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Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad

STAGE 5 RECAP | CAPE EPIC 2025 | CYCLESPORT.COM ALEX WILD + ZACH CALTON | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 522

Mar 21, 2025
Zach Calton, a professional cyclist competing in the grueling Absa Cape Epic, shares his intense experiences alongside teammate Alex Wild. They recount the chaos of Stage 5, including a catastrophic bike failure and a dramatic crash that had them shouldering their bikes and walking barefoot. The duo discusses the mental hurdles of continuing the race despite adversities and the camaraderie among competitors. Plus, they offer a sneak peek into the challenges of the next stage, emphasizing the endurance required in this extreme competition.
20:38

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The unpredictable nature of the Cape Epic race was highlighted by Zach's severe mechanical issues, emphasizing the need for adaptability and resilience.
  • Despite facing adversity and physical challenges, Alex and Zach's commitment to teamwork and long-term goals illustrated the spirit of competitive cycling.

Deep dives

Challenges Faced During Stage Five

The fifth stage of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic presented significant challenges, with a grueling distance of 98 kilometers and considerable elevation gain. A notable incident occurred when one rider fell on a wet bridge, leading to a broken rear wheel and a struggle to reach the technical zone for repairs, illustrating the unpredictable nature of the race. The mishap resulted in both riders losing valuable time and dropping in the overall standings. Despite the difficulties, they remained supportive of each other, highlighting the camaraderie often present in competitive cycling.

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