Alban Lakata and Kristian Hynek are among the favourites for the 2017 Cape Epic starting on March 19.
Austria strongman Lakata – who will ride for Topeak Ergon – pointed to several possible contenders for the title.
“Jaro (Kulhavy) and Susi (Christoph Sauser) are super strong. The Bulls guys know how to win it. The Scott guys are very good at descending and Nino (Schurter) have a lot of experience.”
Hynek said he was looking forward to racing in such a quality field.
“I like it. Having Christoph coming back will give the race another dynamic. We’ll have to be stronger than ever before.”
Five-time Epic winner Sauser’s return from retirement with Kulhavy (Investec Songo Specialized) has been the major talking point of the pre-Cape Epic season.
The Swiss rider said he was “very happy with my comeback… I’ve been surprised how well I’ve done and I am super motivated”.
