Since falling ill just before Epic I have not been back to my normal healthy self.

What initially seemed like just normal flu symptoms, turned out to be something a bit more serious and complicated.

Being knocked down after my second attempt to get back to training, my coach, Dr Jeroen Swart suspected something more serious and advised that I have blood tests done and specifically test for Coxsackie. Unfortunately the test results came back positive with a Coxsackie B viral infection. This virus attacks the heart and organs and can cause various other complications if managed incorrectly. My biggest concern is Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) which can put me off the bike for up to 6 months or cause permanent damage.

To get over this virus, I need to give my body the required rest to fight the virus. The problem I had was that I kept on giving myself a timeline and wanted to rush getting back to training and this is not the way to deal with such a virus. Getting doctors appointments and waiting for test results take time, so there is no timeline to this process. 
My priority now is to get to 100% health again and not to be ready for a specific race. When ever I am 100% healthy, I can look at what would be my next goal.

Things seem to be on the mend with my latest blood results showing that the antibody numbers are about 50% down and hopefully my next heart scan will give us a confident all clear to get back to riding my bike.

I would like to thank all my team mates and sponsors for their positive attitudes and motivation throughout the last few weeks. It is great and reassuring to know that we still have everyones support even through the tough times when things do not go according to plan, this is after all sport and its about working hard at everything that you can control and dealing positively with that which you can not control.

Hi Team,

With the dust settled after the gruelling 8 days racing the Cape Epic we look back at the roller coaster of emotions and how it all played out. As you can imagine the unfortunate substitution of Philip was a very difficult decision for our team, we have building up and preparing for this race for a very long time, the decision was the correct one and I want to commend the four riders and the whole crew for embracing the changes and making it a very exciting and successful race to follow. 
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Thank you for your amazing support as sponsors and backing us all the way. Thank you Euro Steel for the insane truck and setup, it was definitely the best rig at the Epic and helped our athletes and crew a LOT!!! We look forward to the rest of the year travelling across SA in the best possible setup, our new home away from home.​

Below the feedback from the riders and their experience at the biggest MTB race in the world :) 

Hi team,

With our first Tankwa Trek behind us we can look back on a very successful weekend, thank you Dryland Events for hosting us and making our weekend one to remember. See you again in 2019 :-) 

I would like to give a BIG shoutout to Ashley and Tienie from Subaru, in the past two weeks we travelled more than 13000km with 4 different Subarus, everyone safe and sound! Thank you for going the extra mile to accommodate us and making our travels easier, safer and more enjoyable!

With a very deep and competitive international field at Tankwa this was a great test for the legs and all the equipment leading up to Epic!

If you havent seen the recap videos yet below are the links and words from the athletes.Thank You Big Shot Media for the amazing scenes and the help to produce these!​

1. Stage 1 - https://web.facebook.com/africanmtbteam/videos/1566332380080558/
2. Stage 2 - https://web.facebook.com/africanmtbteam/videos/1567257429988053/
3. Stage 3 - https://web.facebook.com/africanmtbteam/videos/1568122473234882/

Hi team,

With the current drought in Cape Town we expected nothing less than a very dry, dusty and warm race.

The first XCO race of the season is early and most of our athletes are still in their buildup toward the year, their training is tailored to marathon racing so the short fast XCO always proves to be a good kickstart to their longer intensity training block. Thanks Warren, Chris and Jeremy from SRAM & Cape Cycles for putting up a world class event and supporting our sport!​

There was a big international field and the worlds best lined up for the race, it was good day out with a lot of valuable lessons. Our whole team now head for the Tankwa Trek hosted by Dryland Events in Ceres 9-11 February. Be sure to follow our action with Phil & Matthys leading the charge, Julian & Phillimon partnering and Pieter & Kombo representing our academy.

Hi team,

For the season finale of the National Marathon series we travelled to a new venue Kaapsehoop.

The first day was very wet and misty but it didn’t stop Matthys powering to the stage win, Philip finished 2nd with Julian in 6th and Phillimon in the Top 20.

Day two the mist lifted and we were treated to a beautiful day, Matthys taking another win and Philip 2nd. Julian finished 10th and Phillimon 12th.​

Below their reports and great shots from Graham Daniels, also a link to the Recap video on youtube - https://youtu.be/VSIufdN3GwE

Hi team,

This weekend we were down in KZN for the very popular Berg & Bush 3 day stage race. Our first stage race together with Julian and Phillimon.

We can’t be happier with how the weekend played out! Winning this race was a perfect example of great teamwork.

Thank you Julian and Phillimon for sacrificing your possible overall podium, they were rewarded with a 3rd place on the last day only 30 secondes behind Phil and Matthys, this proved how strong they were!​

Below words from the 4 riders.