Steyn, who is extremely excited to participate for the ninth time, said that she is already well-prepared for the epic experience while Hansen is just as thrilled to be participating for the fourth time this year.
"We never thought that we would be riding together, side by side as a team. Things just have a habit of working out. Both our partners of last year were sick during the race and we had to ride very slowly alongside them, so we were basically riding together. We really never imagined that we would be riding together as an official team," explained Steyn while they both laugh happily.
"I must say I have become much wiser with age, matured like good wine and biltong. It is not just about doing the race nine times, it is about working hard for nine years, sacrificing certain things just for a whole different life experience each time," explained Steyn.
Steyn is currently number one on Cape Epic's rider list. Her biggest achievement as a professional cyclist was winning the Absa Cape Epic in 2005. Both Steyn and Hansen underwent extensive preparation sessions courtesy of Chris Nel of the Coaches Corner Cycling. "Chris has really put in a lot of effort in helping us to prepare for the race. I don't think anyone would be capable of doing such a race on your own. I never realised up until now how many people you actually need to support you. The support has been amazing. I have probably received over 100 messages from family and friends wishing me luck. Not only that, many people have donated nutritional goodies which will come in handy," said Steyn.
Steyn has won various mountain bike races and other competitions, both nationally and international.
Hansen said that she just couldn't say no to Steyn when she asked her to ride the epic race. "After the experience I had while riding with her last year, I just couldn't say no. The epic race is sort of the reason why I first came to South Africa, and yet again, it is the reason for me visiting and coming to Knysna. I would never have been able to see this magnificent place and what it has to offer, if it wasn't for the race and Hannele," explained Hansen.
"You have a choice, and I chose to do this. It is very addictive. It is not like I want to do it, It is like I have to do it," said Hansen while Steyn agreed.
The dramatic new route of the ninth edition of the Absa Cape Epic will be as challenging as previous years. Both local and international mountain-biking enthusiasts will be taking on the demanding adventure of 781km with 16 300m of climbing from Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanvilla to Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West. The route, which changes significantly each year, will lead 1 200 cyclists through vast distances of virgin territory, previously untouched by the race. With its challenging and exhilarating landscapes, the stage locations of Meerendal, Robertson, Caledon and Oak Valley (Elgin Valley) await the most prestigious mountain bike stage race in the world, before riders again finish at the Lourensford Wine Estate as has been tradition for the past 6 years.
Steyn said that her wish for the tenth race is to have fun. "I would like to stop and take the time to take photographs while riding through some of the paths along the magnificent and breathtaking routes and sites in the different towns. Some people think it is just about riding a bicycle. You don't always realise the amount of effort and hard work one puts in it. You sacrifice your social life, just because you know you have six to eight hours to practice during the day, when others may take that time to party. It takes over your life a little bit, but it is all so worth it because you live such a healthy and active lifestyle. You sometimes wonder why you do this race or why you are passionate about it. The moment you cross the finish line, is it the moment you start thinking about the year ahead. You then realise that the epic journey had been a life experience which one can cherish and be proud of," concluded Steyn.
Hansen and Steyn would like to thank Chris Nel as well as all other individuals who have wished them well on their journey. The two excited mountain bike riders departed for Cape Town on Wednesday, March 21.
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Naomi Hansen (left) and Hannele Steyn enjoyed their training programme at the Coaches Corner Cycling prior to their departure for Cape Town. They underwent an extensive training offered by Chris Nel in prepararion for the Absa Cape Epic eight-day race.
