![\"ccs-62657-0-63025700-1549636948.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-63025700-1549636948.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>Henrique Avancini in action during the second stage of the 2019 Momentum Health Tankwa Trek presented by Biogen. Photo: www.zcmc.co.za<\/span><\/p>\nBrazil\u2019s Henrique Avancini and Germany\u2019s Manuel Fumic once again snatched a hard-fought victory. The Cannondale Factory Racing pair set off with the leading yellow jerseys and targets on their backs.<\/p>\n
With no major attacks going clear in the early stages there was an eerie silence as the leading pack followed winding trails through the Witzenberg Valley. Avancini and Fumic held the fort and sussed out their rivals.<\/p>\n
The real battle unfolded on a 12km climb through pine plantations as riders entered the last third of the race. Team Bulls\u2019 Simon Stiebjahn and Centurion Vaude\u2019s Daniel Geismayr were among the protagonists who drove the tempo up front.<\/p>\n
There was a moment of high drama on the mountains as the yellow jerseys were briefly separated, and their rivals sought to exploit any chink in their armour.<\/p>\n
Cannondale Factory Racing kept their composure however and saved their legs for a final dash to the finish line.<\/p>\n \u201cI just tried to stay calm and keep it together on the descent back home. There are still two hard stages to go, but we\u2019re feeling strong and optimistic about the chance of winning this,\u201d said Fumic.<\/p>\n Urs Huber and Stiebjahn\u2019s early efforts paid off with a solid second place for the day. It was the second Cannondale Factory Racing pair of Maxime Marotte and Cameron Orr who once again finished in third. At just 19-years old, Orr has truly been a revelation of the event thus far.<\/p>\n One of the major upsets of the day came from a despondent Sam Gaze, who waved the white flag and pulled out of the race due to an illness. His Specialized Racing partner and local hero Alan Hatherly will race the event solo from tomorrow.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m really disappointed, but I think it was the right call in a situation like this. I love the climbing section of tomorrow\u2019s stage, and couldn\u2019t resist giving it a shot anyway,\u201d said Hatherly.<\/p>\n<\/a>The leading group of men during the second stage. Photo: www.zcmc.co.za<\/span><\/p>\n