On the previous two occasions that the Absa Cape Epic has visited Hermanus (South African city), Nino Schurter he emerged victorious. In 2017 he and Matthias Stirnemann, then in 2019 paired with Lars Forster. Now, in 2023, SCOTT-SRAM returns to Schurter's happy lands, with the XCO world champion who will have Adri Frischknecht (son of DS Thomas) as partner. With him he will seek the third victory in the most important stage race in the world.
The Absa Cape Epic is the Tour de France of mountain biking and one of the most prestigious titles to be won in the 2023 season. Therefore, this race has a very high priority. There's no better way to start the season than with a successful Absa Cape Epic campaign. This race transfers so much excitement to the fans all over the world, at the moment everyone is hungry to get out there and kick off the season –Team principal Thomas Frischknecht.
Despite Schurter's personal success in 2022, winning his XNUMXth world title, the Absa Cape Epic didn't go to plan. “It's no secret that last year's Absa Cape Epic was a disaster for SCOTT-SRAM” admitted Frischknecht senior. “It has certainly increased even more the humility with which we will face the race. We will do our homework and be ready as always. The rest of the story will be told during the race".
Should Schurter and Frischknecht junior win the 2023 Absa Cape Epic, the reigning XCO World Champion would go from 2 wins, level with Burry Stander and Roel Paulissen, to three, alongside Jaroslav Kulhavý and Stefan Sahm. Records don't motivate Schurter, however. “I am motivated to give my all at the 2023 Absa Cape Epic", He said. "If that's enough for the win, that would be super exciting. But it's not about chasing records or being on par with Jaro".
