Septuagenarian ‘The Young Ones’ gear up for new Great Grand Masters category
Absa Cape Epic riders Johan Bezuidenhout and Fred van Zyl have 145 years between them – not that this matters for these mountain bike fanatics
CAPE TOWN, At the Absa Cape Epic, age truly is just a number.
Just ask Johan Bezuidenhout, 70, and Fred van Zyl, 75, two evergreen mountain bikers who will be giving their all in the Great Grand Masters category at the 2023 edition of the event, taking place from 19-26 March.
Introduced for the first time this year, this category will see riders over the age of 60 competing for their own jersey.
Incredibly, Bezuidenhout and Van Zyl, with their combined age of 145, would have been eligible for the category for more than a decade had it already existed.
Not that they believe this has any bearing on things, given they prefer to be known as ‘The Young Ones’ at the event.
Between them, they have 18 Absa Cape Epic finishes on their combined palmarès. Bezuidenhout has notched up an astounding 16 Untamed finisher medals while Van Zyl, five years his partner’s senior, has two finishes to his name, the most recent in 2018.
“I am undaunted at my age by the Absa Cape Epic because I first and foremost love mountain biking,” Van Zyl says.
“This is an incredible event challenging my strength, fitness and the soundness of mind. The secret for me is that if you keep fit, train hard and look after your body you can complete the Absa Cape Epic, regardless of your age.
“My friend, Bez [Bezuidenhout] is also my inspiration. To do the race with him is a great honour. I feel very privileged to be able to ride with someone who has 16 Absa Cape Epics to his name.”
However, Van Zyl is also quick to acknowledge that he is also motivated by the goal of finishing as the oldest ever Cape Epic rider.
Bezuidenhout is as tough as they come. In 2007, he broke his collarbone on the second last stage but thanks to his determination and support of his former partner he was able to make the finish line, something he describes as “very special”.
“I completed five editions with that partner, five with my son and two with a school friend. Those races were all particularly amazing. The things you endure and experience during an Absa Cape Epic ensures that I have life time bonds with each of my seven partners from the 16 events I’ve ridden in.”Bezuidenhout and Van Zyl met in the build-up to the 2018 Absa Cape Epic. At the time, the latter was 65 and Van Zyl 70.
“We decided then that when we turn 70 and 75, respectively, we should do it as a team. So, 2023 is the year,” Van Zyl says.
As the Absa Cape Epic has grown and matured, so have the athletes taking part and today there are more riders over the age of 60 racing than ever before.
While the new category will be a big talking point at this year’s event, Bezuidenhout quips that they “have categorically said that we will not be racing”.
But, he adds, in 2012 he came third in the Grand Masters category with his school friend when they were both over 60 “so, lets see”.
Van Zyl, on the other hand, makes no secret of his excitement: “I feel we can still give the 60-plus guys a run for their money!”
The pair are an inspiration to mountain bikers of all ages, showing what is possible if one maintains good health and fitness.
Bezuidenhout says it is important to remain humble and respectful of all around you.
“Your support team, partner, the other riders and especially the trail. Keep learning to ride your bike better. You can never have too much skill. Enjoy a bottle of good red wine each evening on the race. Keeping a balance is important if you want to enjoy each moment throughout your life.”
Absa Cape Epic riders Johan Bezuidenhout and Fred van Zyl have 145 years between them – not that this matters for these mountain bike fanatics
CAPE TOWN, At the Absa Cape Epic, age truly is just a number.
Just ask Johan Bezuidenhout, 70, and Fred van Zyl, 75, two evergreen mountain bikers who will be giving their all in the Great Grand Masters category at the 2023 edition of the event, taking place from 19-26 March.
Introduced for the first time this year, this category will see riders over the age of 60 competing for their own jersey.
Incredibly, Bezuidenhout and Van Zyl, with their combined age of 145, would have been eligible for the category for more than a decade had it already existed.
Not that they believe this has any bearing on things, given they prefer to be known as ‘The Young Ones’ at the event.
Between them, they have 18 Absa Cape Epic finishes on their combined palmarès. Bezuidenhout has notched up an astounding 16 Untamed finisher medals while Van Zyl, five years his partner’s senior, has two finishes to his name, the most recent in 2018.
“I am undaunted at my age by the Absa Cape Epic because I first and foremost love mountain biking,” Van Zyl says.
“This is an incredible event challenging my strength, fitness and the soundness of mind. The secret for me is that if you keep fit, train hard and look after your body you can complete the Absa Cape Epic, regardless of your age.
“My friend, Bez [Bezuidenhout] is also my inspiration. To do the race with him is a great honour. I feel very privileged to be able to ride with someone who has 16 Absa Cape Epics to his name.”
However, Van Zyl is also quick to acknowledge that he is also motivated by the goal of finishing as the oldest ever Cape Epic rider.
Bezuidenhout is as tough as they come. In 2007, he broke his collarbone on the second last stage but thanks to his determination and support of his former partner he was able to make the finish line, something he describes as “very special”.
“I completed five editions with that partner, five with my son and two with a school friend. Those races were all particularly amazing. The things you endure and experience during an Absa Cape Epic ensures that I have life time bonds with each of my seven partners from the 16 events I’ve ridden in.”Bezuidenhout and Van Zyl met in the build-up to the 2018 Absa Cape Epic. At the time, the latter was 65 and Van Zyl 70.
“We decided then that when we turn 70 and 75, respectively, we should do it as a team. So, 2023 is the year,” Van Zyl says.
As the Absa Cape Epic has grown and matured, so have the athletes taking part and today there are more riders over the age of 60 racing than ever before.
While the new category will be a big talking point at this year’s event, Bezuidenhout quips that they “have categorically said that we will not be racing”.
But, he adds, in 2012 he came third in the Grand Masters category with his school friend when they were both over 60 “so, lets see”.
Van Zyl, on the other hand, makes no secret of his excitement: “I feel we can still give the 60-plus guys a run for their money!”
The pair are an inspiration to mountain bikers of all ages, showing what is possible if one maintains good health and fitness.
Bezuidenhout says it is important to remain humble and respectful of all around you.
“Your support team, partner, the other riders and especially the trail. Keep learning to ride your bike better. You can never have too much skill. Enjoy a bottle of good red wine each evening on the race. Keeping a balance is important if you want to enjoy each moment throughout your life.”
