Spectrum: With the E-MTB at Cape Epic: A look behind the scenes with Bulls and Stefan Sahm

March 29, 2018 by the editorial office

Spectrum: As in previous years, two Bulls e-bikes mingled with the field of riders at the Cape Epic in South Africa, equipped to the ears with camera technology to provide live images of the action. One of the two cameramen, ex-Cape Epic winner Stefan Sahm offers us a little look behind the scenes.

Here we go! In 2018, the two ex-Team Bulls riders Stefan Sahm and Thomas Dietsch were back in South Africa with their E-MTBs and lots of camera equipment to deliver pictures from the heart of the race.

However, that is easier said than done. A lot of technology is hidden not only in the bikes, but also in the backpacks.

The transmitter unit for the live recordings alone fills the backpack almost completely.

[gap height=“15″]

This calls for ingenuity. The GoPros are attached with a gimbal on a specially made chest plate. All the effort to deliver the most beautiful and shake-free pictures of the events.

Which one doesn't fit in the series? Depending on how the race went, one or the other participant in the field might have wished for one of the Bulls E-Stream Evo from Stefan or Thomas.

As experienced ex-professionals, Stefan and Thomas know exactly how to behave in the field so as not to hinder the participants...

...and still deliver spectacular footage straight from the dusty trails of Cape Epic.

[gap height=“15″]

As in previous years, the recordings were repeatedly used in the live broadcasts. Perhaps the approach would also be conceivable on the road in the future?

Every evening there was maintenance work on the transmission technology...

... and of course the badly battered wheels.

At the end of the last stage, Stefan had about 700km and 14.000m of altitude difference, 21 battery changes, three used tire sets, a worn chain and a couple of brake pads that were completely covered in dust.

More than the editorial office

Velomotion is your team of bicycle and e-bike experts, professional cyclists and enthusiastic cyclists. In our magazine we present new products, current and critical test reports as well as news from the world of cycling. We stand for quality awareness, know-how and lived enthusiasm for the subject of bicycles.