CAROCAP Team Time Trial Cycling Project

Paul Horta-Hopkins

The CAROCAP Team Time Trial Cycling Project is an attempt to post the fastest crossing of Africa, from Cairo to the Cape.

With riders from six countries, the team will attempt to beat the current record of forty-two days. Travelling from the start in Cairo the CAROCAP team will cover over 10,300km, before reaching the finish in Cape Town. They will need to average 30 km (19 miles) per hour just to keep to schedule. Riding for 10 hours a day they will each consume 8-9,000 calories every day and require up to 20 litres of water, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees centigrade, over roads that will vary from tarmac to dirt track.

But the CAROCAP Team Time Trial Cycling Project is much more than just a chance to beat a record. As well as breaking records, the team will be fundraising for the Safari Simbaz Cycling Academy in Kenya and World Bicycle Relief to improve access to healthcare, education and economic opportunity to those living in the countries they will ride through.

David Kinjah at the London launch of the CAROCAP Team Time Trial Cycling Project

They also hope to inspire future generations to better themselves and strive to reach their maximum potential in disciplines such as medicine, science, technology and engineering. During the attempt the team will share information from power meters and heart rate monitors, along with daily temperature, altitude and wind direction, students can then study these to see how they affect daily performance.

The team is made up of riders from Africa, the US and the UK and includes David Kinjah, founder of the Safari Simbaz and Chris Froome’s first coach; Adham Mahmoud, former National Time Trial Champion of Egypt; Mark Blewett, former Captain of the South African Cycling team; David Martin, Zimbabwean National Points Champion; Tim Rugg from the US; Nicholas Bourne from the Uk and Cameron Campbell also from the UK round out the team. The team will ride the route as a team time trial, working together to post the fastest time. What better metaphor for life, everyone pulling together to achieve a common goal?

The team is aiming to leave on the eighth of October and you will be able to follow them via the CAROCAP web site. Take a look at Swift Carbon Bikes who are providing the team with their Ultravox Ti bikes and the novel adjustable Lintaman shoes. You can also get a look at the good work the two charities are doing in Africa by watching the videos below.