Article By: Rob Peters, www.iafrica.com

iafrica.com sports editor speaks to former Springbok and Stormers winger about life after rugby, learning to relax and why on earth he has decided to take on the Absa Cape Epic — the world’s most gruelling mountain bike race!

Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, what on earth made you decided to take on the Cape Epic?

Well I still don’t know, especially now that I know how tough it’s gonna be! But hey its a big challenge and I am doing it for the Jag Foundation.

As you said, you will be riding the race for the JAG foundation – can you give some insight into the foundation and what you will be raising funds for?

People can go to the website (www.jagfoundation.com) for more information on the initiative and also make a pledge. All the funds will go to disadvantaged school kids, creating valuable opportunities through the sport.

There have been a number of former Springboks – Robbie Kempson, Tiaan Strauss – who have completed the race, what tips have they given you?

Well, they told me that I can expect the worst, so that’s not too positive! I just have to take my hat off to those guys for finishing it

Have you done any other MTB races in preparation for the Epic, and if so, how did they go?

Well not really, just been trying to put in the hours and miles on my legs.

Who will you be riding with and are you prepared to carry each other through such a difficult and arduous challenge?

They say choosing the right partner is perhaps the most important thing for a race like this? It is very important to have a good partner. My partner will be Linus van Onselen, a legend in the cycling world and a really strong rider. We’ve been training together and he’s given me a few good tips already.

How do you think the Epic will compare to facing the All Blacks?

Well this is certainly one of the biggest challenges of my life and comparing to the All Blacks, well this is unknown territory for me, so a surprise is in store I suppose.

What do you see as your biggest challenges on the race?

I think the endurance part of it and also the mental aspect because after 3 days, one could be physically stuffed and then the minds got to play a big part.

Other than taking on the Epic what else have you been up to since hanging up your boots?

Well I have started playing golf and I am just trying to calm down a bit.

Have you given any thought to returning to rugby in some way?

No not at all, I'm part of the South African Rugby Legends, so we have been doing a lot of work throughout the country in disadvantaged communities.

Support Breyton in his Epic efforts and DONATE to JAG's Mighty Metres programme