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Five days in, a lingering knee injury had come back to haunt Collyn meaning she had to make a tough decision, could she let herself quit, meaning Rachel would have to carry on alone? Collyn shares her agonising experience.
It’s really easy to write about an event in retrospect. You’ve done it. Accomplished something massive. You forget the pain and punishment. You forget the feelings of despair. But I want to tell you about what happens, 5 days into an 8-day mountain bike stage race, when you give up.
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— Collyn Ahart on the 2013 Absa Cape Epic: pain, injury and despair – Total Women’s Cycling
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“Sharon had a horrible crash nearing the finish line of the Argus. She was out there having a brilliant ride, breaking away on Suikerbossie. She was in front, riding aggressively and unfortunately this meant she was the first in line when one of the guys went down, sending her rocketing over him and crashing badly.”
Booyens added that Laws had suffered a broken collarbone, an injury to her ribs and a serious back fracture. “(It’s) a great setback at the start of her European season and the end of our Cape Epic dream to ride the 10th together. Yes, she’ll need some time but she’ll be back!
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Laws withdraws from Cape Epic - IOL Sport | IOL.co.za
Poor Sharon Laws - heal fast, come back stronger
"Laws reckons there are several ingredients that are necessary for a successful finish. “Team work, a good partner, enjoying it, luck, fitness, realistic goal setting and expectations,” says Laws. To this Booyens adds: “Having fun with your partner. If you can be a positive, happy team you’re 80% there. Obviously you need the mileage, you need luck with mechanicals and staying healthy and injury free, but in the end you will hate it if you lose joy, whether you race or just ride.”"
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Hanlie Booyens and Sharon Laws to celebrate 10th Absa Cape Epic
This is so exciting! Sharon Laws started off her cycling life racing these completely crazy Adventure MTB races, and she and Hanlie Booyens won the Cape Epic in 2004 and 2009 - so it’s great to see them teaming up and racing it all over again!
