Dear all

I have just returned from South Africa to Dubai.

Really disappointingly, I was unable to take part in the Cape Epic Bike Race due to feeling very unwell.

I visited a Doctor before I left Dubai who said I should be well enough to ride after completing a course of anti-biotics.

Yet after visiting a Doctor soon after arriving in Cape Town, I was diagnosed with Glandular Fever.

Whilst every effort was made to be able to compete, it just wasn't possible but I did try! (My new medication being Steroids would have also meant an automatic disqualification from the race.)

Glandular Fever can take up to six weeks for a recovery. I guess we can say this has been very unlucky timing.

After some time in Cape Town, we were fortunate to have been able to re-pair my partner Markus, with a Czech cyclist who was also called Tomas!

Tomas's partner had fallen off his bike whilst practising the day before and had fractured his hips and therefore was also unable to take part in the race.

Markus and the new Tomas competed under the Czech flag and went on to complete the Cape Epic bike race finishing in position 156 in the men's category (which also included professional cyclists from around the world.)

This was a fantastic result and I am really proud of them, particularly considering that over 100 teams dropped out as it was so gruelling.

Markus described his first day of cycling as ''My legs are on fire!'' which summarised the extent of training required for this race.

On the second day, Markus had 6 flat tyres, which held them back somewhat but things improved thereon.

Markus described how South African school children greeted them along their way and that this was the type of thing that kept them pedalling and that they also saw fabulous scenery... but alot more dust!

Every day, Tomas greeted Markus with the following words:

''Markus, I have good news for you... Today, my legs feel incredibly good!''

(Tomas has had alot of experience with professional cycling including finishing the Cape Epic race in 2006 in the 'Top 60 teams' and at hard times, would push Markus along, even up hill!)

A great thing to come out of this was that Markus and Tomas have formed a life-long friendship as they really built up strong team working for such an event.

It was great to cheer on Markus and Tomas as they came over the finishing line, but as you can imagine, I am also so very disappointed not to have been able to take part; Not only because I haven't been able to complete the race but also because I am very well aware of the sponsorship that you have all so kindly pledged.

I do understand if you wish for your sponsorship donation to be refunded, and this can be arranged if you would be kind enough to email 'help@justgiving.net' or if you get in touch with Jemma, she will also be happy to facilitate this on your behalf. Her email address is 'jemma.schilbach@gmx.de'

If you are happy to maintain your sponsorship, I am truly appreciative of your generous donation, especially for such a worthwhile course to fight the battle against breast cancer. It is amazing that together, over £1,100 has been raised.

Your support has been brilliant and meant alot to me and I really did not want to let you down. My apologies to you but thank you for your kindness.

I hope to speak with you all soon,

Thomas

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The Cape Epic Mountian Bike Race: March 2009 - Can I find the strength I don't have?

Legend has it that this race 'Makes Grown Men Cry'

I am going to be cycling 743 kilometres (that bit is not too bad)

But it's a total climb of 16,650 metres (the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest twice!) and that's where my knees will feel it!

My partner in crime is Markus and we'll be together for every turn of our pedals. We will rely on each other to get us through this!

This will be very, very, very hard! This is no Sunday afternoon bike ride; It's against the clock and I would be eliminated if I don't qualify by a particular time at each stage.

Sixteen degree slopes are perfect for crafting fine South African wine but it will make for tired legs from day one!

This kind of climbing will require expert balance and poise just to avoid having to climb off and walk when I can't afford to lose time. The ruts and loose shale that characterises this region of the Cape could end my race on a single corner!

Each day our legs will remember these steep tracks all too clearly as we tackle more long ascents up rugged 4x4 trails. It will be day after day of tough ups and downs, breaking our cycling rhythm and that's all in temperatures sometmes in excess of 30 degrees.

After crossing several causeways, a windy trip through farmlands will take us through some spectacular scenerey; some of it being rideable but with some 20 degree slopes, it will really test my stamina.

Each night my home will be a 2 x 2 metre tent and my food will be sachets of delicious powdery stuff to keep the weight down and the energy levels up!

The devastating series of hills we will encounter daily will deliver a knockout combination to ill-prepared legs which is why I am training 300 kms a week now to get myself as much prepared as possible. 

On the upside, this race will be totally amazing.... The 9 day race starts on 21st March 2009 in Cape Town, South Africa.

It begins from one of the most famous natural landmarks in Africa, Table Mountain, and this marks the beginning of our pioneering, tough and beautiful mountain bike race.

Biking is my passion, but pain is not!

I am doing this all for 'Against Breast Cancer' charity. Last year my Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has been through alot emotionally and has undergone a series of difficult treatments, but thankfully she is now okay.

She is one of the lucky ones and I am indebted to the expert carers who have helped her recover.

1 in 9 women develop breast cancer during her lifetime and that's alot. 'Against Breast Cancer' aims to increase survival after breast cancer through new research leading to the development of cancer vaccines. That means stopping the cancer coming back.

Other women have not recovered and this race is for them.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Against Breast Cancer gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Please donate whatever you can spare. I would love to be able to give £1,000 to this charity but I rely on my pain thresh-hold and your generosity to do it!

With your sponsorship behind me, it will keep me going. Please forward to anyone else you think might sponsor me.

Loads of thanks, Tom

For more info or if you fancy coming out to cheer me on as a spectator, see www.cape-epic.com or email Jemma.Schilbach@GMX.De