Insurance pros go extreme at Cape Epic tomorrow

The Cape Epic is well known as the most difficult challenge in the world involving 685 kms of sweat and grind and competitors from around the world come to the Cape to put themselves to the test … and two insurance pros from Johannesburg will be among the 1200 riders that take off tomorrow.

“Those 685 kms will be an awesome challenge,” says Eugene Botha, riding under Etana Insurance colours. He is general manager of investments for Etana’s partner, Hollard Insurance.

“You’ve got to add to that 685 k distance carrying the bike on your back. During the race we will be carrying our bikes on our backs and climbing at the same time. There are intermittent vertical, un-rideable mountainside sections. We will, of course, have that extra 12 kg of bike on our backs and the combination of this and other challenges is why the race is known as the most difficult in the world.”

His partner on the ride will be actuary, Cliff Chaney, also from Johannesburg. “It’s a rule of the race that you have to ride together. Sticking together – within two minutes of each other at all times is quite a challenge. It’s together or nothing – even at the finish line!”

“We’re proud of their guts and endurance capacity and will be cheering them on as they push themselves to the limit,” says Carel Nolte, head of people and brand for Etana Insurance, the rider’s sponsor. “Imagine riding 685 ks and also carrying a bike on your back during vertical climbs as well. We admire that kind of determination and are behind them all the way.”