![\"ccs-62657-0-99205000-1534496718.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-99205000-1534496718.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>It doesn’t get much better than the legendary trails dropping into the Umkomaas Valley on day two of KAP sani2c.<\/span><\/p>\nWith three separate events<\/a>, each following the same route, the Trail and Adventure cater for more relaxed riders out to have fun on a bike, with the Race attracting top elites and racing snakes looking to perform. The separate events mean that sani2c is suited to newer riders while remaining a goal event for the hard-core, because at sani2c, the faster you go, the more technical it becomes.<\/p>\n We asked a few seasoned pros to give us some advice for those riding sani2c for the first time. We chatted to Matt Beers from Team NAD, who with Nico Bell won the 2018 KAP Sani2c men\u2019s Race, and Amy McDougall of Team Dormakaba, winner of the women\u2019s Race with Sam Sanders. We also sourced a few tips from Oli Munnik, a previous podium finisher at sani2c, who is now retired from pro riding and involved in the marketing side of the sport.<\/p>\n All three reckon that sani2c is doable for a first-time stage race rider: \u201cIt\u2019s got a great diversity of terrain but its not too gnarly to put you off. The hospitality and pure vibe put it in a class of its own. I think it caters for every rider – the only problem is you might be disappointed doing any other stage race in the future,\u201d says Matt.<\/p>\n Amy agrees but says that you really do need to put in the training: \u201csani2c is definitely a race suited for all types of riders, the perfect ratio of tough but doable. Each stage leaves you with the elation of spectacular riding and having pushed and conquered your physical boundaries. That being said, it is a hard three days in the saddle, and day two will really test your stamina and vasbyt no matter who you are.\u201d<\/p>\n Apart from putting in the miles and doing the time on your bike, Matt recommends getting a good bike fit, and Amy says that if you can, using a coach for the three months before the event, will really be worth it.<\/p>\n Matt says: \u201cWe have some very smart people that have really figured out how to make a very bio-mechanically unnatural sport super comfortable. You will enjoy your experience so much more and I can guarantee you’ll be able to push more power and be a lot more efficient.\u201d<\/p>\n Says Amy: \u201cMy best piece of advice would probably be to get a coach for at least the 3 months leading up to the event; it\u2019s probably the most beneficial thing you can do for your race. A coach will help you get the most benefit out of your training with the hours you have available, without over or under doing it, and it also takes some of the thinking out of it which is great.\u201d<\/p>\n When it comes to the route itself, Amy gave us these tips for tackling the floating bridges: \u201cKeep a reasonable pace, the faster you go the less your back wheel will dip in, especially for the heavier guys. Leave a gap between riders so the bridge doesn\u2019t sink in. Look ahead, and keep a good cadence (80 \u2013 100 rpm).<\/p>\n \u201cThe PG Bison floating bridges on day one are super cool, the right hand one is tighter with some bumps but it is much faster time-wise if you want to get ahead of your mate,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<\/a>Matt Beers from Team NAD loves the vibe and hospitality of sani2c but reckons riders will gain a lot from getting a proper bike fit leading up to the event.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/a>Amy McDougall of Team Dormakaba recommends some professional coaching to ensure that you are fit to enjoy the three days at KAP sani2c.<\/span><\/p>\n