Organisers from the Cape Epic responded to concerns over the availability of refreshments, stating that environmental concerns were the driving force behind their decision to provide one bottle of water to each rider.
Their response came in the wake of a video published by a participant, Grant Usher, on social media yesterday seemingly highlighting the disparity between the offering available to “ordinary riders” and some other parties.
“When we’re trying to reduce waste and our footprint at the Epic it makes sense to encourage riders to use only one bottle,” said Cape Epic marketing and communications manager Sarah Harrop.
Cape Epic organisers stated that environmental concerns were the driving force behind their decision to provide one bottle of water to each rider during the recent event. Photo: Dominic Barnardt
She said the Cape Epic took note of Usher’s comments and would happily engage with him on the issues raised should he so wish.
“Rider feedback, both negative and positive, has informed many of the changes we have made to the event over the years and we naturally take into account each and every observation.”
In this case, she said, tables or seats in the front of the rider marquee were allocated for different guests on each evening.
Harrop said these included:
- a table each night for one of the sponsors to invite their own guests;
- occasional tables for crew who would otherwise eat in the crew marquee;
- a table for the official charities to entertain staff or guests;
- a table for town dignitaries and for owners of land across which the race has traversed;
- seats for guests who will be appearing on the stage during the prize-giving and route briefing.
She said they naturally paid for the cost of entertaining their guests and the charity tables, while the sponsors’ allocation was paid for on top of their sponsorship package.
“All water and drinks at these tables are pre-ordered and paid for either by the Cape Epic or, in the case of their tables, by the sponsors.”
In the video, Usher said the issue had been a talking point among the riders and he felt it was one which should be discussed.
“The riders were really upset when being policed to one bottle of water each,” he said.
“The problem is not necessarily the water itself, but rather the sense of value as a rider. I heard from many of the riders that they felt like second rate citizens.
“Having said all of this, it is necessary to emphasise the fact that I still had an amazing time.
“Some things are just done differently, and it’s not for me to say whether that’s right or wrong.”
He said he did not often post on Facebook and when he did it was his personal thoughts and feelings based on observations.
“I don’t like being negative or controversial, but this was the hot topic among local and international participants.”
Usher said it was unfortunate that controversial things got way too much airtime and conjured up negative vibes.
This year’s runner-up in the mixed section said the race was up there with the best he had done.
“It is a pity that I never had my phone to show the amazing views, single-track and friendly faces. Epic have done so much for the sport and personally I’m grateful for that.”
In the past, he said, the cost has always been a barrier to entry for him, “but I’ve always wanted to do it again since that very first year”.
Harrop said they evaluated each year’s event and the supply of foodstuffs and refreshments would be assessed as part of the broader event review process.
