After finishing second at the 2012 ABSA Cape Epic, where they lost all chance of an overall victory after suffering a torn tyre sidewall on Stage 1, George and Evans enjoyed a trouble-free journey across three of South Africa’s nine provinces to win the 910km race in a time of 37 hours 27 minutes 39 seconds, 17 minutes 04 seconds ahead of runners-up and 2011 champions, Neil MacDonald and Waylon Woolcock (Team RE:CM).

It was the first time Evans and George have competed in the joBerg2c event. They were on the start list in 2011 but had to skip the race as Evans hadn’t completely healed yet from the broken collarbone he sustained on Day 2 of the 2011 Cape Epic.

"After this year’s Cape Epic both Kevin and I got ill and our preparation wasn’t ideal for the joBerg2c. But it seems we were in better condition than we expected as we were able to win a few stages and take the overall win fairly comfortably. It was a very well organised, stimulating event with a lot of variety in the route,” said George.

The race incorporated 10 957 metres of total vertical ascent and, starting at altitude on South Africa’s Highveld and finishing at the coast, had a total vertical descent of 12 537 metres.

"joBerg2c rocks! It is one of the best races I have ever done. The race far exceeded my expectations and has quickly become my favourite race. We had absolutely no problems with our bikes or tyres. I think we only have problems at the Cape Epic,” smiled Evans.

Evans and George raced on SCOTT Spark 29 RC 29-inch wheeled bikes with Maxxis Ikon tyres.

"The Spark 29 RCs are perfect for stage racing – dual suspension when you need it, but with the option to lock it out remotely. Having said that though, the suspension design is so efficient you hardly ever have to lock it out,” explained Evans.

The Nedbank 360Life teammates collected five wins out of the eight racing stages (the first day is neutral due to a boat crossing over the Vaal River).  The race’s prizemoney is weighted heavily on stage wins to ensure the racing remains exciting even if a team holds a commanding overall lead.

Much like they did at the Cape Epic when they donated their R10 000 (about US $1 250) King of the Mountains prize to charity, George and Evans shared their joBerg2c success too. With their five stage wins and an auction for their Cape Epic African Team winner’s jersey, they donated R19 000 (about US $2 375), which will buy 20 wheelchairs through the Wheels for Mobility charity.

There was a clean sweep of stage wins and the overall title in the women’s category for South Africa’s Ischen Stopforth and Britain’s Catherine Williamson of Team bizhub FCF. Stopforth was aboard a SCOTT Spark 29 RC dual suspension bike, while the diminutive Williamson opted for a SCOTT Scale 29 Pro hardtail bike – both with 29-inch wheels, now widely accepted as the most efficient wheel size for stage and marathon distance racers.