

STAGE 1 RECAP | CAPE EPIC 2025 | CYCLESPORT.COM ALEX WILD + ZACH CALTON | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 518
Mar 17, 2025
Alex Wild, an athlete on the CycleSport.com team, shares his experiences from the intense Stage 1 of the Cape Epic 2025. He and teammate Zach Calton discuss the brutal conditions, including strong winds and challenging trails. The duo highlights strategies for managing physical and mental fatigue, alongside tactics for teamwork and race dynamics. They look ahead to the upcoming 66km time trial, emphasizing the importance of logistics, pacing, and nutrition to enhance performance in this grueling competition.
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Brutal, Dusty Stage 1 Experience
- Stage 1 was brutal with constant crosswinds and narrow single tracks against fences.
- The dusty, hectic conditions led to many mistakes and crashes early on.
Pacing and Partner Strategy
- Find a cadence and pacing strategy that allows steady progress through groups.
- Utilize partner strengths by sharing workload and progressing by strategic positioning.
Improving Start with Warm-Up
- Try a longer warm-up and more caffeine if legs feel flat at race start.
- Monitor heart rate responses to identify fatigue levels and adjust pre-race preparation.