Five-time Cape Epic champion Karl Platt and teammate Urs Huber are aiming for a sixth yellow jersey when the event kicks off from Table Mountain on March 18.
The Bulls pair will go for another overall win as a combination, despite Platt’s injury following a crash in November.
“I fractured my hip and pelvis in a training ride which put me out for a while, bit it provided some much-needed rest,” he said.
“I’m starting to feel great again. I had a good Attakwas and despite not finishing higher up the list there was no pain and that is a good thing.”
Team Bulls’ Karl Platt and Urs Huber during last year’s Cape Epic. Photo: Ewald Sadie/Cape Epic/SPORTZPICS
Fellow teammates Tim Boehme and Simon Stiebjahn, who finished on the podium in third four years ago, will join the pair on the Cape Epic start line.
This time the Bulls 2 riders will race for stage wins, instead of support duties – which will now be in the hands of Bulls 3’s Martin Frey and Simon Schneller.
“I hope they [Bulls 2] have a good race this year,” said Platt.
“It’s a different story and situation for Tim and Simon but they’re now able to ride and race as they feel. If they see a chance they are free to go for it.”
Platt felt confident about his aspirations of winning a record sixth title.
“Our goal is always to perform at our best. Sure, we’re aiming for the win but there are many factors that come into play, and for a result here, everything has to come together.
“I am now properly recovered from my injury and training flat-out. I’m confident that I will be ready and that everything will work out. My goal and the team’s goal will always be to win the Cape Epic. I’ll be here for 2018 and 2019,” said Platt.
The much anticipated route can be viewed here.
