Mar 26, 2019

Team Signal Conquer the Cape Epic

Mission Accomplished

This year Signal Bikes made its debut at the pinnacle of MTB stage racing - the ABSA Cape Epic - with Oli 'Pinner' Munnik and Jarrod van den Heever racing into the Top 40 overall on GC, on a pair of Signal Elite alloy hardtails.

TEAM SIGNAL

Galvanizing the Partnership

Oli "Pinner" Munnik
Age: 33
@OliverMunnik

- Cape Epics Completed: 10
- Best Finish: 11th (2007)

Oli's thoughts on completing his 10th Cape Epic:

The novelty of riding down the Champs-Elysées of mountain biking never wears off. It was certainly an emotional day thinking back to the hundreds of past 'Epic' memories shared with various partners like Erik Kleinhans, Al Davies, Charles Keey, Matt Beers, Mark Pienaar and of course Jarrod in 2019. What a journey it's been!

What I've learned over the years from the Cape Epic is that it hinges on galvanizing a strong partnership that allows you to successfully negotiate the mental and physical challenges that the Epic throws at you. Jarrod understood this from the outset and was a superb partner."

Jarrod van den Heerver
Age 20
@Stevo_Stevens_

- Cape Epics Completed: 1
- Best Finish: 38th (2019)

Jarrod's thoughts after crossing the Val De Vie finish line:

"What a special moment crossing the finish line with Oli for his 10th Cape Epic finish. It was great to race alongside him and learn from one of the most experienced riders in South Africa! Thanks to Signal Bikes for the great opportunity to compete in my first Epic ... never in my wildest dreams did I imagine it would be on an alloy hardtail!

Having heard countless war stories from past riders of crippling mechanicals, devastating crashes, and the infamous 'bum clinic', it was incredible to arrive at Val de Vie without having suffered a single mechanical, puncture, crash or saddle related problem!"

Mission Accomplished
630km || 16 650m

The Mission of Signal Bikes at the 2019 Cape Epic was to finish in the Top 50 on GC at Val de Vie on Signal Elite Alloy Hardtails and prove to parents that starting their kids in mountain biking does not have to break the bank.

After the dust settled on 8 grueling days Team Signal completed the 630km route in a time of 30hrs57min10s, with an average speed of 20.35km/h to finish 38th overall against the world's best mountain bikers. Oli and Jarrod, we salute you on a superb effort, mission accomplished!