Stage 3 of the Cape to Cape looked like it might well be another day of status quo. The start would be ballistic, a select front group would get away, and Cam Ivory would net another stage win while Peta Mullens might edge out Samara Sheppard in a tight finish. The reality was very different.
While both race leaders won their Sundown Shootouts last night, and get to deal with a massive novelty cheque for their efforts.
The oversize luggage that is worth it.
Today’s stage is special, not only because it has arguably some of the best singletrack in the race. It’s also about where that singletrack is, and that this is the 3rd day in 4 of the Cape to Cape. And beyond that, riders roll out of Xanadu Winery and go through Margaret River, as the main street is blocked off, before the gun goes on Carters Road and racing gets underway.
But back to why the stage is special. The Pines has some amazing singletrack, but at the same time the natural bush trails before and after cannot be overlooked. Before you get to The Pines, the race gets really strung out, in part because of the bottleneck turning onto 4WD trails off Carters Road, but also because this is day 3 of 4 – outside of the top 20 or 30 riders, many begin to feel the strain.
After enjoying the Cab Sav at Xanadu Winery a bit too much last night, then trying to caffeinate my way out of a hangover, I was in a bit of trouble at the start. I also had a busted wheel to nurse through the stage. As the race begun, I realised the true extent of hangover vs caffeine that was going on inside me, and while feeling a bit rough I also struggled with my vision as everything was spinning. This is not an optimal condition for riding at a slow neutral pace for a few kilometres with about 1300 people.
I belligerently went in the front of the start chute, knowing I was about to go in reverse anyway.
So by the time we got to Margaret River, I had well and truly drifted back – which was probably good as there was a ‘touch of wheels’ further up that took a few keen beans down.
The 4WD trails off Carters Road are tricky – they’re sort of double track, but really there’s only one good line, so they do make for a massive bottle neck. I did my best to move up, and other people did too. Some aimed to bomb past on the descents, others like myself, chose to climb up the rough sections to gain places. Both options worked. One is clearly more tiring but the better option with a cracked wheel.
At the front of the race, a decisive split was happening.
“Attacks came from myself and others on Carters Road, Kyle Ward instigated a surge in pace on the fireroad, and the split happened. That was the definitive split of the race, the front group had Kyle Ward, Trekky, Craig Cook, Tasman, Hamo, and Michael Potter. I believe that was it.” Said Reece Tucknott post race.
Tucknott was in a chase group with John Odams, Paul van der Ploeg, Ethan Kelly, Jayden Ward, Cam Ivory and a few others.
“We let Cam do a fair bit of work, unfortunately for him he was in a situation where there were two Trek riders up the road and we weren’t going to give any help. We got to a climb and he was feeling it, we went over the top of him.”
Ivory was battling food poisoning, which seems to have run through the Swell-Specialized house overnight, meaning Andrew Blair wasn’t even able to start.
“We had a bit of fun on the trails, kept good pace and tried to get some time back.”
Back in my own fog of hurt, I was trying to pick up the pieces, and was slowly getting into the groove. The trails on stage 3 are hard to not enjoy – they are super fast in the first natural bush section, making for high speeds with the occasional log to hop, or trees to wriggle through. I slowly made my way through the field, and got an idea of were the elite women were sitting. Jo Bennett was doing well, and Jenny Blair was pushing fast but not where I thought she would be… in hindsight I can imagine being ill would have made today’s stage torture.
I came up to Briony Mattocks and Em Viotto as we entered The Pines, and Mattocks was riding the trails super smoothly, and speaking to her later, she really managed to create a good gap here. Ahead, I could see Mullens trailing Sheppard by just seconds.
I was in my own group, and having a lot of fun. It’s a real shame to not ride quite as hard as you want to as you’re not sure your equipment will survive, but the trails through The Pines are a reward for the effort to get there – as they swoop back on themselves, up and over small rollable doubles and pushing deep into well-sculpted berms. Plenty of spectators were out, cowbells in hand, and there really is nothing like having a good crowd at a mountain bike race. We often miss out on that in Australia, when our race courses are in remote areas – but the Cape to Cape race draws such a crowd of supporters, and takes place in one of the most picturesque areas of Australia, meaning there’s always a group around cheering you on.
Soon after leaving The Pines we hit fast bushland trails again, and I found myself in a happy group of about 3. It’s been said that it is a shame the singletrack doesn’t take you to the end, that you have about 15km of doubletrack to race on to the finish. I get that, and I agree. But at the same time it is part of the variety of the race – you need to be able to rail the singletrack, and still put the hurt on through the final power sections to have a good finish.
I felt lucky to have some guys to ride with, and we picked off a couple more riders on the run in, and I cleaned the final climb where I think my legs popped last year. The sun was shining at Colonial Brewery, the lead riders had been in for some time, and I just missed seeing Samara Sheppard take the stage win ahead of Peta Mullens, and earn the jersey at the same time. Brendan Johnston took a much deserved stage win from Tasman Nankervis, with Chris Hamilton in 3rd. Nankervis takes the leader’s jersey into the final stage with a healthy 2 minute buffer, something Sheppard would no doubt love for her own lead.
Riders have been lazing around the brewery all afternoon, which isn’t a bad idea. The grass is comfortable, the sun is warm, and there’s plenty of food around. Plus it’s the best way to relive the action from the morning.
The final stage tomorrow will no doubt be super aggressive in the elite fields. It’s the longest stage at 64km, and has the gift that is the trails of Middle Earth, before some real back road burn ups where anyone with firepower left will really make a difference. The Trek Racing Australia team will no doubt use their weapons to fire everything they have at the Torq team, and this will be a true test for Samara Sheppard to see if she can hold the lead from the very experienced and savvy Peta Mullens. Nothing is certain until we’re all at Dunsborough Country Club tomorrow!