Hannele Steyn-Kotze of the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town will be participating with team mate Ivonne Kraft. Steyn-Kotze needs no introduction to the sport and has Springbok colours in biathlon, triathlon, duathlon, road cycling as well as mountain biking. She has participated in all six Absa Cape Epic events to date and won the Ladies division in 2005. She also represented South Africa at ten World Championships, eleven Triathlon World Cups and nine mountain bike World Cups.

Says Steyn-Kotze: “I want to do my very best and finish as a team. I’ve been training for the race since last year September. I’m a nutritionist, so I try to follow a healthy but balanced diet.” She will be competing with Ivonne Kraft, who also is no stranger to the race. “Ivonne is from Germany, so we don’t train together, but know each other well.” To her, the most important ingredient to compete in this race is “endurance training, eating correctly and having the passion. I love to ride my bike, especially in nature, and also love that it keeps me fit and in good physical shape”.

Thirty six year old Jeannette Walder, who lives and trains in Plettenberg Bay, will be participating with team mate Nicky Booyens. Walder has competed in the Attakwas, the Sani2C and other mountain biking events, but she is more of an adventure racer participating in events such as the Bull. This will be her first Absa Cape Epic. “We want to finish as strong as we can without losing site of the fun side of life.” Walder’s advice to other participants is to “never give up. Keep hydrated and never lose site of the fact that you’re doing it because you love it”.

Laetitia Botha (24) lives and trains in Vanderbijl Park in Gauteng and has participated in the Absa Cape Epic for the first time last year. She will be riding with team mate Sanet Smal. “We’re aiming to be on the podium in at least one stage. We know this is a high expectation and that the competition this year will be strong. Just being able to finish is also an accomplishment, but to settle for that is not in our nature. It’s my dream to get a podium finish and I believe with a focused mind, big heart and God’s grace, anything is possible – even standing on one of those steps!” What keeps this athlete motivated? “I love riding my bike, especially in no-man’s land! I feel so alive, blessed and carefree when it’s just me, my bike and nature.”

Naomi Hansen lives and trains in Noosa, Australia and will be competing with team mate Rebecca Locke. Having participated in last year’s Absa Cape Epic, she says “I loved it last year and decided to do it again by entering the ladies division”. Her career highlights include third place in the ladies category in the Crocodile Trophy, participation in last year’s TransAlps, fourth place in the 2010 Otway Odyssey and third place in this year’s Wildside event.

Says Hansen: “I reckon consistency is one of the most important aspects in this event. I do between 500 and 600 km a week, depending on work commitments, and don’t follow any special diet. I just love riding and really look forward to this year’s event.”

From 21 to 28 March, all eyes will be on the Western Cape as the world's top riders vie for position in what is billed to be the most competitive event in the race’s history. Covering a distance of 722 km up approximately 14 635m of climbing, the race will finish eight days later at Lourensford Wine Estate.

For those not participating in the full race, there is a call for entries into the one day mountain bike race, the MTN Cape Times Vigne a Vigne. Interested riders can register online at www.vigne-a-vigne.com. The Cape Times Lourensford Vineyard Run is a unique 11 km trail running race. The Vineyard Run (also on 28 March 2010) will start at 08:30, providing participants with beautiful vistas and numerous climbs through the idyllic and picturesque Lourensford Wine Estate.

Live entertainment for the entire family, including wine tasting, magnificent scenery and the finest food and wine will be on offer at the finish at Lourensford Wine Estate, as well as the opportunity to see the ever popular Watershed in action. Entrance is free.

Visit www.cape-epic.com for more details and to see where the riders are online during the race.

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