The first stage of the Cape Epic was billed as the toughest, and that it certainly lived up to. 117km and over 2000m of climbing, the route threw down the gauntlet to the 1200 riders right from the start with savage climb after savage climb.

In between the climbs, long stretches of fireroad were liberally coated in thick layers of sand, gravel and rocks, making the riding challenging and requiring keen concentration to keep the bike from switching suddenly.

Aside from the terrain and the climbing, the major obstacle for most people (and in particular all the Brits taking part) was the searing heat. The winter we’ve just experienced just can’t prepare you for the South African temperatures.