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<\/a><\/p>\nMore significantly he has won the event four times, second only to the legendary Christoph Sauser of Switzerland, who has five wins to his name but last year retired from the professional ranks.<\/p>\n
Platt\u2019s last win was in 2010 with countryman Stefan Sahm. Since 2013 he has been teamed up with Swiss powerhouse Urs Huber but they have been plagued by misfortune \u2013 particularly in 2014 when they were in the yellow zebra leaders\u2019 jerseys after two stages and perfectly placed to go for the overall win. Platt had crashed that day and injured a knee and pulled out after starting Stage 3 in obvious pain.<\/p>\n
That said, they did finish second in 2013 and third last year, but it is evident that their ambition this year is nothing less than the top step of the podium.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am always very motivated for the Epic and that\u2019s the reason why I always go 200% for the race,\u201d Platt said. \u201c(Win) Number Five would be awesome, specially with Urs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor sure we\u2019re coming for the win,\u201d added Huber.<\/p>\n The Team Bulls teammates have contrasting personalities, with Platt being one of the more colourful professional riders and Huber more reserved. But on the bike they form a compelling combination and will start as one of two or three favourite teams to win the 2016 Absa Cape Epic \u2026 if they have Lady Luck on their side.<\/p>\n Both riders are highly competitive over marathon distances and among the best in technical terrain.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 2016 route should suit to us more then previous years. It is very technical with good climbs, so I think we will have a good advantage,\u201d said Platt.<\/p>\n Huber described it as an \u201camazing route with those trails\u201d, a reference to the fact that there will be more singletrack in 2016 than ever before.<\/p>\n Asked about Huber\u2019s strengths, Platt laughed: \u201cUrs is Swiss, that explains everything … he loves to suffer.\u201d<\/p>\n The Swiss rider, on the other hand, will be able to rely on Platt\u2019s canny strategic approach to stage races: his wins have been built on a combination of patience and then knowing when to strike.<\/p>\n They will have one other significant advantage over most of their competitors \u2013 a support team that it capable of finishing on the podium itself. Simon Stiebjahn and Tim Boehme (Team Bulls 2) actually finished third in 2014 after being freed of their support responsibility when Platt was injured.<\/p>\n Boehme has finished the Absa Cape Epic seven times and Stiebjahn three: their experience and ability could prove hugely beneficial if Platt or Huber suffer mechanical problems along the route and need parts from their teammates.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n