Five veteran mountain bikers have earned the title of Last Lions as they are the only people to have completed all 12 Cape Epics ever staged.
Photo: Leah Hawker
Craig Beech, 43, John Gale, 47, Mike Nixon, 56, and Hannele Steyn, 49, will however be the only four of the Last Lions coming back for a record thirteenth time as their fellow Lion Hendrik van Huyssteen, 57, has decided to take a break in 2016.
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When asked what makes him come back year after year to compete in the Cape Epic commercial property developer Nixon simply answered: “The Tour de France of mountain biking on your doorstep – how can you resist?”
The aim of the Last Lion’s concept is to honour legends of the event and to keep track of them as they stop competing, eventually crowning the ultimate Last Lion.
Cape Epic CEO Lynn Naude said just starting the Cape Epic is already a major achievement, and to finish every race to date is truly something special.
“Congratulations to the four Last Lions. They have shown amazing commitment and drive and are obviously very talented athletes.”
Chartered accountant Gale said preparation for each Cape Epic requires a lot of luck.
“A whole year of luck in training, health, work and your personal life to reach the start line. Eight consecutive days of luck on the bike – not picking up injuries, not dehydrating, not getting sunstroke, not breaking the bike. Each year the field is stronger, faster, better equipped and prepared, so it needs a lot of luck.”
Conservationist Beech said taking part in the Cape Epic has become like a habit, and it is one of the few events he can pin down and take part in between work related travel and commitments, and said he will probably take part until he is no longer capable to do it.
Steyn, a microbiologist, did her first few Cape Epics as professional mountain bike, but the event quickly became her favourite.
“When I retired from professional cycling in 2007 I had already done four, so I wanted to get at least five. Each year after that I was fortunate enough to get a sponsor and then it became a challenge to get to number ten. If you have done ten, you must either stop or again carry on to reach the next big number,” said Steyn.
Among the achievements each of the Lions have accomplished is completing the longest ever Cape Epic in 2008 (966km), finishing the old route from Knysna to Cape Town and the current format including some circular stages, and have racked up an impressive 9 588km total in Cape Epic races.
