“Dust, Falls, Strength”
Myth Cape Epic:Markus Riegger, long-time board member of Staufen, part of Accenture, participated this year in the legendary Cape Epic – the largest and most prestigious stage race in mountain biking worldwide. The eight-day adventure in South Africa’s Western Cape is famous – and infamous – for its challenging route and extreme conditions.
Interview with Markus Riegger
Dear Markus, what motivated you to take part in this exceptional event?
South Africa is my second home, and the Cape Epic had long been on my bucket list. I also had an experienced teammate, my friend Jonathan Innes, by my side. In short, I had prepared well and was happy to have received one of the coveted participation tickets.
The Cape Epic legend has developed over many years – not least due to the spectacular scenery and impressive images. How did you personally experience the race and its special atmosphere?
The whole atmosphere is indescribable, truly unique. Not just because of the spectacular scenery and the fantastic trails. You’ll spend eight intense days with amazing athletes from all over the world. The shared experience connects and inspires.
Dusty, hot, rocky – the Cape Epic route, with over 16,500 meters of elevation gain over eight stages, demands everything from its participants. You had to abandon the race during Stage 4. What was the deciding factor?
Wednesday was an extremely hot day, so hot that the race was even abandoned in the late afternoon. The day was extremely draining. I slept badly afterward and simply didn’t recover sufficiently. The next morning, I started the fourth stage feeling under the weather and crashed twice during the morning. I simply lacked the energy and, therefore, the concentration. I abandoned the race at Waterpoint 1. A decision that wasn’t easy for me after a year of intensive preparation for my big dream.
Your racing partner Jonathan Innes was able to finish the Cape Epic. What was the atmosphere like at the finish—for him and for you?
After I dropped out, Jonathan continued on without me. I welcomed him at the finish line every day and looked after him. And of course, at the end of the race, I was incredibly happy about his performance and celebrated with him.
This experience was certainly extraordinary. Would you recommend this race to friends and colleagues on their personal bucket list?
It was a mega experience and a fantastic project. For people who love endurance sports, are experienced mountain bikers, and want to push their limits in a magnificent setting, this race is the ultimate. But as I said, you need to be in top shape and have the right partner by your side.
Last question: When will you next enter an epic race?
My next Epic Race will be the Swiss Epic in Graubünden: five days with 12,000 meters of elevation gain. It’s the start of my preparation for my next Cape Epic Race. I want to be back in this amazing race by 2027 at the latest, and absolutely finish it.
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