The leading South African rider, Max Knox, and Colombian partner, climber Hector Leonardo Paez Leon from team Kansai Plascon are currently sitting fourth in the 14th Cape Epic.
They sit just 14:30 behind Scott-Sram-MTB Racing’s Nino Schurter and Matthias Stirnemann who took the lead in today’s stage five.
The leading South African rider, Max Knox, and his Columbian partner, climber Hector Leonardo Paez Leon from team Kansai Plascon are currently sitting fourth in the 14th Cape Epic. Photo: Greg Beadle
While there have been a number of upsets with the top men’s teams, Kansai Plascon have been one of the more consistent teams, finishing fifth on four of the six stages.
Their best position was a fourth during stage two, and they were in a strong position to win during stage four but a puncture pushed them back to fifth a mere 15km from the finish.
“It has been a very hard race and we have not had our fair share of good luck, so if we can get on the podium it would be incredible, especially when you think of the incredible standard of competition at this year’s event,” said Knox.
“In this Epic, to do well overall you have to be consistent and try and have as trouble-free a ride as possible.”
The 2750m of tough climbing in the upcoming 103km stage six will suit the climbing duo well and the South African stated that he’d have to keep riding hard in order to keep up with his partner.
“Leonardo is a professional and he is one of the best riders in the world and is much stronger than I am so I just try and hang on his wheel. It is all I can do. He is pushing me more and more and I can learn so much from him.”
