Canadian father-and-son team completes 2016 Cape Epic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUnCiYu_3yY?v=aH186RB5XUA?rel=0&amp

After every stage in the 2016 Absa Cape Epic mountain bike race, father-and-son duo Simon and Arnaud Mercier moved up the ranks. After the prologue, they were 221 out of roughly 622 overall and 126 out of 269 in the men’s category, which includes elite riders. After crossing the line of the seventh stage, they finished the event 185th overall and 103rd in their category.

After eight days, 654 km and 15,000 m of elevation gain, Simon Mercier said he’d still ride his bike the day after the completion of the event. His son, Arnaud, shook his head to say no emphatically.

“After yesterday, I said to myself, ‘I don’t know if I want to do that again. It’s very hard,'” added Arnaud. “But at the finish line, the only thing you think is ‘Oh yeah, I want to do it again.’ For sure. I’m going to be here again.”

“Maybe with your son,” said Simon.

At the end of Stage 5 (see video below), I caught up with the Merciers. They discussed their strategy. Generally, they start a stage at the back of the pack, as the hard drives from the line don’t suit them. Then, they reel people in.

And then, they nap.

“Sleep is not that good,” said Simon. “When we finish the day, we go to the chill zone. Usually, I fall asleep. And Arnaud, too.”