Finishing second overall in the recent Bestmed Tour of Good Hope provided a confidence boost for Carmen Buchacher as she prepares to line up for her second Cape Epic on Sunday.
The dormakaba rider, who recorded an overall time of 16:27:14 after following Ariane Luthi home, said she enjoyed the tour even though she did not often race on the road.
“I’m now looking forward to my next road stage race. I was very satisfied with second on the day. I did lose some time on the time-trial but Ariane is particularly strong right now,” said Buchacher.
Team dormakaba’s Carmen Buchacher during the recent Bestmed Tour of Good Hope where she finished in second place overall. Photo: Robert Ward
The result was the confidence boost she needed as her performance in last month’s Tankwa Trek was not up to her normal standard.
“I didn’t have a very good Tankwa, so yes the Tour of Good Hope gave me some confidence. I was aiming for a podium finish,” she said.
Buchacher will tackle the Epic alongside Samantha Sanders. Both admit their preparation has been challenging for various reasons, but say the support from the team has pulled them through.
“The amazing team we have around us have been incredibly supportive and we are lining up for the race healthy and injury free,” said Sanders.
Buchacher, who won the Tour de PPA last month, added that they generally did not strategise too much.
“Our partnership is rather new, but mentally and physically we are very much on the same level and we take our job very seriously. We will take every day as it comes, ride into it, race hard and stay focused.”
Buchacher is expecting tough competition and difficult racing this year.
“There is some very fierce competition that adds to the intensity factor, so I won’t leave without a fight. The Epic is a difficult race purely because it is eight days where everything has to come together.
“The first four stages are long, and the country’s terrain is unforgiving and hard.”
The dormakaba rider, who finished in the top five last year, said she loved every moment of her first race and was ready for the 2018 edition.
“It was tough and everything I expected it to be. I know what I’m in for, but I have my team’s support behind me so I’m all geared up.
“I’ll be as ready as I’ll ever be. I’m excited to race and am sure the nerves will kick in on Sunday.”
Following the Epic, Buchacher will take it easy and build in a recovery week as she participates in the European racing season as well.
“I have to build up for that and I believe the Epic gives me a good base. Between my coach and me we figure out a way to remain [focused] and build up to peak in the summer season over there as well.”
