Multiple South African mountain bike champion William Mokgopo will tackle his sixth Cape Epic on Sunday, having been the proud wearer of the Exxaro Special Jersey for the past year.
The 26-year-old won the jersey – which aims to assist in transforming the sport in the country – after he and Phillimon Sebona completed the eight-day stage race in 42nd place overall.
Mokgopo, who is from Diepsloot, will be paired this year with marathon rider Sithembiso Masango and they intend to race for the All African Jersey, a coveted title among riders on the continent.
William Mokgopo, who is currently racing as an individual athlete for Triviron Project Management and Merida bikes, will tackle his sixth Cape Epic alongside Sithembiso Masango when it kicks off on Sunday. Photo: Thulane Masebenza
This will be only the second Epic attempt for Masango, who is part of the Martin Dreyer RMB Change a Life MTB Academy and was selected to represent his country at the MTB Marathon World Championships in Singen, Germany, last year.
“With the combination of my experience at the Epic and Sithembiso’s endurance and marathon skills I think we will make a great pair,” said Mokgopo.
“Although we haven’t trained together, our strengths will complement each other and I’m looking forward to taking part in one of my favourite races again this year.”
He added that they started the partnership now to see where it would take them, and that they would work on it in the coming years.
“The Epic is always one of the biggest races on the calendar and to miss an opportunity to participate is not ideal. The plan is just to cover as much as possible and get ready to recoup and carry on with the rest of the season.”
Mokgopo spent time at the elite Bakala Academy in Belgium last year, which formed part of the Exxaro Special Jersey prize. There he learnt what was required of him to become one of the best in the country.
“Our time at Bakala helped us to know how much we can push ourselves and where we can improve.”
They also each won R25 000, which Mokgopo used to cover his fees at the University of Pretoria.
A big goal he has for the year is to try and put a team together with his sponsors. “Building a team is one of my biggest dreams – even if it’s just two or three riders.”
“Lastly, I want to be a force to be reckoned with,” said Mokgopo, who will race the Epic as a UCI pro rider for the first time.
“My form at the moment is really looking amazing. I feel good, calm and confident that we’re going to do well at the Epic.”
