FILE - Riders pictured during the Cape Epic mountain bike stage race.
Image: Dom Barnardt / Cape Epic
Despite riders experiencing brutal temperatures during the start of the Cape Epic, organisers have confirmed that there has been no fatalities despite rumours.
Riders had to cope with the sweltering conditions in the Cape Winelands in the first couple of days of the popular mountain bike race. On Wednesday, during stage three in town of Paarl, riders faced near 40-degree heat, which led to organisers shortening the stage.
A number of riders were taken to hospital during and after the stage because of the heat, but the Cape Epic confirmed that none of the riders taking part in the event have died.
"Due to extreme heat conditions on Wednesday, a decision was made in consultation with and under the advisement of the Event Medical Director and local authorities to halt the shortened Stage 3 as at 2.36pm local time," the Cape Epic organisers said in a statement.
"Prior to halting the stage, the team had already implemented earlier start times and a shortened Stage, as well as deploying additional water and ice at the water points to mitigate the higher than normal temperatures.
"There have been no rider fatalities during this year’s race. Extractions from the course is consistent with stages in prior years that had similar conditions, with a small number of riders being transported to hospital for further monitoring and treatment.
"Rider safety remains the utmost priority and the Cape Epic Team will continue to monitor conditions closely throughout the week and remain in close consultation with local authorities and the Event Medical Director should there be any required changes to the race."
In 2022, a 47-year-old man has died during stage 1 of the race.
During the 2010 Cape Epic, former world solo 24-hour champion and Enduro magazine journalist James Williamson died in his sleep between stages. It was later confirmed that he had a pre-existing heart condition.
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