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TWO BELGIAN TEAMS IN THE TOP 25 OF THE LEGENDARY CAPE EPIC

The South African Cape Epic is the most prestigious mountain bike race in the world. The race is also known as the Tour de France of mountain biking. The participants rode in pairs over 591 km in 8 stages, covering no less than 16,500 meters of altitude.

The route took the riders through the most beautiful wine regions and landscapes of the Western Cape. The heat, rain and storm made for an extra tough edition from March 16 to 23.

Two Belgian teams finished in the top 25. Frans Claes from Leuven and Kevin Panhuyzen from Peer were the best Belgians and finished in 15th place as Team Bidon Recup. This was Frans’ eighth time participating, while Kevin was making his debut. But there was another strong duo on the list of participants. Former professional cyclist Greg Van Avermaet from Grembergen rode with Julian Siemons from Zoersel as team GVA Gold to a very creditable 24th place in their first participation. After his road cycling career, Greg can mainly be found on unpaved terrain. He has competed in the Belgian, European and World Championships and the epic UNBOUND in Flint Hills in the US state of Kansas.

Another well-known former professional cyclist, Johnny Hoogerland, who lives in Austria but is Dutch by birth, finished two places behind Greg together with his teammate Felix Ritzinger. Johnny will be competing in the Cape Epic for the first time in 2021.

Text: Rens Klaasse

Cover Photo: © DomBarnardt Cape Epic

Greg Van Aevermaert © NickMuzik Cape Epic
Johnny Hoogerland en Felix Ritzinger © DomBarnardt Cape Epic

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