![\"ccs-62657-0-82081400-1427032323.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-82081400-1427032323.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nAnnika Langvad [R] and Ariane Kleinhans [L] on their way to victory during the final stage. \/\/ Photo by Sam Clark\/Cape Epic\/SPORTZPICS.<\/span><\/p>\n The pair suffered a minor blip on Stage 2 when they received a 1 hour 13 minute time penalty, but all that did was spur them on to an even more impressive ride for the rest of the race. They made up the lost time in one day and never looked back.<\/p>\n Stage 7 was more of the same, with RECM Specialized taking first place in a time of 4:06.53,8. Ascendis Health pair of Jennie Stenerhag and Robyn de Groot, in her first Absa Cape Epic, came in second yet again with a time of 4:14.16,6. SasolRacing\u2019s Yolande de Villiers and Janka Keseg Stevkova rounded out the Stage 7 podium places, finishing in 4:20.16,5.<\/p>\n With spectators packed onto the field at Meerandal Wine Estate – the host for the Grand Finale for the first time in the event\u2019s history – Kleinhans and Langvad raised their arms in triumph one last time as they popped out of the vineyards and onto the finishing straight.<\/p>\n Their entire support crew waited for them on the finish line, immediately spraying champagne over the 2015 Sasol Women\u2019s category champions before quickly disappearing and remerging with a birthday cake and balloons for Langvad.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are very happy,\u201d said Langvad. \u201cThis is such a special moment \u2013 defending our title, winning again with Ariane and being able to celebrate the victory on my birthday.\u201d<\/p>\n Kleinhans said it was another tough day on the bike, before admitting that she was slightly surprised by the margin of victory for Team RECM Specialized.<\/p>\n