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.
The 36ONE Songo Specialized team of Burry Stander and Christoph Sauser walked away with top honours as overall winners of this year’s exciting Absa Cape Epic presented by adidas. With a ten minute and 51 second lead time at the start this morning, Stander and Sauser finished the last 8 days of the Magical and Untamed Mountain Bike Race of 707km in an overall time of 28:44.44,0. It is the first time in the history of the race that a South African is part of the winning team. In second place in an overall time of 28:51.52,8 were the German team of Hannes Genze and Jochen Käss (Multivan Merida Biking), with the Bulls, Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm, in third place overall in 29:05.53,7. The Bulls Team of Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm won the Absa Cape Epic in 2007, 2009 and 2010, and Karl Platt won in the inaugural year (2004) with Mannie Heymans from Namibia. He is the most successful participant in the history of the race having won four times with eleven stage wins.
Men’s Category
The Swiss Flückiger brothers, Lukas and Mathias, of the Trek World Racing team, won the final stage of this year’s Absa Cape Epic in 2:33.18,6 with Hannes Genze and Jochen Käss (Multivan Merida Biking) in second place (2:35.37,1). They were closely followed by José Hermida and Ralph Näf (Multivan Merida Biking 3) in 2:39.06,1, with Alexandre Moos and Balthasar Weber of BMC Mountainbike Racing in fourth place (2:39.07,4). Burry Stander and Christoph Sauser (36ONE Songo Specialized) took a slower pace once they reached the final 200 metres in order to enjoy the overwhelming welcome of the crowds, finishing in fifth place in 2:39.19,7.
Says Burry Stander of 36ONE Songo Specialized: “We didn’t start off well today. We lost about 4 minutes with a flat. We then chased hard again to catch up with the leading group, only to find out that Multivan Merida attacked. We finally caught up with them and could then relax and enjoy it to the finish. Today was still hard, but we were prepared for that. To be the first South African to win this race is on par to winning the World Championships. The Absa Cape Epic takes more work because for eight days you have to be perfect instead of only one day.” Christoph Sauser adds: “This is only my opinion, but I was surprised when they attacked when we were having problems. We then had to risk not staying with our back-up teams to make up some time. When we finally caught up with them, we could enjoy the rest of the race. This race is definitely up there with the World Championships. I can’t describe the feeling of winning in words, but I know the exhaustion will hit us tomorrow.”
Says Lukas Flückiger of Trek World Racing: “It feels fantastic to win the last stage at Lourensford. The race was so hard, but Mathias was in great shape today and I also felt good. I was completely exhausted yesterday, but luckily I recovered well. The Absa Cape Epic is amazing and I’m very happy that it’s over. It’s an amazing feeling to win this stage." His brother Mathias adds: “I’m also really happy with our stage win and glad it’s over.”
Hannes Genze of Multivan Merida Biking had a crash during today’s stage. “Around one corner I had to break too much and slipped. We’re very proud of our second place. Both Burry (Stander) and Christoph (Sauser) are former world champions and to be second to them is incredible. It was our goal to finish on the podium and we did everything we could. It was cool to cross the finish line today.” His team mate Jochen Käss adds: “Today’s race was wonderful. I felt really strong, but the brothers were also strong. We lost them in the walking section. In the end, to finish second overall is wonderful for us.”
José Hermida and Ralph Näf (Multivan Merida Biking 3) sprinted to the finish today. Says Hermida: “It was a tough day from the beginning and our team had a technical problem. It’s nice to see our two teams finish the Cape Epic in similar shape. This was the first sprint I’ve won in my life! I’m very proud to participate in this year’s event and hope to see the results of this in my season. I’m hoping to defend the World Championship Jersey this year.” His team mate Ralph Näf adds: “This year’s race was much better than 2007 – I felt better. We had some bad luck in the second stage, but we’ll be back. I love South Africa! I’ll take one week off before training again – I need a rest.”
Karl Platt of the Bulls team finished in third place overall. “Sometimes if you know that you can ride faster and your team partner doesn’t have the legs, you need to fight your own mind. You can’t change it and Stefan also had to accept it. It was a huge learning curve for me – not to get angry and to stay relaxed. We came third together! This was a very good life lesson and it keeps your feet on the ground. Learning something like this also affects other areas of your life. Our partnership was tested and we made it – through the good times and bad. It’s a tough life lesson, but it stays with you forever. Our friendship is more important than a victory.”
Balthasar Weber of BMC Mountainbike Racing, who finished in fourth place, enjoyed the sprint to the finish with World Champion Hermida. “It was a pretty exciting stage. We started well but lost the first riders and stayed with the rest of the group. I broke my pedal after around 20km, so it was more difficult to ride. Stander and Sauser had a flat, but they came back and we rode with them to the end. Due to the broken pedal I couldn’t sprint properly, but we’re very happy with fourth place.”
African Leader Jersey
Mannie Heymans and Adrien Niyonshuti (team Garmin adidas MTN) won the African Jersey in an overall time of 30:29.36,5, followed by Brandon Stewart and Shan Wilson (Toyota DCM) in 31:33.52,7. Paul Cordes and Charles Keey (MTN/Qhubeka) finished in third position in 32:01.11,9. Heymans and Niyonshuti finished in 9th position overall.
Says Mannie Heymans: “I must admit it was an awesome day out there. I don’t have words to describe the feeling. It was our plan to win the African Jersey and it means as much as winning the first Absa Cape Epic with Karl Platt in 2004. Now the party can begin!”
Ladies Category
Sally Bigham and Karien Van Jaarsveld (team USN) finished in third place today (3:30.37,5) and are the overall winners of the Ladies category in 37:44.09.0. In second place overall are Eva Lechner and Nathalie Schneitter (team Colnago Arreghini Südtirol) in a time of 39:18.02,7. They also won the final stage of this year’s Absa Cape Epic in 3:29.04,7. In third place overall was the Absa aBreast team of Hanlie Booyens and Ischen Stopforth in 39:24.09,6. They finished in fifth place today in 3:43.49,0. In second place today was the Attix5 Ladies team of Hannele Steyn and Leana de Jager in a time of 3:30.30,1.
Winner in the Ladies category of this year’s Absa Cape Epic, Karien van Jaarsveld (USN) comments that the race has been amazing. “This is my first Absa Cape Epic and winning it is so special. Everything’s come together as planned. It was absolutely wonderful to finish at Lourensford today. The crowd and fans were so supportive during the entire event.” Her UK team mate Sally Bigham adds: “We weren’t chasing a win and just wanted to maintain our lead and stay safe. We didn’t want to take risks at all. I’m really happy with the win and enjoyed it a thousand times more than racing in the Mixed. The Ladies category is definitely the way to go for me. We supported each other and made an excellent team. In this race your relationship with partner is so important. This was so special – words can’t describe it.”
Says Nathalie Schneitter (team Colnago Arreghini Südtirol), who won today’s stage: “We knew we wouldn’t make it to the top and are happy with our second place after our 1 hour penalty earlier this week. I’m tired today but happy with our performance. It’s amazing to see how many people support the race. We wanted to win the final stage as we reckoned it’s the best one to win. All in all we won 6 of 8 the stages, so I think we’ve proved that we’re the fastest in this category.” Her team mate Eva Lechner adds: “I’m thrilled to be finished. Eight days is a long time and you had to get up every day and start again. It was lots of hours on the bike. Of course we’re disappointed that we didn’t win overall, but 6 wins are good. Maybe we’ll come back again to win.”
Hannele Steyn of Attix5 Ladies enjoyed the final stage. “It was a beautiful race today. I’ve been teaching Leana for two years and in this Absa Cape Epic she learnt so much. This is such a nice venue to finish. I’ll be back next year and will ride my 10th Absa Cape Epic the following year with anyone, even Kevin Vermaak (founder and director of the Absa Cape Epic).”
Master’s Category
The Juwi team (Carsten Bresser and Udo Boelts) secured their 7th stage win today in 2:58.10,2 and won the Masters category in 31:31.26,1. They were followed by Robert Sim and Doug Brown of the Robert Daniel team in 3:00.20,9 (2nd overall Masters, 32:30.16,7), with the Toyota Cyclelab team of Gary Marescia and Bruce Diesel in third place in 3:05.26,2 and fourth overall 33:58.02,2. In third place overall (Masters) were Adrian Enthoven and Gerrie Beukes (team Nandos) in 33:32.34,5.
Says Udo Boelts of the Juwi team: “I’m glad it’s over. In one way it was very nice and in another way it was one of the toughest Cape Epics ever. It was my fourth Cape Epic and it’s great to come to Lourensford again. I’ll be back if I have the finances.” His team mate Carsten Bresser adds: “I’m very glad to be finished – it was a hard week, but I had an excellent partner! Today we didn’t want to risk anything and had a nice ride to the finish. For most of this year’s event we were giving it our all. It’s great to win - especially after such a tough week. I enjoyed it.”
Mixed Category
Mentioning yesterday it would be the best wedding present ever, Erik Kleinhans and Ariane Lüthi (of Contego Giant Sludge) finally had their first stage win by finishing first in the Mixed category in 3:04.42,2 and second overall in 34:52.27,7. The Wheeler – BIXS team, Bärti Bucher and Esther Sϋss, having won 7 stages of this year’s event, finished in second place in 3:05.41,1 and first overall in 33:53.12,5. In third place overall were Ivonne Kraft and Peter Vesel (Raedisch Race) with a time of 37:04.39,7. They finished fourth place today (3:11.28,5).
Says Esther Süss of Wheeler – Bixs: “We had some problems today with water bottles and my chain. Erik (Kleinhans) and Ariane (Lüthi) were very strong today. It’s beautiful at Lourensford and I’m glad to be done. It’s the hardest Absa Cape Epic ever. I’ll be back next year to win the final stage.” Bärti Bucher adds: “It’s good for the race that the other team won and I’m very happy for them. And of course I’m extremely happy with our overall win and also to be here at the finish. It’s been eight hard days. Next year I’ll be 50, so we’ll need to see if I can do it again.”
Erik Kleinhans of the Contego Giant Sludge team says today was fantastic. “I really enjoyed winning – especially here at Lourensford as we live in Stellenbosch. This is a fantastic wedding gift and it feels great to be first on the podium. The Absa Cape Epic has always been a tough race, and it’s a relief to relax tomorrow. I’ve loved every minute of this race.” Ariane Lüthi adds: “It’s so great to be here. I can’t express my emotions I’m so happy. It’s an awesome feeling. We really trained very hard and it’s nice to see our huge effort pay off. I’ve been concentrating the whole time and think I’ve grown by leaps and bounds this week. The win is a huge motivation and the biggest wedding present we could ever get. Erik is such a good partner and this experience has been amazing. We’ll definitely be back for more.”
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