Becking's Turmoil: Out of the Epic Before it Begins
2024 yellow jersey wearer withdraws from Buff Megamo’s 2025 Absa Cape Epic Squad
Hans Becking, who wore the yellow jersey for 3 days in the 2024 race, has announced his withdrawal from the 2025 Absa Cape Epic. The multiple time marathon champion of the Netherlands is a 5-time stage winner and was among the favourites for the 21st edition alongside his Belgian, Buff Megamo, teammate Wout Alleman. Becking announced his withdrawal via Instagram (@hansbecking) on Wednesday, 19 February.
Watch his announcement video here.
Having struggled with illness during the vital months of pre-season training – after a successful trip to South Africa to complete his Epic Series medal haul, at Wines2Whales, in November – very little has gone right for Becking in 2025. “The fear that I had lately has become a really hard reality at the moment,” a visibly emotional Becking confessed to his 40 thousand Instagram followers. “After last week, trying really hard, pushing really hard the pedals, going to South Africa, racing a bit and opening the engine I had to make a really difficult decision and step back. Cycling isn’t only about pushing the really hard numbers, about the watts, and going and going and going. It’s sometimes about when to shift, when you have to go to the front, and when to lead. But also, you always have to keep an eye on the bigger picture. And not only go for short term goals, and let the ego ruin things for you. It’s important to know when to step back.”
“Wout [Alleman] and I had really big plans for this year’s [Absa] Cape Epic, there’s no hiding that. But I was asking myself with this level, what’s best for the team and what’s best for Wout. It’s definitely not my level of fitness at this moment, which is a shame because I really do try. To win the [Absa] Cape Epic every detail is really important and there’s no chance of winning it. No chance at all. I had a good talk to Wout and explaining myself what he already understands. He’s a good friend and he told me we are humans and we can’t order good fitness or legs from Temu or Ali Express. It doesn’t work that way. It is what it is.”
“I spoke to the team explained to them that I don’t have the same level as last year. That I can do a good [Absa] Cape [Epic] but I won’t be able to fight for the podium. Then yesterday they decided that I won’t be doing the [Absa] Cape Epic. It’s a hard decision but I think it’s the right decision,” Becking concluded.
He went on to confirm that he would be back later in the year and Epic Series fans are likely to see him in action in 4Islands Epic Croatia as well as the Andorra Epic Pyrenees in April and July. Meanwhile for Buff Megamo, Becking’s withdrawal leaves a selection dilemma. Becking and Alleman have proved a formidable pairing together, while new signing Martin Stošek is a proven campaigner but is still a fresh face in a set-up which prides itself on consistency and creating a good team ethos. Should the Czech star slot in he will match the Belgian Champion’s climbing prowess, but the communication and soft skills between the pair will be unproven in the crucible of the Untamed African Mountain Bike Race.
For more news and for an extensive build-up to the 2025 Absa Cape Epic grab the March issue of Bicycling Magazine when it hits the shelves of South African newsagents on Friday, 28 February. International fans can read all about the race on www.epic-series.com/capeepic.