Switzerland’s Christoph Sauser, who has five Cape Epic titles in his palmares, has pulled out of this year’s race, his team announced today.
Christoph Sauser has decided to pull out of the Cape Epic due to the travel restrictions brought about by the corona virus. Photo: Shaun Roy/Cape Epic/SPORTZPICS
The 43-year-old would have partnered 21-year-old South African Wessel Botha as Ninety One-Songo-Specialized 2 for the event, which starts on Sunday.
“Unfortunately we will pull out of this year’s Epic. It’s a race so close to our hearts and it’s a tough decision not putting the number boards on our bikes this Sunday,” said Sauser in a social media post.
His team said with the current travel restrictions and rapidly evolving coronavirus situation, Specialized believed it was important for their riders and staff to be home with their families. Therefore the team had decided to pull out of the Epic.
“Our athletes and staff will travel home as soon as possible, while keeping aware of the world situation. With so much unknown, the entire team feels it is best to be home safe and stand with the rest of the world in doing our part to combat the spread of the virus.”
Team manager Eric Fostvedt said it was a tough decision for them to pull out of the Epic as the training and preparation leading up to the event had been great.
“While we head home from this year’s event, we all look forward with great anticipation to coming back to this beautiful race in 2021.”
