Following the transfer from Lourensford, where the after-party took place, I found myself back to "normal" life here in Cape town, I don't miss my bike at all right now as I desperately try to summerise this unbelievably hard bicycle stage race.

I dearly regret Gisi had to quit the Epic after only three days, because it really had worked out with us. If she hadn't bhave gone due to health reasons, I am sure it would have been even more enjoyable together in the end. I can however fully understand and appreciate her choice,  one should never forget ones health while being overambitious. There are so many occasions to prove that not everthing is dependant on this Cape Epic …. even if this mountain bike race down here in South Africa outshines many other events and is rightly named 'the hardest bicycle race in the world'.

After all the blood, sweat and tears, a 29th place finishing in my catagory was the result of all my efforts. I am more than pleased with that - afterall, there were more than just a few riders at the start steming from over 52 nations.

With all ones high athletic aims, one should always mention the importance of choosing the right partners and materials. Thanks to my component choice, there were no problems that a little care and service couldn't resolve. Therefore, I would like ot take this opportunity to give a large thank-you to the company Poison for the robust Cyanide frame, Rohloff for a perfect functioning 14-speed gear hub, Magura for the problem-free Durin suspension forks and brakes, as well as Schwalbe for supplying me with excellent tires which moved me savely across this terrain. Sponsers like Vau De clothings, Julbo sunglasses, Katadyn food and ergometric bar ends, and Terry saddles helped to round up the project this time with success.

Nevertheless, I am really tired after these eight days, as one can see from the photos, and at the moment I need anything other than a saddle under my ar..  Its time to spend a little time relaxing at home with my family - maybe just a short trip to the local ice-cream parlor or perhaps lazing in the garden before returning to the bike shop and talking to my customers on April 7th 2011. That's what I need now ... and I have a short while to do this until the Trans Alp comes calling again in July!