You could discover on our social networks and newsletters some time ago our new limited Afrikaans cycling collection. Many of you liked this collection, and due to its great success, there are already only a few unique pieces left!
This Afrikaans collector jersey was created in collaboration with our dear ambassador Maarten Tjallingii, for his upcoming participation in the 2022 edition of the famous CAPE EPIC race in South Africa. A totally unique design, that’s why we decided to make it an exclusive and limited collection.
Find out in this blog the history of this iconic collection, why it has been so successful, as well as the feedback and details of Maarten’s preparation with this G4 cycling jersey.
AFRIKAANS, THE EPIC COLLECTION FROM G4
When Maarten and Geoffroy discussed this project together, it was obvious for Geoffroy to create something new, unique for Maarten’s race and comfort.
A short-sleeved cycling jersey with African inspirations, symbols and patterns that recall this atypical culture rich in history.
And what better way to combine timeless black and pure white in this elegant and high performance cycling jersey.
In terms of comfort, Geoffroy has sought to offer Maarten as much performance as possible with this top of the line cycling jersey. Indeed, a good cycling suit is important for a competition, it will help the cyclist to excel and will make the race easier if it is experienced in comfort.
MAARTEN, READY FOR THE RACE WITH HIS AFRIKAANS JERSEY!
For the writing of this blog we interviewed Maarten so that he could give us all the details about his physical and mental preparation as well as his return on the limited Afrikaans jersey designed for him.
1) Maarten, we know that you will soon participate in the most difficult mountain bike race in the world: the CAPE EPIC! Tell us your story about this race.
“I was raised in Africa and lived in Mozambique for 10 years, where I started cycling. So every time I come to Africa, I feel like I’m coming home.
When I rode my first Epic in 2019, I knew I had to come back to this event thinking 2020 would be the year. Things turned out differently following Covid but here we are on March 20, 2022, we will be starting the race. Yes, “we”, the Epic is a duo race. You have to ride together to take care of each other when you are in the middle of nowhere.”
2) How will the race take place?
“This 8-day mountain bike race takes us through the untamed nature of the Western Cape, through vineyards and coastal areas. The scenery is breathtaking and the trails are beautiful.
On the menu of this hardest race in the world: 640 km of dusty trails, tricky descents and crazy climbs that add up to an altitude of 16800 meters.
If you sum it all up, you know why the race is called the Cape Epic, an epic adventure we’ll be participating in March 20-27.”
3) What is your preparation for the race?
“As a working man, I use my time efficiently and train in the morning from 6am to 10am so I can start a normal working day. I moved to Cape Town in July 2020 as well so I can train on the Epic courses and be prepared on the weather. Check out my Strava to see what I’m up to. I’ve already won my first mountain bike race in the 40+ category, which we call veterans here.”
4) How do you feel as the big day approaches?
“The start of the Epic is in a few weeks, and I am making progress in my form. It wasn’t easy to start training again because I have a normal work day. I thought I would have to cut back on my work hours to train, but starting early makes up for it. Day after day I feel my power coming back and I can ride hard for 3 hours already. I feel the confidence coming back on the climbs with the power in my legs and thanks to the descents here in Cape Town, I can ride on radical trails that we won’t encounter in the Epic…. You could say I’m almost ready for it!”
5) Why did you want to create a special jersey for the race with G4?
“G4 is known for its creative cycling jersey designs. This is a unique experience for me and for Thijs, who I will be riding with. Since the Epic is a mile race, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to create a limited edition jersey together for this occasion. This special race deserves a special bike jersey.”
6) What was your reaction when you discovered the design of the IBS jersey?
“When G4 presented the design, I was in shock for a brief moment. The mix of the IBS Capital Allies logo and African design art went so well together. With the addition of the South African and Dutch flags on the jersey, we already had a winner in the design shirt competition. If I had to use one word to describe this amazing shirt, I would call it “EPIC”. That’s the true nature of this jersey where everything comes together in one garment, imagined for Thijs and I to race our childhood dream together.”
7) We could also see on your social networks that you tested the jersey right away. What did you think of the comfort and technicality? Because we all know that a pro knows right away what is good and what is not!
“The fit of the garment is incredible, comfortable from top to bottom. The jersey feels like a second skin, and the matching Hype bib-shorts are rock solid and support us well where we need it when we’re on the trails thanks to its PROHD100 pad.”
8) And in terms of accessories, what do you plan to wear on race day to be as comfortable as possible?
“When riding 4-6 hours off the beaten path, you need to protect your body as much as possible while monitoring the temperature. Gloves are essential when you’re slipping on sandy or rocky surfaces. Aero G4 socks are a great addition to our everyday running kit.
Now we’re ready to take on the Epic with G4 apparel!”
Thanks to Maarten for his trust and loyalty to our brand. We wish him good luck for the Cape Epic!
Don’t hesitate to follow them on Instagram @epicallies.
The G4 Team
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