 2, 3 and 5 of the race provide opportunities aplenty for Kulhav\u00fd to lay down a sustained barrage of watts. While Stages 4, 5, 6 and 7 all feature exceptionally steep climbs, ideal for Grotts\u2019 lithe riding style. Unlike in 2018 though, when Kulhav\u00fd and Grotts won the Absa Cape Epic without a support team they will have Investec-songo-Specialized stable-mates for the 2019 race.<\/p>\n
In Simon Andreassen they have one of the sport\u2019s brightest young talents, who will be learning his trade as a stage racer with the sage Christoph Sauser alongside him. The pressure is largely off Andreassen, as the aim for the 21-year-old is to glean wisdom from the twelve-time finisher; who is two decades his senior. Andreassen and Sauser will be aided in their support role by the Specialized Foundation-Spur Schools League team of Alan Hatherly and Sam Gaze.<\/p>\n Alan Hatherly and Sam Gaze will ride together as the Specialized Foundation-Spur Schools League team. Photo credit: Michal Cerveny.<\/span>\n<\/div>\n In four starts Kulhav\u00fd has three victories and one second place finish on his Absa Cape Epic palmar\u00e8s. After sealing his third title in 2018 he alluded to the fact that he was eager to target the record of five which his mentor, Sauser, holds with Karl Platt. Records can only come with race victories however and the 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist is focused only upon performing in this year\u2019s race. \u201cThe preparation is going well\u201d Kulhav\u00fd started. He then elaborated: \u201cTraining for the Absa Cape Epic is very similar to my normal training; just with more of a focus on riding in the mountains. The 2019 route looks good. There is more elevation on every stage than last year. That can be good for us, especially for \u2018lightweight\u2019 Howie [Grotts]. I\u2019m also looking forward to the many singletracks; they are going to be fun\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/a>Simon Andreassen. Photo credit: Michal Cerveny.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n