Germany’s Nadine Rieder’s motivation ahead of the Cape Epic was given a boost when she won the Champions Race in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch, last night.
Nadine Rieder won the Champions Race in Stellenbosch last night and is now looking ahead to the Cape Epic that starts on Sunday. Photo: Craig Kolesky
The race, which starts and ends on the sports fields and includes some BMX and mountain biking tracks, is traditionally served as a spectator-friendly appetiser for the Epic.
“I’m super happy that I could win the race. It couldn’t have been any better than to start into this week with the victory,” said the 30-year-old Rieder, who will partner Sweden’s Jennie Stenerhag for the eight-day mountain bike race which begins on Sunday.
Rieder said she really wanted to win last night’s race, but never expected to have such a big gap by the middle of the race already.
“My plan was to wait till the last lap and then attack, but this was just a perfect ride.
“The event is super nice and I really like the atmosphere.”
She also felt it was a good form-tester and leg-loosener, which was also a reason she participated.
“It’s easier to get some pain in a race than in training, so the timing of the race is perfect, half a week before Epic kicks off. And yes it definitely motivates me even more,” said Rieder, who did her first Epic with Sabine Spitz last year, finishing fourth.
Regarding her partnership with Stenerhag, she noted that they had already done the Wines2Whales and Tankwa Trek together.
“It’s great that we know each other and how it is racing together.
“We are both in very good shape so we definitely want to race for the podium. It’s a super strong and competitive women’s field in this year’s Epic, so let’s see what we can reach.”
She added that in their training camp last month they rode parts of stage one and she felt this would be one of the most challenging days.
“It’s so rocky and you don’t have proper time to relax. It’s tough for the body and mind because you have to ride carefully and concentrate almost all the time.”
Rieder arrived in the country on Monday, but was here last month and then returned home for two and a half weeks.
“We had snow at home so I did all the intensity workouts on the indoor bike. That’s one more reason why my motivation for some proper trail riding is up. But even if it was tough to do the sessions indoors I’m happy that I went back home.
“My recovery and sleeping was much better there, so I can go into Epic well recovered and in shape.”
She only did the Tankwa as a lead-up event to the Epic, but felt it was enough and she did not need to have done more racing.
“My focus is on the XCO season and it’s still early in the year, so Tankwa and Epic are great preparation for my season in Europe,” said Rieder, whose ultimate goal is to participate in the Olympic Games.
Rieder, who will ride under the Team Fairtree banner for the Epic, also wanted to inspire those youngsters who were looking up to her.
“Don’t be too hard on yourself and never forget why you are doing sports,” she said.
“Most important, never stop believing in yourself. After every down comes an up – failing is also part of the game and it just makes you stronger.”
