2017 Ride Review - Absa Cape Epic by Absa Cape Epic

CONTENTS 3

Foreword

Behind the Scenes

Route Map

Stage 3

Pre-Event

10 12 20 22 30 32 2

Cape Town

Venue

Prologue

Getting into the groove

Meerendal

Venue

Stage 1

Turning up the heat

52 60 62 66

Hermanus

Stage 2

Venue

Short ... and sharp

Zigzags and UFOs

Grand Finale

Val de Vie, Paarl

Elandskloof, Greyton

Stage 4

Epic in Numbers

106

Venue

A day for the Young Guns All the stats

Triumphant homecomings Venue

The mane men ... and a woman How did the Last Lions fare?

Results

Overall and Individual

The Untamed African MTB Race Nobody is spared

Oak Valley, Elgin

Venue

Stage 5

‘An absolute blast’

Crew & Volunteers Stage 6

The Queen Stage

Editorial Consultant Chris Whitfield Art Director Christo Toua Photographic Contributors Nick Muzik, Emma Hill, Ewald Sadie, Greg Beadle, Sam Clark, Dom Barnard, Mark Sampson, Zoon Cronje, Sportograf Marketing and Communications Sarah Harrop

RIDEREVIEW by Oliver Munnik

Absa Cape Epic Tel +27 21 426 4373 info@cape-epic.com www.cape-epic.com

FOREWORD Firstly, congratulations to the riders who successfully completed the 2017 Absa Cape Epic. You can all wear your finishers’ shirts with pride.

Kevin Vermaak Founder

The 2017 Absa Cape Epic was special in countless ways. Some of the highlights were:

• The quality of the field, which was the strongest yet in the 14 years of the race. The racing at the front was thrilling and congratulations to Olympic gold medallist and World Champion Nino Schurter and Matthias Stirnemann of Scott-Sram MTB on their first win;

A message from the Founder without actually wearing the leaders’ jersey during the race – they won it on the Grand Finale and got to take it home with them;

• The increased Exxaro special jersey field and the improvements in

the performances of its riders. Might a potential future winner come from its ranks?;

• The Last Lions: Craig Beech, John Gale, Mike Nixon and Hannele

Steyn have ridden every Absa Cape Epic since it kicked off way back in 2004 and all four finished in 2017. Next year they will hopefully all be back and one day there will be one left standing … the Last Lion (or Lioness);

• The excellent and colourful Grand Finale at Val de Vie. It was great

seeing thousands of people lining the course and cheering home the winners at this awesome venue.

• The women’s race: the new start batch introduced in 2016 has

galvanised this category and it was great to see Esther Süss and Jennie Stenerhag (Meerendal CBC) taking the win a year after Jennie had to be hospitalised with a heart condition. Congratulations to both of them;

• Having the other reigning Olympic mountain bike gold medallist, Jenny Rissveds, winning the mixed category with Thomas Frischknecht;

• Having former Tour de France winner Cadel Evans and partner George Hincapie winning the Masters Category with a brilliant surge on the last day. Cadel has become a big Absa Cape Epic fan and we expect him back in years to come. Interestingly, their win marked the first time anybody has won a category

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

The 2017 event also presented us with one of our greatest challenges yet. At midnight on March 20 the management team were huddled in the long-abandoned rider marquee in Hermanus wrestling with feedback they had received from the race doctor.

After two extremely hot days of riding on the Prologue and Stage 1 the weather report for the next day’s Stage 2 was for even more heat and humidity. Rider safety is, of course, paramount and the conditions could have been extremely dangerous for some riders. After considering several scenarios the team decided to reduce the scheduled 102km stage by 40km – the first time the event has ever had to take such a step. This required a massive logistical exercise: the next day’s start was only hours away and we had to communicate the decision, set up a new finish at Caledon (and not Elandskloof, near Greyton, as had been scheduled), make a plan to get the riders and their bikes to the Elandskloof race village after they had completed the stage … and a million other things.

Staff, crew and volunteers worked through the night to get all this sorted. We are very grateful to them all, as well as sponsors, land owners, the farmers and businesses in the region that assisted with trucks and other transport, local authorities, traffic police, medical services … too many to mention. And thanks also to the whole Absa Cape Epic family for executing another successful event. The staff, crew, volunteers, media, medical staff, caterers, mechanics, landowners, soigneurs and, of course, the sponsors all played important roles. Kevin Vermaak Founder

1 Nino Schurter and Matthias Stirnemann (Scott-Sram) celebrate at Val de Vie after winning the Men’s Category 2 William Makgopo and Phillimon Sebona (Diepsloot MTB Academy) on their way to taking the Exxaro special jersey home 3 Cadel Evans and George Hincapie (BMC Absa Racing Team) powering to their Masters Category win

4 Jenny Rissveds and Thomas Frischknecht (Scott-Sram Nextlevel) dominated the Mixed Category

Paarl MEERENDAL

VA L D E V I E

PROLOGUE

STAGE 7

V&A WATERFRONT REGISTRATION

GREYTON

CAPE TOWN

Elandskloof ELGIN

STAGE 5

STAGE 3

STAGE 6

Oak Valley

STAGE 4

Caledon

STAGE 2 STAGE 1 Hermanus High School

ROUTE MAP

HERMANUS

651km | 14 550m Climbing 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

Pre-Event 6

As March rolled into Cape Town along came hundreds of bike bags being hauled through the arrivals terminal of Cape Town International Airport ahead of the 14th edition of the Absa Cape Epic. With a record number of foreign riders entered in the 2017 event, one had to listen carefully to hear a South African accent at the V&A Waterfront during Saturday’s registration.

It was particularly amusing to hear Saturday’s rider registration described as ‘butterfly central’ with preevent nerves taking hold of many riders’ stomachs

the important rules and regulations of the two-rider team race. The ins and outs of the following day’s Prologue were also explained, ruling out any confusion. It was particularly amusing to hear Saturday’s rider registration described as ‘butterfly central’ with pre-event nerves taking hold of many riders’ stomachs. With registration formalities completed, riders dispersed and headed back to their respective accommodation to iron out the last few details. Their training was banked, bikes were in tip-top shape and legs shaved silky smooth … all that was left to do was make sure of a good night’s sleep.

In the morning life as they knew it would The annual Amabubesi breakfast on come to a standstill as riders entered into the Saturday morning, hosted by Den Anker realm of the untamed African experience. Restaurant, celebrates those riders who’ve All that was needed was to execute the ridden three or more Epics, and for doing plan one pedal stroke at a time. so they earn the honour of joining the Amabubesi Finishers Club. It is a highlight for many and it was great to see a large number of past riders attending, even Opposite: Ready and raring to go: riders at registration at the V&A Waterfront 1 Lion up: Absa Cape Epic founder Kevin Vermaak (centre) with Last Lions (from those not participating this year.

left) Craig Beech, Hannele Steyn, John Gale and Mike Nixon. See Page 86

The Amphitheatre, nestled in the heart of the V&A, hosted the rider briefing in the form of a pre-recorded video outlining

2 There’s always an international flavour at the Around the World Party 3 Riders who have finished three events join the Amabubesi (Pride of Lions) Finisher Club

3 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

1 Spaniards Soraya Senao Fernandez and Beatriz Gallego Carbajo (Team Gaes Plus) registering 2 A taste of things to come: Cape Town lays on a warm day for registration 3 Ecuadorians Galo Tamayo and Jose Corral (FairisAmarok-Uniandes) with their number boards 4 Butterflies: some nerves were evident at the pre-race briefing

6 Another Spanish duo, Adolfo Tannenbaum and Aitor Saez Termenon (STC Bike), are ready for the Untamed race 7 Cricket legend Gary Kirsten and partner Riaan Launspach (Land Rover) 8 MTB legend Mike Kluge and partner Jens VĂśgele (NoPainNoGain), both from Germany. 9 Columbiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s excellent range of gear

5 A young fan gets to enjoy the Epic in 360 degrees from the safety of the V&A Waterfront

Jose Antonio Hermida @Josehermida

Introducing the @sciconbags Rainbag..daily bag for cyclist!! All organized in a simple bag... @MeridaBikes

Virgin Active 3

@virginactiveSA

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re gearing up for the Absa @capeepic! Check out our stand at registration and see how your FTP compares to the pros. #Untamed

Joggie Prinsloo @joggieprinsloo

Setting up for @capeepic prologue test run before the big day tomorrow! #noshortcuts #untamed #Scott2Luvit

Amped

@ampedbypower

Big George Hincapie and @CadelOfficial getting #amped and looking for race tips from @kevin_ vermaak before @CapeEpic tomorrow #untamed 8

9 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

CAPE TOWN Cape Town, South Africa’s “Mother City” at the foot of the iconic Table Mountain, is the oldest city in South Africa with a cultural heritage spanning more than 300 years. It is a holiday seeker’s paradise, a fishing village, metropolis and giant adventure playground all rolled into one. It is world-renowned as a place where people come to work and play. They can conduct business and enjoy the natural landscapes of mountain and sea, spectacular and pristine beaches, architecture, cuisine, music and dance. Cape Town also boasts the top five national attractions in South Africa: Table Mountain, a world heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature; the V&A Waterfront, a unique shopping and holiday experience on a scenic working harbour; Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned; the Cape Town Wine Routes, where some of the world’s best wines are produced; and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, internationally acclaimed as one of the great botanical gardens of the world.

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

PROLOGUE SUNDAY, 19 MARCH

The Prologue of the Absa Cape Epic was once again hosted by Meerendal Wine Estate, with the major part of the 26km route snaking its way around the flowing trails of the Tygerberg Mountain Bike Club. Intensely focused on the job at hand, riders would be forgiven for overlooking the spectacular backdrop which included the world famous landmarks of Table Bay, Robben Island and, of course, a towering Table Mountain. Left: The spectacular view from the Dorstberg with Table Bay, Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill in the background

Start

Distance

Finish

Climbing

Meerendal, Cape Town Meerendal, Cape Town

RATING

26km

750m

TEMP 14°C - 30°C 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

Each year, the Prologue provides the ideal opportunity for teams to get into their groove and set the tone for the week’s challenge that lies ahead. Equipment and partnership dynamics also get their first real-time test.

History shows that winning the Prologue is certainly no precursor as to how the event will unfold, although it is always a morale booster The 26km route, which took in 750m of climbing, led riders from the start ramp up and over the Dorstberg via Stairway to Heaven, a singletrack climb interspersed with dualtrack, allowing faster riders to pass. From the outset it was critical for each team to settle into their pace and rhythm, especially on the climbs. Summiting Dorstberg riders had to keep their wits about them on a dusty, rocky singletrack descent that led them onto a super-fast trail into a quarry. After traversing rolling farmlands, riders found themselves on the groomed trails of Hoogekraal Farm.

With a healthy dose of singletrack negotiated, a few steady climbs reminded riders that this is the Cape Epic and the lungs started to burn. Fortunately the climbs were not too long and were followed by contoured sections where the legs could recover. Crossing back into the Meerendal Wine Estate, the final few kilometres of flowing singletrack with berms allowed for high speeds as riders descended to a buzzing Start/Finish area. While the first riders set off as dawn broke, the pro field would embark on their quest for victory at 10:30am. Favouring explosive riders, the Prologue is usually won by cross-country specialists who can burn through the course at lightning-quick speeds. History shows that winning the Prologue is certainly no precursor as to how the event will unfold, although it is always a morale booster to wear the leaders’ jerseys going into Stage 1. 1 Pierre Griffioen and Fritz Pienaar (Team Spiider) stretch their legs on the Dortstberg 2 They’re off: Leon Tobias and Justin Bark (Hansgrohe Masters) begin their 2017 adventure 3 Riders wait to be called to the start ramp

Tsogo Sun @tsogosun

DISTRICT

#TeamTsogo staring out on the @CapeEpic prologue this morning. Good luck @owenhannie & @grahamtyrrell, we’re supporting you all the way!

FARM

30%

SINGLE

63%

TAR

Land Rover SA @LandRoverZA

The Prologue of the @CapeEpic is made up of: 26km distance, 750m climbing, #LandRoverZA Technical Terrain & spectacular views. #Untamed

USN SA

@USNSA

It’s the prologue of the Absa @CapeEpic and we’re keeping the riders fueled! Come get your Pro Recover & Hydrator at the USN stand.

PROLOGUE WINNERS AND OVERALL LEADERS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Men

Cannondale Factory Racing XC

Manuel Fumic

Henrique Avancini

1: 01.52,4

Women

Ascendis Health

Sabine Spitz

Robyn de Groot

1:15.26,6

Masters

CST Sandd American Eagle

Bart Brentjens

Abraao Azevedo

1 : 1 0. 2 8 ,7

Grand Masters

Meerendal CBC 3

Barti Bucher

Heinz Zoerweg

1 : 1 6 .1 1 , 9

Mixed

Scott-Sram Nextlevel

Jenny Rissveds

Thomas Frischknecht

1 : 1 7. 4 7, 7

SPECIAL JERSEYS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Absa African

NAD Pro MTB

Nico Bell

Gawie Combrinck

1:06.04,8

Exxaro

Diepsloot MTB Academy 1

William Mokgopo

Phillimon Sebona

1 : 1 8 .1 3 , 8

Christoph Sauser @sauserwind

Back in business and super happy with prologue! @iamspecialized_mtb @capeepic #thisisgoing...

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

With time gaps being relatively small on the Prologue, riders must be careful not to over extend themselves... making a mistake and crashing, or suffering a mechanical, could lose them a lot more time in the bigger picture compared to the relatively small gain over the short route.

Having said this, teams can’t be complacent as they may lose too much time saving their legs or riding too conservatively. These conflicting elements make the prologue incredibly tactical and an intriguing spectacle to watch as the action unfolds.

In the Hansgrohe Women’s Category Team Ascendis Health’s Robyn de Groot and Sabine Spitz were elated to win the Prologue, finishing 39 seconds ahead of Esther Süss and Jennie Stenerhag (Meerendal CBC). Cape Town local Mariske Strauss and Briton Annie Last (Hansgrohe Cadence OMX Pro) claimed third, another 70 seconds back.

As temperatures soared, it was the Cannondale Factory Racing duo of Manuel Fumic and Henrique Avancini who would prove strongest, winning in a blistering time of 01:01.52, which was one minute and 36 seconds ahead of

As the dust settled, riders made their way to the coastal town of Hermanus. Their Absa Cape Epic journey had begun!

1 Mikayla Webb and Cherise Stander (CANSAactive ILoveBoobies) storming their way up the Stairway to Heaven

7 Spaniards Pedro Travesset Loewe and Alvaro Ovejero (Plvs Vltra) enjoying a descent

2 Mannie Fumic and Henrique Avancini of Cannondale Factory Racing celebrate their Prologue victory

8 Riders weave along the Hoogekraal hairpins

3 Robyn de Groot, riding with Sabine Spitz for Ascendis Health, powering to first place in the Women’s Category at the Prologue 4 Abraao Azevedo and Baart Brentjens (Team CST Sandd American Eagle) on the Stairway to Heaven 5 Cutting through the Meerendal vineyards 3

2016 Olympic cross-country champion Nino Schurter and teammate Matthias Stirnemann (Scott-Sram MTB Racing). Trek-Selle San Marco’s Samuele Porro and Alexey Medvedev earned the final podium place.

6 Dawn patrol: riders Dane Walsh and Emmanuel Fourton (Oafish Taxi Drivers) hit the Meerendal trails as the sun rises

9 Crowds line the Prologue course at Meerendal Estate 10 Greg Allen and Brent Dreyer (Woolworths DuToit Agri) tear through the trails 11 Meerendal’s trails have become legendary in the Western Cape 12 Former professional Thomas Dietsch, equipped with camera gear and an e-bike, follows the leading women and beams images back for the live coverage

12 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

RIDER ROUND UP

3 42-1

80- 2

55 - 2 18

Waleed Baker

Gustavo De Souza Lima Baracat

Pitstop1Sport24hrs

Orphans Africa MTB

It is an excellent route and I enjoyed it very much.

It is a very good technical course, but I could ride it all so I am happy.

TIME 1:28.35

TIME 1:42.24

TIME 1:20.19

472-2

TIME 1:59.04

Jens Vรถgele

Annie Last

NoPainNoGain

Hansgrohe Cadence OMX Pro

With a partner like mine there is no easy route, but the course was great. The heat and roughness of the terrain added to the challenge. This is so much better than sitting in an office in a cold Germany!

It was a really good course. Great for a Prologue and the perfect way to start the Cape Epic.

54-2

TIME 1:17.16

Vera Adrian

Morne Jansen van Vuuren

DormaKaba SA

Land Rover 2

The distance might have been short, but those climbs were long and the heat made it a tough prologue.

It was a tough day for me. The course was technical and the heat got to me a bit.

403-2

TIME 1:44.37

1 Riders speed past the quarry off the back of the Dorstberg

3 Jennie Stenerhag and Esther SĂźss chat to the media

2 Legends: Absa Cape Epic veteran Jose Hermida gives road riding star Purito Rodriguez (Merida Factory Racing) his first taste of the event

4 Mannie Fumic and Henrique Avancini showing their cross-country skills on the way to winning the Prologue

4 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

MEERENDAL Meerendal Wine Estate has hosted either the Absa Cape Epic Prologue or Grand Finale for each of the past six years (in 2016 it was the venue for both). In 2017 the beautiful estate again hosted the Prologue on its trails and those of surrounding farms, including Hoogekraal. The estate is renowned for its award-winning wines and a rich cultural heritage dating back 300 years, when the first vines were planted on its rolling hills. It offers luxury accommodation at the iconic Meerendal Boutique Hotel and fine dining at the Crown Restaurant and Wine Bar. Besides beautiful vineyards and abundant birdlife, Meerendal also boasts some of the most popular mountain bike trails in the Western Cape. In fact the entire Durbanville area has become renowned for the Tygerberg Mountain Bike Club trail network that spans six farms â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including Meerendal and Hoogekraal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and more than 120km of riding.

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

STAGE 1

MONDAY, 20 MARCH 22

Since welcoming the Absa Cape Epic for the first time in 2008, Hermanus has developed into a mountain biking hotspot with numerous beautiful trails snaking their way around the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Left: Olympic gold medallist and world champion Nino Schurter chases Christoph Sauser up the gruelling Haarkappers Roete

START

DISTANCE

FINISH

CLIMBING

Hermanus High School Hermanus High School

RATING

101km

2300m

TEMP 14°C - 39°C 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

With the previous day’s Prologue conquered, any butterflies swarming around one’s stomach would hopefully have subsided as riders made their way to their respective start batches on the sports fields of Hermanus High School for the first real test of 2017. 1

101km with 2300m of climbing … Stage 1 would prove to be an intense introduction to the pain cave. Those with many Cape Epics in their legs will tell you to start slow and finish strong – wise words for those contemplating striking fast and hot on Stage 1!

As if the route was not gruelling enough, the rising temperatures added to the challenge On leaving Hermanus, riders would reach the tarred Rotary Way climb, which provided the perfect opportunity to spread each batch out and reduce the chance of bottlenecking at later points in the stage. The climb would also allow riders a chance to release any remaining nervous energy that may still have been bottled up – staying calm is one of the best ways to survive the Cape Epic, and

with a big day ahead a composed mind would prove crucial. Cool and calm conditions would prevail until riders descended into the Hemel and Aarde Valley, where a stiff and surprisingly cold headwind greeted them. Riding in a group would provide shelter from the gale, while the drop in temperature was certainly nothing to complain about. After skirting the undulating eastern flank of the Klein River Mountains, the major challenge of the day presented itself in the form of the gruelling 3.5km Haarkappers Roete singletrack climb that zigzagged its way from Tesselaarsdal up and over the Klein River Mountains. Those who had overcooked the first 60km would pay dearly as the gradient and rough terrain took its toll. The descent, also singletrack, would demand absolute concentration as it snaked its way towards the coast.

1 Heading up to Rotary Way and the first climb of Stage 1 2 Hermanus locals celebrate the arrival of the Absa Cape Epic in their beautiful town 3 Cyclocross legend Sven Nys (Sven and Sven) plunges into the Hemelen-Aarde Valley

DISTRICT

10%

Jaroslav Kulhavy @jaroslavkulhavy

Good morning! 102km/2300m ahead of us at todays Stage1 of @capeepic.. #iamspecialized #capeepic

FARM

60%

SINGLETRACK

22%

TAR

9% Team Meerendal @teammeerendal

No stop, no refreshments. No pain, no gain. Come on @jenniestenerhag & @bikesthi!!

Euro Steel Sport @EuroSteelSport

To be the best, you have to want it the most. @ PhilBuys & @MatthysBeukes take the African leaders jersey at @CapeEpic

Dan Nicholl @dannicholl

Working week underway. Had worse Monday morning locations. @NewtonJohnsonSA @BevanNJ @CapeEpic

STAGE 1 WINNERS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Men

Cannondale Factory Racing XC

Manuel Fumic

Henrique Avancini

4:25.35,0

Women

Meerendal CBC

Esther Süss

Jennie Stenerhag

5:10.04,2

Masters

Orbea Factory

Tomi Misser

Ibon Zugasti

4:50.24,9

Grand Masters

Meerendal CBC 3

Barti Bucher

Heinz Zoerweg

5:18.58,4

Mixed

Scott-Sram Nextlevel

Jenny Rissveds

Thomas Frischknecht

5:19.27,0

OVERALL LEADERS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Men

Cannondale Factory Racing XC

Manuel Fumic

Henrique Avancini

5:27.27,4

Women

Meerendal CBC

Esther Süss

Jennie Stenerhag

6:00.58,0

Masters

CST Sandd American Eagle

Bart Brentjens

Abraao Azevedo

6:26.10,5

Grand Masters

Meerendal CBC 3

Barti Bucher

Heinz Zoerweg

6:35.10,3

Mixed

Scott-Sram Nextlevel

Jenny Rissveds

Thomas Frischknecht

6 : 37.1 4 ,7

SPECIAL JERSEYS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Absa African

PYGA Euro Steel

Philip Buys

Matthys Beukes

5:44.57,9

Exxaro

Diepsloot MTB Academy 1

William Mokgopo

Phillimon Sebona

6:58.02,3

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

Despite a flat-looking profile, the last 30km section was anything but a free ride to the finish. The pros as well as A and B batch riders would enjoy a tail wind that blew them home to Hermanus, but as the morning developed the wind died. As if the route was not gruelling enough, the rising temperatures added to the challenge, with 14-time finisher Mike Nixon declaring that Stage 1 of the 2017 Absa Cape Epic was, in his opinion, “the toughest of them all!”. At the sharp end, Cannondale Factory Racing enjoyed another superb day, extending their winning streak by claiming victory in a time of 4:25.35. In spite of being absolutely ecstatic, the

German/Brazilian duo was gracious in victory, admitting that a crash and ensuing puncture for Investec Songo Specialized’s Jaroslav Kulhavy with 5km to go had allowed them to savour another stage victory. After plugging the puncture, a dusty Kulhavy and partner Christoph Sauser hung on to finish second, while third on the day went to Jochen Kaess and Markus Kauffmann (Centurion Vaude). Defending champions Karl Platt and Urs Huber were seventh, five-and-half minutes off the stage pace and almost 10 minutes off first place on the GC. Overturning this deficit would require a long, hard fight back from the Team Bulls duo!

The Hansgrohe Women’s race was packed with drama on Stage 1. Overnight leaders Spitz and De Groot suffered a mechanical early on, forcing them to fight back after their 39-second advantage evaporated. In the ensuing chase to regain the lead and while tackling the Haarkappers singletrack climb Spitz reached for her water bottle, clipped a rock and fell over her handlebars. She landed in a crevice and severely cut her head. After an incredibly tough day for Spitz and De Groot, their steadfast resolve meant they finished but lost just over nine minutes to stage winners Jennie Stenerhag and Esther Suss of the Meerendal CBC team, who then took the overall lead in the Hansgrohe Women’s category.

1 Olympic gold medallist and MTB legend Sabine Spitz cut herself badly in a tumble on Stage 1

6 Kristian Hynek and Alban Lakata (Topeak Ergon) carve down the Klein River Mountain trail towards Stanford

2 Temperatures soared on Stage 1

7 Hot stuff: a rider cools down

3 William Mokgopo and Phillimon Sebona of the Diepsloot MTB Academy

8 On the Hemel-en-Aarde trails

4 Riders get some much-needed replenishment at a water point

9 Germans Lars Wichert and Jan Birkner (Avoras-#wirfueryannic) fight their way through the heat

5 Defending champion Karl Platt (Bulls) reflects on a very tough day in the saddle

10 Hermanus High School goes the extra mile to welcome the Absa Cape Epic

10 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

RIDER ROUND UP

5-1

71-2

437-1 28

Nino Schurter

Craig Uria

Scott-Sram MTB Racing

NFB - Spine & Sport

Today’s route, had some nice bits for sure, but after the big descent it was hard and brutal to the finish.

It was good day. Mechanicals made for a harder-than-expected day, but it was an awesome route and even with all the horrible sand and rockiness I actually enjoyed it.

TIME 4:29.23

27-1

Catherine Williamson

Jorma Mueller

RBI Tech - Mitas

PW Fit/Stean Nicholls

It was one of the most beautiful stages ever. Feeling good always helps you feel more positive, but with those singletrack climbs and technical descents it was a proper Epic day, but also enjoyable.

It was harder than I thought it would be and not what I wanted, but I am riding my mountain bike in South Africa so I’m not going to complain!

TIME 5:26.19

TIME 7:12.07

TIME 5:08.29

493-1

TIME 5:49.10

Martin Dreyer

Syanda Masango

Merchants 1

Land Rover 7

I underestimated today’s stage. It was so rugged and with lots of climbing. The singletrack and heat makes being at the finish so much more awesome.

I have never experienced anything so tough. My focus is to finish every day and that is a challenge already.

370-1

TIME 6:50.00

1 1 Five-time winner Christoph Sauser (Songo Investec Specialized) leads Nino Schurter up the Haarkappers Roete 2 Mannie Fumic and Henrique Avancini celebrate winning the stage

3 Riders battle through the early morning heat 4 The heat and tough conditions claimed many victims on Stage 1. Riders who missed the maximum stage time had their numbers cut from their bikes

4 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

HERMANUS Hermanus offers the best shore-based whale watching in the world: the magnificent creatures flock to Walker Bay every year and can be observed only metres away from the cliffs and paths lining the shore. The town has its own unique “whale crier”, whose blasts on a kelp horn signal the presence of whales. Besides its natural beauty and crisp coastal air, the area is also renowned for its quality wines, with leading estates lining the flanks of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. It’s evergrowing number of quality restaurants were also in demand this year. In recent years Hermanus has also become something of a mountain biking mecca, with trails being developed on the nearby hills and up the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Hermanus High School’s expansive property is situated in the heart of this beautiful seaside town and the race village proved to be popular with riders in spite of the searing temperatures. Although the school celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2011, its roots stretch back far beyond 1941 when the school received official high school status. It arose from the amalgamation of two schools, St. Peter’s Mission School, and the Dutch Reformed Church School 1897 and had primary school status until it expanded in 1941.

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

STAGE 2

TUESDAY, 21 MARCH 32

Originally 102km with 2350m of climbing, Stage 2 of the 2017 Absa Cape Epic was set to be another long, tough stage from Hermanus to Elandskloof. It would suit the marathon specific teams like Investec Songo Specialized, Topeak Ergon and the Bulls, who have proven time and again that they thrive on back-to-back days of 100km-plus in the saddle.

Left: The countryside became more rugged as riders headed north on a shortened Stage 2

START

DISTANCE

FINISH

CLIMBING

Hermanus High School

62km

Caledon

1500m

Caledon

RATING

TEMP 18°C - 38°C 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

However, after the previous day’s unrelenting heat and with Stage 2 set to be another scorcher, Absa Cape Epic CEO Lynn Naudé announced that on the advice of the race doctor the day’s route would be cut short by 40km to 62km and would finish at Caledon’s Botanical Gardens, where Water Point 2 had originally been positioned.

The shortened stage sent signals to many teams that this was their chance to snatch a stage victory

It was the first time in 14 years that a stage has been shortened – a monumental decision for the organisers, who had to put the safety of riders first. The shortened stage sent signals to many teams that this was their chance to snatch a stage victory, as the major contenders may sit back and recover ahead of Stage 3. Blasting out of the start gates were the Absa African Jersey wearers Philip Buys and Matthys Beukes of Team PYGA Eurosteel who, according to race leader Fumic, were targeting stage glory.

PYGA Eurosteel’s fiery start would unfortunately fizzle out as Investec Songo Specialized showed their intent by outsprinting Scott-Sram MTB Racing to claim their first stage victory by a mere 0,8 seconds. Finishing third and losing only two seconds, Cannondale Factory Racing maintained their GC lead heading into Stage 3. Swiss legend Esther Süss, an Epic veteran with eight finishes, and her Swedish partner Jennie Stenerhag continued their winning ways on Stage 2, arriving at Caledon’s Botanical Gardens in first place in the Hansgrohe Women’s Category. In terms of GC, the orange leaders’ jersey wearers spent the day riding with second-placed Spitz and De Groot who, as the team needing to make up time, were forced to pace during the 62km stage. As was the case in the men’s race, the shorter distance certainly didn’t mean it was an easier day, with Stenerhag saying the pace was hot from the outset. 1 And they’re off … 2 Riders silhouetted against the early sky 3 Heading towards Caledon on another sweltering day

DISTRICT

20%

George Hincapie @ghincapie

Someone said @capeepic is supposed to be fun !???!! Perhaps my definition of fun has changed slightly in retirement .. #absacapeepic #conquerasone

FARM

49%

SINGLETRACK

23%

TAR

Sven Nys

@sven_nys

Best moment off the day. @CapeEpic

USN SA @usnsa

Stage 2 of the Absa @ capeepic - the heat took a toll on some riders but USN hydrator kept everyone hydrated and pro recover, epic pro and Cyto Power kept riders fueled and ensured they recover for Stage 3 tomorrow. Absa @Absa

Not even logistic issues and intense weather conditions could spoil the event. Stage 2 of the #AbsaCapeEpic still turned out to be a great success. That is why today’s #ConquerAsOne moment goes to the race and everyone involved. #CapeEpic

STAGE 2 WINNERS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Men

Investec Songo Specialized

Christoph Sauser

Jaroslav Kulhavy

2 : 3 3 .1 6 , 5

Women

Meerendal CBC

Esther Süss

Jennie Stenerhag

3:05.51,7

Masters

CST Sandd American Eagle

Bart Brentjens

Abraao Azevedo

2 : 5 7. 0 1 , 7

Grand Masters

Meerendal CBC 3

Barti Bucher

Heinz Zoerweg

3 : 0 4 .1 8 , 4

Mixed

Scott-Sram Nextlevel

Jenny Rissveds

Thomas Frischknecht

3 : 0 5 .1 9 , 2

OVERALL LEADERS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Men

Cannondale Factory Racing XC

Manuel Fumic

Henrique Avancini

8:00.45,9

Women

Meerendal CBC

Esther Süss

Jennie Stenerhag

9:32.02,2

Masters

Orbea Factory

Tomi Misser

Ibon Zugasti

8:58.01,2

Grand Masters

Meerendal CBC 3

Barti Bucher

Heinz Zoerweg

9 : 39. 2 8 ,7

Mixed

Scott-Sram Nextlevel

Jenny Rissveds

Thomas Frischknecht

9:42.33,9

SPECIAL JERSEYS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Absa African

PYGA Euro Steel

Philip Buys

Matthys Beukes

8:22.00,3

Exxaro

Diepsloot MTB Academy 1

William Mokgopo

Phillimon Sebona

10:03.43,0

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

After collapsing on the finish line of Stage 1 reigning Olympic and World U23 Cross Country Champion Jenny Rissveds and partner Thomas Frischknecht powered to their third consecutive stage win in the Virgin Active Mixed Category. Team ScottSram Nextlevel’s consistency saw them lying three minutes and 30 seconds ahead of South Africans Grant Usher and Amy

Beth Mcdougall of team Valencia, while the SA/UK Johan Labuschagne and Williamson were in third minutes back.

joBerg2cpairing of Catherine overall 21

In the Dimension Data Master’s Category a fierce battle was developing between three teams: Bart Brentjens and Abraao Azervado of CST Sandd American Eagle, George Hincapie and Cadel Evans of BMC Absa Racing Team and leaders Tomi Misser and Ibon Zugasti of Orbea Factory.

After the dramatic turn of events, the shortening of Stage 2 was unanimously agreed to be the correct decision and riders were relieved to arrive at Elandskloof, near Greyton, a bit earlier than originally expected. This gave the field slightly more time to rest, recover and prepare for the 78km Stage 3.

After underestimating the energy requirements of such a difficult first stage, both Hincapie and Evans said they would be eating as if it were a Paris Roubaix each day for the next six days!

1 Jaroslav Kulhavy celebrates winning the stage with Christoph Sauser 2 Candice Lill and Vera Adrian (dormakaba SA) on the tough Shaw’s Pass out of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley 3 ‘Hou bene, hou’: local children encourage the riders 4 Another display for the flyover competition at Creation Wine Estate 5 Christoph Sauser cracks on the pace 2

On Stage 2 Brentjens and Azervado would win the sprint, ahead of Misser and Zugasti who hung on to their GC lead. Hincapie and Evans were third on the stage in the sprint, and remained in third overall.

6 The long and winding road to Caledon

7 William Mokgopo and Phillimon Sebona wear the Exxaro special jersey on Stage 2 8 Riders take off on the 62km stage – shortened from 102km 9 The ever-cheerful Jose Hermida heads up Shaw’s Pass alongside big George Hincapie 10 Descending in the dawn light 11 Mboneni Ngcobo (Land Rover 5) manages a smile at the water point

11 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

RIDER ROUND UP

353-1

72-2

58 -1 38

Nigel Payne

Alexander Milner

The Big Roll

Brick Art SVL

It was a great route, beautiful riding, and absolutely the right call to shorten the stage. The heat was brutal.

If we had to ride that cancelled 40km it would have been a welcome to hell.

TIME 4:09.26

404-2

Mari Rabie

CP van Wyk

Fairtree Capital

Breedenet

Today I started well, struggled a bit and then enjoyed the amazing singletrack and open roads to the finish. A mixed bag for sure!

It was a fast stage with some solid tempo riding; steep climbs and then we were rewarded with awesome singletrack

TIME 3:23.32

TIME 3:53.41

TIME 4:27.29

549-2

TIME 2:58.34

Reinette Geldenhuis

Riaan Manser

Rei-nette-haas

Columbia

The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley lived up to its name. It was really beautiful. Although the climb at 30km almost pushed me over the edge, the incredible singletrack on the Caledon side made up for it.

The day was dominated by nature and the elements. It was hot and humid; the worst Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen in 19 stages I have ridden. There was nothing given away terrain wise either with lots of climbing or technical descents.

134-1

TIME 5:08.42

1 1 The climbs were tough but, ah, the vistas 2 Karl Platt taking strain 3 Fanie Venter and Kobus Barnard (BusinessPrint) heading away from Hermanus 4 Yolandi du Toit (Galileo Risk Garmin) tackles a welcome descent

4 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

Behind the scenes

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

STAGE 3

WEDNESDAY, 22 MARCH 42

Nestled in a hidden valley a short distance from Greyton, Elandskloof provided a tranquil sanctuary for the second race village of the 2017 Absa Cape Epic. As forecast, temperatures had dropped into the low teens on the morning of Stage 3. Much to the relief of the field, the mercury would remain around the mid-20s for most of the day, a far more manageable environment to push the limits of one’s body. Left: The leaders head into the Greyton countryside on Stage 3

START

DISTANCE

FINISH

CLIMBING

Elandskloof, Greyton Elandskloof, Greyton

RATING

78km

1650m

TEMP 19°C - 27°C 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

Stage 3’s route would cover 78km in a circular route of the area surrounding Greyton and Genadendal. Its 1650m of climbing would be made more palatable after the shortening of Stage 2, but like any Epic stage, it should never be underestimated.

Over the past decade Greyton and Genadendal have seen a steady increase in the amount of trail on offer for mountain bikers to explore the surrounding mountains. Stage 3 would make use of these exhilarating single tracks, offering riders a thorough test of both technical and physical strength.

As the four riders sprinted into Elandskloof, it was Spitz and De Groot who managed to pip the race leaders into first. 40km in, riders reached the steep Zigzag singletrack climb with its numerous switchbacks, which provide a split second to rest the legs before tackling the next pitch. Once conquered, an incredible trail would lead riders along the ridge line, with periodic sections of steep, off-camber trail that would see riders losing gradient quickly. It was

not for the faint-hearted, as the rugged surface was littered with sharp rocks that some riders call “snipers”... in the sense that they’re lying in wait for the next sidewall to slash! After navigating their way through open fields and a few kilometres of farm roads, the last challenge for the day was the UFO climb, which requires a calm, steady pace so as not to blow before reaching the summit. A flowing single track descent rewarded riders’ efforts, after which a fast dualtrack running parallel to the Elands River, signalled that the race village, and the Woolworths Recovery Zone, were only a few minutes ride away. Sauser and Kulhavy of Investec-SongoSpecialized claimed their second consecutive stage win, and at the same time managed to eat into the time gap of overall leaders, Cannondale Factory Racing XC’s Manuel Fumic and Henrique Avancini – the gap to second overall now reduced to one minute and 34 seconds.

1 Greyton is perfect for farming … and mountain biking 2 World Champion Nino Schurter cresting one of the day’s many fine climbs 3 The lead riders powering along a trail

DISTRICT

22%

Karl Platt

@karlplatt1403

Can we smile! Today much better then yesterday looking forward to the next days! @capeepic @bullsbikes @sabrinakralphotography #teambulls #projectzebra #bullsbikes

Kevin Vermaak @kevin_vermaak

These days the @CapeEpic race villages are pretty big...

Nick Muzik

@muzikstation

Stage 3 of the @capeepic was fast, and on the last descent the guys must have reached in excess of 70km/h on this loose gravel farm road! @nschurter leading the charge!

Paul Kaye @kayeman

Packed dining marquee for our final evening in Elandskloof, off to Oak Valley for the longest stage of the @CapeEpic

FARM

42%

SINGLETRACK

36%

TAR

1% STAGE 3 WINNERS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Men

Investec Songo Specialized

Christoph Sauser

Jaroslav Kulhavy

3:03.46,0

Women

Ascendis Health

Sabine Spitz

Robyn de Groot

3 : 41 . 2 0, 6

Masters

BMC Absa Racing Team

Cadel Evans

George Hincapie

3 : 2 3 . 3 1 ,1

Grand Masters

Meerendal CBC 3

Barti Bucher

Heinz Zoerweg

3 : 3 6 .1 5 , 0

Mixed

Scott-Sram Nextlevel

Jenny Rissveds

Thomas Frischknecht

3 : 3 8 . 3 4 ,1

OVERALL LEADERS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Men

Cannondale Factory Racing XC

Manuel Fumic

Henrique Avancini

11:05.37,2

Women

Meerendal CBC

Esther SÃ¼ss

Jennie Stenerhag

13:13.23,0

Masters

Orbea Factory

Tomi Misser

Ibon Zugasti

12:28.17,6

Grand Masters

Meerendal CBC 3

Barti Bucher

Heinz Zoerweg

13:15.43,7

Mixed

Scott-Sram Nextlevel

Jenny Rissveds

Thomas Frischknecht

13:21.08,0

SPECIAL JERSEYS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Absa African

PYGA Euro Steel

Philip Buys

Matthys Beukes

11:32.43,0

Exxaro

Diepsloot MTB Academy 1

William Mokgopo

Phillimon Sebona

13:46.53,3

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

Scott–Sram’s Schurter and Stinermann finished a close second on the stage, staying in third on GC, four minutes and 18 seconds back. At this point, the Swiss duo were yet to win a stage, but their consistency was proving to be their greatest ally in the race for overall victory. 1

In the Hansgrohe Women’s race the struggle for overall victory was squarely between teams Meerendal CBC and Ascendis Health, who spent Stage 3 locked in a battle for stage honours. As the four riders sprinted into Elandskloof, it was Spitz and De Groot who managed to pip the race leaders into first.

With Stage 3 signalling the halfway mark – in the number of stages, not in terms of distance – both teams now had two stage wins apiece. In third overall, 24 minutes off the pace, Mariske Strauss and Annie Last of Hansgrohe Cadence OMX Pro would require a remarkable set of circumstances to come into contention for the win. In the chase for the Exxaro special jersey, the 78km stage wasn’t enough to displace the ever-steady Diepsloot MTB Academy riders, William Mokgopo and Phillimon Sebona, who had built up a commanding lead of over 40 minutes to second-placed Luyanda Thobigunya and Baphelele Mbobo of BMT Academy Fairtree.

1 Head down:Jeremiah Bishop and Erik Kleinhans (Topeak Ergon 2) chasing back to the lead group

7 It’s not a UFO, but it sure looks like one when you are riding up the hill towards it

2 Greyton joins the aerial display party

8 The effects of the drought were evident along the course

3 Strongman Jaroslav Kulhavy is out of the saddle on one of the climbs

9 Mixed Category leaders Thomas Frischknecht and Olympic champion Jenny Rissveds

4 Colombians Francisco Ramirez and Marcelo Villegas (Marathon Colombia 3) feel the heat

10 A helping hand: a tired rider gets some comradely assistance

5 A sprint finish for the elite women, with Robyn de Groot and Sabine Spitz (on the right) managing to pip Jennie Stenerhag (centre) and Esther Süss

11 Galo Tamayo and Jose Bernardo Vintimilla Corral (Fairis-AmarokUniandes) enjoy some singletrack

6 Carmen Buchacher and Michelle Vorster (Hollard-Velocity Sports Lab) crest a hill above Greyton

12 Last Lion Mike Nixon, riding with Jasper van Dijk in Team Land Rover 6, gets back in the saddle after a water point stop

12 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

RIDER ROUND UP

51-1

18- 2

50-1 48

Sabine Spitz

Philip Buys

Ascendis Health

PYGA Euro Steel

I was very nervous, but it is everything I thought and imagined it would be. The camaraderie on the route between the riders is really special.

It was so fast today with all the amazing sections of singletrack here in Greyton.

TIME 3:41.21

9-1

Andri Frischknecht

Mike Nixon

Scott-Sram Young Guns

Land Rover 6

That river crossing was a bit sketchy, but I enjoyed the fast trails and the switchback climb was super cool. Then we had some up-and-down sections on the open gravel roads, but it was still a nice day.

Even though it was very hot, the route was superb. My best day ever with the fantastic and brilliant singletrack.

TIME 3:11.18

TIME 3:56.28

TIME 3:10.43

48-1

TIME 4:50.32

Ariane LĂźthi

Mikayla Webb

Spur

CANSAactive ILoveBoobies

It was a great stage. It was rough but beautiful and entertaining.

Today was hard, but not bleeding through your eyeballs hard!

59-1

TIME 4:53.27

1 Dust at dawn: riders leaving Elandskloof at the start of the stage 2 Sabine Spitz leads the elite women at the start of the stage

3 Frenchmen Laurence Champavier and Rene Vallee (La Forestiere) giving it horns 4 Cadel Evans and George Hincapie (Absa BMC Racing Team) turn on the power

4 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

Elandskloof, Greyton The scale of the Absa Cape Epic race village in recent years has meant that bigger venues have been required. Elandskloof proved to have the space but also to be a tranquil setting in a beautiful valley set against the backdrop of the majestic Riviersonderend mountain range. Elandskloof and its lovingly restored self-catering cottages are normally a venue for family holidays, weekends away in the countryside or weddings and functions on a working guest farm just 20km outside Greyton. It is the perfect place for hiking, splashing in the river, swimming in the weir, relaxing in beautiful surroundings â&#x20AC;Ś or mountain biking.

The quaint village of Greyton, meanwhile, nestles beneath the same Riviersonderend mountain range. Its lush and colourful country gardens complement the thatched cottages and lanes lined by oak trees. Named after Sir George Grey and once the site of the farm Weltevreden, it is today a safe, picturesque village in a beautiful mountain setting where old traditions still prevail. A wide selection of outdoor activities are on offer, including hiking, walking, bird watching, horse riding, fishing and mountain biking. The mountain biking trail network around the town is now comprehensive and is constantly being upgraded and extended.

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

STAGE 4

THURSDAY, 23 MARCH 52

For any Absa Cape Epic rider reaching the start line of Stage 4 provides a major psychological boost as it signifies the race’s halfway point. If one examines the route however, one realises, the devil is in fact in the detail.

Left: The women’s race big guns jockey for position. They are, from left, Ariane Lüthi (Spur), Jennie Stenerhag, Robyn de Groot and Esther Süss.

START

DISTANCE

FINISH

CLIMBING

Elandskloof, Greyton Oak Valley, Elgin

RATING

112km

2150m

TEMP 16°C - 26°C 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

In 2017, the second half of the event would demand that riders cover 116 more kilometres than in the first half, with 2475m of vertical ascent over the equivalent number of days... all the while carrying the fatigue of the previous four days of racing and sweltering temperatures. 1

It comes as no surprise then that the balancing act of managing your effort against how much you have left in the tank for the coming days is regarded as the cornerstone of successfully completing the Absa Cape Epic.

For any Absa Cape Epic rider reaching the start line of Stage 4 provides a major psychological boost At 112km, Stage 4 was the longest of the 2017 Absa Cape Epic. An undulating route, mostly on open farm roads, would provide the first real opportunity for teams to form groups and work together against a stiff South Easter that swept across the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rolling hills.

by the Houw Hoek Pass which, after a severely dry summer, was extremely sandy, making the going tougher than expected. Water Point 3 provided some much needed relief before riders crossed the Jakkals River, facing what seemed to be the last challenge of the day ... climbing up and over into the Elgin Valley from the Houw Hoek Hotel. Despite the profile of the last 9km appearing to be downhill all the way, route designers included a few stings in the tail. Riders achingly climbed a few orchards before finally arriving on the fields of Oak Valley ... the final race village of the 2017 event and their home for the next three nights. Racing in a large pack for most of the day, the elite field blew apart on the run in to Houw Hoek Pass. Punctures on the climb for Hector Paez and Max Knox (Kansai Plascon) and Kulhavy and Sauser put paid to their stage ambitions. It was left to the Scott-Sram quartet

1 Serious in-tent: riders prepare for the challenge of the day ahead

86km into the stage, after battling a strong South Easter, riders were met

2 Gabrielskloof Wine Estate hosts Waterpoint 2 3 Nico Bell working hard at the front of the race

DISTRICT

Wayne Bebb

18%

@WayneBebb

Seriously I thought the weather was hot until I checked out the @Columbia_RSA design T’s @CapeEpic

FARM

51%

SINGLETRACK

30%

TAR

0% Olympic Cycles @olympiccycles

The traffic on the @CapeEpic was hectic yesterday afternoon! #CapeEpic #capeepic2017

SPARK BIKE REVIEW @sparkbikereview

Wahoo!!! Go @Scottmtbracing!!! This year’s @CapeEpic is by far the most exciting one we’ve ever witnessed!

DMA

@DiepslootMTB

Clement and Mpho hard at work out there today on Stage 4 of @CapeEpic enjoying some great support. #Conquerasone

STAGE 4 WINNERS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Men

Scott-Sram Young Guns

Michiel Van der Heijden

Andri Frischknecht

4:10.00,3

Women

Meerendal CBC

Esther Süss

Jennie Stenerhag

5:05.58,2

Masters

BMC Absa Racing Team

Cadel Evans

George Hincapie

4:38.28,7

Grand Masters

Meerendal CBC 3

Barti Bucher

Heinz Zoerweg

4 : 5 9 . 4 7,1

Mixed

Scott-Sram Nextlevel

Jenny Rissveds

Thomas Frischknecht

4:54.59,2

OVERALL LEADERS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Men

Cannondale Factory Racing XC

Manuel Fumic

Henrique Avancini

1 5 : 1 8 .1 3 , 5

Women

Meerendal CBC

Esther Süss

Jennie Stenerhag

1 8 : 1 9. 2 1 , 2

Masters

Orbea Factory

Tomi Misser

Ibon Zugasti

17:09.17,7

Grand Masters

Meerendal CBC 3

Barti Bucher

Heinz Zoerweg

18:15.30,8

Mixed

Scott-Sram Nextlevel

Jenny Rissveds

Thomas Frischknecht

18:16.07,2

SPECIAL JERSEYS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Absa African

PYGA Euro Steel

Philip Buys

Matthys Beukes

15:55.21,2

Exxaro

Diepsloot MTB Academy 1

William Mokgopo

Phillimon Sebona

18:56.07,2

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

of Schurter and Stinermann and Young Guns Andri Frischknecht and Michiel Van der Heijden to dispose of the race leaders Cannondale Factory Racing XC in order to win the stage.

puncture Investec Songo Specialized were the day’s losers, slipping to third on GC with the gap now standing at 2 minutes and 15 seconds to Cannondale Factory Racing.

A beaming Frischknecht and Van der Heijden were graciously brought to the line by their senior teammates in a triumphant show of force. It was an emotional moment for the Young Guns, earning a stage victory in their debut appearance at the Absa Cape Epic.

In the Hansgrohe Women’s Category, the momentum continued to build for Esther Süss and Jennie Stenerhag (Meerendal CBC) with the duo adding another 3 minutes and 40 seconds to their lead after Sabine Spitz suffered a severe sidewall cut on the early stages of the Houw Hoek Pass. A huge effort from De Groot and Spitz saw them claw their way back to third on the stage, while their misfortune opened the door for the Hansgrohe Cadence OMX Pro Team pairing of Mariske Strauss and Annie Last to claim a hard earned second place on Stage 4.

Finishing third on the stage, a gutsy ride by Fumic and Avancini meant they held on to their overall lead, despite losing time to Scott-Sram MTB Racing who were now in second place on GC only 1 minute and 42 seconds back. After their untimely

7 Lorenzo Leroux (Songo-Investec 1) is welcomed home

2 Selfie time: post-stage memories being made

8 Scott-Sram teammates Michiel van der Heijden, Andri Frischknecht, Nino Schurter and Matthias Stirnemann are upbeat after dominating the stage

4 Mirko Pirazzoli and Alessandro Gambino (Kansai Plascon 2) in the Greyton countryside 5 Jaroslav Kulhavy hammers down a descent 6 A 100m-high wind turbine stands like a massive sentinel behind riders

Finishing the stage in 9th overall, Nico Bell and Gawie Combrink earned NAD Pro MTB’s first top 10 stage result of the 2017 Absa Cape Epic, consolidating their grip on second overall in the Absa African race. BCX’s Waylon Woolcock and HB Kruger find found themselves in third overall in the race for the red special jersey.

1 Race leaders Mannie Fumic and Henrique Avancini

3 Announcers Paul Kaye and Mike Finch keep the fans entertained

In the Absa African special jersey competition, PYGA Eurosteel’s Beukes and Buys struggled to keep momentum, but having built up a healthy buffer, there was no need to panic and they calmly went about finishing the stage without over-thinking the situation.

9 Israelis Tomer Osher, Doron Masvary, Rami Sayag, Jonathan Deshe, Amos Shternberg and Zohar Alperovich rode and finished the stage together 10 Five days of exertion etched on Daniel Geismayr’s face

10 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

RIDER ROUND UP

31-1

77-2

473-2 58

Calle Friberg

Jenny Rissveds

Bioracer-Apollo Sports

Scott-Sram Nextlevel

It was great. Especially the last downhill; that was so much fun.

I love singletrack riding so I had a blast on the last part of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stage.

TIME 4:20.45

70-1

Isabella Struck

Lwazi Ntsakaza

BULLS Curly Girls

Songo-Investec 2

This stage was the best birthday present. It was a great day.

There were a lot of climbs and singletrack. I really enjoyed myself.

TIME 6:28.24

TIME 6:36.43

TIME 4:54.59

374-2

TIME 6:36.50

Maria Lizama

Matt Beers

From Chile

Ryder/RED-E

It was a fast but tough stage. I really wanted to get to Elgin so I am very happy to be here.

The stage was awesome. The last bit was super tough, but I enjoyed it thoroughly and it went by so fast.

11-1

TIME 4:22.11

1 Riders leaving Elandskloof at the start of the stage 2 Craig Denbury and James Lennard (Gear Change II) set a steady pace

3 Adventurer Riaan Manser and partner Denzyl Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donoghue (Columbia) celebrate another successful day in the saddle 4 Rest and recovery: riders enjoy a recovery meal courtesy of Woolworths 4 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

Oak Valley, Elgin Oak Valley Wine Estate has become a firm favourite with the Absa Cape Epic route designers over the years. Besides offering lots of space for the race village, it is nestled in the heart of an extensive network of singletrack trails and within striking distance of the race’s most famous climb, the Groenlandberg. Oak Valley Estate was founded in 1898 by Sir Antonie Viljoen, a medical doctor who graduated from Edinburgh University in Scotland. Sir Antonie signed up as a medical officer with the Boer army during the Boer War but was captured and placed under house arrest on the Oak Valley property for the remainder of the campaign. According to the Oak Valley website, “his internment on Oak Valley was only granted on condition that he paid for the services of two British soldiers to guard him for the duration of the war!”.

Sir Antonie went on to become a Senator in the Cape Parliament and a farmer extraordinaire. Among his many achievements were the establishment of the first commercial deciduous fruit orchards in the Elgin Valley. These orchards were the precursor to the development of the apple industry in Elgin, which remains the economic backbone of the valley to this day. Today the Elgin Valley is the natural home for lovers of fresh food, high-quality cool-climate wines and beautiful country living. The lush garden valley, only 45 minutes from Cape Town, is renowned for for its fresh produce – most notably apples and pears. It is also well-known for its greenhouse cut flowers and rose growing. It is also home to some excellent restaurants, delis, and wine estates. In recent years the valley has become a celebrated outdoor adventure paradise, particularly for mountain bikers. Many local farms – including the Oak Valley, Paul Cluver and Thandi estates – have developed excellent mountain bike trail networks.

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

STAGE 5

FRIDAY, 24 MARCH 64

With seven previous visits, the Absa Cape Epic has a long, rich past with Oak Valley. The surrounding farmland, forests and swathes of indigenous fynbos provide a mountain bikers’ paradise.

Left: Contrasting fortunes: The leaders carving on the A-to Z trail network while Absa African special jersey holders Philip Buys and Matthys Beukes(PYGA Euro Steel) hastily repair a puncture

START

DISTANCE

FINISH

CLIMBING

Oak Valley, Elgin Oak Valley, Elgin

RATING

84km

2100m

TEMP 13°C - 22°C 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

Leaving the Oak Valley race village, riders’ legs would immediately be called into action with a few short but sharp pitches through orchards, before the first proper test of the day... a viciously steep climb with concrete strips that would lead teams straight into an eastern ascent of the legendary Nuweberg. 1

Stage 5 would prove to be a decisive day in the men’s race, as Cannondale’s fairytale lead came to an abrupt end With most of the day’s climbing conquered, riders would weave their way through the singletracks surrounding the Eikenhof Dam. After large fires had swept through the area in recent years, riders familiar with Grabouw’s once expansive pine plantations would scarcely recognise the lunar landscape they were now traversing. Much to the delight of participants, overnight rain had dampened the dust, providing sublime conditions throughout the 84km route. With the Eikenhof Dam at their backs, riders headed on to Paul Cluver and Oak Valley’s extensive trail network, which

was an absolute blast. Those who had something left in the tank would have a ball, carving through the purpose-built trails, while those who were running on fumes would be gagging for the finish line and their Woolworths recovery meal. In Cape Epics gone by, when the route took riders from Knysna to Cape Town, big pelotons were an all too common occurrence, providing weaker riders, and especially roadies, a chance to hide. However, this has somewhat fallen away. The Cape Epic’s modern routes are now more regularly interspersed with singletrack and sections of rugged paths that make forming groups or pelotons difficult or impossible. Stage 5 reminded many riders of the 2016 Absa Cape Epic’s Stage 2, which climbed over a historic wagon trail from Tulbagh into the Witzenberg, looping around the valley and then heading back up and over into Tulbagh. It was a savage day that truly signified and reinforced the fact that the Epic is a 1 Philip Buys and Matthys Beukes enjoying the trails 2 A rare water-crossing on Stage 5 3 Hector Leonardo Paez Leon and Max Knox (Kansai Plascon) passing the drought-ravaged Eikenhof Dam

Sven Nys

DISTRICT

@sven_nys

Shifting, climbing, cruising and having fun. @CapeEpic @TrekBikes @Bontrager @ShimanoMTB

FARM

65%

SINGLETRACK

34%

TAR

0% Andrew Mazewski @amazzoo

On my way to work on a bus in London, but, still get to watch the action, Thanks @CapeEpic for the live streaming. #CapeEpic

Anna Foundation @AnnaFoundation

Yebo Yebo Yebo! Keeping our #children from Monteith Farm in high sprouts at the @CapeEpic race village #officialcharity

Jennie Stenerhag @jenniestenerhag

We were happy with a sprint finish today after a crash with only 7km to go which left us chasing hard to get back, no time lost @CapeEpic

STAGE 5 WINNERS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Men

Scott-Sram MTB

Nino Schurter

Matthias Stirnemann

3:50.38,5

Women

Ascendis Health

Sabine Spitz

Robyn de Groot

4 : 2 8 . 5 1 ,0

Masters

BMC Absa Racing Team

Cadel Evans

George Hincapie

4:11.53,0

Grand Masters

Meerendal CBC 3

Barti Bucher

Heinz Zoerweg

4:32.25,4

Mixed

Scott-Sram Nextlevel

Jenny Rissveds

Thomas Frischknecht

4:26.09,9

OVERALL LEADERS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Men

Scott-Sram MTB

Nino Schurter

Matthias Stirnemann

19:10.34,4

Women

Meerendal CBC

Esther SÃ¼ss

Jennie Stenerhag

22:48.12,5

Masters

Orbea Factory

Tomi Misser

Ibon Zugasti

21:24.49,5

Grand Masters

Meerendal CBC 3

Barti Bucher

Heinz Zoerweg

22:47.56,2

Mixed

Scott-Sram Nextlevel

Jenny Rissveds

Thomas Frischknecht

2 2 : 4 2 .1 7,1

SPECIAL JERSEYS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Absa African

PYGA Euro Steel

Philip Buys

Matthys Beukes

19:55.33,0

Exxaro

Diepsloot MTB Academy 1

William Mokgopo

Phillimon Sebona

23:26.35,9

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

proper mountain bike race, and not simply a dirt road bonanza. 2017’s Stage 5 would continue in this tradition, not so much in terms of being a savage day but rather, and more importantly, it was a day that mountain bikers would thrive on and thoroughly enjoy. By the time the leaders had returned to Oak Valley, Stage 5 would prove to be a decisive day in the men’s race, as Cannondale’s fairytale lead came to an abrupt end at the hands, or should we say legs, of a blazing team Scott-Sram MTB Racing. Arriving at the finish with the Scott Sram Young Guns, it was Nino Schurter and Mattias Stinermann’s first stage win of the 2017 event and their elated reaction clearly demonstrated how much it meant to the Swiss duo. Losing over 10 minutes on the stage after two punctures, coupled with a struggling Avancini, Cannondale Factory Racing’s dream performance had unravelled. Investec Songo Specialized’s Christoph Sauser was also in the hurt locker for most of the day, but was able to grit 68

his teeth and make up time in the latter stages to finish only 17 seconds behind the Scott Sram foursome.

effort saw them able to regain contact and sprint against Team Ascendis Health for stage honours. Despite losing the sprint, Süss and Stenerhag were far more The reshuffled GC would see Schurter concerned about having survived the fall and Stinermann inherit the Yellow Zebra than winning the stage. leaders’ jerseys, with Investec Songo Specialized moving back into second Defending champion Ariane Luthi and at 50 seconds back and Cannondale partner Adelheid Morath, finally found Factory Racing slipping to third overall their legs finishing third on Stage 5. The at nine minutes and 12 seconds back. Swiss/German pairing, now lying in fourth overall, found themselves 53 minutes off With 50 seconds in it, the race for yellow the pace. was anything but over! While Stage 5 provided a relatively short, Meanwhile, a crash 7km from the finish enjoyable day in the saddle, riders went to of Stage 5 almost put paid to Esther bed knowing that they’d meet the Queen Süss and Jennie Stenerhag’s campaign. in the morning. And on paper, she was a Clipping another rider’s handlebar, when force to be reckoned with! passing in a tight singletrack section, Süss tumbled to the ground and became entangled in her bike. With the help of Stenerhag, Süss was able to remount and chase back to Spitz and De Groot, who had continued ahead. Meerendal CBC’s 1 Waleed Baker and Marius Nel (Pitstop1Sport24hrs) on a sandy section

6 Enjoying the water point fare

2 A Scott Tech Zone mechanic works on Christo Barkhuizen’s bike

7 Climbing on the Nuweberg

3 Team @40’s Ben-Melt Swanepoel slices through the fynbos

8 Jochen Kaess and Markus Kaufmann (Centurion Vaude) on their way to the finish

4 Jennie Stenerhag and Esther Süss take a firm grip on the Women’s Category 5 Franso Steyn leads a group up an early ascent

9 Fern times: Nicholas Mingay and Alistair Haigh-Smith (CCN FOIL) dip through some of the abundant plant life

9 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

RIDER ROUND UP

7-2

70-2

582-2 70

Max Knox

William Mokgopo

Kansai Plascon

Diepsloot MTB Academy 1

Today was a lot of fun. I kind of knew what to

It was a pretty good day. The route suited me.

expect so that helps. With all the singletrack the time flew past so quickly.

We could play on the singletracks.

TIME 3:55.19

376-1

Thomas Frischknecht

Famke Boonzaaier

Scott-Sram Nextlevel

Last Minute

It was an awesome stage. Thanks to the rain, the singletrack had some traction and we could fly â&#x20AC;&#x153;full gasâ&#x20AC;? into the corners!

I know these routes pretty well, and now I can call myself a pro singletrack rider because of all the singletrack we had today. I had so much fun.

TIME 4:26.10

TIME 6:17.41

TIME 4:30.29

441-1

TIME 6:03.53

Chris Norton

John Smit

No Illusions of Grandeur

Land Rover 1

It was a long day, but the route was spectacular. Definitely one of the best stages ever. It was a proper course with beautiful singletrack.

Today was such a treat. It made for a special day. Every time you hurt going up, you were rewarded with some awesome downhill riding.

400-1

TIME 6:15.25

1 Rock formations loom over riders 2 The Scott quartet showing their dominance on a gnarly ascent 3 A crowd gathered on the Paul Cluver Estate 4 Thomas Frischknecht and Jenny Rissveds continue to dominate the Mixed Category

4 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

CREW & VOLUNTEERS

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

STAGE 6

SATURDAY, 25 MARCH 74

Sadistically, route designers had left the toughest challenge of the 2017 Absa Cape Epic to the penultimate day. 103km in length with 2750m of vertical ascent, the Queen Stage loomed large after a tough week in the hurt box.

Left: The leading women tackle Groenlandberg, the Absa Cape Epic’s most notorious climb

START

DISTANCE

FINISH

CLIMBING

Oak Valley, Elgin Oak Valley, Elgin

RATING

103km

2750m

TEMP 14°C - 25°C 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

The major challenge of the day arrived 20km into the stage in the form of the infamous Groenlandberg climb which ascends 600m over 9km, with an average gradient of 7 percent. Riders would be grateful to reach the beast early into the stage with relatively fresh legs – if it were positioned towards the end of the stage it would have translated into a world of pain second to none.

The major challenge of the day arrived 20km into the stage in the form of the infamous Groenlandberg climb

Coming so late in the race, this year’s Queen Stage would be defined by the accumulation of fatigue, together with the aggregation of all the little bumps in-between the major spikes spread throughout the 103km profile. In response, riders would have hopefully prepared mentally for the specific challenge and in doing so been ready to suffer more than at any other stage in the race. What this often leads to is the illusion that a Queen Stage isn’t as hard as riders expect it to be. Rather, shorter or seemingly easier days are harder on

the mind and body, due to the fact that teams underestimate “short” or “flat” stages as being easier than those with big numbers attached to them. So it is in fact riders’ anticipation that often informs how their minds and bodies are able to suffer. “Mind over matter”, so to speak. As riders set off to meet the Queen, they would have been thinking and preparing for this moment for weeks in advance. And gauging by the positive reactions of those teams crossing the line at Oak Valley, those who had respected the Queen had found her to be a tough but fair taskmaster. Scott-Sram MTB Racing showed no sign of slowing down, treating the very much marathon stage as if it were an explosive cross country event. Schurter and Stirnemann, in a class of their own, arrived at the finish 16 seconds ahead of South African Max Knox and his Colombian parter Hector Paez (Kansai Plascon). Third on the day went to 1 On the descent off Groenlandberg 2 Jenny Rissveds and Thomas Frischknecht on the up 3 The race helicopter tracks the leading riders

DISTRICT

Mountain Bike Mag @mountainbike_SA

The beginning of a new era it seems as XCO world and Olympic champion eclipses the planned marathoner platt v sauser showdown at @CapeEpic.

FARM

80%

SINGLETRACK

18%

TAR

1% Terry Kobus @TerryKobus

My 14th Absa Cape Epic and 11th as Media Host I’ve been at every stage of every one! @CapeEpic #untamed #LandRover

Team Meerendal @teammeerendal

I’m not an expert, but I’m quite sure that’s not what a wheel/tyre should look like... @CapeEpic @CapeBrewingCo @ conehug @HielkeElferink

kylewoodys

@kylewoodys

I’ve always heard old war stories of how brutal the Cape Epic is but nothing could prepare me for this. So far it’s been the toughest and most memorable experience of my life to date yet still positive about the next week days!

STAGE 6 WINNERS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Men

Scott-Sram MTB

Nino Schurter

Matthias Stirnemann

4:26.38,9

Women

Hansgrohe Cadence OMX Pro

Mariske Strauss

Annie Last

5 : 1 6 .1 8 , 4

Masters

BMC Absa Racing Team

Cadel Evans

George Hincapie

4 : 4 8 .1 1 , 9

Grand Masters

Meerendal CBC 3

Barti Bucher

Heinz Zoerweg

5 : 1 2 . 4 0, 6

Mixed

Scott-Sram Nextlevel

Jenny Rissveds

Thomas Frischknecht

5 : 2 3 . 2 9,7

OVERALL LEADERS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Men

Scott-Sram MTB

Nino Schurter

Matthias Stirnemann

23 :37.13 ,3

Women

Meerendal CBC

Esther Süss

Jennie Stenerhag

28:05.01,8

Masters

Orbea Factory

Tomi Misser

Ibon Zugasti

26:16.01,9

Grand Masters

Meerendal CBC 3

Barti Bucher

Heinz Zoerweg

28:00.36,8

Mixed

Scott-Sram Nextlevel

Jenny Rissveds

Thomas Frischknecht

28:05.46,8

SPECIAL JERSEYS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Absa African

PYGA Euro Steel

Philip Buys

Matthys Beukes

23:36.57,0

Exxaro

Diepsloot MTB Academy 1

William Mokgopo

Phillimon Sebona

28:49.04,3

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

breaking off her handlebar during a tumble. The team haemorrhaged time as they struggled to the tech zone, before With Christoph Sauser and Jaroslav fighting their way back to Oak Valley. Kulhavy (Investec Songo Specialized) hampered by yet another puncture An inspired ride by Hansgrohe Cadence – for the former on the descent off OMX Pro Team’s Mariske Strauss and Groenlandberg – Scott Sram MTB Annie Last saw the energetic pair zoom Racing’s stage win opened up a lead to the stage win 30 seconds ahead of of almost seven minutes in the overall Meerendal CBC, and almost 6 minutes standings ahead of second placed Sauser ahead of Carmen Buchacher and Michelle and Kulhavy. The stellar performance Vorster of Hollard-Velocity Sports Lab. by Kansai Plascon’s Knox and Paez saw Buchacher and Voster stepped on to them move into third overall on GC the stage podium for the first time – an heading into the seventh and final stage. unforgettable moment for the duo.

In the Virgin Active Mixed Category, Jenny Rissveds and partner Thomas Frischknecht of Team Scott Sram NextLevel held a commanding one hour lead over joBerg2c-Valencia’s Amy Beth McDougall and Grant Usher. In the Dimension Data Masters, Orbea Factory’s Miser and Zugasti held a slender two minute and 43 second advantage over BMC Absa’s Cadel Evans and George Hincapie, while in the Grand Master’s competition Meerendal CBC3’s Barti Bucher and Heinz Zoerweg were over an hour ahead of the ABSA Bus Boys Greg Anderson and Deon Kruger.

Overall, Meerendal CBC maintained their advantage, while Hansgrohe Cadence OMX Pro Team and Team Ascendis Health swapped positions, moving into second and third respectively.

The Exxaro special jerseys were firmly placed on the shoulders of William Mokgopo and Phillimon Sebona of Diepsloot Academy, while PYGA Eurosteel’s Philip Buys and Matthys Beukes maintained a comfortable lead in the Absa African special jersey competition.

1 Mariske Strauss on the way to a stage win with Annie Last (Hansgrohe Cadence OMX Pro)

6 Going up … and up

Centurion Vaude 2’s Nicola Rohrbach and Daniel Geismayr.

This year’s Hansgrohe Women’s race saw a whirlwind of crashes and the Queen Stage would deliver another blow to Team Ascendis, with Sabine Spitz

2 Thando Klaas takes on the Groenlandberg 3 The sun rises on the Queen Stage 4 New Zealanders Willy Williams and Kate Fluker (New World St Martins) ride through a dappled forest 1

5 The Groenlandberg rises 600m over its nine kilometres

7 Nearing the summit of Groenlandberg 8 Joan Llordella on a much-deserved descent 9 Italians Damiano Tedeschi and Daniele Fabbri (Haibike-Noxon) look forward to finishing 10 The region is renowned for its apples, pears and wine

10 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

RIDER ROUND UP

20-1

3 3-1

Jose Hermida

George Hincapie

Merida Factory Racing

BMC Absa Racing Team

It was a tough stage! Yesterday was tough and beautiful, today was tough and tough. Mentally, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be challenging, especially for the backmarkers.

It was tough with lots of climbing. It was the most climbing I have ever done on a mountain bike for sure!

TIME 4:43.03

63-2

TIME 4:48.12

Michael Posthumus

Candice Lill

William Simpson

DormaKaba SA

It is a great route. I know it from a few years ago. It was a hard day out, but it suited us. I was well prepared and happy with the day we had.

This was possibly the hardest mountain bike stage I have ever done. The climbing never stopped, it was so different from yesterday, but it suited us.

TIME 5:15.09

55-1

TIME 1:23.04

Jeremy Thomson

Gary Kirsten

Land Rover LumoHawks

Land Rover

It was brilliant! They didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t call it the Queen Stage for nothing. The climbs were brutal, but the rewards were the descents. The singletrack and Landrover Technical Terrain section was also nice. It was a great day all round.

401-2 80

TIME 6:10.22

It was a fantastic, hard route with lots of climbs. I am just happy that Groenlandberg was early on and not later in the stage. The singletrack near the end was nice even though you had to concentrate hard.

399-2

TIME 6:10.22

1 Eye in the sky: the race helicopter above Oak Valley Estate

3 A familiar site, race leaders Schurter and Stirnemann out in front

2 Nicola Rohrbach (Centurion Vaude 2) powers along on the Groenlandberg

4 Skirting the Eikenhof Dam

4 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

GRAND FINALE SUNDAY, 26 MARCH 82

An 8am start time for the UCI Men on the eighth and final day of the 2017 Absa Cape Epic allowed for a slight reprieve from the usual 7am firing of the start gun.

Left: Riders say goodbye to Oak Valley on their last day in the saddle

START

DISTANCE

FINISH

CLIMBING

Oak Valley, Elgin Val de Vie, Paarl

RATING

85km

1350m

TEMP 10°C - 25°C 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

Departing from Oak Valley for the third time, riders bade farewell to the Elgin Valley, with a neutral zone taking them through Grabouw and racing commencing on the road approaching the Eikenhof Dam. A quick surge of lactic acid would bring riders to the summit of Viljoen’s Pass, where teams would turn left on to the tar and descend quickly down the

historic pass in the direction of the critically low Theewaterskloof Dam. A flat, fast section of farm roads cutting through lush orchards then spat riders out on to a momentum-killing dualtrack, awash with pebbles that required brute force to overcome. At the 40km mark, riders’ spines would receive a reprieve from the rugged trail, as the route reached the pristine surface of the 7km Franschhoek Pass. This was the moment the roadies had been waiting for!

Schurter is now the reigning World Cross Country, Olympic and Absa Cape Epic Champion After descending the other side of the pass, a severely rutted descent reminded riders that this was still a rugged mountain bike race.: “Don’t destroy yourself within spitting distance of Val de Vie” was what went through the minds of many.

A few minor bumps lay in wait on the sandy 25km run in to Val de Vie, where the estate’s lush green polo fields provided

an oasis of a finishing line, throbbing with the buzz of thousands of excited family members, friends and fans. When it comes to the sharp end of the race, a tradition inherited from road cycling’s Grand Tours, the last day of the Absa Cape Epic is traditionally the “easiest” day on paper. While it certainly is no tranquil coffee ride, if the time gaps are big enough to rule out any changes in the overall lead the last stage is designed to allow the leaders, and every other team in the event for that matter, a moment to reflect and arrive at the finish triumphant. For this reason, it is not very often that the leading men or women’s teams contest the last stage in either category. They generally allow other teams to battle it out, preferring to arrive on the finishing straight alone, savouring each and every second of their week’s success.

1 Riders ascend the Franschhoek Pass, its tarred surface a sharp contrast to that on the Groenlandberg the day before 2 Mariske Strauss and Annie Last all smiles with just a few kilometres to go

DISTRICT

Sibusiso Vilane @sibueverest

FARM

Our Epic looks during final stage of @CapeEpic Sefiso, you rose well my brother. @EmperorAsset @Bellscycling1 @firstascentSA We Rock!

36%

SINGLETRACK

TAR

34% Laureus SA

@Laureus_sa

Congratulations to our YES protege @WilliamMokgopo & race partner Phillimon Sebona on winning the @Absa @CapeEpic Exxaro special jersey!

Manuel Fumic @ManuelFumic

Officially a Lion... @CapeEpic #Amabubesi

Mediclinic SA

GRAND FINALE (STAGE 7) WINNERS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Men

Scott-Sram Young Guns

Michiel Van der Heijden

Andri Frischknecht

2 : 5 7. 1 4 , 9

Women

Ascendis Health

Sabine Spitz

Robyn de Groot

3 : 3 4 . 27,0

Masters

BMC Absa Racing Team

Cadel Evans

George Hincapie

3 : 1 0.1 2 , 2

Grand Masters

Meerendal CBC 3

Barti Bucher

Heinz Zoerweg

3 : 2 2 . 24 ,7

Mixed

Scott-Sram Nextlevel

Jenny Rissveds

Thomas Frischknecht

3:21.42,6

OVERALL WINNERS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Men

Scott-Sram MTB

Nino Schurter

Matthias Stirnemann

26:35.06,5

Women

Meerendal CBC

Esther SÃ¼ss

Jennie Stenerhag

31:39.43,7

Masters

BMC Absa Racing Team

Cadel Evans

George Hincapie

29:28.57,5

Grand Masters

Meerendal CBC 3

Barti Bucher

Heinz Zoerweg

31:23.01,5

Mixed

Scott-Sram Nextlevel

Jenny Rissveds

Thomas Frischknecht

31:27.29,4

@Mediclinic

Elmar Spritz, heart transplant rider greeted by Dr Jann Killops from @Mediclinic at the end of @CapeEpic

SPECIAL JERSEYS Category

Team

Rider 1

Rider 2

Time

Absa African

PYGA Euro Steel

Philip Buys

Matthys Beukes

27:36.12,8

Exxaro

Diepsloot MTB Academy 1

William Mokgopo

Phillimon Sebona

32:20.28,6

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

bittersweet ending for Sabine Spitz and Robyn de Groot, who missed out on the overall title, but claimed victory on the last stage ahead of Strauss and Last. A huge roar accompanied Esther Süss and Jennie Stenerhag as the Meerendal CBC duo crossed the Val de Vie finish line third, earning themselves the coveted title of 2017 Absa Cape Epic Champions. Hansgrohe Cadence OMX Pro Team’s Mariske Strauss and Annie Last’s consistency saw them earning second overall while Spitz and De Groot of Team Ascendis hung on for the final Moments later, a jubilant Nino Schurter podium spot. and Matthias Stinermann exploded on to the finishing straight to take third on The only leaders’ jerseys to swap the stage, and most importantly, cement shoulders on the final day were those in their names into the annals of history as the Dimension Data Masters race. Roadies Cadel Evans and George Hincapie put the 2017 Absa Cape Epic Champions. This would crown a remarkable trio of in a phenomenal effort on Franschhoek victories for Schurter (and his Scott- Pass, to overturn the almost three minute Sram team), who is now the reigning World Cross Country, Olympic and Absa Cape Epic Champion. In keeping with this tradition, both Scott Sram Racing XC and Meerendal CBC entered Val de Vie unaccompanied, to the applause of the crowds lining the barriers. The prestigious final stage victory went to Scott-Sram Young Guns Andri Frischknecht and Michiel Van der Heijden, who earned themselves their second stage win of the 2017 edition. Just 17 seconds back were Italians Damiano Ferraro and Fabian Rabensteiner of TrekSelle San Marco, who claimed second on the day.

In the Hansgrohe Women’s race Team Ascendis and Hansgrohe Cadence OMX Pro Team arrived onto the polo fields neck and neck, which developed into a fierce sprint for the line. After all their bad luck during the past week it was a 86

deficit they started the day with. It was absolute heartache for Spaniards Miser and Zugasti of Orbea Factory, who had held the lead for the previous six stages. Both Hincapie and Evans thoroughly enjoyed the Absa Cape Epic experience and winning the Masters category was the icing on the cake for the two former professional road racers. Having covered 651km and climbed an astonishing 14 550 vertical metres on their journey from Meerendal Wine Estate to the polo fields of Val de Vie, riders of all shapes, sizes and nationalities celebrated the achievement of safely negotiating the 14th edition of the Untamed African Experience ... the world’s foremost mountain bike stage race. From first to last, every Cape Epic finisher is a hero!

1 A later-than-usual start gave riders some extra sleep

6 Hill of a thing: one of the last descents on the 2017 Absa Cape Epic

2 A Land Rover Discovery Sport leads the riders out on the neutral section at the beginning of the stage

7 Party time: Nino Schurter and Matthias Stirnemann celebrate their Absa Cape Epic triumph

3 The end is nigh!

8 A group pushes the pace up the Franschhoek Pass

4 The field says goodbye to Oak Valley

9 Esther Süss and Jennie Stenerhag on their way to Absa Cape Epic triumph

5 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans and George Hincapie power past the rest of the Masters Category field to snatch the win

9 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

RIDER ROUND UP

3- 2

430-1

175-1 88

Jaroslav Kulhavy

Matthys Beukes

Investec Songo Specialized

PYGA Euro Steel

I always like the last stage! It was quite dusty and

This was a fast stage with the pace high

very fast. I really enjoyed every kilometre.

and the course sandy.

TIME 2:59.12

9-2

Oliver Munnik

Robyn de Groot

MCL

Ascendis Health

It was a great way to finish the Cape Epic. Loving the finish venue as well.

It was a bit windy, but the route wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t too hard. The idea wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t to go too fast, but we had so much fun we went much faster than planned!

TIME 1:47.19

TIME 3:54.28

TIME 2:59.16

51-2

TIME 3:34.27

Christof Bischof

Cecil Munch

Bischibikes

CANSA Active iLoveboobies2

You would think the final stage is easy, but it is not. It was tough, sandy and I had to use a lot of power to get through the sand without stopping. But all in all I am so happy to be at the finish line!

It was quite creative. From a distance you could see the finish at Val de Vie and you just want to get there, but then they take you for a few left and right turns before you reach home. Every second was worthwhile with the great

294-2

TIME 5:25.40

singletrack.

1 Champers for the champions: Nino Schurter and Matthias Stirnemann celebrate their first Absa Cape Epic victory. Five-time winner Christoph Sauser garciously congratulates them 2 All smiles from Exxaro special jersey winners William Mokgopo and Phillimon Sebona

3 A grand Grand Finale: Michiel van der Heijden and Andri Frischknecht snatch the last stage 4 Barti Bucher, pictured, and Heinz Zoerweg overwhelmed the Grand Masters Category 4 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

1 A warm welcome from the Anna Foundation

10 Jose Hermida and Purito Rodriguez, perhaps the most chatty riders in the entire field, celebrate their finish

2 Danish delight: a rider from Denmark celebrates

11 Spanish Armada: a group of riders from Spain celebrate a successful finish

3 Francesco Fortunato and Silvio Scarafoni (Ciclotech) end their 2017 Absa Cape Epic journey

12 Nico Johannes Kotze and Yolandi Steyn (HPI Mufasa) are overcome by delight at the finish

4 Lucas Gisbert Vives and Stephan Fremeijer Pronk (Cala Bandida) heading for a well-deserved finisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shirt

13 Gavin and Brendan Williams (Rennie Farms InteliGro) are happy finishers

5 Stephane Pouillet and Nicolas Ferre (Konica Minolta - BIG MAT) celebrate their achievement in extravagant fashion

14 Americans Paul Braun and Kevin Cadieux (Halo) hoist their bikes in celebration

6 Henning Blaauw and Louise Ferreira (Globeflight)

15 Pumped: Portuguese/Angolan duo Olavo Fernandes and Eleuterio Gomes (GICATE BIKE TEAM) cross the line for the last time in 2017

7 Winners all: the category winners parade their jerseys 8 Yes! Heartfelt celebrations from Fritz Egli and Marco Luthi (Meerendal CBC 7) at the finish 9 Bubbly - and some tears - flowed at the Val de Vie finish line as Esther SĂźss and Jennie Stenerhag celebrated

16 Now for the beers! Adam Schoeman and Johan van Rooyen (Mediclinic Lowveld) are happy finishers 17 Mannie Fumic and Henrique Avancini celebrate their 2017 race 18 Flying the flag: Brazilians Rafael Martins and Christiano Goulart (Amigos do Daniel) cross the line 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

Val de Vie Estate, Paarl The idea behind “Val de Vie” was sparked 30 years ago when Martin Venter dreamed of a place in the winelands his family could call home. For many years he searched for the ideal location and then in 2001 he found it while flying over the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley. Alongside the Berg River lay a wine farm dating back to 1783: this would be the “Valley of Life” that he had been dreaming of. Martin took on the challenge of transforming the sand mine that was then in operation into a lush paradise. Today the land has been turned into a flourishing estate and Martin’s dream has been realised. In 2017 the Absa

Cape Epic finished at Val de Vie for the first time. Expect Val de Vie and mountain biking to have a long association in future. Franschhoek is a known for its centuries-old vineyards, the excellent wine they produce and Cape Dutch architecture. The Huguenot Memorial Museum and neighbouring monument honour the area’s French settlers, who arrived in the 17th and 18th centuries.

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

The mane men … and a woman How did the Last Lions fare in 2017? Since its launch 2004 the Absa Cape Epic has traversed 10 838km of rugged Western Cape countryside in its 14 editions. That ground was covered in 113 stages, including nine Prologues and one mid-race time trial.

Steyn, a 51-year-old geneticist/microbiologist from Knysna; Mike Nixon, a 58-year-old commercial property developer from Cape Town; John Gale, a 48-year-old chartered accountant in Cape Town; and Craig Beech, a 44-year-old conservationist from Somerset West.

Riders who took part in every one of those races would have gained an eye-watering 221 787m in total vertical ascent On February 28, 2004, all four of them were among the 550 (climbing) since 2004. riders gathering in the dawn light in Knysna for a pedal into the unknown. And so they continued every year as the race But surely nobody could have negotiated all that without evolved into the world’s foremost of its type. once crashing out or succumbing to illness or irreparably breaking a bike? Each year as one or the other of the Last Lions decides not to race or drops out the numbers will obviously drop until we Astonishingly there are four such people. They are Hannele have only one rider who has finished every event. He or she will be the Last Lion,” said Naudé. All four were once again on the starting line in 2017. So how did they do?

“I just love the race and the challenge it throws at you” Hannele Steyn

Steyn, riding with Nicky Giliomee, finished 184th overall in 38:44.27 while Nixon and partner Jasper van Dijk were 292nd overall after 42:12.19 in the saddle. Gale and Chanan Weiss finished 234th in 40:15.37 while Beech and partner Alberto Puddu came home 477th on 51:16.22.

In other words – and more important minded hooligans gather together than their placing or finish times – all and each year new acquaintances and four finished and are still in the contest friendships are fostered. to become the Last Lion. And who better to comment on how We asked the Fabulous Four a few the event has changed over the years? questions about what it is that keeps them going. “The whole race has changed phenomenally, from the route, to the Nixon responds: “The feeling of being accommodation, to the food, to the well-prepared and ready for another services – mechanic, laundry, bag Cape Epic. The four months of training service, massage services, nutrition that go into it make you feel so damn services, internet, etcetera, etcetera,” good in March each year.” says Steyn. “You only know if you can do it once Nixon says that “without a doubt (the you have done it. And having done it biggest change has been) the format before does not mean you will survive change from the Knysna to Cape Town another one!” says Gale. “Every Cape route to the current Clover leaf.” Epic teaches you something about yourself, and the harder this learning is, “The breed of Adventurers who the more valuable it is.” were drawn to the first Epics have gradually been replaced by a breed of Beech has a philosophical view: “Life Technicians,” says Gale. “In the early gets busy with work and family and days we knew nothing, and the guys travels and there are months on end around us knew nothing. We were where one cannot find, or cluster, a genuinely exploring the unknown. routine together. The love of the sport is Today’s rider is empowered: they know at the heart of it. I have done a few races everything and have every equipment, and rides in Europe and regionally and skill and support. Today’s rider is a still the Absa Cape Epic stands out from skilled and experienced technical rider the rest. It is tough, very challenging in every sense.” and is extremely well organised. Like-

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

NEW AMABUBESI MEMBERS Abrie Fouche, South Africa Adam Foster, England Adrian Payne, South Africa Alistair Haigh-Smith, South Africa Andreas Bader, Germany Andrew David James, South Africa Andrew Duvenage, South Africa Anele Mtalana, South Africa Antonio Gasso, Spain Antony Daniels, South Africa Arrie Rautenbach, South Africa Attie Conradie, South Africa Braam Gericke, South Africa Bruce Hughes, South Africa Charl-Pierre Esterhuyse, South Africa Chris Norton, South Africa Chris Smit, South Africa Christo Bestbier, South Africa Claude Tyers, South Africa Colin Crowley, Ireland Corne Barnard, South Africa Craig Denbury, England Dave Aitken, South Africa Dave Hanbury, South Africa

David Ellis, South Africa David Oz, Israel Dawid Malan, South Africa Dawood Osman, South Africa Derek Chung, Hong Kong Des Nangle, Ireland Eugenio Parra, Chile Filip Adel, Czech Republic Francesco Fortunato, Italy Fritz Egli, Switzerland Galo Tamayo, Ecuador Geert Mertens, Belgium Geoff Pinnock, South Africa George Fisher, South Africa Graham McCollum, South Africa Guido Flauaus, Germany Herbert Korblet, Netherlands Jakobus Van Der Poel, South Africa Jaroslav Kulhavy, Czech Republic Jason Bailey, South Africa Jason Smit, South Africa Jasper Van Dijk, Netherlands Jean Christophe Vassor, Reunion Jock Walter, South Africa

John Kettlewell, South Africa Khumbudzo Masala, South Africa Kim-Maike Finck, Germany Manuel Fumic, Germany Marc Sabate Rius, Spain Marcel Bachmann, Switzerland Marcel Boss, Switzerland Maria Lizama, Chile Mariske Strauss, South Africa Marius Nel, South Africa Mark Bowman, South Africa Markus Sterf, Switzerland Martin Cilliers, South Africa Mike Augoustides, South Africa Neil Fourie, South Africa Neil Smith, England Neil Vlaming, South Africa Nick Cooke, South Africa Nick Stephenson, South Africa Nicky Webb, South Africa Otto Andreas Solberg, Norway Peter Felber, Switzerland Peter Winn, South Africa Ray Wilson, South Africa

Retief Joyce, South Africa Riaan Manser, South Africa Richard Scott, South Africa Robert Rorich, South Africa Robert Duff, New Zealand Robert Kitching, South Africa Robyn de Groot, South Africa Rynard Van Hoven, South Africa Sabelo Mncwabe, South Africa Seamus O’Neill, Botswana Stephan Coppelmans, Netherlands Stephane Pouillet, France Stephen O’brien, South Africa Steven Bark, South Africa Steven Parker, South Africa Tanya Rabie, South Africa Tiaan Pretorius, South Africa Tobie Visser, South Africa Toni De La Asuncion, Spain Tony Perez, Spain Warren Stewart, South Africa Werner Bosman, South Africa

OVERALL RESULTS GC CAT Time

Team [Category] Race-Number Name (Country)

GC CAT Time

Team [Category] Race-Number Name (Country)

26:35.06,5

Scott-Sram MTB Racing [Men] 5-1. Nino Schurter (Switzerland) 5-2. Matthias Stirnemann (Switzerland)

43 34

32:23.41,8

Gear [Men] 22-1. Andrew Grobler (South Africa) 22-2. Guylin van den Berg (South Africa)

26:43.13,9

Investec-Songo-Specialized [Men] 3-1. Christoph Sauser (Switzerland) 3-2. Jaroslav Kulhavy (Czech Republic)

44 3

32:26.46,0 Ascendis Health [Women] 51-1. Sabine Spitz (Germany) 51-2. Robyn de Groot (South Africa)

26:54.41,3

Centurion Vaude 2 [Men] 16-1. Nicola Rohrbach (Switzerland) 16-2. Daniel Geismayr (Austria)

45 35

32:31.44,0

K7Bikes-Velochannel.com [Men] 660-1. Maxime Nguyen (France) 660-2. Vincent Lombardi (France)

26:55.39,2

Kansai Plascon [Men] 7-1. Hector Leonardo Paez Leon (Colombia) 7-2. Max Knox (South Africa)

46 2

32:32.49,9

Joberg2C-Valencia [Mixed] 565-1. Grant Usher (South Africa) 565-2. Amy Beth McDougall (South Africa)

27:04.57,0

Cannondale Factory Racing XC [Men] 8-1. Manuel Fumic (Germany) 8-2. Henrique Avancini (Brazil)

32:36.19,6

Oakhaven Capital [Masters] 340-1. Michael Creedon (Ireland) 340-2. Andrew Cairns (South Africa)

27:08.58,9

Scott-Sram Young Guns [Men] 18-1. Michiel Van der Heijden (Netherlands) 18-2. Andri Frischknecht (Switzerland)

48 36

32:38.38,0

Breedenet [Men] 549-1. Charl-Pierre Esterhuyse (South Africa) 549-2. CP van Wyk (South Africa)

27:36.12,8

PYGA Euro Steel [Men] 9-1. Philip Buys (South Africa) 9-2. Matthys Beukes (South Africa)

49 7

32:43.41,7

Podium Sports [Masters] 65-1. Nic Lamond (South Africa) 65-2. Simon Lamond (South Africa)

27:48.45,2

Topeak Ergon Racing [Men] 4-1. Alban Lakata (Austria) 4-2. Kristian Hynek (Czech Republic)

50 8

32:45.16,9

GACOSUR IEDES CENTAURO [Masters] 68-1. Manuel Rojo Nieto (Spain) 68-2. Jorge Lopez Janeiro (Spain)

27:52.40,6

Centurion Vaude [Men] 6-1. Jochen Kaess (Germany) 6-2. Markus Kaufmann (Germany)

32:49.49,2

Spur [Women] 50-1. Ariane LŸthi (Switzerland) 50-2. Adelheid Morath (Germany)

28:03.21,3

Claes - Carabin [Men] 24-1. Frans Claes (Belgium) 24-2. Sebastien Carabin (Belgium)

32:51.07,4

Eurocasa Gaggenau [Masters] 609-1. Richard Lurie (South Africa) 609-2. Brent Russell (South Africa)

29:24.16,6

MERIDA FACTORY RACING [Men] 20-1. Jose Hermida (Spain) 20-2. Joaquim (Purito) Rodriguez (Spain)

33:01.12,1

Assos Spain [Men] 36-1. Cristian Cofine (Spain) 36-2. Francisco Lopez de Gea (Spain)

NAD Pro MTB [Men] 14-1. Nico Bell (South Africa) 14-2. Gawie Combrinck (South Africa)

29:24.37,2

KTM Pro Team [Men] 29-1. Manuel Pliem (Austria) 29-2. David Schšggl (Austria)

28:05.11,6

20 1

29:28.57,5

BMC Absa Racing Team [Masters] 63-1. Cadel Evans (Australia) 63-2. George Hincapie (United States of America)

28:06.53,4 Bulls [Men] 1-1. Karl Platt (Germany) 1-2. Urs Huber (Switzerland)

29:30.36,0 Ryder/RED-E [Men] 11-1. Matthew Beers (South Africa) 11-2. Konny Looser (Switzerland)

28:10.53,9

Buff Scott [Men] 40-1. Ismael Ventura (Spain) 40-2. Enrique Morcillo Vergara (Spain)

29:34.18,8

Orbea Factory [Masters] 35-1. Tomi Misser (Spain) 35-2. Ibon Zugasti (Spain)

28:21.55,9

Topeak Ergon Racing 2 [Men] 15-1. Erik Kleinhans (South Africa) 15-2. Jeremiah Bishop (United States of America)

29:36.07,6

CST Sandd American Eagle [Masters] 61-1. Bart Brentjens (Netherlands) 61-2. Abraao Azevedo (Brazil)

28:30.26,2

Bioracer-Apollo Sports [Men] 31-1. Calle Friberg (Sweden) 31-2. Matthias Wengelin (Sweden)

29:39.36,2

Buff-Scott [Men] 25-1. Joan Llordella (Spain) 25-2. Adria Noguera Soldevila (Spain)

28:35.37,5

Mitas Superior [Men] 42-1. Filip Adel (Czech Republic) 42-2. Tomas Visnovsky (Slovakia)

29:43.20,5

SPOT Africa-Agrichem [Men] 39-1. Timothy Hammond (South Africa) 39-2. Dominic Calitz (South Africa)

29:16.33,7

The Gear Change [Men] 141-1. Justin Tuck (South Africa) 141-2. David George (South Africa)

29:49.03,9 BCX [Men] 10-1. Hendrik Kruger (South Africa) 10-2. Waylon Woolcock (South Africa)

54 5

33:02.42,8

Hollard-Velocity Sports Lab [Women] 138-1. Carmen Buchacher (South Africa) 138-2. Michelle Vorster (Namibia)

29:54.15,0

Trek-Selle San Marco 2 [Men] 13-1. Damiano Ferraro (Italy) 13-2. Fabian Rabensteiner (Italy)

33:05.11,5

Haibike-Noxon [Men] 598-1. Damiano Tedeschi (Italy) 598-2. Daniele Fabbri (Italy)

30:00.10,2

Imbuko Freewheel Cycology [Men] 23-1. Christopher Wolhuter (South Africa) 23-2. Dylan Rebello (South Africa)

33:08.16,6

@40 [Masters] 64-1. Hannes Hanekom (South Africa) 64-2. Ben Melt Swanepoel (South Africa)

30:07.17,4

Bulls 2 [Men] 12-1. Simon Stiebjahn (Germany) 12-2. Tim Boehme (Germany)

33:12.39,9

Park Bikes Australia [Men] 478-1. James McDulling (Australia) 478-2. Alexander Wong (Australia)

30 27

30:50.15,5

Kansai Plascon 2 [Men] 21-1. Mirko Pirazzoli (Italy) 21-2. Alessandro Gambino (Italy)

33:14.28,3

Sven and Sven [Men] 74-1. Sven Nys (Belgium) 74-2. Sven Vanthourenhout (Belgium)

30:51.30,8

Alouettes.ch [Men] 149-1. Joachim Loetscher (Switzerland) 149-2. David Tschanz (Switzerland)

33:15.00,7

DormaKaba SA [Women] 55-1. Candice Lill (South Africa) 55-2. Vera Adrian (Namibia)

30:58.37,6

NFB - Spine & Sport [Men] 27-1. Craig Uria (South Africa) 27-2. Andrew Duvenage (South Africa)

60 3

33:17.08,7

RBI Tech - Mitas [Mixed] 71-1. Johan Labuschagne (South Africa) 71-2. Catherine Williamson (England)

31:21.20,3

William Simpson [Men] 33-1. Michael Posthumus (South Africa) 33-2. Derrin Smith (South Africa)

33:17.11,4

Sram PYGA [Masters] 534-1. David Evans (Australia) 534-2. Anthony Shippard (England)

34 1

31:23.01,5

Meerendal CBC 3 [Grand Masters] 67-1. Barti Bucher (Switzerland) 67-2. Heinz Zoerweg (Austria)

33:22.43,9

FluryTools AG Switzerland [Men] 531-1. Marcel Boss (Switzerland) 531-2. Matthias Flury (Switzerland)

31:25.50,3

Scott Geiger [Men] 30-1. Tudor Oprea (Romania) 30-2. Logigan Lucian (Romania)

33:26.20,4

BusinessPrint [Masters] 314-1. Fanie Venter (South Africa) 314-2. Kobus Barnard (South Africa)

31:27.29,4

Scott-Sram Nextlevel [Mixed] 70-1. Jenny Rissveds (Sweden) 70-2. Thomas Frischknecht (Switzerland)

64 42

33:29.42,7

Go In Bike Shop Sursee [Men] 275-1. Hans Fluck (Switzerland) 275-2. Adrian Muri (Switzerland)

31:39.43,7

Meerendal CBC [Women] 52-1. Esther Süss (Switzerland) 52-2. Jennie Stenerhag (Sweden)

33:33.20,6

Gear Change II [Men] 133-1. Craig Denbury (England) 133-2. James Lennard (South Africa)

31:57.26,3

ROCKY MOUNTAIN - toMotion [Masters] 62-1. Thorsten Keller (Germany) 62-2. Max Friedrich (Germany)

66 44

33:35.20,7

Gear Dunkeld [Men] 455-1. Angus Alexander (South Africa) 455-2. Rowan Grobler (South Africa)

32:07.34,8

LGE Midas/Slender-Wonder [Masters] 330-1. Igna de Villiers (South Africa) 330-2. Paul Theron (South Africa)

33:38.57,8

Virseker [Men] 358-1. Jason Deane (South Africa) 358-2. Fred Buter (South Africa)

40 2

32:15.03,0

Hansgrohe Cadence OMX Pro [Women] 54-1. Mariske Strauss (South Africa) 54-2. Annie Last (England)

68 4

33:44.38,2

Fairtree Capital [Mixed] 72-1. Corrie Muller (South Africa) 72-2. Mari Rabie (South Africa)

32:20.02,8

Provincial Logistics [Men] 335-1. Franso Steyn (South Africa) 335-2. Jandri Ferreira (South Africa)

69 46

33:48.30,5

Macbrothers [Men] 336-1. Matthew McCollum (South Africa) 336-2. Graham McCollum (South Africa)

42 33

32:20.28,6

Diepsloot MTB Academy 1 [Men] 376-1. William Mokgopo (South Africa) 376-2. Phillimon Sebona (South Africa)

70 13

33:49.21,4

Dimension Data [Masters] 230-1. Michael Abendanon (South Africa) 230-2. Andy Davies (England)

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

GC CAT Time

Team [Category] Race-Number Name (Country)

GC CAT Time

Team [Category] Race-Number Name (Country)

33:56.42,7

ABSA Bus Boys [Grand Masters] 304-1. Greg Anderson (South Africa) 304-2. Deon Kruger (South Africa)

106 25

35:24.19,1

Surgical Institute [Masters] 620-1. Matthew Miller (South Africa) 620-2. Vaughn Roux (South Africa)

33:57.00,1

Meerendal CBC 2 [Women] 53-1. Hielke Elferink (Netherlands) 53-2. Cornelia Hug (Switzerland)

107 26

35:25.43,2

Hills Angels Cycling Team [Masters] 618-1. Tom Schwob (Switzerland) 618-2. Reto Walser (Switzerland)

33:57.17,3

Merchants [Women] 438-1. Jeannie Bomford (South Africa) 438-2. Samantha Sanders (South Africa)

108 65

35:28.19,9

Meerendal CBC Mediclinic [Men] 435-1. Francois Botha (South Africa) 435-2. Ruan Louw (South Africa)

34:03.18,4

BMT Academy Fairtree 1 [Men] 362-1. Luyanda Thobigunya (South Africa) 362-2. Baphelele Mbobo (South Africa)

109 3

35:33.36,7

Pitstop1Sport24hrs [Grand Masters] 342-1. Waleed Baker (South Africa) 342-2. Marius Nel (South Africa)

34:06.01,3

New World St Martins [Mixed] 668-1. Willy Williams (New Zealand) 668-2. Kate Fluker (New Zealand)

110 10

35:34.21,4

Spur Foundation [Women] 57-1. Alice Pirard (Belgium) 57-2. Sabrina Enaux (France)

34:12.45,5

TEAM 1 JOC [Masters] 645-1. Moolman Welgemoed (South Africa) 645-2. John O'Connor (South Africa)

111

35:43.51,4

Asport Luxembourg [Masters] 567-1. Christian Poos (Luxembourg) 567-2. Franck Sertic (France)

34:13.19,6

Ciclotech [Men] 202-1. Francesco Fortunato (Italy) 202-2. Silvio Scarafoni (Italy)

112 7

35:53.59,4

Vejer Bike [Mixed] 625-1. Cristina Barberan (Spain) 625-2. Jesus Morillo Romero (Spain)

34:17.36,8

Bestmed a[s]g Lambano [Men] 590-1. Thys Blom (South Africa) 590-2. Wynand van der Berg (South Africa)

113 66

35:59.59,8

Ruwacon Cycle World [Men] 592-1. Pieter Benjamin Korkie (South Africa) 592-2. Dirk Maarsingh (South Africa)

34:17.51,9

MCL [Men] 430-1. Oliver Munnik (South Africa) 430-2. Mark Pienaar (South Africa)

114 28

36:00.29,0 Super Doors [Masters] 193-1. Alex Kruger (South Africa) 193-2. Robert Kitching (South Africa)

80 15

34:21.05,3

24/7 Security Services [Masters] 302-1. David de Lima (South Africa) 302-2. David Cooke (South Africa)

115 67

36:04.52,1

RMB Change a Life [Men] 371-1. Ndumiso Dontso (South Africa) 371-2. Sipho Kupiso (South Africa)

34:23.40,6 Fairis-Amarok-Uniandes [Men] 666-1. Galo Tamayo (Ecuador) 666-2. Jose Bernardo Vintimilla Corral (Ecuador)

116 68

36:05.23,9

Trust Mitas [Men] 665-1. Brecht Seynaeve (Belgium) 665-2. Bart Seynaeve (Belgium)

34:26.56,2

117 4

36:05.46,4 Cape Airconditioning [Grand Masters] 594-1. Landon la Grange (South Africa) 594-2. Peter Winn (South Africa)

34:38.46,6 Konica Minolta - BIG MAT [Masters] 396-1. Stephane Pouillet (France) 396-2. Nicolas Ferre (France)

118 29

36:07.07,2

Douglas Jones [Masters] 119-1. Rens Rezelman (South Africa) 119-2. Shaun Payne (South Africa)

84 53

34:38.48,9

DMA Absa [Men] 361-1. Sean Baloyi (South Africa) 361-2. Luke Mashiane (South Africa)

119 30

36:10.48,9

Rosebuddies [Masters] 507-1. Lars Rosencrantz (Sweden) 507-2. Daniel Laven (Sweden)

Sprint for Sbrinz [Men] 407-1. Patrick Born (Switzerland) 407-2. Tobias LĹ¸thi (Switzerland)

34:41.06,2

Novus/Dachser [Masters] 337-1. Christoff Botha (South Africa) 337-2. Thorkild Nielsen (South Africa)

120 69

36:15.40,6

Bestmed BUI [Men] 170-1. Malcolm Barske (South Africa) 170-2. Julien van der Pluym (South Africa)

86 18

34:43.32,6

Spiider [Masters] 352-1. Pierre Griffioen (South Africa) 352-2. Fritz Pienaar (South Africa)

121 70

36:17.23,5

Plvs Vltra 2 [Men] 32-1. Josef Ajram (Spain) 32-2. Nacho Gomez (Spain)

34:44.12,5

Forte Sportswear [Men] 527-1. Herbert Korblet (Netherlands) 527-2. Matthieu Tanke (Netherlands)

122 31

36:23.04,5

Lucidity 4 Kids Haven [Masters] 333-1. Paul Newman (South Africa) 333-2. Neil Vlaming (South Africa)

34:46.28,9 Songo-Investec 1 [Men] 373-1. Thando Klaas (South Africa) 373-2. Lorenzo Leroux (South Africa)

123 71

36:23.34,1

Vojo - Scott [Men] 85-1. Olivier Beart (Belgium) 85-2. Jeffry Goethals (Belgium)

89 56

34:46.54,2 Ridgeway cycles [Men] 163-1. Deon Van Vuuren (South Africa) 163-2. Steven Bark (South Africa)

124 32

36:24.19,2

Cycle World Racing [Masters] 216-1. Jean Fourie (South Africa) 216-2. Francois Oosthuizen (South Africa)

90 57

34:47.20,0

Land Rover 5 [Men] 369-1. Mboneni Ngcobo (South Africa) 369-2. Sthembiso Masango (South Africa)

125 33

36:28.35,5

Fast Asleep [Masters] 256-1. Michael Meyer (South Africa) 256-2. Jakub Sadzik (South Africa)

34:48.18,9

Free Force / Projesan [Men] 663-1. Pedro Francisco Vieira Neto (Brazil) 663-2. Valmor Hausmann (Brazil)

126 72

36:34.52,1

Vantastic Mercedes-Benz [Men] 84-1. Till Schenk (Germany) 84-2. Stefan Zelle (Germany)

34:49.34,0 Sport 24 2 [Masters] 530-1. Conway Oliver (South Africa) 530-2. Paul Winter (South Africa)

127 8

36:34.59,7

Globeflight [Mixed] 49-1. Henning Blaauw (South Africa) 49-2. Louise Ferreira (South Africa)

34:52.44,3

Motor Mile Racing [Mixed] 449-1. Bradley Cobb (United States of America) 449-2. Carla Williams (United States of America)

128 11

36:36.17,1

Galileo Risk Garmin [Women] 56-1. Theresa Ralph (South Africa) 56-2. Yolandi du Toit (South Africa)

94 59

34:55.13,2

RA [Men] 494-1. Corne Barnard (South Africa) 494-2. Cobus Snyman (South Africa)

129 9

36:36.54,2

Comus Clif Bar [Mixed] 583-1. Jean-Luc Perez (France) 583-2. Muriel Bouhet (France)

34:57.31,9

Meerendal CBC Demacon [Men] 226-1. Hein du Toit (South Africa) 226-2. Ignus Oosthuizen (South Africa)

130 5

36:44.42,4 Bestmed Jaguar Sandton [Grand Masters] 312-1. Rex Benson (South Africa) 312-2. Rory Mapstone (South Africa)

96 61

35:03.45,5

PW Fit/Stean Nicholls [Men] 493-1. Jorma Mueller (United States of America) 493-2. Lachlan Hutchins (Australia)

131 34

36:48.23,7

Gear Dunkeld Cycles 1 [Masters] 89-1. Marc Wiederkehr (South Africa) 89-2. Gus Klohn (South Africa)

35:03.48,7

Mitas Textra Czech [Masters] 443-1. Lubos Kouble (Czech Republic) 443-2. Tomas Hromadko (Czech Republic)

132 73

36:51.51,0

Advanced Infrastructure [Men] 167-1. Louis du Toit (South Africa) 167-2. Matt Osborne (South Africa)

98 62

35:06.52,5

Avoras - #wirfueryannic [Men] 639-1. Lars Wichert (Germany) 639-2. Jan Philipp Birkner (Germany)

133 74

36:54.51,6

Land Rover 7 [Men] 370-1. Syanda Masango (South Africa) 370-2. Luvuyo Siyasi (South Africa)

99 63

35:08.52,7

Land Rover Windhoek [Men] 638-1. Frederick van Greunen (Namibia) 638-2. Wim Steenkamp (Namibia)

134 75

36:57.15,1

Medial Pivots [Men] 640-1. Clive White (South Africa) 640-2. Hannes Jonker (South Africa)

100 21

35:12.02,6

MTB van de Haterd [Masters] 451-1. John van de Wouw (Netherlands) 451-2. Freddie van der Schoot (Netherlands)

135 35

36:58.24,7

Freewheel Bike [Masters] 265-1. Kevin Ishaug (United States of America) 265-2. Alan Eastlund (United States of America)

101 22

35:12.06,1

Western Racing [Masters] 116-1. Rikus Visser (South Africa) 116-2. Neil Swarts (South Africa)

136 36

36:58.39,4

Firstbike Focus [Masters] 261-1. Paulo Ferreira (Portugal) 261-2. Samuel Aguiar (Portugal)

102 64

35:18.56,8

Exxaro MTB Academy2 [Men] 365-1. Anele Mtalana (South Africa) 365-2. Rilamulele Gadabeni (South Africa)

137 76

36:59.33,2

CCN FOIL [Men] 188-1. Nicholas Mingay (South Africa) 188-2. Alistair Haigh-Smith (South Africa)

103 23

35:20.39,3

Epic Israel [Masters] 471-1. Gal Tsachor (Israel) 471-2. Noam Schiller (Israel)

138 6

37:09.46,7

ALAIN - KAPPIUS [Grand Masters] 130-1. Alain Broglia (France) 130-2. Alain Morra (France)

104 9

35:22.25,5

LIVBeyond [Women] 667-1. Fienie Barnard (South Africa) 667-2. Dalene van der Leek (South Africa)

139 77

37:13.55,5

USN [Men] 43-1. Jacques Pretorius (South Africa) 43-2. Kyle Wood (South Africa)

105 24

35:23.46,3

DStv Media Sales [Masters] 235-1. Patrick Van Schoor (South Africa) 235-2. Gavin Klerck (South Africa)

140 78

37:21.06,1

CTS / Deadgoat Racing [Men] 211-1. John Chambers (Canada) 211-2. Reid Beloni (United States of America)

GC CAT Time

Team [Category] Race-Number Name (Country)

GC CAT Time

Team [Category] Race-Number Name (Country)

141 37

37:22.36,8

Avanti Plus Palmy [Masters] 161-1. Glenn Kirk (New Zealand) 161-2. Robert Duff (New Zealand)

176 53

38:33.38,1

4RTeam [Masters] 122-1. Jan Wudy (Czech Republic) 122-2. Roman Sotola (Czech Republic)

142 38

37:22.47,6

ABJ [Masters] 124-1. Santi Coronado (Spain) 124-2. Jordi Cebria (Spain)

177 54

38:34.50,8

Dimension Data Masters [Masters] 231-1. Stefano Madies (South Africa) 231-2. Tinus Scheepers (South Africa)

143 10

37:23.06,2

SAICA [Mixed] 139-1. Ila Stow (South Africa) 139-2. Darryn Stow (South Africa)

178 55

38:35.17,1

Cornerstone Cycles [Masters] 670-1. John Swanepoel (South Africa) 670-2. Chris Smit (South Africa)

144 79

37:25.54,0

RMB Change a Life 1 [Men] 372-1. Bongumusa Zikhali (South Africa) 372-2. Mazwi Smimango (South Africa)

179 56

38:39.27,6

4 The Boys [Masters] 252-1. Steve Amos (South Africa) 252-2. Nick Stephenson (South Africa)

145 80

37:27.46,7

LynnwoodCenturion Cyclery [Men] 585-1. Dwain Butler (South Africa) 585-2. Barto van der Merwe (South Africa)

180 93

38:40.53,6

Focus Latvia [Men] 263-1. Martins Lejins (Latvia) 263-2. Martins Flaksis (Latvia)

146 39

37:29.09,4

TheHomeMag [Masters] 602-1. Jeffrey Geiskopf (United States of America) 602-2. David Pritchett (South Africa)

181 94

38:40.58,3

Absa DMA ROSS [Men] 305-1. Clement Mabula (South Africa) 305-2. Mphodisa Bruce Sebopa (South Africa)

147 40

37:30.03,7

Hill Racing [Masters] 107-1. Leo Hillinger (Austria) 107-2. Axel Naglich (Austria)

182 95

38:41.43,3

Exxaro MTB Academy3 [Men] 366-1. Delton Matsenene (South Africa) 366-2. Sabelo Mncwabe (South Africa)

148 81

37:39.25,3

Dukkes & Dunnes [Men] 239-1. Wolfgang Neff (South Africa) 239-2. Tinie Bonnet (South Africa)

183 14

38:43.21,9

Meerendal CBC 5 [Mixed] 431-1. Sabina Compassi (Switzerland) 431-2. Paul Buhler (Switzerland)

149 82

37:40.21,2

Marathon Colombia 1 [Men] 425-1. Daniel Hernandez (Colombia) 425-2. Carlos Garcia (Colombia)

184 12

38:44.27,4

Nolands Spar ladies [Women] 46-1. Hannele Steyn (South Africa) 46-2. Nicky Giliomee (South Africa)

150 41

37:41.31,9

Doringdraad [Masters] 135-1. Deon Wilkins (South Africa) 135-2. Warren Richards (South Africa)

185 57

38:45.20,3

Bike Labz [Masters] 461-1. Brian Johnsen (United States of America) 461-2. Jasper Silkeborg (Singapore)

151 83

37:42.15,4

Hansgrohe [Men] 617-1. Francois Malan (South Africa) 617-2. Chris Cronje (South Africa)

186 96

38:45.54,0 Marathon Colombia 4 [Men] 423-1. Nicolas Gomez (Colombia) 423-2. Esteban Gomez (Colombia)

152 84

37:42.39,4

Jack Rabbit [Men] 506-1. Grant Hall (South Africa) 506-2. Clinton Haley (South Africa)

187 97

38:47.48,3

153 11

37:45.13,4

Leschi [Mixed] 137-1. Christian Leschke (Germany) 137-2. Andrea Berner (Germany)

188 58

38:48.30,9 VeloRevolution Ireland [Masters] 178-1. Colin Crowley (Ireland) 178-2. Aidan Crowley (Ireland)

154 85

37:47.21,6

Insane Passion [Men] 552-1. Hector Anso Supervia (Spain) 552-2. Julien Guyart (France)

189 15

38:48.43,7

Blackpoint NMG [Mixed] 176-1. Marie Claude Baars-Respinguet (Australia) 176-2. Rod McMeeken (Australia)

155 42

37:49.16,2

Campana-Focus [Masters] 560-1. Jens Freiberg (Germany) 560-2. Sven Riedesel (Germany)

190 59

38:51.50,0

Exxaro - PwC 2 [Masters] 253-1. Francois Prinsloo (South Africa) 253-2. Michael Meyer (South Africa)

156 43

37:52.52,5

Sirius Bikes [Masters] 526-1. Dirk Richter (Germany) 526-2. Robert Rossmann (Germany)

191 60

38:53.00,7

Derailers [Masters] 228-1. Erik Minnie (South Africa) 228-2. Ettienne Kok (South Africa)

157 7

37:53.59,3

Holte MTB Club [Grand Masters] 291-1. Bo Falck Hansen (Denmark) 291-2. Carsten Kristiansen (Denmark)

192 61

38:54.08,6 ADOSA - ADDICT BIKES [Masters] 126-1. Ruben Adelantado Fernandez (Spain) 126-2. Ivan Jimenez Centella (Spain)

158 12

37:56.12,0

La Forestiere [Mixed] 568-1. Laurence Champavier (France) 568-2. Rene Vallee (France)

193 62

38:55.15,2

Cycle for Handicap [Masters] 502-1. Dominique Hardy (Mauritius) 502-2. Mark Olivier (England)

159 44

37:58.13,8

Bestmed ALI [Masters] 311-1. Herbert Smith (South Africa) 311-2. Jeandre van Schalkwyk (South Africa)

194 8

38:59.29,3

PitstopSport24hrs3 [Grand Masters] 483-1. Ahmed Zaid Mahomed (South Africa) 483-2. Dawood Osman (South Africa)

160 86

38:05.14,5

Mr. Mallo [Men] 563-1. Heinz Holsten (Germany) 563-2. Andrew Wynn (England)

195 98

39:00.00,1

iHUS [Men] 296-1. Otto Andreas Solberg (Norway) 296-2. Geir Ole Reiakvam (Norway)

161 13

38:08.27,7

Meerendal CBC 4 [Mixed] 432-1. Heinz Posch (Switzerland) 432-2. Nina Brenn (Switzerland)

196 99

39:01.36,9

Novel Ford [Men] 207-1. Jaco Carstens (South Africa) 207-2. Tiaan Pretorius (South Africa)

162 87

38:10.32,2

HespĹ˝ride.com [Men] 584-1. Pierre Lugat (France) 584-2. Alain Sueur (France)

197 63

39:01.40,6

Grenzbereich [Masters] 562-1. Mike Schramm (Germany) 562-2. Thomas Rueckel (Switzerland)

163 45

38:13.16,0

Ryttergaarden [Masters] 588-1. Michael Dall (Denmark) 588-2. Poul Kristensen (Denmark)

198 100 39:02.42,5

164 46

38:16.09,4

VTT Montoz [Masters] 632-1. Michel Frei (Switzerland) 632-2. Yves Bechtel (Switzerland)

199 64

39:02.49,8 Bati's [Masters] 198-1. Gabriel Ravasio (Argentina) 198-2. Cesar Bogunovich (Argentina)

165 47

38:16.20,6

Pinarello [Masters] 81-1. Niccolo Violati (Italy) 81-2. Carlo Miari Fulcis (Italy)

200 101

39:03.53,4

166 48

38:18.17,1

Plvs Vltra 4 [Masters] 485-1. Nacho Pujol (Spain) 485-2. Jaume Nadal Ortega (Spain)

201 102

39:04.20,7 Oafish Taxi Drivers [Men] 144-1. Dane Walsh (South Africa) 144-2. Emmanuel Fourton (France)

167 49

38:21.43,6

Loire Gestamp [Masters] 406-1. Jose Miguel Mugica Iraola (Spain) 406-2. Gorka Irazu Lizarribar (Spain)

202 65

39:05.13,8

168 50

38:23.39,9

Best of Breed [Masters] 169-1. David Macready (South Africa) 169-2. Nic Andrew (South Africa)

203 103

39:06.34,4 Spuds On The Run [Men] 605-1. Stef Stephan (South Africa) 605-2. Johan Stephan (South Africa)

169 88

38:24.04,2

Epic [Men] 38-1. Jerome Georges (France) 38-2. Arthur Georges (France)

204 16

39:06.57,1

WITL [Mixed] 491-1. Marc Sabate Rius (Spain) 491-2. Mayalen Noriega Belausteguigoitia (Spain)

170 89

38:26.02,2

Switch2 [Men] 544-1. Cobus Stofberg (South Africa) 544-2. Bruce Hughes (South Africa)

205 66

39:09.11,6

Anna Foundation [Masters] 100-1. Pierre-Henri Olivier (South Africa) 100-2. Willie Engelbrecht (South Africa)

171 90

38:28.52,6

Just - 4 - Fun [Men] 591-1. Jason Bailey (South Africa) 591-2. David Ellis (South Africa)

206 9

39:12.00,1

Lab Rats [Grand Masters] 300-1. Arrie Rautenbach (South Africa) 300-2. Philip Vermeulen (South Africa)

172 51

38:30.47,3

RSM - POLAR [Masters] 508-1. Manuel Lafora (Spain) 508-2. Toni De La Asuncion (Spain)

207 104 39:14.23,1

Bischibikes [Men] 175-1. Christof Bischof (Switzerland) 175-2. Kurt Plachel (Switzerland)

173 91

38:31.37,2

1e cycleXperience [Men] 86-1. Erno Van Dongen (Netherlands) 86-2. Stephan Coppelmans (Netherlands)

208 67

39:14.35,9

ASI1 [Masters] 157-1. David Svetlicic (Slovenia) 157-2. David Terpin (Slovenia)

174 92

38:32.43,8

BMT Academy [Men] 377-1. Abongile Bhusakwe (South Africa) 377-2. Siyabulela Tutu (South Africa)

209 105

39:21.06,0

Marathon Colombia 5 [Men] 421-1. Pedro Jaramillo (Colombia) 421-2. Alejandro Jaramillo (Colombia)

175 52

38:33.06,9

Lumohawk [Masters] 334-1. Steven Parker (South Africa) 334-2. Nick Cooke (South Africa)

210 68

39:22.03,3

dormakaba SSA [Masters] 88-1. Mark Murphy (South Africa) 88-2. Shaun Frayne (South Africa)

Fast Noses [Men] 255-1. Arthur Rosenthal (Brazil) 255-2. Gustavo Astolphi (Brazil)

CCP/Zwift [Men] 196-1. Stefan Gudmundsson (Iceland) 196-2. Birgir Ragnarsson (Iceland)

Epic Doctors [Men] 247-1. Dion O'Cuinneagain (Ireland) 247-2. Ian Marr (South Africa)

Big Fish [Masters] 586-1. Guy Wentzel (South Africa) 586-2. Mark Rogotzki (South Africa)

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

GC CAT Time

Team [Category] Race-Number Name (Country)

GC CAT Time

211 106 39:30.45,3

FirstTimers [Men] 260-1. Francois Pienaar (South Africa) 260-2. Wayne Mendoza (South Africa)

246 123

40:42.44,8 Fullgas Juicyavenue [Men] 299-1. Alejandro Banchio (Spain) 299-2. Massimiliano Conte (Italy)

212 107

isiBindi [Men] 380-1. Greg Dingley (South Africa) 380-2. Tony Lindsay (South Africa)

247 78

40:42.54,3 Pilot [Masters] 579-1. Antonio Luis Daroca Ramon (Spain) 579-2. Miguel Angel Carrizosa Garcia (Spain)

EXSA/WECHAT [Men] 165-1. SF Du Toit (South Africa) 165-2. David Botes (South Africa)

39:31.56,4

213 108 39:39.27,4

Team [Category] Race-Number Name (Country)

248 124

40:43.33,0 STC Bike [Men] 143-1. Adolfo Tannenbaum (Spain) 143-2. Aitor S‡ez Termen—n (Spain)

214 109 39:40.04,2 Craig Squared [Men] 208-1. Craig Symon (South Africa) 208-2. Craig Beijl (South Africa)

249 79

40:44.01,1

215 110

39:44.00,5 SMKPT [Men] 382-1. Simone Tucci (Italy) 382-2. Roberto Domizio (Italy)

250 80

40:46.00,7 DCS Spokes of Bagshot [Masters] 222-1. Richard Scott (South Africa) 222-2. Spook Groenewald (South Africa)

216 111

39:45.31,2

251 81

40:47.57,5

Comrades [Masters] 205-1. David Oz (Israel) 205-2. Amit Chetrit (Israel)

217 112

39:46.45,6 Into Cycling [Men] 82-1. Alwyn Kannemeyer (South Africa) 82-2. Martin Cilliers (South Africa)

252 82

40:48.15,9

Private Client Holdings [Masters] 488-1. Neil Ratcliffe (South Africa) 488-2. Francis Antrobus (South Africa)

218 69

39:48.15,0

253 125

40:49.13,8

Wildekrans / BE Vintners [Men] 636-1. Braam Gericke (South Africa) 636-2. Jacques Wentzel (South Africa)

219 17

39:49.36,0 Ride PH [Mixed] 601-1. Maximilian Schroeferl (Germany) 601-2. Christina-Lisa Hoeck (Germany)

254 14

41:01.00,6

Speed Structures [Women] 60-1. Marleen Lourens (South Africa) 60-2. Ann Harrison (South Africa)

220 70

39:52.44,6

Bestmed Absa Masters [Masters] 310-1. Christopher van Rooyen (South Africa) 310-2. Gert Nel (South Africa)

255 83

41:01.10,3

Outeniqua lab [Masters] 476-1. Johan Louw (South Africa) 476-2. Chris Viljoen (South Africa)

221 18

39:55.38,1

VTT ST AMAND / GIANT LIV [Mixed] 166-1. Benjamin Williatte (France) 166-2. Charlotte Petit (France)

256 84

41:01.25,0

Cyclozone [Masters] 214-1. Alain Elio Ramanase (France) 214-2. David-Alexandre Neff (France)

222 113

39:57.55,8

LCC [Men] 329-1. Stefan Beyers (Belgium) 329-2. Rene Hedley (South Africa)

257 126

41:01.38,5

Hansgrohe Masters [Men] 286-1. Leon Tobias (South Africa) 286-2. Justin Bark (South Africa)

223 71

39:58.01,1

Kaleo [Masters] 303-1. Leon Lambrechts (South Africa) 303-2. Cobus Hendriksz (South Africa)

258 85

41:04.10,3

4 Fun [Masters] 121-1. Julian Zetler (South Africa) 121-2. Lionel Pamensky (South Africa)

224 19

40:01.35,8

MonDa [Mixed] 445-1. Monica Raquel Reyes Navarro (Spain) 445-2. David Jimenez Perez (Spain)

259 127

41:10.43,0

CCRE Colombia [Men] 197-1. Felix Andres Arango (Colombia) 197-2. Ricardo Ordonez (Colombia)

225 114

40:04.55,2 Cars Gallery Maserati [Men] 474-1. Victor Ramirez Martinez (Spain) 474-2. Oscar Bautista (Spain)

260 128

41:11.05,5

York Timbers [Men] 323-1. Oscar Tait (South Africa) 323-2. Werner Bosman (South Africa)

226 72

40:06.31,9

ARC Aircraft Risk Company [Masters] 308-1. Darren Gallias (South Africa) 308-2. Warren Stewart (South Africa)

261 129

41:12.31,7

Geita Gold Mine [Men] 368-1. Masolwa Bukelebe Magashi (Tanzania) 368-2. Melkiad Gatawa Mahendeka (Tanzania)

227 115

40:07.27,7

Plvs Vltra 3 [Men] 634-1. Pedro Travesset Loewe (Spain) 634-2. Alvaro Ovejero (Spain)

262 86

41:22.11,2

Earth Works [Masters] 240-1. Mark Smith (England) 240-2. Alan Van Schoor (South Africa)

228 10

40:08.03,0 Pedal Damn It [Grand Masters] 481-1. Renaat Verbeke (Belgium) 481-2. Jozef De Meyer (Belgium)

263 130

41:22.22,3

PPC [Men] 611-1. Graeme Fox (South Africa) 611-2. Leandro Le Roux (South Africa)

229 11

40:10.12,7

Gutta Boyz [Grand Masters] 412-1. Ivar Tollefsen (Norway) 412-2. Trond Hilde (Norway)

264 87

41:22.27,8

McDonald's Racing [Masters] 429-1. Geoff Wood (South Africa) 429-2. Matt Dickson (South Africa)

230 12

40:10.35,5

Buffon [Grand Masters] 184-1. Richard Guebenne (Luxembourg) 184-2. Vincent Brasseur (Belgium)

265 21

41:25.12,6

Cube - TomTom Mexico [Mixed] 440-1. Aaron Sanchez (Mexico) 440-2. Fabiola Corona (Mexico)

231 116

40:11.48,6

Hardebas [Men] 181-1. Peter Hardcastle (South Africa) 181-2. Stefan Basson (South Africa)

266 131

41:26.29,6

BIG BOX [Men] 599-1. CJ van Staden (South Africa) 599-2. Pieter Naude (South Africa)

232 117

40:15.01,0

Transpaco Limited [Men] 356-1. Ken Harris (South Africa) 356-2. Rynard Van Hoven (South Africa)

267 132

41:31.19,8

Val de Vie [Men] 623-1. Callie Steyn (South Africa) 623-2. Daniel Saaiman (South Africa)

233 118

40:15.29,6

BeUp ProBici Copsesa [Men] 657-1. Mario Jose San Emeterio Gandiaga (Spain) 657-2. Fernando San Emeterio Gandiaga (Spain)

268 133

41:31.31,3

The Reinforcers [Men] 354-1. Adam Greve (South Africa) 354-2. Sean Greve (South Africa)

234 73

40:15.37,7

Fat Bob [Masters] 47-1. John Gale (South Africa) 47-2. Chanan Weiss (South Africa)

269 134

41:32.47,6

Spokes that Thunder [Men] 529-1. Benjamin Winters (United States of America) 529-2. Gregory Smith (England)

235 119

40:16.00,6

Tsogo Sun [Men] 615-1. Graham Tyrrell (South Africa) 615-2. Owen Hannie (South Africa)

270 22

41:32.56,7

Hollard [Mixed] 289-1. Philip Steyn (Namibia) 289-2. Irene Steyn (Namibia)

236 13

40:19.12,3

Rei-nette-haas [Women] 58-1. Reinette Geldenhuis (South Africa) 58-2. Anneke Hanekom (South Africa)

271 14

41:43.17,8

XTRASPACE Goosebury [Grand Masters] 538-1. Colin Goosen (South Africa) 538-2. Dave Hanbury (South Africa)

237 74

40:22.45,4 On Track [Masters] 469-1. Anre Vorster (South Africa) 469-2. Reinier van der Merwe (South Africa)

272 135

41:45.11,3

OTH Lumohawk [Men] 600-1. Greg Imbriolo (South Africa) 600-2. Steve Price (South Africa)

238 75

40:25.30,7 Synergy [Masters] 123-1. Stephen Brown (South Africa) 123-2. Wayne Brown (South Africa)

273 136

41:45.40,2

Missing Piece/Cape Heat [Men] 442-1. Marc Grune (South Africa) 442-2. David-John van der Merwe (South Africa)

239 120

40:28.27,1

Wilden Lšwen [Men] 359-1. Jakobus Fivaz (South Africa) 359-2. Bruno Paul (South Africa)

274 137

41:48.19,3

Grant and Ole [Men] 227-1. Ole Trumpfheller (Germany) 227-2. Grant Wheeler (South Africa)

240 13

40:29.07,2

BH South Africa [Grand Masters] 313-1. Ray Wilson (South Africa) 313-2. Mike Augoustides (South Africa)

275 15

41:50.18,6

Lovely Ladies [Women] 554-1. Annie David (South Africa) 554-2. Miroda Otto (South Africa)

241 121

40:29.46,6 Marathon Colombia 3 [Men] 422-1. Francisco Ramirez (Colombia) 422-2. Marcelo Villegas (Colombia)

276 88

41:52.12,1

Ascendis Amateurs [Masters] 315-1. Mark Bowman (South Africa) 315-2. John Kettlewell (South Africa)

242 122

40:31.40,8

277 138

41:52.29,0

Songo-Investec 2 [Men] 374-1. Theo Ngubane (South Africa) 374-2. Lwazi Ntsakaza (South Africa)

243 20

40:33.44,8 Woolworths In2Food [Mixed] 650-1. Tanya Rabie (South Africa) 650-2. Louis Goldberg (South Africa)

278 139

41:55.37,3

Heaven & Hell [Men] 587-1. Felix Rueckner (Germany) 587-2. Markus Schloesser (Germany)

244 76

40:36.26,6 Marathon Colombia 2 [Masters] 424-1. Julian Buelvas (Colombia) 424-2. Wilson Alfredo Marin Rincon (Colombia)

245 77

40:36.34,0 Gigazone [Masters] 105-1. Richard Seiler (South Africa) 105-2. George Fisher (South Africa)

100

Rhino Agrivantage [Men] 607-1. Johannes Smit (South Africa) 607-2. PIETER HUGO (South Africa)

Kalahari Challenge [Masters] 389-1. Kfir Teichman (Botswana) 389-2. Seamus O'Neill (Botswana)

Muffin Mate [Men] 91-1. Johan Bezuidenhout (South Africa) 91-2. Pieter Bezuidenhout (South Africa)

AQP Kool 2 [Masters] 152-1. Renzo Munoz (Peru) 152-2. Pablo Maldonado (Peru)

279 140 41:55.37,4

Mix-Velociraptors [Men] 444-1. Rafael Andrade (Brazil) 444-2. Evandro Araujo (Brazil)

280 141

Dozer [Men] 319-1. Francois Lotter (South Africa) 319-2. Johann Kruger (South Africa)

41:55.37,8

GC CAT Time

Team [Category] Race-Number Name (Country)

GC CAT Time

Team [Category] Race-Number Name (Country)

281 142

41:57.45,3

MELLOW VELO [Men] 285-1. Ian Walker (South Africa) 285-2. Brendon King (South Africa)

316 155

43:32.09,1

Truman [Men] 278-1. Gabriel Raff (Argentina) 278-2. Pedro Scordo (Argentina)

282 89

41:59.59,9

Double Dutch MTB [Masters] 233-1. Enrico Theuns (Netherlands) 233-2. Sander Van den Born (Netherlands)

317 103

43:32.14,9

Scott-Vry [Masters] 349-1. Willie Venter (South Africa) 349-2. Pieter Venter (South Africa)

283 90

42:01.03,7

WiP [Masters] 509-1. Richard Allen (England) 509-2. Magnus Mill (England)

318 104 43:32.22,0

29 Factory [Masters] 117-1. Jose Antonio Horcajada Lopez (Spain) 117-2. Alejandro Franco (Spain)

284 15

42:01.09,5

Lesotho-Friends [Grand Masters] 164-1. Thomas Hofmann (Switzerland) 164-2. Frank Stoessel (Germany)

319 156

43:33.17,8

CBC #love the journey [Men] 553-1. Andreas Diacon (Switzerland) 553-2. Charl van der Merwe (South Africa)

285 91

42:01.55,6

Hermanus High School [Masters] 492-1. Mathew Browne (South Africa) 492-2. Claude Tyers (South Africa)

320 157

43:34.27,7

LFC [Men] 427-1. Gary Tattersall (England) 427-2. Paul Thompson (England)

286 92

42:02.51,4

Race 4 Anna Foundation [Masters] 113-1. Peter Felber (Switzerland) 113-2. David Wright (South Africa)

321 17

43:34.40,1

The Big Roll [Grand Masters] 353-1. Nigel Payne (South Africa) 353-2. Adrian Payne (South Africa)

287 16

42:04.48,3 CANSAactive ILoveBoobies [Women] 59-1. Mikayla Webb (South Africa) 59-2. Cherise Stander (South Africa)

322 105

43:35.21,0

Atama [Masters] 159-1. Allard Dijkstra (Netherlands) 159-2. Martijn Mellaart (Netherlands)

288 23

42:04.59,1

323 158

43:36.31,0

Diepsloot Absa Academy [Men] 360-1. Tony Ramatladi (South Africa) 360-2. Khutso Lawrence Mogano (South Africa)

289 143

42:06.48,8 Racing Raes [Men] 343-1. Sandy Rae (South Africa) 343-2. Andrew Rae (South Africa)

290 144

42:09.26,3 Woolworths Paul Cluver [Men] 41-1. Craig Sutherland (South Africa) 41-2. Paul Cluver (South Africa)

291 24

42:09.38,9 From Chile [Mixed] 473-1. Eugenio Parra (Chile) 473-2. Maria Lizama (Chile)

292 93

42:12.19,0

Land Rover 6 [Masters] 48-1. Mike Nixon (South Africa) 48-2. Jasper Van Dijk (Netherlands)

293 145

42:17.07,0

Jack Russel*2 [Men] 384-1. Paul Maree (South Africa) 384-2. David Maree (South Africa)

294 94

42:19.55,8

CC Camachos [Masters] 195-1. Jorge Camacho (Spain) 195-2. Jose Maria Camacho (Spain)

295 95

42:24.05,7

Paddy & the Pole [Masters] 284-1. Des Nangle (Ireland) 284-2. Raf Bryla (Poland)

296 146

42:25.40,3

Continental [Men] 619-1. David Davie (South Africa) 619-2. Colin Davie (South Africa)

297 147

42:28.44,5

Rare-ing 2 Go [Men] 495-1. Bruce Campbell (South Africa) 495-2. Antony Daniels (South Africa)

298 148

42:30.33,1

Doc Slick [Men] 318-1. Alastair Sellick (South Africa) 318-2. Sebastian Dockter (Germany)

299 96

42:40.45,5 Fife [Masters] 259-1. Leon Rossouw (South Africa) 259-2. Des Haman (Scotland)

300 97

42:41.15,5

No Illusions of Grandeur [Masters] 582-1. John Bennett (South Africa) 582-2. Chris Norton (South Africa)

301 98

42:43.27,9

Merchants 1 [Masters] 437-1. Martin Dreyer (South Africa) 437-2. Adam Foster (England)

302 16

42:47.46,3

Vilacons/Gaes [Grand Masters] 410-1. David Alberto Dominguez Casas (Spain) 410-2. D’dac Rodr’guez Bar—n (Spain)

303 149

42:54.27,8

Tomatoes [Men] 355-1. Bertie van Zyl (South Africa) 355-2. Ferdie Potgieter (South Africa)

304 99

42:54.31,9

Spectra/Cape Five [Masters] 87-1. Alexander Paul Van Dyk (South Africa) 87-2. Andre Malherbe (South Africa)

305 150

42:54.56,2

Inteligro [Men] 97-1. CD du Toit (South Africa) 97-2. Etienne du Toit (South Africa)

306 151

43:03.07,7

Turner - Maureira [Men] 616-1. Gonzalo Maureira (Chile) 616-2. Antonio Turner (Chile)

307 25

43:05.09,7 Bike Mob Niner [Mixed] 523-1. Tarryn Povey (South Africa) 523-2. Sean Stack (South Africa)

IronTeam [Mixed] 379-1. Ironmena Gomes (Portugal) 379-2. Joao Mesquita (Portugal)

308 100 43:17.04,7

Fehr - Velos [Masters] 249-1. Stephan HŠni (Switzerland) 249-2. Marcel Ršthlisberger (Switzerland)

309 152

43:19.31,3

Brick Art SVL [Men] 404-1. John Spangenberg (South Africa) 404-2. Alexander Milner (South Africa)

310 153

43:22.16,4

Have a Swooth Ride [Men] 545-1. Mathias Deleu (Belgium) 545-2. Luc Van Aelbroeck (Belgium)

311 154

43:23.17,2

Pane Fass [Men] 257-1. Justin Pane (United States of America) 257-2. Jason Fass (United States of America)

312 26

43:24.36,3

Last Minute [Mixed] 441-1. Famke Boonzaaier (South Africa) 441-2. Danie Goosen (South Africa)

313 17

43:26.16,3

BULLS Curly Girls [Women] 77-1. Katrin Benz (Germany) 77-2. Isabella Struck (Germany)

314 101

43:30.31,7

Cycling Me [Masters] 215-1. Rafael Salamanca Moreno (Spain) 215-2. Carlos Vidal Torrens (Spain)

315 102

43:31.27,3

American Flyers [Masters] 150-1. Stephen Lebovitz (United States of America) 1 50-2. Ben Swenka (United States of America)

324 106 43:37.48,7

Z team MTB [Masters] 656-1. Mario Hakim Abu-Id (Germany) 656-2. Uwe RŸbling (Germany)

325 159

43:39.48,0 Switch [Men] 484-1. Adiel Mohamed (South Africa) 484-2. Shaheen Philander (South Africa)

326 18

43:42.02,6 Gaes Plus [Women] 270-1. Soraya Senao Fernandez (Spain) 270-2. Beatriz Gallego Carbajo (Spain)

327 160 43:42.06,9 Gaes By Orbea [Men] 268-1. Tony Perez (Spain) 268-2. Victor Palomar Asenjo (Spain) 328 161

43:43.30,1

Burgos MTB [Men] 185-1. Juan Manuel Gomez Guillen (Spain) 185-2. Jorge Sope–a Sanz (Spain)

329 27

43:44.38,7

Crazy Kents [Mixed] 393-1. Carly Kent (South Africa) 393-2. Ian Kent (South Africa)

330 162

43:45.33,0

Lombardi [Men] 332-1. Andre Lombard (South Africa) 332-2. Theo Lombard (South Africa)

331 107

43:48.06,0 Enphorma Spain [Masters] 245-1. Luis De Arriba (Spain) 245-2. Javier Ter‡n Contreras (Spain)

332 18

43:53.05,3

Best Mates [Grand Masters] 309-1. Richard Hawkins (United States of America) 309-2. Geoff Pinnock (South Africa)

333 163

43:54.33,5

#Cyclesharp [Men] 301-1. Shaun Van Biljon (South Africa) 301-2. Retief Joyce (South Africa)

334 108 44:07.39,4

Volcano Max [Masters] 631-1. Bjorn Olafsson (Iceland) 631-2. Kolbeinn Arnason (Iceland)

335 19

44:14.59,3

Young Guns [Grand Masters] 416-1. Bruce Meyers (South Africa) 416-2. James Jacobs (South Africa)

336 164

44:22.00,0 Race 4 Good [Men] 556-1. Donny Petersen (South Africa) 556-2. Ashley Kulsen (South Africa)

337 109 44:24.43,9 Bestmed Buddies [Masters] 662-1. Pierre Durandt (South Africa) 662-2. Jaco Redelinghuys (South Africa) 338 165

44:24.45,1

Land Rover 1 [Men] 400-1. John Smit (South Africa) 400-2. Shane Chorley (South Africa)

339 28

44:25.16,0

Hennmoss [Mixed] 287-1. Anel Henn (South Africa) 287-2. Francois Mostert (South Africa)

340 166

44:28.56,1

Land Rover 2 [Men] 403-1. Andrew David James (South Africa) 403-2. Morne Jansen van Vuuren (South Africa)

341 167

44:32.33,2

Fasterspine.org [Men] 581-1. Antonio Faundez (Switzerland) 581-2. Alexandre Laedermann (Switzerland)

342 110

44:33.48,0 Alias Tombari [Masters] 146-1. Pablo Alias (Argentina) 146-2. Pablo Tombari (Argentina)

343 168

44:34.17,3

Mavericks [Men] 127-1. Francois Henrion (South Africa) 127-2. Jannie Coetzer (South Africa)

344 169

44:37.32,9

Plett its a Feeling [Men] 627-1. Neil Mckillop (South Africa) 627-2. David Barnes (South Africa)

345 111

44:39.02,7

RSB & Formenterarustick [Masters] 496-1. Raul Sala Bigas (Spain) 496-2. Jesus Ferrer (Spain)

346 170

44:41.42,9

Rotsvas [Men] 221-1. Frank Pretorius (South Africa) 221-2. Anton Moolman (South Africa)

347 20

44:42.30,1

Qhubeka Bermuda [Grand Masters] 111-1. Charles Swart (South Africa) 111-2. Sean Maguire (South Africa)

348 112

44:58.21,9

Woolworths OperationSmile [Masters] 651-1. Sean Thistleton (South Africa) 651-2. Steve Ralph (South Africa)

349 21

44:59.47,2

AQP Kool [Grand Masters] 154-1. Roberto Fioretto (Peru) 154-2. Jose Soto (Peru)

350 171

45:00.36,0 SanDisk Iron Heart [Men] 516-1. Elmar Sprink (Germany) 516-2. David Jeckel (Germany) 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

101

GC CAT Time

Team [Category] Race-Number Name (Country)

GC CAT Time

351 113

45:00.51,3

Darling Brew [Masters] 220-1. Jakobus Van Der Poel (South Africa) 220-2. Kevin Wood (South Africa)

386 122

46:50.56,0 Scatterlings [Masters] 110-1. George Dimopoulos (South Africa) 110-2. David Knee (England)

352 22

45:06.06,4 SAPower [Grand Masters] 520-1. Scip Vernede (South Africa) 520-2. Andy Wright (South Africa)

387 31

46:51.03,0

353 23

45:12.23,3

Europcar [Grand Masters] 250-1. Jorge Damas (Portugal) 250-2. Paulo Manuel Diogo de Moura (Portugal)

388 190 46:56.18,0

Dan's Bike Shop [Men] 593-1. Benjamin Ramirez (Philippines) 593-2. Richard Santiago (Philippines)

354 29

45:12.23,5

Miami [Mixed] 580-1. Mone Pieterse (South Africa) 580-2. Mark Pieterse (South Africa)

389 26

46:56.47,1

Class of 84 [Grand Masters] 317-1. Pieter Du Preez (South Africa) 317-2. Dirk Coetsee (South Africa)

355 172

45:14.05,0

Moz MTB [Men] 450-1. Marco Castro (Mozambique) 450-2. Pedro Carvalho (Portugal)

390 27

47:00.31,3

Sergeant Hardy [Grand Masters] 350-1. Oscar Foulkes (South Africa) 350-2. Piet Viljoen (South Africa)

356 173

45:14.43,6

Ride4Gugu-Onesight [Men] 83-1. Craig Kolesky (South Africa) 83-2. Ashley Haigh-Smith (South Africa)

391 123

47:05.35,5

Bergstreme Developments [Masters] 168-1. Warren Labuschagne (South Africa) 168-2. Rob Browne (South Africa)

357 174

45:19.00,5

Gruas Mallorca [Men] 282-1. Jordi Fernandez Juez (Spain) 282-2. Nacho Juliana (Spain)

392 124

47:05.38,8

Edge-AAM [Masters] 320-1. Pieter Viljoen (South Africa) 320-2. Louis Bekker (South Africa)

358 175

45:21.56,7

Emunah [Men] 321-1. Anton Swart (South Africa) 321-2. Tiaan Swart (South Africa)

393 28

47:08.33,2

Bizfind [Grand Masters] 248-1. Chris Coetzee (South Africa) 248-2. Willie van der Vyver (South Africa)

359 19

45:25.18,5

Oakley Group Girls [Women] 158-1. Mari du Toit (South Africa) 158-2. Janine Muller (South Africa)

394 125

47:09.06,5 Carat [Masters] 192-1. Dominic Malan (South Africa) 192-2. Julian Malan (South Africa)

360 176

45:25.46,6

Asisa [Men] 156-1. Carlos Salazar (Colombia) 156-2. Vicente Planas Palou (Spain)

395 191

47:10.07,3

The Namibian Capies [Men] 597-1. Wayde Baker (South Africa) 597-2. George Thiele (South Africa)

361 177

45:26.40,7

Exxaro / ArcelorMittal [Men] 669-1. Naude Engels (South Africa) 669-2. Malusi Buthelezi (South Africa)

396 32

47:16.02,5

GoAlps [Mixed] 136-1. Joachim Finck (Germany) 136-2. Kim-Maike Finck (Germany)

362 20

45:34.04,1

USN Epic [Women] 621-1. Marietjie Lutz (South Africa) 621-2. Jeanie de Villiers (South Africa)

397 126

47:27.01,6

Manx Misfits [Masters] 501-1. William Cowie (Isle of Man) 501-2. Andrew Westmorland (Isle of Man)

363 114

45:36.35,4

Double Shots [Masters] 104-1. Jeane Nel (South Africa) 104-2. Izak Coetzee (South Africa)

398 127

47:31.27,4

Cube Property [Masters] 498-1. Gary Gorton (South Africa) 498-2. David Shemmeld (South Africa)

364 115

45:37.20,4

SA Sheriff [Masters] 213-1. Richard Bartholomew (South Africa) 213-2. Victor Terblanche (South Africa)

399 29

47:31.48,1

Halo [Grand Masters] 622-1. Kevin Cadieux (United States of America) 622-2. Paul Braun (United States of America)

365 30

45:41.22,9

BRK23 Recuperat-ion [Mixed] 182-1. David Jofre Tejada (Spain) 182-2. Maria Bombi (Spain)

400 33

47:36.14,8

Wimbledon Cycles [Mixed] 637-1. Carly Annable-Coop (England) 637-2. Ian Coop (England)

366 178

45:42.16,0

Gaes By Orbea [Men] 267-1. Antonio Gasso (Spain) 267-2. Miguel Silvestre (Spain)

401 30

47:37.56,6

Curry Racing [Grand Masters] 212-1. Jan-Peter Rudolf (Germany) 212-2. Georg Vinczencz (Austria)

367 179

45:46.51,1

Winter is coming! [Men] 189-1. Michael Winter (Switzerland) 189-2. Nicolas Winter (Switzerland)

402 192

47:40.10,3

BMBikers [Men] 519-1. Romulo Guedes (Brazil) 519-2. Rafael Coelho (Brazil)

368 180 45:50.37,8

Andalucia BIKE Team [Men] 414-1. Eduardo Munoz (Ecuador) 414-2. Manuel Bermeo (Ecuador)

403 34

47:54.52,4

Atlantic A-Z Logistics [Mixed] 204-1. Kateryna Tertiienko (Ukraine) 204-2. Ziehaad Salie (South Africa)

369 24

45:50.48,7

Meerendal CBC Songo [Grand Masters] 433-1. Giusep Alig (Switzerland) 433-2. Matthaeus Meier (Switzerland)

404 193

47:57.59,3

NoPainNoGain [Men] 80-1. Mike Kluge (Germany) 80-2. Jens VĹĄgele (Germany)

370 116

45:53.19,1

GICATE BIKE TEAM 3 [Masters] 148-1. Eleuterio Gomes (Angola) 148-2. Olavo Fernandes (Portugal)

405 194

48:04.30,9 GoodFellas [Men] 419-1. Marco Marques (South Africa) 419-2. Nelson Ferreira (South Africa)

371 181

45:54.26,1

Amigos do Daniel [Men] 151-1. Rafael Martins (Brazil) 151-2. Christiano Goulart (Brazil)

406 195

48:06.52,2 VDM CANSA [Men] 536-1. Stefanus Gerhardus du Toit (South Africa) 536-2. Emile Janse van Rensburg (South Africa)

372 182

45:55.40,3 MKTG 3 [Men] 199-1. Jose Abellan Mochon (Spain) 199-2. Jose Antonio Gomez (Spain)

407 196

48:12.04,6

BMT Academy Fairtree 2 [Men] 363-1. Bongani Bhusakwe (South Africa) 363-2. Sandiso Xethu (South Africa)

373 117

46:08.12,5

408 197

48:21.25,6

Red Hot Chilli Peddlers [Men] 500-1. Ryan Reynolds (South Africa) 500-2. Andre Dries (South Africa)

374 25

46:08.29,5 Worrydego [Grand Masters] 655-1. Wouter De Wet (South Africa) 655-2. Barry Hugo (South Africa)

409 128

48:31.58,6

Alistair Tag. [Masters] 232-1. Kevin Styan (South Africa) 232-2. Jesse Wilson (South Africa)

375 118

46:18.22,0

Umgeni Water [Masters] 448-1. Samuel Mottram (Canada) 448-2. Kevin Meier (South Africa)

410 198

48:32.13,6

Onelife [Men] 341-1. Freddie Meyer (South Africa) 341-2. Neil Fourie (South Africa)

376 183

46:29.14,9

Irish Whenwe's [Men] 108-1. Graham Hannigan (Ireland) 108-2. Ashley Seiler (South Africa)

411 21

48:36.19,6

TCS/Energas [Women] 528-1. Hanlie Snyman (South Africa) 528-2. Mia van Rooyen (South Africa)

377 184

46:32.19,0

Kea/Kria [Men] 115-1. Thordur Kolbeinsson (Iceland) 115-2. Emil Thor Gudmundsson (Iceland)

412 199

48:36.44,5 Savage & The Chest [Men] 348-1. Rudi de Bruyn (South Africa) 348-2. Gareth Warburton (South Africa)

378 185

46:35.55,4

Driepoot [Men] 234-1. Reuben van Niekerk (South Africa) 234-2. Kevin Rodney Benkenstein (South Africa)

413 31

48:37.12,6

379 119

46:41.09,1

Rhodes Foods [Masters] 345-1. Tobie Visser (South Africa) 345-2. Abrie Fouche (South Africa)

414 200 48:40.29,0 Betway [Men] 394-1. David Stevenson (South Africa) 394-2. Darren Epstein (South Africa)

380 120

46:41.30,3

Unicorns [Masters] 557-1. Paul Barrett (England) 557-2. Duncan Macdonald (England)

415 129

48:47.25,9

381 121

46:42.03,9 Virgin Active [Masters] 628-1. Craig Hulscher (South Africa) 628-2. Anthony Webster (South Africa)

416 32

48:48.43,2 Gauchos [Grand Masters] 272-1. Omar Antonio Ramirez Nole (Uruguay) 272-2. Martin Gonzalez (Argentina)

382 186

46:46.14,0

417 33

48:50.27,1

Old Friends [Grand Masters] 464-1. Claas Kuehnemann (Germany) 464-2. George Oertel (South Africa)

383 187

46:46.50,4 Biosport [Men] 132-1. Theunis Fourie (South Africa) 132-2. Kurt Begemann (South Africa)

418 130

48:52.14,8

StreetSmart South Africa [Masters] 539-1. Angelo Casu (Italy) 539-2. Johan Fourie (South Africa)

384 188

46:46.53,9 Tonnellerie Berger [Men] 608-1. Andre Brand (South Africa) 608-2. Johann Erasmus (South Africa)

419 35

48:56.01,6

@blue [Mixed] 125-1. Geert Mertens (Belgium) 125-2. Marie Mertens (Belgium)

385 189

46:48.12,8

420 201

48:57.02,9

CORE [Men] 555-1. Louis Slabbert (South Africa) 555-2. Spencer Cowley (South Africa)

102

Thirsti [Masters] 570-1. Chris Van Der Linde (South Africa) 570-2. Rowan Bernstein (South Africa)

Gaes [Men] 269-1. Jaime Balasch (Spain) 269-2. Luis Garca Ibaez (Spain)

Limoncellos Cabrilencs [Men] 187-1. Javier Gimeno (Spain) 187-2. Jordi Prat (Spain)

Team [Category] Race-Number Name (Country)

Virgin Active Rookies [Mixed] 482-1. Michelle van Aswegen (South Africa) 482-2. Brad Dixon (South Africa)

Old Cranks [Grand Masters] 463-1. Michael Talbert (United States of America) 463-2. Lenard Scott McCallum (Canada)

TSM Racing [Masters] 614-1. Derek Chung (Hong Kong) 614-2. Allan Kwok (Hong Kong)

GC CAT Time

Team [Category] Race-Number Name (Country)

GC CAT Time

Team [Category] Race-Number Name (Country)

421 202 48:57.37,1

Marathon Colombia 6 [Men] 281-1. Diego Henao (Colombia) 281-2. Juan Tirado (Colombia)

456 147

50:18.26,7

Moov [Masters] 446-1. Erhardt Du Toit (South Africa) 446-2. Ernest Van Niekerk (South Africa)

422 203 48:57.42,4

Mediclinic Lowveld [Men] 129-1. Adam Schoeman (South Africa) 129-2. Johan Van rooyen (South Africa)

457 210

50:18.53,3

Crespo-Cadires [Men] 209-1. Alberto Crespo (Spain) 209-2. Xavier Alba Morera (Spain)

423 131

48:59.28,5

Jozi Dirt Riders [Masters] 387-1. Brian Gouldie (South Africa) 387-2. Joe Randall (South Africa)

458 148

50:18.53,4

Friends Forever [Masters] 264-1. Jan De Roos (Netherlands) 264-2. Jeroen Den Haan (Netherlands)

424 132

49:01.47,5

SinoGulf [Masters] 525-1. Chris Orrell (South Africa) 525-2. Andrew Hildreth (England)

459 149

50:21.09,2

Cala Bandida [Masters] 642-1. Lucas Gisbert Vives (Spain) 642-2. Stephan Fremeijer Pronk (Netherlands)

425 34

49:07.19,4

Prospect Visuals [Grand Masters] 383-1. Simon Laight (England) 383-2. Matthew Laight (Hong Kong)

460 41

50:24.44,5 IamDunkeld [Mixed] 293-1. Ivan Fraser (South Africa) 293-2. Charlize Wiederkehr (South Africa)

426 133

49:07.43,9

Gicate Bike Team 1 [Masters] 564-1. Joao Pacheco (Portugal) 564-2. Luis Monteiro (Portugal)

461 150

50:24.53,1

Triple Partners [Masters] 613-1. Jolmer Schukken (Netherlands) 613-2. Bas Roukema (Netherlands)

427 204 49:14.24,2

Dairymaid [Men] 217-1. Neil Van Vuuren (South Africa) 217-2. Marnus Swanepoel (South Africa)

462 211

50:27.09,4

CB Javea [Men] 194-1. Victor Lopez Caselles (Spain) 194-2. Pedro Castellâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Caballero (Spain)

428 36

49:15.07,0

Deliveries MTB [Mixed] 225-1. Mikael Schad (Switzerland) 225-2. Julia Gross (Dominican Republic)

463 42

50:33.30,6 SALTO TEAM [Mixed] 241-1. Jose Antonio Itarte (Spain) 241-2. Montserrat Arauz (Andorra)

429 37

49:15.57,8

Wildfire [Mixed] 569-1. Nicholas Price (South Africa) 569-2. Kathy Milne (South Africa)

464 151

50:35.58,3

430 134

49:20.03,5 Ride The Earth [Masters] 480-1. Erman Balkin Kucukebe (Turkey) 480-2. Ahmet Sarper Sesli (Turkey)

465 39

50:40.46,5 Woolworths Standard Bank [Grand Masters] 647-1. Ralph Buddle (South Africa) 647-2. Michael Reaper (South Africa)

431 135

49:21.36,2

466 212

50:43.49,7

432 22

49:25.48,4 Netwerk24 [Women] 79-1. Teresa Coetzee (South Africa) 79-2. Bonny Swanepoel (South Africa)

467 40

50:48.20,6 World Famous Salty Balls [Grand Masters] 654-1. Andy Hodgson (England) 654-2. Stephen Salt (Wales)

433 136

49:26.16,5

Buster & Big G Express [Masters] 186-1. Craig Wylie (Australia) 186-2. Gavin Wille (England)

468 213

50:53.08,2 Absa Wild Cards [Men] 307-1. Jacques van Heerden (South Africa) 307-2. Piet Laubscher (South Africa)

434 35

49:29.29,5

SA's 1st bike shop - 1897 [Grand Masters] 246-1. Ian Verwayen (South Africa) 246-2. Max Menzies (South Africa)

469 214

50:57.37,5

SELVA [Men] 612-1. Felipe Praca (Brazil) 612-2. Marcio Lima (Brazil)

435 205 49:29.55,1

Rennie Farms InteliGro [Men] 595-1. Gavin Williams (South Africa) 595-2. Brendan Williams (South Africa)

470 43

50:58.33,9

TBC Bestmed Suunto Mix [Mixed] 94-1. David Labuschagne (South Africa) 94-2. Petro Labuschagne (South Africa)

436 137

49:34.29,1

A L Pharma [Masters] 98-1. Richard Proctor (South Africa) 98-2. Wayne Nel (South Africa)

471 23

50:59.15,0

Miss Grape/PEdAL ED [Women] 521-1. Giuliana Massarotto (Italy) 521-2. Maria Luisa Surico (Italy)

437 138

49:34.46,1

Desert/Duvel [Masters] 229-1. Erik Van Meel (Belgium) 229-2. Ronny Raeymakers (Belgium)

472 215

50:59.52,3

Columbia [Men] 134-1. Riaan Manser (South Africa) 134-2. Denzyl O'donoghue (South Africa)

438 139

49:37.06,8

Woolworths PBT [Masters] 648-1. Attie Conradie (South Africa) 648-2. Cor Winckler (South Africa)

473 44

51:03.43,2

Osumo [Mixed] 543-1. Kelly Huber (South Africa) 543-2. Riad Ahmed (South Africa)

439 206 49:37.29,9

Sabrina Love [Men] 118-1. Robert Rorich (South Africa) 118-2. Alexander Bezuidenhout (South Africa)

474 216

51:08.56,5

CTS - RideBiker [Men] 210-1. Peter Hughes (England) 210-2. Adam Pulford (United States of America)

440 140 49:37.37,1

Re:echo Hong Kong [Masters] 499-1. Tsang Chi Sing (Hong Kong) 499-2. Haston Liu (Hong Kong)

475 152

51:09.12,5

BTTaskas MGBbikesBarcelos [Masters] 183-1. Luis Mancelos Veloso (Portugal) 183-2. Paulo Barbosa (Portugal)

441 141

49:38.32,3

T&T Israel [Masters] 547-1. Tomer Osher (Israel) 547-2. Doron Masvary (Israel)

476 41

51:10.59,6

Willehonde [Grand Masters] 635-1. Chris Gouws (South Africa) 635-2. Cobus Kritzinger (South Africa)

442 36

49:42.10,1

Fatboys [Grand Masters] 96-1. Fanus Coetzer (South Africa) 96-2. Andre du Plessis (South Africa)

477 217

51:16.22,8

SoItGoes [Men] 45-1. Craig Beech (South Africa) 45-2. Alberto Puddu (South Africa)

443 142

49:45.09,3 Shake 'n Bake [Masters] 351-1. Dawid Malan (South Africa) 351-2. Brand Pretorius (South Africa)

478 218

51:18.26,6

Quality [Men] 664-1. Miguel Lorenzo Gibert (Andorra) 664-2. Joan Montaner (Spain)

444 143

49:45.25,0 O Max Le Matisse [Masters] 465-1. Jeremie Chauchoy (France) 465-2. Frederic Ramon (France)

479 45

51:21.23,6

Smokey and the Bandit [Mixed] 142-1. Robert Alexander (South Africa) 142-2. Tessa Hesse (South Africa)

Transaction Junction [Masters] 331-1. Charl Fouche (South Africa) 331-2. Jurie Matthee (South Africa)

AQP Kool 1 [Masters] 153-1. Guillermo Lazarte (Peru) 153-2. Victor Rodriguez (Peru)

Investec Songo [Men] 378-1. Khulekani Ngcongo (South Africa) 378-2. Oteng Sebonego (Botswana)

445 207 49:47.32,8

Dubai Desert Goats 2.0 [Men] 237-1. Marcel Bachmann (Switzerland) 237-2. William Pretorius (South Africa)

480 153

51:22.02,2

Blood, Sweat and Beers [Masters] 177-1. Colin Spencer (South Africa) 177-2. Andrew Hirsch (South Africa)

446 37

49:52.30,7

Darling Meat [Grand Masters] 219-1. Wydeman Van der Merwe (South Africa) 219-2. Stephen Kriel (South Africa)

481 42

51:24.28,0

Let's Roc SA [Grand Masters] 409-1. Neil Smith (England) 409-2. Gary Hughes (England)

447 38

49:53.33,7

Chilean Train [Mixed] 200-1. Anibal Debandi (Chile) 200-2. Alicia Olivares (Chile)

482 154

51:24.38,8

EBE-Racing [Masters] 242-1. Andreas Liermann (Germany) 242-2. Martin Kayser (Germany)

448 144

49:54.49,8 Projekt Amabubesi [Masters] 490-1. Guido Flauaus (Germany) 490-2. Andreas Bader (Germany)

483 155

51:27.36,1

Absa Pride [Masters] 306-1. Marcel De Klerk (South Africa) 306-2. David Meyer (South Africa)

449 208 49:55.17,2

One Last Time [Men] 468-1. Andre Ittmann (South Africa) 468-2. Kallie Calitz (South Africa)

484 219

51:31.59,8

Alex [Men] 548-1. Alexander Isip (Philippines) 548-2. Mervin Rencel Santiago (Philippines)

450 145

49:57.40,2

O.M.Double.G [Masters] 467-1. Grant Clark (South Africa) 467-2. Gareth Kilduff (South Africa)

485 43

51:40.07,1

SA Truck Bodies [Grand Masters] 347-1. Dirk Samuel Botha (South Africa) 347-2. Frans Du Toit (South Africa)

451 38

50:00.53,9 Intelichem Grand Masters [Grand Masters] 298-1. Johan Mostert (South Africa) 298-2. Marius Mostert (South Africa)

486 46

51:40.17,3

Papus [Mixed] 477-1. Cristian Pablo Dalessandro (Argentina) 477-2. Evangelina Vinci (Argentina)

452 146

50:09.37,7

Sallyport [Masters] 576-1. Nico Groenewald (South Africa) 576-2. Wimpie Espag (South Africa)

487 220 51:42.20,2

Single Trackers [Men] 458-1. Darryl Wright (South Africa) 458-2. Nick Denoon-Stevens (South Africa)

453 39

50:13.26,0

Slow & Steady [Mixed] 606-1. Camilla Howard-Browne (South Africa) 606-2. Allan Froneman (South Africa)

488 156

51:47.23,6

Superfly [Masters] 542-1. Rami Sayag (Israel) 542-2. Jonathan Deshe (Israel)

454 209 50:16.20,3

DStv Media Sales 02 [Men] 236-1. Shamiel Salie (South Africa) 236-2. Igshaan Noordien (South Africa)

489 157

51:55.26,4

455 40

CANSA Active i?boobies2 [Mixed] 294-1. Nicky Webb (South Africa) 294-2. Cecil Munch (South Africa)

Deliveries MTB Racing [Masters] 224-1. Francisco Izquierdo (Dominican Republic) 224-2. David Fernandez (Dominican Republic)

490 47

52:03.31,0

HPI Mufasa [Mixed] 327-1. Nico Johannes Kotze (South Africa) 327-2. Yolandi Steyn (South Africa)

50:17.32,5

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

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GC CAT Time

Team [Category] Race-Number Name (Country)

GC CAT Time

Team [Category] Race-Number Name (Country)

491 221

52:24.44,0 Tau's Warriors [Men] 415-1. Stuart Johnston (South Africa) 415-2. Murray Davidson (South Africa)

498 160 53:16.18,9

Tortoises 3 [Masters] 179-1. Antoine Dufoix (Reunion) 179-2. Frederic Espenel (France)

492 44

52:28.35,8

47 & 57 [Grand Masters] 391-1. Charles Steyn (South Africa) 391-2. Piet Van Rensburg (South Africa)

499 49

Orphans Africa MTB [Mixed] 472-1. Lygia Nasser (Brazil) 472-2. Gustavo De Souza Lima Baracat (Brazil)

493 48

52:28.54,8

ASCFF Red Zebra [Mixed] 76-1. Leila Kopff (France) 76-2. Philippe Puechberty (France)

500 223 53:43.42,1

Rambo en Riempies [Men] 641-1. Johan Jacobs (South Africa) 641-2. Michael Jacobs (South Africa)

494 158

52:31.00,0

Rusted Old Men [Masters] 510-1. Jason Smit (South Africa) 510-2. Jan van Rooyen (South Africa)

501 224 54:01.23,0

Cabig Vipers [Men] 658-1. Ivan Lotter (South Africa) 658-2. Ben Lotter (South Africa)

495 45

52:56.06,7

Mustek [Grand Masters] 251-1. Wade Gomes (South Africa) 251-2. Peter Mann (South Africa)

502 50

54:14.37,2

Weiss-Mohr-Lovetrain [Mixed] 633-1. Tamara Weiss (Germany) 633-2. Michael Mohr (Germany)

496 222 52:59.36,8

Squeaky and Creaky [Men] 653-1. Garth De Jager (South Africa) 653-2. Shaun Long (South Africa)

503 161

56:11.11,9

Rola Motor Group [Masters] 78-1. Marius Hurter (South Africa) 78-2. Marius Claassen (South Africa)

497 159

ACCIONA - Spain [Masters] 390-1. Ismael Franco Folgueira (Spain) 390-2. Jesus Mate Sanz (Spain)

53:07.01,9

INDIVIDUAL FINISHERS

53:23.22,3

GC CAT Time

Team [Category] Race-Number Name (Country)

GC CAT Time

Team [Category] Race-Number Name (Country)

28:37.33,5

Spur-Songo-Specialized [Men] 19-2.Howard Grotts (United States of America)

38:39.11,2

Woolworths Supply Chain [Men] 652-2.Kyle Nell (South Africa)

29:52.47,5

Trek-Selle San Marco [Men] 2-2.Alexey Medvedev (Russian Federation)

39:04.18,3

Squirrel's Garage [Men] 532-1.Daniel Baena (Spain)

30:08.19,2

Silverback OMX Pro [Men] 17-1.Martin Gluth (Germany)

39:05.05,7

Gen-Y [Masters] 325-2.Geoffrey Lee (South Africa)

30:47.12,5

AGU-DESIGNYOUROWN.CC [Masters] 69-1.Henrik Kirk (Denmark)

39:09.40,0 Los Jefes [Men] 413-1.Gabriel Baeza (Uruguay)

32:39.21,5

Gaes Kaleos 1 [Men] 659-2.Carlos Portilla (Spain)

39:44.07,2

Land Rover [Men] 399-2.Gary Kirsten (South Africa)

34:38.20,5

Cibel - Cebon [Masters] 201-1.Jurgen de Witte (Belgium)

39:58.58,7

Omax [Men] 466-1.Sebastien Sellier (France)

35:26.43,0

GVO Bicycles [Men] 28-1.Marc Rodrigues (South Africa)

40:07.17,9

Toyota Federal Clearing [Mixed] 258-1.Aaron Borrill (South Africa)

35:27.47,4

ECS [Masters] 546-2.Michael Faretta (England)

40:12.54,9

Nations Interbanc [Mixed] 453-2.Mike Dannelley (United States of America)

35:51.47,5

Riders on the Storm [Masters] 346-1.Till Streichert (Germany)

40:17.54,2

Land Rover 4 [Masters] 402-2.Anton Lume (South Africa)

35:52.59,4

Exxaro MTB Academy [Men] 364-2.Lucky Mlangeni (South Africa)

40:23.24,9 Belgian Bikers [Men] 533-1.Bob Malfliet (Belgium)

36:13.28,3

Land Rover LumoHawks [Grand Masters] 401-2.Jeremy Thomson (South Africa)

40:47.16,1

37:03.07,4

Elkapitano MTB [Men] 243-1.Emil Wydarty (Poland)

40:55.45,0 Quemic [Men] 577-1.Arno Crous (South Africa)

37:06.52,1

DSNIVELL-TERESA'S JUICERY [Men] 271-1.Josep Rubio Vidal (Spain)

41:03.18,2

Bike4Africa [Men] 515-1.Michael Trepte (Germany)

37:14.58,2

Exxaro MTB Academy4 [Men] 367-2.Khumbudzo Masala (South Africa)

41:32.23,2

Golfers [Grand Masters] 559-1.Jock Walter (South Africa)

37:29.51,2

OK [Grand Masters] 203-1.Olve Skjetne (Norway)

41:34.10,9

Peaks - Abrame [Masters] 479-1.Cristiano Solak (Brazil)

37:34.03,2

Bell SPS Racing [Men] 90-2.Gideon Bruckner (South Africa)

42:03.49,9 Marshmallow [Mixed] 420-1.Collette Bastard (South Africa)

37:36.24,1

Roalteam [Masters] 503-1.Jose Santana Dominguez (Spain)

42:25.56,3

Oakley Group 2 [Men] 460-2.Douglas Bradley (South Africa)

37:48.09,2

86 Associated Enemies [Men] 661-1.Florian Malesys (France)

42:26.17,3

Alchemist-Mountain Flyer [Grand Masters] 75-2.Joel Davis (United States of America)

37:52.24,1

Sarus [Men] 589-2.Gregor Hengst (Germany)

42:32.44,6

Anderson Transport [Masters] 630-1.Stephan Gous (South Africa)

37:58.42,1

Vassor 974 [Men] 624-1.Jean Christophe Vassor (Reunion)

42:34.06,4 SeeYouLaterAlligators [Men] 522-1.Aldo Nuenlist (Switzerland)

38:10.05,4

Plvs Vltra 1 [Men] 95-1.Sintu Vives (Andorra)

42:53.41,6

Fundacion Josep Carreras [Men] 266-1.Juan Gutierrez Lopez (Spain)

38:17.08,0

Oakhaven [Masters] 339-2.Gregor Kamstra (South Africa)

42:56.37,6

GPDC [Masters] 279-1.Pascal-Andre Vendittoli (Canada)

38:24.51,6

Woolworths Rotolabel [Masters] 644-1.Grant Watson (South Africa)

43:05.00,0 Project 852 [Masters] 489-2.Henrik Elschner Pedersen (Denmark)

104

Craft - Vittoria [Masters] 145-2.Jon Heasman (England)

GC CAT Time

Team [Category] Race-Number Name (Country)

GC CAT Time

Team [Category] Race-Number Name (Country)

43:16.32,9

Booooraquebrascatraca [Masters] 180-2.Rogerio Pires (Brazil)

48:24.26,4

Lakeside Software [Grand Masters] 398-2.Don Boyce (South Africa)

43:23.58,6

Out Riding [Men] 475-2.Romain Kabs (Australia)

48:24.46,8 Sanity Questioned [Masters] 517-2.Stephen O'brien (South Africa)

43:30.01,2

Ratels [Masters] 344-2.Jampie Vlok (South Africa)

48:36.17,6

43:34.45,7

Black Mambas [Men] 322-1.Ewert Small (South Africa)

48:44.36,9 Mopani [Masters] 447-2.Yves de Bruecker (Belgium)

43:50.15,6

Non Grato [Mixed] 456-2.Giovana Cruz Corsi (Brazil)

48:58.14,0

NWU [Men] 338-1.Cobus Strydom (South Africa)

43:58.37,0

Gicate Bike Team 2 [Grand Masters] 575-2.Pedro Sousa Campos (Portugal)

49:13.04,6

The Virgins [Men] 596-2.Chris Trehearn (South Africa)

44:06.14,0

Capie&Priester [Masters] 191-2.Johan Heyns (South Africa)

49:19.14,7

RVH p/b Pedalhead [Men] 511-2.Christopher Coleman (Canada)

44:19.08,1

Challenge Girona [Men] 102-1.Joan Gimbernat (Spain)

49:27.42,4

2XLOL [Men] 540-2.Sean Hanekom (South Africa)

44:19.16,7

Baikal Lake [Masters] 162-1.Oleg Naumov (Russian Federation)

49:31.05,8

CrankIt [Men] 26-2.Johan Ferreira (South Africa)

44:42.37,1

Speedneedle-Campana [Grand Masters] 572-1.Markus Sommerfeld (Germany)

49:32.54,6

Blue Cycles [Men] 218-1.Glen Scholz (Australia)

45:14.40,2

Safari Njema [Masters] 512-1.Dave Aitken (South Africa)

49:33.14,1

Autism Assist [Men] 160-1.Christo Bestbier (South Africa)

45:24.30,3

National Glass [Men] 452-2.Kenrick Brown (South Africa)

50:02.07,5

Manx Misfits [Men] 418-1.Lloyd Goodson (Isle of Man)

45:29.42,4

Francisco Rueda [Men] 551-2.Ricardo Requeni Guillem (Spain)

50:28.25,3

Gian and Giachen [Men] 276-2.Christian Haux (Switzerland)

45:41.49,2

Qhubeka [Men] 112-1.Luke Maga (Australia)

50:29.38,7

Lion Of The Valley [Masters] 411-2.Zohar Alperovich (Israel)

45:42.07,2

Haffa Kamann & Liffa [Masters] 295-2.Johann Thorarinsson (Iceland)

50:45.34,2 Compsport [Men] 103-1.Chris Calimano (United States of America)

45:42.07,9

Silcom [Masters] 524-1.Christo Barkhuizen (South Africa)

51:00.17,9

P.M.A. [Men] 486-1.Mike Russon (South Africa)

45:53.05,2

Gruppo Sportivo [Grand Masters] 283-2.Markus Sterf (Switzerland)

51:15.03,5

Keen As A Bean [Women] 392-2.Caryn Adam (South Africa)

46:00.44,7 Innocent Bystanders [Masters] 297-1.Volker Grimm (Germany)

51:19.22,4

Proflex Bikes [Men] 457-1.Jose Comalat (Spain)

46:04.40,8 HG Racingteam Willingen [Masters] 288-1.Hans-Gerd Huying (Germany)

51:29.46,9

Velo & Oxygen [Mixed] 626-1.Mare Hietamaki (Finland)

46:14.57,1

McCarty Racing [Masters] 428-1.Randy Egues (United States of America)

51:31.46,3

Meerendal CBC Libra [Men] 436-1.Erasmus Pretorius (South Africa)

46:23.11,4

Farmusol-STX [Masters] 254-2.Eelco Miedema (Netherlands)

51:33.05,1

Woolworths Ambassador [Men] 643-1.James Schuurmans (South Africa)

46:28.49,9 Challenge [Grand Masters] 101-2.Victor Carreras (Spain)

51:33.40,6

Robcron Motors [Masters] 504-2.Emile Cronje (South Africa)

46:35.37,5

Meerendal CBC 7 [Men] 578-1.Fritz Egli (Switzerland)

51:33.57,3

Panevita [Masters] 470-2.Paulo Carvalho E Silva (Brazil)

46:37.30,6

Stelvio [Masters] 537-2.Florian Reichenbach (Germany)

51:46.26,2

Flying Fish [Men] 262-2.Jaco Kruger (South Africa)

46:38.53,5

Natures Garden [Men] 454-2.Abrie Greyling (South Africa)

51:58.48,0

Simply Store [Grand Masters] 487-2.Gavin Peirone (South Africa)

46:42.23,3

Ally's Bar [Mixed] 147-1.Jordan Salman (United States of America)

52:08.13,1

Gusto Racing [Men] 324-1.Sefiso Mkhabela (South Africa)

46:44.51,3

Geared Up [Masters] 173-1.Johan Meyer (South Africa)

52:23.41,1

Raubex [Women] 497-2.Adele Niemand (South Africa)

47:11.29,1

10 [Women] 93-2.Nicole Murphy (South Africa)

52:38.36,0

Anna Foundation/Conticap [Masters] 99-1.Brian Morris (Switzerland)

47:13.02,6

CC Crushers [Grand Masters] 316-2.Joe Visser (South Africa)

52:41.40,1

El Sol No Para [Masters] 244-2.Jorge Navalon (Spain)

47:15.05,1

Eastvaal Racing [Women] 610-1.Heila Meintjes (South Africa)

53:15.21,9

Cool Runnings [Masters] 206-2.Christopher Woodrow (South Africa)

47:26.32,1

Emperor Asset Management [Men] 73-1.Justin Pearse (South Africa)

53:20.48,9

Bikesport Biking Vikings [Masters] 172-2.Claus Vognsen (Denmark)

47:39.04,6 Jafmed [Men] 385-1.Abdullah Jaffar (South Africa)

53:48.59,7

MKTG 1 [Men] 386-2.Jesus Garcia (Spain)

47:53.35,4

Aqueatacamos [Men] 155-1.Francisco Balcazar Garcia (Spain)

53:54.06,5

AGM [Mixed] 128-2.Hansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;na Gunnarsdâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;ttir (Iceland)

48:11.24,4

CapeTronics [Masters] 190-1.Colin Campbell (United States of America)

54:41.12,5

Mesclats [Grand Masters] 439-2.Philippe Lagiscarde (France)

48:21.32,8

Deez Nutz [Men] 223-2.Daniel Zartman (United States of America)

GSB Foundation [Masters] 357-2.Grant Goodwin (South Africa)

2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

105

The Untamed African MTB race 106

“Though the Absa Cape Epic takes place across a breathtaking landscape it is untamed; a race where anything can happen. From unpredictable weather changes to surprise encounters with disgruntled wildlife. Neither elite-level professional mountain bikers or serious amateurs nor even crew and event organisers are immune to the harsh realities.”

On Stage 1 they were charging into Hermanus and looking certain to secure the stage win when something – probably a stick – snapped the valve on Kulhavy’s front tyre. The tyre deflated instantly and he was pitched over the handlebars.

Those words were written last year for an Untamed African MTB Race video and how true they ring today.

On two more occasions one of the pair punctured: once going up the Houw Hoek Pass on Stage 4 and again on the rugged descent off the Groenlandberg on Stage 6.

Consider the opening day of the event, the Prologue held at Meerendal Wine Estate, and the fate that befell Joel Stransky. The former Springbok World Cup winner has finished the previous seven Absa Cape Epics he has entered and was in a confident mood as he rolled down the Prologue ramp to start his 2017 challenge. Less than an hour later the 49-year-old was in hospital with a punctured lung, two broken ribs and a damaged right hand. “I think I went into the technical section a little too quickly. I got airborne over one of the humps there and the back wheel overtook the front wheel,” Stransky said later. “It spat me over the handlebars and I did a face plough.” Even the world’s very best were not immune to the vagaries of the Absa Cape Epic. Christoph Sauser has won the race five times and his partner Jaroslav Kulhavy is a former world champion and Olympic gold medallist. They started the 2017 event as favourites.

Fortunately he was not hurt, but the stage win was gone.

They eventually finished second and would probably acknowledge that they were struggling towards the end of the event anyway, but whose to know what might have happened without fate’s interventions? Consider too the case of the favourites for the Women’s Category, where Olympic gold medallist and two-time world champion Sabine Spitz and her partner Robyn de Groot were the stand-out favourites. But the mountain biking gods appeared to have it in for Spitz: after winning the Prologue she crashed horribly on Stage 1, While reaching for her water bottle on a narrow climb her front wheel clipped a rock and she was pitched down into a ditch besides the trail, gashing her forehead badly above the left eye. Spitz soldiered on but that was not the last of her drama. On Stage 4’s climb she suffered a bad sidewall cut on her tyre and then another big crash on Stage 6 when her handlebar snapped. She had to use a stick and tape to stabilise the handlebar and then ride gingerly to the next watering point and tech zone. 2017 ABSA CAPE EPIC RIDE REVIEW

107

They too would have no complaints – that being the nature of mountain biking – but how different might the women’s race been had the German ace not suffered so much bad luck? And then, of course, there was the major talking point of the 2017 event: the heat and the consequent decision to shorten Stage 2 by 40km.

That followed two days of searing heat. Some riders reported that their bike computers were registering temperatures in the mid-to-high 40s on Stage 1. The heat and a headwind made for a hellish closing 20km of the day’s ride (a section that was expected to be quite easy). That followed a Prologue in temperatures that were tipping over 40ºC and which caused some consternation for riders, particularly foreigners who had been training in winter. As midnight approached before Stage 2, scheduled to be 102km, the Absa Cape Epic management team sat in the middle of the now-abandoned rider marquee and wrestled with various scenarios. Acting on medical advice they eventually decided to cut the stage by 40km and finish it at Caledon instead of going on through to Greyton.

This gave rise to a massive logistical exercise as a new finish was created in Caledon and plans were made to transport riders from there to Elandskloof, the race village in Greyton. Absa Cape Epic veterans were left contemplating the vagaries of the weather, which has ranged from bitterly cold rain where hypothermia became a threat, to the heat – and heat exhaustion – of 2017. Untamed? Indeed.

1 Sabine Spitz showing true character on Stage 1 after a nasty crash 2 Riders were faced with extreme heat during Stage 2

108

3 Teamwork: Hannele Steyn and partner Nicky Giliomee (Nolands Spar ladies)

A NEW MARK TO BE MEASURED BY The Absa Cape Epic is held in a place where anything can happen: Africa. Wild and open, sometimes inhospitable and other times staggeringly beautiful, this land both tests and surprises all who tackle its ungroomed trails. When the sounds of the cicadas are harsher than the heat they proclaim, when icy mornings lead to driving rain, you can be certain that both equipment and spirit will be pushed to the limit. In this place, where roads hardened year-round by the sun can turn to quicksand overnight, you and your partner will be challenged mentally, physically and emotionally. Yet still, Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s untamed majesty beckons.