Both Evans and George 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 the last three years, is the Overall Drifter Marathon Champion since 2005, finished 14th in the Marathon World Championships and 3rd in the Absa Cape Epic in both 2005 and 2008. George has been the National Road and Time Trail Champion five times, is a two time Commonwealth Games medalist, three times winner of the Giro del Capo, winner of the Tour de Langkawi in 2007 and finished in 3rd place in the Absa Cape Epic with team mate Evans last year.
Evans and George have been training together for the past 18 months in preparation for this year's Absa Cape Epic. George comments that they sometimes train for up to 35 hours per week in order to be in peak physical condition for this event. “Both Kevin and I have similar power to weight ratios, and normally weigh within 500 grams of each other's body weight. We are fanatical about body weight and follow a very controlled diet in our preparation.”
Says George: “Since riding my first Absa Cape Epic in 2007, I've been passionate and single minded about winning this event and Kevin has an equal drive to achieve this goal. We both bring different strengths to the partnership and have an awesome relationship that can withstand the test of competing in and preparing for the Absa Cape Epic.” Evans adds: “I'm coming back to the race with Dave as we have a good chance of winning after coming so close last year.”
Evans and George have been the only South African riders to make the podium at the Absa Cape Epic. Says Evans: “Working hard and seeing the work translate into results is what keeps me motivated. This sport requires a huge amount of passion, and without it you're going to battle. I also love to win, and that feeling keeps me motivated.” George simply says that new challenges are what keep him motivated. “Mountain biking has given me new stimulus in my career. I love what I do.”
Evans spends his free time with his family and also tries to get to his Bike Shop in Plettenberg Bay as often as possible. He describes himself as a hard working, humble and “always keen to learn” person. George spends his free time pottering around the house, renovating and being creative.
Both feel that a strong partnership is the key to a successful race. “Knowing and understanding each other perfectly will determine the success of the event,” says George.
For those not participating in the full race, organisers of the Absa Cape Epic are putting out a call for entries into the one-day mountain bike race, the MTN Cape Times Vigne à Vigne, or the Lourensford Cape Times Vineyard Run. Both races take place at the Lourensford Wine Estate, the finish venue of the Absa Cape Epic, on the last day of the eight-day race.
Visit www.cape-epic.com for more details and to see where the riders are online during the challenge.
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