Marty Hurley: My Journey To My First Cape Epic Finish Line
- Rafeeq Safodien
- Jun 3
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
"You can’t do it alone”
Finishing the Cape Epic is no small feat; it demands months of preparation, commitment, and grit. For this experienced mountain biker, cyclocross and gravel racer, it was his first attempt at tackling the Cape Epic. Guided by the RIDEANDRACE coaching program, he followed a structured training plan, prepared smart, communicated well and showed up with a whole lot of heart. In this Q&A, he shares the highs, lows, and lessons from the race – in his own words.
1. What was your motivation for entering the Cape Epic?
The amazing race that it is! I love stage racing, and doing it on what I believe to be the best trails on the planet is something that’s very hard to pass up.
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2. How did you train and prepare—both physically and mentally—for the Cape Epic?
To be honest, Raf had all of this covered. His approach kept me happy and healthy. We struck a level of balance that put zero stress on my home and work life, which allowed things to just flow, eliminating the need to mentally prepare. The confidence just flowed. As for the physical side of things—it was hard. I enjoy hard though!
Coach's Note: Dedication and consistency are the foundation of athletic progress...
What stood out most about Marty throughout this entire process was his dedication and consistency. These are the qualities that don’t always show up in race-day photos but they’re what truly define a successful athlete. Marty never missed the work. He showed up day after day, whether it was a big training block, a technical session, or an easy spin. He didn’t just follow the plan—he owned it.
Why dedication and consistency matter -
Fitness is built over time...
Endurance, strength, and race readiness aren’t created in a week—they’re developed through months (and often years) of steady, progressive work. Consistency ensures each session builds on the last, creating compound gains that aren’t possible with stop-start training.
They reduce the risk of injury and burnout...
A dedicated, consistent approach allows for well-balanced training with proper rest and adaptation. Sporadic, overly intense efforts increase injury risk and lead to burnout. Discipline helps you follow a sustainable plan—even when motivation dips.
They prepare you for the tough moments...
Hard days on the bike—bad weather, mechanicals, tough climbs—mirror the discipline it takes to train consistently. If you've shown up day after day in training, you’re mentally tougher and physically more resilient when the race throws you a curve ball.
They build confidence and trust in your ability...
When you've done the work, and you know you haven’t cut corners, there’s a deep internal belief that carries over to race day. That quiet confidence earned through repetition is what helps riders stay composed under pressure.
They reflect respect for the process...
Endurance success isn’t about shortcuts; it’s about respecting the process. Dedication means sticking with the plan, being coachable, and staying focused through setbacks, plateaus, and victories alike.
In short, dedication and consistency are what turn potential into performance. They're not always glamorous, but they are non-negotiable for anyone who wants to take on something as big as the Cape Epic, and come out the other side stronger.
I genuinely admire the way Marty applied himself to the process.
Raf.
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3. Did you have any specific goals or times in mind, or were you just focused on finishing?
I knew I would finish—nothing was going to stop me. I wanted a top 50 in Open Men, and we came out with 29th, which obviously exceeded my expectations.
4. What was the toughest part of the race for you, and how did you manage the fatigue—physically and mentally?
The hardest part was waking up and knowing what was ahead. Once you were clipped in, all that went away.
5. Did you face any major setbacks (mechanical issues, crashes, fatigue, sickness), and how did you adjust your pacing and strategy?
A couple of mechanical issues—a snapped chain and some suspension issues. It was only a minor setback. We just rode harder to make up the places we lost.
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6. How did you and your teammate work together to tackle the race?
We had great communication. We’d do things to help each other out, like sitting on the front to give the other a rest or a little push up a hill.
7. What was the most inspiring or rewarding moment of your Cape Epic experience?
Seeing absolutely everyone feeling the same levels of emotion when crossing the line. After finishing the final stage, I just watched everyone else finish—just to share that moment.
8. How did you manage nutrition and hydration throughout the event?
One piece of advice—STOP AT EVERY WATER POINT!
9. How did you deal with the logistics of camping and recovery each night?
We didn’t. We opted for hotels.
10. What did you learn about yourself during the Cape Epic that you didn’t know before?
How much I love this sport. Everyone has something to offer.
11. How did the reality of the Cape Epic compare to your expectations, and what would you do differently next time?
It far exceeded my expectations. An event like no other. Next time, I’ll know exactly what’s in store and go in with a different mindset.
12. How did you handle the weather conditions, especially in more extreme heat, cold, or wet?
Hydrate—no matter what the conditions are. In the extreme wet, take extreme caution.
13. What advice would you give to someone considering doing the Cape Epic for the first time?
Just commit. The rest will follow.
14. Now that it’s over, would you consider returning for another edition? Why or why not?
I will be back—no doubt in my mind. The people, the weather, the terrain, and the emotions... the best drug on the planet.
15. Anything else you’d like to share that could help future Cape Epic riders?
You can’t do it alone. I’m not referring to it being a team race—I mean you need people behind you. Family, friends, and amazing humans such as Raf.
Wrap-Up
Taking on the Cape Epic takes more than fitness — it takes preparation. Finding a balance between life, work, training and racing. Planning your nutrition and fuelling. Choosing and maintaining the right equipment. Getting familiar with the route demands and thinking through your pacing. Training for the heat. Sorting your gear and logistics. Being mentally ready. And showing up with a whole lot of heart.
Marty’s journey is proof of what is possible when you have the support of family, friends, and a coach, commit to a structured plan, and trust the process. He put in the effort, day after day..., and it paid off. If you're considering the Cape Epic, let this story be your reminder...
You’re capable of more than you realize — let's get started!
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Images courtesy of riders. Thank you for reading. If you found this useful, feel free to share it.