Former professional road cycling champion Vicenzo Nibali, nicknamed the Shark of Messina, didn’t actually retire from biking. The 38 years old former winner of the 3 Grand Tours switched from road cycling to mountain biking and is currently participating in the Absa Cape Epic MTB Stage Race in South Africa.
“Mountain biking is something I’ve always missed. I grew up doing it in youth events but never at the highest level.” according to Nibali. Now he found the space to truly enjoy, the fun, the freedom and everything else that mountain biking can offer, Nibali picks up mountain biking.
In preparation of his participation in the Absa Cape Epic, the Shark of Messina, famous for his descending technique, already participated in the Andalucia Bike Race earlier this season and described the route as very very technical.
Bicisport asked Nibali about his experiences after 3 stages in the Absa Cape Epic:
“A mountain bike stage race is like doing a classic every day because the vibration stresses that come are so much I think I will come out after this one a pair of shoulders two arms like I never have”, he answered with a smile.
“Yesterday I was really hurting my hands and wrists and also my shoulders were very tired more than my legs because the difference is that there are very technical tracks where I am not very used to and you have to guide the bike a lot during those sections.”
“The type of terrain keeps on changing with today almost four different types of terrain from sand, gravel, mixed rock and on some occasions a bit of mud. Only on gravel roads the power is not lacking and then the road cyclist comes out more”
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