The Cape Epic is one of the toughest MTB stage races in the world. What inspired you to take on this challenge?

It has been a lifelong dream to compete in the Cape Epic. It actually became reality pretty quickly as I am able to rely on great partners like Hunt in 2025.

How are you structuring your training leading up to the race? Any key sessions or strategies you’re focusing on?

I did a lot of training this winter. I prepared myself throughout the winter with cyclocross races, including World Cups in Belgium, to get some intensity in my legs. I also did a training camp on Gran Canaria to prepare myself for the temperatures and the rocky and dry dirt that I will tackle during the Cape Epic.

Nutrition and recovery are crucial for such an intense event. Can you share insights into your approach to fueling and staying fresh between stages?

I work on training my gut for the Cape Epic. Around the race, I will eat tons of carbs mixed with some protein but low fiber. I will try to maintain 100-120g carbs every hour of racing. I will use carb drink mixes, gels, and sometimes energy bars if there is a possibility to chew during the race. After every day, I will use a recovery shake to give my body some protein and carbs to start the recovery process.

The mental game is just as important as the physical one. How do you prepare mentally for a race as demanding as the Cape Epic?

I meditate to stay calm and focused. With eight days of racing, the most important part is to keep the rubber side down and not crack in the heat. I won’t panic if I have an issue with my body or my bike.

We wish Alex the best of luck in the Cape Epic and look forward to seeing him push his limits on the trails!aLet’s talk about your bike setup—what’s your go-to race bike for Cape Epic, and what makes it the perfect choice for this event?

I will race my new race bike for the season: a Cannondale Scalpel LAB71 with 120mm of travel front and rear. Its plush suspension with a Lefty Ocho is the perfect choice for the Cape Epic as it will help to cover the 600km of rugged trails and terrain.

You’re riding HUNT wheels—what do you love most about them, and how do they enhance your performance on the trail?

I am riding my Hunt Proven XC Carbon wheels. I could already test them this winter in Liguria and Gran Canaria on tough trails, and they handled it with ease.

With Cape Epic’s varied terrain, what do you look for in a wheelset to handle the demands of the race?

For Cape Epic, I am looking for a tough wheelset that can take a beating. Together with their responsiveness and low weight, they are perfect for XC and marathon racing.

If you could choose one piece of gear (besides your bike) that you couldn’t race without, what would it be and why?

That’s a tough one. I am choosing between 2.4 tires and a dropper post. I will pick the 2.4 tires (yes, I couldn’t live without my Maxxis Aspens). Together with a strong and wide rim, a wide tire is an absolute game-changer. That’s your only connection to the ground, so don’t save on that!

We wish Alex the best of luck in the Cape Epic and look forward to seeing him push his limits on the trails!