Barbara Benko and Anne Terpstra will be racing their first Absa Cape Epic together for Ghost Factory Racing. The pair have spent the last couple of weeks in South Africa training and racing in the lead up to Absa Cape Epic. We touched base with Barbara.
You and Anne have shown some great form in the races leading up to Cape Epic. What do you think will be key to this years Cape Epic?
We are new to the race, our team too, so it’s a first time for everyone, which is great, it takes a bit of pressure off as we see it as a learning curve, you have to start somewhere… Which doesn’t mean we don’t take it serious, everyone put in 120% of effort and we want to do good, but it’s clear we will make some mistakes but that’s ok, who won’t, we are here to learn and a grow and have a great time. So it’s hard to say what to expect as i have no idea, but i think it’s important to take it day by day, ride smart and your own race, control the controllable and focus on recovery. And remember the race is long an hard, it will end only at the finish line at the end of the last stage.
What makes the two of you a good team?
We understand each other pretty good and we have a great relationship on and off the bike, so it’s fun to ride with her and share all these experiences with her. We can talk about anything openly and know each other strengths and weaknesses so we can overcome hard moments easier. Even without talking we know how the other feels which helps a lot in the race.
How does mountain biking make you feel?
For me riding my bike and be outside is freedom which i really need. I got the best ideas in every areas in my life while on my bike. I got to know a lot of interesting people through sport and see a lot of places i wouldn’t without my bike. I just love it!
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Team Ghost Factory Racing Number 54-1 and 54-2
all images Instagram Barbara Benko
