Major events such as bike festivals, marathons or stage races are out of the question this spring due to the coronavirus. Even the Cape Epicwhich traditionally takes place in March, was cancelled after the Cancellation in the previous year postponed to October 2021. Despite all this, starting in the legendary stage race remains a dream for many marathon bikers. This is because the starting places are booked out at lightning speed year after year, the entry fee including flights is expensive and the early date in the year requires European bikers to train hard in winter. But now there is a Free everyone's version of the Cape Epic. As virtual edition on the training platform Zwift. From 7-14 March, bikers can prepare themselves at home on their Smarttrainer. four stages measure.
Virtual rewards and a Scott Spark in custom paintwork
The four stages of the virtual Cape Epic 2021 will take place in the virtual Zwift world of Watopia, with three mass starts and a time trial. In total, the participants have to cover 73.4 kilometres and 788 metres in altitude - only a fraction of the original eight-day race in South Africa.
All participants who complete the first and/or second stage can unlock an Assos Absa Cape Epic kit in Zwift. Riders who finish the third and/or fourth stage will unlock the special livery of the virtual Scott Spark. Anyone who finishes all four stages will be entered into a prize draw. The prize is a Scott Spark RC 900 Team in custom paintwork.
In addition, all riders who have completed all four stages will be invited to take part in the professional amateur race on 17 March and can compete against some of the best marathon professionals in the world. The race, which live on YouTube and Facebook - will take place on the brand new Zwift course "Serpentine 8 Loop".
In addition, as part of the virtual Cape Epic Edition from 2 March a series of so-called "Absa Cape Epic Podcast Rides". There you can listen to interviews with professional bikers while riding the rollers. Guests will include Nino Schurter, Lars Forster and Kate Courtney from Scott-Sram, Chris Blevins and Cameron Mason from Trinity Racing, Annika Langvad from Specialised Racing and Lachlan Morton and Alex Howes from EF Education First Pro Cycling.
