Both Evans and Lakata boast an impressive list of victories behind their names. Evans, who has been in the South African National Team since 2003, holds the South African Marathon title for three years (2006 to 2008), is the Overall Drifter Marathon Champion from 2005 to 2008, finished 8th in the Marathon World Championships in Graz (Austria) last year and 3rd in the Absa Cape Epic during both 2005 and 2008, and 4th in 2009. Lakata is the current Austrian Marathon Champion, finished in second place in the World Marathon Championship (Graz) and also took top honours at the Willingen, Albstadt and Alpentour Marathons last year.

Says Evans: “I’ve participated in all six Cape Epics and finished in third position twice, 4th position three times and once in 7th position overall. I’m going to do my best to try and win this year.” It will be Lakata’s 4th Absa Cape Epic. “I really look forward to riding with Kevin. He is an excellent rider and probably the best partner I’ve ever had for this event,” says Lakata.

As they live on different continents, they will train together for about three weeks before the race. “We’ll also be participating in the Sani2C before the Absa Cape Epic, which will be a good test for us,” says Lakata. “In December I did a lot of winter sports and training on the turbo trainer. In January I was in Gran Canaria for road cycling and in February I did some mountain biking in Tenerife.” Evans adds jokingly: “We’ve never trained together - this is a new tactic. I spend lots of hours in the saddle and do a lot of racing. My diet is simple – good healthy small meals every 3 to 4 hours.”

With regards to the route, Lakata has not yet checked the course. “But I’m sure Dr Evil will do his best to make the race tough for us.” His advice to fellow riders is to find a partner with whom you’ll have fun and be able to stick to every minute for a whole week. “Stay healthy and don’t overdo it in the first few days. Also, for the first time since participating in the Absa Cape Epic, I’ll be in South Africa a few weeks earlier to get used to the climate.” He reckons the most important message to young athletes is to listen to your body. For Evans, a lot of time in the saddle is the best way to prepare for this grueling event. “With this race you need to be conservative, and eat and drink for tomorrow.” His advice to young cyclists is that it takes a long time to get to the top “but never give up!”

Describing himself as a powerful rider, Lakata’s goal for 2010 is to a win a medal at the Marathon World Championships in August. Evans describes himself as ambitious and reckons you need ‘to live life to the fullest’. He would like to finish in the Top 5 at the World Marathon Championships this year.