Another interesting partnership participating in this year’s Absa Cape Epic presented by adidas is 33-year-old Thomas Dietsch from France and 25-year-old Tim Böhme from Germany, competing in the challenge as the Bulls 2 team.

Dietsch, winner of the World Cup Marathon in 2007, also boasted a number one UCI Marathon ranking in 2007. He was the French Marathon champion in 2006 and 2008, the European Marathon champion in 2003 and 2004, winner of the Trans Germany in 2008, amongst many other impressive achievements. Böhme in turn completed over 20 World and European championships in his career. He is also a two times German Champion in the Junior and Team categories, was ranked number 10 at the World Cross-Country (under 23 category), and finished the TransAlp twice, amongst others.

These members of the Bulls 2 team only met in December last year and have been training together in Mallorca and Cyprus during the last two months. Böhme says confidently that they are going to be the best marathon team of the future, “so it was a natural choice to start with the Absa Cape Epic. We’re very excited as it’s far more than just a race – it’s also an adventure. I believe that we’re going to be a very competitive team and will be able to keep up with the top riders.”

Dietsch says that he knows the Absa Cape Epic is a very tough event. “This year I’m prepared and have trained significantly more so as to ensure that I’ll be able to recover faster after every stage. I don’t rely on special diets, although I avoid fatty foods as much as possible.” Böhme states that he too is training much harder than ever before. “During the training camps, I worked especially hard on my endurance. Back home, I also spent more time in preparation, but not more than 15 hours a week.”

Dietsch believes that his strengths are endurance and the ability to recover fast. “I just want to give it my best this year and achieve the best result possible. The elements necessary to successfully complete the Absa Cape Epic include a cohesive team, good communication and the ability to recover fast.” Böhme in turn says that it will take “no flat tires, no health issues and one must remain in top shape”. He keeps motivated by enjoying every day and reminding himself that it is a privilege to make a living as a cycling professional.

In his free time Dietsch says he enjoys “recovering from all the events I participate in”. Böhme enjoys sailing, cooking with his friends and spending time with his girlfriend. He describes himself as someone who can often be the “class clown”, but when required he can also be very serious.

For those not participating in the full race, organisers of the Absa Cape Epic are putting out a call for entries into the one-day mountain bike race, the MTN Cape Times Vigne à Vigne. This race takes place on the Lourensford Wine Estate, the finish venue of the Absa Cape Epic, on the last day of the eight-day race. Interested riders can enter online at www.vigne-a-vigne.com.

For those supporters interested in following the race and their favourite teams, the organisers of the Absa Cape Epic have a created an exclusive Spectator Guide. This includes information like who to watch, some of the basic rules of the race, and directions to the best spectator points throughout the race. The Spectator Guide will be available at the Absa Cape Epic stand at the Lifecycle Expo, at various tourism outlets in the Western Cape and at the race itself.


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