Moto GP-ist Espargaró rides the Cape Epic

Although he is known for his success on the track, Aprilia Racing Team Gresini MotoGP rider Aleix Espargaró is switching from two gasoline-powered bikes to two self-pedaling bikes with participation in the 2019 Absa Cape Epic. As Espargaró makes his debut, he needed a partner with experience in the untamed African Mountain Bike Race. As a result, he will ride with three-time finisher Ibon Zugasti on the Orbea Factory Team.

The MotoGP season begins on March 10 with the Qatar Grand Prix. There is a two-week break between the opening round and the second race, the Gran Premio Motul de la República Argentina, which allows Espargaró to fit the Absa Cape Epic into his busy schedule. He explains why he is so keen to take part as follows:

"MTB stage races are becoming very famous in Spain and every year there are more and more races on the calendar. In Spain we say that the Absa Cape Epic is like the Le Tour of mountain biking. So it's every cyclist's dream."

The 29-year-old uses mountain biking and ski mountaineering to keep himself in shape for MotoGP. As with most top athletes, Espargaró is as competitive in his second sport as he is in the one he competes in professionally. Espargaró enthuses:

"This 2019 Absa Cape Epic will be my first, so I can't compare it to any of the previous ones. But since it will be perhaps the most difficult ever, it will be even more epic for me "

With Zugasti at his side, Espargaró will not have an easy ride. The 46-year-old finished second in 2017 with George Hincapie and Cadel Evens, along with Tomás Misser Vilaseca, in the Dimension Data Master category. Last year he finished 22nd overall with Alberto Losada. Spanish mountain bike fans watching the Absa Cape Epic from home will have another strong team to cheer for as Espargaró and Zugasti battle for a top-20 finish.

Despite his exceptionally busy schedule, Espargaró will spend a little time in South Africa before the race, enjoying the sun and scenery of the Winelands.

"I have a super busy calendar, but my idea is to arrive four days before the start of the Absa Cape Epic and rent a house in Stellenbosch. to train a bit in this area, when I heard that it is the best place in the world for MTB lovers "