“The Epic is the biggest mountain bike race in the world and is obviously very important to the local riders, so it made sense to compete again,” Knox explains. “The route will be tough and challenging, and the best team will win.”

Stewart describes his training programme simply as lots of long hours and hard work and his diet as a balanced one in which staying healthy is important. While Knox also emphasises the importance of healthy eating his training programme is more specific with an average of thirty training hours per week. “We don’t train together, however we race together most weekends so we’re aware of each other’s progress, “Knox explains.

When asked which part of the Absa Cape Epic he found challenging Stewart says: “I always find the first two stages hard but then really get into the swing of things.” Knox agrees with this and adds that your body becomes accustomed to the routine of the race after the first two stages and you even start to feel good towards the end.

The advice this team offers to other participants is to prepare well and not make any excuses. “Train, eat and sleep the Epic. It’s the toughest event that any athlete can do. If you don’t prepare yourself 100% you are going to find it very difficult. Your preparation needs to be absolutely spot on. You also need to have trained and raced with your partner and understand each other,” Knox advises. Stewart adds, “When you’re out there it’s just you. Hard work and determination are essential“

The message that Stewart has for all the young athletes that look up to him is: “Just persevere and never give up, it’s a long road to the top but nothing good comes in a easy way.”