MotoGP star Aleix Espargaró is set to swap his petrol-powered wheels for self-propelled ones when he takes part in the Cape Epic next month alongside three-time finisher Ibon Zugasti.
The Aprilia Racing Team Gresini rider is set to kick-start his MotoGP season at the Grand Prix of Qatar on March 10, giving him enough time to fit the Epic into his schedule.
Riders in action in a previous year’s Cape Epic. Photo: Ewald Sadie
“Mountain bike stage races are getting super famous in Spain and every year there are more and more races on the calendar,” Espargaró said.
“In Spain we say the Cape Epic is like the Tour de France of mountain biking, so it’s the dream of every cyclist.”
The 29-year-old will make use of mountain biking and ski mountaineering to keep himself sharp and in racing shape ahead of his season on the motorbike.
“This 2019 Epic will be my first one, so I can’t compare it with any of the previous ones.
“But as it will possibly be the hardest ever, it will be even more epic for me.”
The Spaniard will ride for the Orbea Factory Team alongside Zugasti.
