Interview with Christoph Sauser: 5x winner of the Absa Cape Epic

Christoph Sauser is a cross-country mountain biker who currently races on the Specialized Cross Country Team.

Christoph Sauser

Christoph Sauser also affectionately known as 'Susi' to his closest ones is a true definition of an athlete in his own right.  A four times the Swiss Champion, he had won the Absa Cape Epic 4 times before winning his 5th one this year when he partnered, with 'Czech Express', Jaroslav Kulhavy. The first Epic he won was in 2006 and and then won consecutively in the years 2011 and 2012 with the late Burry Stander and went on to win again in 2013 when he partnered with Jaroslav Kulhavy.

I had the opportunity to interview Mr Sauser during the Cape Epic before he went on to claim his 5th win. Here is what he had to say:

The L.A Dosage: What has been your greatest achievement in mountain-bike riding?

Christoph: There has been quite a lot such as winning the Cape Epic 4x, winning 14 UCI world cups, and receiving my bronze medal at the Olympic games.

The L.A Dosage:  Who has been your biggest competitor in the years?

Christoph: Definitely Julien Absalon, the most successful rider in mountain-biking. A champion in cross country and is still the current world champion at, I think 33 now if I am not mistaken.

The L.A Dosage: You have won the Cape Epic 4x? How has this experience been like for you?

Christoph: Well, each one has been different. In 2006 the Epic wasn't what it was as it is now. I have experienced a lot of misfortunes but I was fortunate to have strong team partners and made a strong comeback and won 3 years in a row.

The L.A Dosage: What does winning this year's Epic mean for you?

Christoph: [Chuckles] We haven't won yet. I am not even thinking that far. I am only focused and thinking about the next stage. It's not my everything if we win or lose. If we do win, it will be one of the most special things; a huge accomplishment after riding non-stop for 8 days.

The L.A Dosage: What has made riding with Jaroslav such a huge success for you as a team?

Christoph: We are all rounders. We are strong uphill and downhill. A fair advantage is that Jaroslav can put the hammer down for 15 seconds to other teams, and make sure they can't catch up to us. It's important that we are a solid team and in good health, physically and mentally.

The L.A Dosage: Where to, after retiring from the Cape Epic?

Christoph: I go back to Switzerland. And then I am off to America for two important cross country events for our manufacturer, Specialized and back into training.

The L.A Dosage: Lastly, how would you advice someone that wants to take on mountain-biking and maybe conquer the Cape Epic?

Christoph: Well.  . . uhm. . .Be put together from the beginning. Be in good health because it is very important. Start off small then progress step by step; and improve year by year.

It was a great opportunity sitting down with the cross country champion before he went to win his 5th Cape Epic. We wish him the best of luck with his new endeavours.

A quick shot at one of the press conferences

Till next time. . .