![\"ACE15_Prologue_SS_002.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-57587200-1426443952.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nPhoto by Sophie Smith\/Cape Epic\/SPORTZPICS<\/span><\/p>\n It’s 6:30am. Last checks of the luggage before we load up the car and head through. It’s getting closer to go time, “hammer time” as Lindsay, my girlfriend, says and my stomach is doing flips. I haven’t felt this since I started racing on the road in the “Senior Scholars League”.<\/p>\n Arriving at UCT the nervous energy now turns to excitement. In what seems like no time at all we’ve said our goodbyes and we’re in the queue waiting for our call up.<\/p>\n “Six O Two” crackles over a loud hailer. That’s us! We shuffle expectantly through the chute towards the start ramp. Up ahead a small set of stairs leads us up onto the start ramp. We’re off next. “3, 2, 1…. GO!”<\/p>\n It’s eerily calm. My first sense is slight annoyance at the announcer for mispronouncing my surname. “Focus dude, you’re racing!”, I tell myself.<\/p>\n Out on the course we’re not there to win any medals. Rubber side down is firmly the only motto as we gently wake up cold legs. I have an itch to go harder, to chase a little, but I know what lies ahead this week. I also know both Dane and I are nursing the tail end of illness and injury. Restraint is all important.<\/p>\n The route itself, although undoubtedly spectacularly situated, wasn’t particularly interesting aside from the last 5km. The climbs were tough, but also over quickly. My interest was sparked when we hit the new sections of single track. I’d been warned of the dusty rutted trails and some steep sections we hadn’t had the opportunity to recce.<\/p>\n Winding down back towards UCT we hit the steeper, more sketchy section of trail. Up ahead a rider panics and locks up brakes into now deep ruts. In spite of his efforts otherwise he somehow he makes it through upright, but has now slowed speed to a crawl leaving little choice but to have faith in the line and shoot down.<\/p>\n Phew, all safe and sound. With the crowd gathered at the foot of the hill it was clear this was a good vantage point for wipeouts. Thankfully neither of us provided any viewing pleasure.<\/p>\n The last few sections of single track through the trees were lined with supporters. On this familiar trail I hear a few familiar voices cheering us on. Picking lines through the rocks there’s no time for a glance or wave, but the support lights a little fire of excitement as we charge into the finish at UCT.<\/p>\n With our first Cape Epic now firmly underway the first day has gone well. And while some of the initial nerves have fizzled, tomorrow’s tough stage 1 presents it’s own new “what if’s”. We’ve done the hard yards, the training blocks, the intervals, the sacrifice… for the most part. Though, no matter how well justified my cerebral points might be, only tomorrow and the days thereafter will tell the true story.<\/p>\n