McLean and Garvey soldier on at Cape Epic

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Thursday, 31 March 2011 09:20

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Andrew enjoys whilst Adrian conquers for Team Toyota

The Cape Epic team of Toyota performed as well as their vehicles are known for, with each of the team members finishing in good time for the first four stages at this year’s ABSA Cape Epic.

With over 300km of punishing biking behind them, both Andrew McLean and Adrian Garvey are upbeat as they head into the stage 5 time trial tomorrow.

The event started on rocky grounds when Andrew McLean of Toyota Supercycling was advised by his family doctor against pushing himself too hard due to an iron deficiency. With this news went his defence of the Masters Championship title.

“This event most certainly rates as one of the most technical that I have ever competed in – do not be fooled by thinking that fewer kilometre’s and less climbing results in less pain. It’s tough out there, and my heart bleeds for those that will miss cut off at 6pm this evening. Not being able to be competitive is actually quite enjoyable. I have cycled all around the world – and nowhere is as breathtakingly beautiful as South Africa.”

Ex-Springbok prop Adrian Garvey has spent over 22 hours in his saddle in the last four days. He has taken a beating, but he is ultimately very chuffed with what he has conquered to date.

“Wow, I am thoroughly enjoying myself out there – who knew there was life outside of rugby! The professionals out there are something else – even with Andrew ‘taking it easy’, he is a formidable force, and for that I have the upmost admiration. We are blessed with such sports talent in this country and this race in particular sees it in abundance. My partner and I have giggled like girls on the mountain tops, and I guess that is what it’s all about! Dare I say that when you represent your country, the laughter isn’t as frequent due to the increased pressure to perform. I believe that I am thriving in this team atmosphere of Toyota, and receiving solid advice from the likes of Andrew for which I am grateful. May it all be downhill from here!”

Andrew had a few words with Adrian as the prop faces the remaining four days,

“Adrian bonked yesterday (stage 2) after not eating and drinking sufficiently. I told him that he needs to be strict on himself in terms of staying hydrated, taking supplements and eating well, as he is used to competing in a two hour rugby match, not seven hours in the saddle each day. I promised Adrian that it is all worth it in the end. Shaun Bartlett (who competed in last year’s event), recently told me that his medal was most probably his biggest sporting accomplishment to date.”

Andrew McLean finished day 4 placed 11^th in the masters category having cycled for 6 hours 31 minutes for the stage and recording a total event time of 19 hours 17 minutes so far.

Adrian Garvey and Brian Osborne cycled 8 hours and 38 minutes to place 182^nd in the men’s category. The pair have cycled a total event time of 25 hours and 43 minutes.

Tomorrow see’s a 28km time trial in order to allow cyclists to catch up time and rest before the 143km ride of stage 5.