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All the event and racing news from the South African cycling scene.
Diepsloot MTB Academy charge on at Absa Cape Epic
Cooler temperatures greeted riders early on at Stage 6 of the Absa Cape Epic, but temperatures warmed up again as the day progressed. Thankfully, a consistent, fresh breeze gave relief to riders and spectators alike on a sunny Saturday. Enjoying the conditions were Diepsloot MTB Academy riders William Mokgopo and Phillimon Sebona, who keep the […]
Victory at last for Mariske and Annie on stage 6
After six days of intense battle at the Absa Cape Epic, the Hansgrohe Women’s race seems to have finally been settled, with experienced 40-somethings, Esther Süss and Jennie Stenerhag (Team Meerendal CBC) almost certain to take the 2017 title. Mariske Strauss and Annie Last of Team Hansgrohe Cadence OMX Pro win stage 6 of the […]
South African Knox on Absa Cape Epic podium as SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing extend lead
The Olympic and world mountain bike champion Nino Schurter (SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing) continued his march towards a first Absa Cape Epic title with another stage win at the 2017 event. Nino Schurter and Matthias Stirnemann of Scott SRAM MTB Racing during stage 6 of the 2017 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race from Oak […]
Absa Cape Epic Preview: Stage 6 (Elgin – Elgin)
When veterans of the Absa Cape Epic were asked about the toughest climb ever in the event, their response was unanimous: Groenlandberg. In 2017 the route returns to the rugged track which rises more than 600m along nine kilometres of rocky, sandy climbing – the average gradient is seven percent but one or two sections […]
Olympic triathlete loves learning about the Absa Cape Epic
Recently retired international triathlon athlete Mari Rabie is enjoying her very first Absa Cape Epic immensely. Rabie, who retired from international competition after last year’s Rio Olympics, partnered up with fellow Stellenbosch mountain biker and family friend Corrie Muller to race in the eight-day mountain bike stage race. Marie Rabie and Corrie Muller before stage […]
Leading South African is riding to his Max
Max Knox, the leading South African rider at the Absa Cape Epic, is finding himself in an unusual space at this year’s race. He says his partner, powerhouse Columbian climber Hector Leonardo Paez Leon, ‘is much stronger than I am so I just try and hang on his wheel. It is all I can do. […]
Exarro special jersey in safe hands at Absa Cape Epic
Diepsloot MTB Academy riders William Mokgopo and Phillimon Sebona crossed the line fresh-faced and barely sweating – extending their Exxaro special jersey lead by nearly half an hour. Nico Bell and Gawie Combrink of team NAD Pro MTB during stage 5 of the 2017 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held from Oak Valley […]
Schurter, Stirnemann make it SCOTT-SCOTT on Stage 5
The Men’s category is set for a thrilling finale after Olympic cross-country champion Nino Schurter and teammate Matthias Stirnemann (SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing) claimed their first stage win of the 2017 Absa Cape Epic on Friday. Thanks to another strong ride they also moved into the overall race lead after the 84km Stage 5. Nino Schurter […]
Suss survives to hang on to the lead on Stage 5
“I thought it was the end of our race,” said Absa Cape Epic Hansgrohe Women’s category leader Jennie Stenerhag when describing her partner Esther Suss’s crash near the finish. Sabine Spitz, Robyn de Groot, Esther Suss and Jennie Stenerhag during stage 5 of the 2017 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held from Oak […]
Absa Cape Epic Preview: Stage 5 (Elgin – Elgin)
There’s always a fun day at the Absa Cape Epic, and barring bad weather this should be it. First there are a few climbs to negotiate, including a particularly nasty one that has concrete strips for traction and then the legendary Nuweberg from the east side. A couple more climbs – watch out for some […]
Evans and Hincapie having a ball at the Absa Cape Epic
“This is an absolutely fantastic event. I have raced for some 20 years on the road and mountain bike and I have never ever experience anything like the Absa Cape Epic.” Those are the words of Cadel Evans, a man who has seen nearly all there has to be seen in cycling. Besides his heralded […]
Joel Stransky eager to ride again
Joel Stransky was forced to drop out of this year’s Absa Cape Epic after sustaining several injuries on the event’s Prologue event at Meerendal. Today he visited the Cape Epic as a spectator for the first time since his tumble. The 49-year-old crashed his bike last Sunday, resulting in a punctured lung, two broken ribs […]