I haven’t seen a lot of that info. I know Vittoria made an extra thick casing XC tyre combo specifically for Cape Epic, so I highly doubt that any team runs an extra light set up.
It looks like all the teams are running their main race bikes. Supposedly the Canyon team is running some sort of prototype, but no indication if that’s bike, wheel, component, or what.
Pretty sure the Spesh teams are running the regular Epic (except for Sofia who’s running a unique setup but not an Evo).
Lars really paying for chasing such an aggressive Nino for three days. Bummer.
Marotte unfortunately looks like last year wasn’t just an anomaly, but the beginning of a decline. I was really hoping Keegan was going to be able to drag them along with the Spesh team.
That’s really interesting.
For road bikes, I find Cyclingtips does good coverage of tech. For mtb, sometimes pink bike does. I don’t really have a cycling news source that is that into Cape Epic to cover it.
I was thinking a regular World Cup XC bike is pretty aggressive geo, and maybe the Epic race bikes would be more relaxed and robust, so potentially more aligned to what fans would suit.
I’ll keep an eye out for some articles after the event finishes.
Thanks.
I think that a World Cup course is a lot more technical with drops etc.
Cape Epic looks brutal on gear with the rocks and dust. Need strong gear but not necessarily extra capability.
Just my opinion from watching from afar.
I remember hearing a comment that Ariane (Having done allot of EPIC’s) and Amy actually go with a “more robust” tyre, call it lessons learned.
Think (hmmm whats the previous winners name thats also a commentor) also commented that there is allot of value in going with not the lightest tyre, the chirp was, nothing is as light as a hole in the tyre, so ye this running paper thin light tyres never end well,
Couple of years back, can’t recall if it was Nino, although think it was Sauser was hit repeatedly also year after year with tyres destroying his Epic GC.
G
not the first time this has happened to the #2 rider of the team, chasing that stronger #1…
G
Epic is brutal due to the speed applied by these pro’s. All impacts are jsut that much harder, but then a chain break yesterday, wtf… don’t understand, but then they also sickout bucket loads more watts.
G
I’d say that was a “was”, now with more AXO racers taking part they’d probably ride the bikes they use to… they top of the pile race bikes so you’d find the ACO guys on ACO Geometry bikes and people like Robyn De Groot on a more relaxed geo bike.
G
I’ve seen quite a few SRAM chains snapped due to the abruptness of the shift, but Epic seems to throw a wrench in with the rocky trails. Keegan had a chain that was barely hanging on in yesterday’s stage after a rock strike.
I think Jonathan bent a chainring tooth last year by memory? Or he tried to fix Brandon’s bent chainring tooth.
What’s AXO/ACO?
It’s called auto correct making it not correct
Meant XCO
G
Ah, sorry. Thought it might have been an African league of some sort. I should have joined the dot’s
Happens when you typing when not suppose to hoping auto correct fixes things 
Great tactical victory for Beers and Blevins today. The short track World Champion was able to use his sprint speed.
completely missed today, back to back meetings 
will watch the 30min catchup tonight).
G
Shame to see Scott-SRAM have to shut it down. Hopefully they’ll have recovered to go for another stage win before the finish.
That SCR team looki aggressive and strong. Ran out of puff and nous towards the end.
Haley Batten looks as strong as an Ox. Feel for Sofia dangling in the breeze, has to be tough when you aren’t on the same level. Fortunately they are running as a well oiled machine and looking after each other.
havent seen anything from today… yet. will watch highlights in about a hour 
G
Apologies for potential spoilers.
no problem, my mind is running on 5% power atm, the last couple of weeks at work has made it mushie… so missing most of everything anyhow.
I’m signing off, into bed with iPad to stream the highlights and then la la land.
G
PS: where in the world are you writing from?
if you don’t want spoilers, stay off of cycling forums. 