Ballito’s 18-year-old Nick Arthur, who only recently completed high school, is the youngest athlete to compete in this year’s Absa Cape Epic mountain bike race.

Born in March 1992, Nick had turned the qualifying age of eighteen just in time to compete this year. Both his father (Jim) and brother (Mike) have each successfully completed the Absa Cape Epic five times, so mountain bike racing is in this family’s blood. Mike was also the youngest cyclist to complete the race in its inaugural year.

After completing school last year, and while enjoying a gap year, Nick decided to take part in the Absa Cape Epic. “Because of spectating along the way for both my dad and Mike for so many years, I felt it was my time to start competing,” Nick explains.

“My dad Jim actually participated in six Absa Cape Epic challenges. In 2008 he crashed on day four and broke two ribs and punctured his lung. He was in agony at the end of the day and had decided to withdraw. However, the next morning when he woke up he got dressed, and asked, ‘Where’s my bike?’”

Teaming up with brother Mike this year, Nick says his training has not been that difficult. “I’ve received lots of guidance from my dad and brother, as they have plenty of experience in endurance events. Mike is my manager, dietician, coach and psychologist,” Nick chuckles

“Aside from the usual, we also include some Pilates sessions and surfing, if the weather permits.”

The goal Nick has set for himself is to complete the Absa Cape Epic, and says that even if he fails in doing this, just starting the race is an achievement. “At least we won’t peak on day one. And we won’t be beaten by the sun as Island Tribe is our main sponsor.”

Nick acknowledges that they won’t be competing competitively as that takes years of Epic racing to do. For him the personal gratification of participating is more than enough.

For those not participating in the full race, there is a call for entries into the one day mountain bike race, the MTN Cape Times Vigne a Vigne. Interested riders can register online at www.vigne-a-vigne.com.

The Cape Times Lourensford Vineyard Run is a unique 11 km trail running race. The Vineyard Run (also on 28 March 2010) will start at 8:30am, providing participants with beautiful vistas and numerous climbs through the idyllic and picturesque Lourensford Wine Estate.

Live entertainment for the entire family, including wine tasting, magnificent scenery and the finest food and wine will be on offer at the finish at Lourensford Wine Estate, as well as the opportunity to see the ever popular Watershed in action. Entrance is free.

Visit www.cape-epic.com for more information.