German squad Team Bulls may not have been able to stop an utterly dominant Christoph Sauser and Burry Stander, but the team can be justifiably proud of the fact that they have two pairings inside the top-5 of the 2012 ABSA Cape Epic after stage 1.
The team’s French star Thomas Dietsch and race partner Tim Böehme put in a strong ride to claim third place on the 1st stage. They were followed home by team mates Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm.
Dietsch and Böehme now sit just 5 seconds from third overall, a position currently occupied by former XCM World Champion Alban Lakata and Robert Mennan.
The following gallery tells some of the story of what the riders went through on stage 1 of the epic South African stage race.
Team Bulls two pairs toe the line on stage 1 of the 2012 ABSA Cape Epic. Photo: Sportograf
Thomas Dietsch on stage 1 of the 2012 ABSA Cape Epic. Photo: Sportograf
Thomas Dietsch on his way to third place on stage 1 of the 2012 ABSA Cape Epic. Photo: Sportograf
Timothy Böhme would finish third with partner Thomas Dietsch. Photo: Sportograf
A dusty Karl Platt. Photo: Sportograf
Stefan Sahm: One half of Team Bulls all-German pairing. Photo: Sportograf
Dust wasn't the only challenge on stage 1. Photo: Sportograf
Timothy Böhme leads the way for his teammate, Dietsch. Photo: Sportograf
Stefan Sahm rolls his 29er over the rocky terrain. Photo: Sportograf
Karl Platt absorbs the bumps on stage 1 of the 2012 Cape Epic. Photo: Sportograf
Tim Böehme and Thomas Dietsch complete stage 1 of the 2012 ABSA Cape Epic. Photo: Sportograf
Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm sit 5th overall after stage 1 of the 2012 ABSA Cape Epic. Photo: Sportograf
Thomas Dietsch and Tim Böehme joined race leaders Christoph Sauser and Burry Stander on the stage 1 podium. Konny Looser and Urs Huber currently sit in second place. Photo: Sportograf