Rider Briefing [infographic]

Posted on 6 January 2018

Mediclinic would like to welcome you to the 2018 ABSA Cape Epic. Mediclinic has partnered as official medical partner with the race since its inception 15 years ago and once again the team look forward to being of assistance to you during this year’s event! We would also like to provide some insight into how we believe we can best combat the influences of the drought on the race.

The extreme nature of the event combined with the prevailing drought conditions means that riders may be more likely to suffer heat illness, as the vegetation usually protects riders from radiant heat along the route. The terrain is drier than usual and this could impact you as a rider if you are not adequately prepared.

Less water available also means that we need to be more sensible about water used for hand washing. Poor hand washing is linked to a number of preventable diseases such as hepatitis A, gastroenteritis, typhoid etc. so it is very important to decontaminate your hands frequently.

With the focus on reducing water consumption, Mediclinic is hosting a hand hygiene initiative to assist you in keeping on top of your health. To prevent possible incidental contamination during the event, Mediclinic will be making hand hygiene points available across the race village to ensure continuous access to the anti-bacterial wash and thus prevent transfer of germs.

Within the hand hygiene chain, Mediclinic has identified 5 key moments of hand hygiene that riders need to keep in mind during the event:

• Before a meal
• After a bathroom break
• Before and after injury care
• Before and after each stage
• After sneezing, coughing and nose-blowing

We would like to suggest a few simple behaviour changes to minimise the chance of incidental contamination. Simple things like fist pumps replacing handshakes and generous use of hand hygiene points especially before meals or dressing injuries can all contribute to a healthy race.

We look forward to keeping you healthy and on your bike during the 2018 Epic!

Dr Jann Killops
ABSA Cape Epic Race Doctor