South African Swiss team of Stander & Sauser kings of the mountains at this year's Absa Cape Epic

All photos courtesy of Greg Beadle

Final: Oak Valley to Lourensford (65km; 1 700m of climbing)

The final stage of this year’s Absa Cape Epic was short, but not easy. Old Viljoen’s Pass and Nuweberg reminded riders that it was not over yet. Trail builders cut new routes and Dr Evil warned riders of a final few surprises before the traditional finish at Lourensford, where riders were reunited with their loved ones – a life’s task accomplished and an experience they will never forget.

This year’s Absa Cape Epic saw 1 206 participants starting their Magical and Untamed African Mountain Bike Stage Race last Sunday (27 March 2011) at Tokai Forest, part of Table Mountain National Park, with 1 064 riders out the start shoot this morning. Just under 90% enjoyed the ultimate reward of receiving the highly sought after finisher t-shirt and medal when they crossed the final finish line today (Sunday, 03 April 2011) at Lourensford Wine Estate.

Victory in sight for Stander and Sauser as they lead by more than 10 minutes

STAGE WIN FOR WORLD CHAMPION JOSé HERMIDA AND HIS TEAM MATE RALPH NäF

Stage 6: Oak Valley to Oak Valley (128km; 2 700m of climbing)

In the penultimate stage competitors were on their guard. The route profile and the total ascent indicated how they were tested right to the end of the week on this brutal Oak Valley loop. Again they headed over Groenlandberg, this time following the 2010 route in reverse. After crossing the R43 came the tough sandy climb, nicknamed The Beeatch. A short section on Highlands Road offered some relief. One of the climbs was rewarded with a dramatic view over the Indian Ocean, the Bot River mouth and Kleinmond. The last climb led them through another Cape Nature area featuring some rare fynbos. Shortly after riders enjoyed the flowing single tracks of Lebanon, before they dipped under the N2 for more fun single track through Thandi and back home to Oak Valley – a great way finish a strenuous day in the saddle.

View the gallery for stage 6 - All photos supplied by Greg Beadle

For full results & live information go to http://www.procycling.co.za/features/absa-cape-epic

Sauser & Stander dominate this year's Absa Cape Epic

SWISS/SOUTH AFRICAN TEAM POWER AHEAD AND LEAD BY EIGHT MINUTES

Stage 5: Worcester to Oak Valley (143km; 2350m of climbing)

It was a real classic Absa Cape Epic day out, the longest stage in years. With fast open roads, marked by 3 obstacles along the way, riders were advised to save their strength and cooperate with other teams to form larger groups, to take turns at the front to lighten the load. The first climb of the day was a shock to the system, not only from the gradient but also the track’s surface. In parts, the climb was barely rideable, and only the fittest and best bike handlers were likely to make it up without dabbing a foot. As with everything, what goes up must come down, and those with full suspension bikes were grateful for their weapon of choice. More open roads helped get some kilometres under the belt before the radio mast came into view. Down the other side of this deceptive climb was a fast chute into farmlands and waiting for riders was a set of rolling hills that deadened the legs of even the most hardened campaigner. At the 100km mark, riders reached the foot of the exquisite Groenlandberg, the grand old legend inviting them back in 2011 thanks to Cape Nature Conservation. The 15% gradient on the concrete path should be ridden conservatively, while the remainder of the climb took most riders well over an hour to complete. The north-facing slope made for a challenging ascent but the rocky downhill sections lead to the famed Oak Valley single-track to make it all worth it.

View the gallery for stage 5 - All photos supplied by Greg Beadle

For full results & live information go to http://www.procycling.co.za/features/absa-cape-epic

Switzerland’s Christoph Sauser and his South African team mate Burry Stander (36ONE Songo Specialized) dominate this year’s Absa Cape Epic by securing their 5^th stage win in stage 5 of this year’s Absa Cape Epic in 5:19.30,7. They were followed by the Flückiger brothers, Lukas and Mathias, of Trek World Racing in 5:19.41,2 with the Multivan Merida team, Hannes Genze and Jochen Käss, in third place (5;19.51,1).

Sauser & Stander of Songo-Specialized on winning streak

Stage 4: Worcester to Worcester (32km; 800m of climbing)

It is a first for the Absa Cape Epic – two time trials in the 2011 race. This was a 32km route through the foothills of Brandwacht. As in 2010, riders traversed the western side of Worcester in this semi-desert environment. Added to last year’s route was an extra 5km loop along dual tracks past the local golf course. The route data showed 860m of climbing which may not seem like a lot, but over such a short distance, it still required a hard effort. As usual, the top teams left at 1 minute intervals, racing only against the clock, some looking for a stage win and others to consolidate. Riders needed to hold back on this stage and save themselves for the next half of the Cape Epic saga.

View the gallery for stage 4 - All photos supplied by Greg Beadle

For full results & live information go to http://www.procycling.co.za/features/absa-cape-epic