ABSA Cape Epic video courtesy of TDA Boulder
Riders welcomed the final day of racing of the 2011 ABSA Cape Epic, albeit a little gingerly, eager to get to the finish at Lourensford and marking the end of 8 days, 707 km, and 14,550 m of climbing. Unlike the Champs Elysees, stage 7 was by no means a procession to the finish, with a few nasty surprises thrown in by course designer “Dr Evil.”
Sonog had the wind put up them just a little, with an early flat but other than that, it was merely a case of getting to the finish and enjoying the moment, The pair finished 5th on the stage – their worst stage placing to date, but none of that mattered. Burry becomes the first South African to win the race with Swiss partner Christoph Sauser, and was definitely a favourite amongst the crowd.
Stage honours went to Trek World Racing’s Fluckiger brothers. Hungry for the win the pair rode hard, taking the win from Multivan Merida (Genze / kaess) by nearly two minutes, with Hermida and Naef (Merida 3) taking 3rd in a sprint to the line over BMC.
Australian’s Hatton and Lewis rode hard to preserve their 13th position on GC, despite a fast finishing Stevens – Vredestein Bike, who finished two places in front of them in 14th.
In the womens’ race, Colnago again triumped, with Attix5ladies second and USN third. Colnago’s victory was enough to move them up to 2nd on the overall behind USN. These ladies will be left wondering what could have been, but hopefully will return next year for avengence, albeit with a thorough understanding of the rules.
All in all the 2011 Absa Cape Epic presented by adidas was a resounding success. MarathonMTB.com congratulates all who took part and crossed the line in Lourensford. Untill next year….
Overall Classification:
1. 36One – Songo Specialised (Sauser / Stander)
2. Mulitvan Merida Biking (Genze / Kaess)
3. Bulls (Platt / Sahm)
13. Rockstar Racing (Lewis / Hatton)
Women’s overall
1. USN (Bigham / van Jaarsveld)
2. COLNAGO ARREGHINI SÜDTIROL (Lechner / Schneitter)
3. ABSA aBreast ( Booyens / Stopforth)
4. Adidas (Hansen / Willet)
7. Swell / Giant (Fisher / King)
African Leader’s Jersey
Garmin Adidas MTN (Heymans / Niyonshuti)