![\"ccs-62657-0-13027500-1426865571.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-13027500-1426865571.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nAriane Kleinhans and Annika Langvad of Specialized climb Rondekop under the Waaihoek Mountains near Worcester during stage 5 of the 2015 Absa Cape Epic. \/\/ Photo by Gary Perkin\/Cape Epic\/SPORTZPICS.<\/span><\/p>\n Second was Team Ascendis Health, Jennie Stenerhag and Robyn de Groot finishing the day in 6:29.20,8. 2007 women\u2019s winner Yolande de Villiers nabbed the last Stage 5 podium place, finishing third on the day with SasolRacing partner Janka Keseg Stevkova.<\/p>\n Stage 5 from Worcester to Wellington was originally scheduled as a 117km slog through the Cape Winelands District, but race organisers were forced to add 5km to the route due to road works on the original course. Extra distance, however, is no problem for the Absa Cape Epic\u2019s power pair.<\/p>\n \u201cWe had a really nice ride from start to finish,\u201d said Annika Langvad. \u201cIt was actually very bumpy for two-thirds of the route, but then we got on to the tar climb up Bain\u2019s Kloof Pass, which was like heaven. The 20km or so on the tar was a relief and from there we just kicked home.\u201d<\/p>\n On the surface, the only sign that Langvad has been in a gruelling race for six days are a few scratches and cuts from a fall two days ago, but she does admit that the famed climbing of the Cape Epic is starting to take its toll. \u201cIn general, I\u2019m feeling okay,\u201d she said. \u201cI can still go and pace on the flat sections or the tar, but my legs are tired. Every day adds up.\u201d<\/p>\n Realistically, only a major catastrophe can stop Team RECM Specialized from winning the Sasol Women\u2019s category. \u201cThings like the crash in the men\u2019s race can take us out, so we just need to stay out of the way,\u201d said Langvad. \u201cThat\u2019s mountain biking, though. You think everything is fine and the next thing you\u2019re on the floor.\u201d<\/p>\n Although nearly an hour behind the leaders, Ascendis Health team manager Barry Austin is pleased with Stenerhag and De Groot\u2019s performance. \u201cWe came into this aiming for a top five, so lying second overall is great for us,\u201d said Austin. \u201cIf you look at the daily results we\u2019ve been really consistent.\u201d<\/p>\n In her first Absa Cape Epic, De Groot is feeling the effects. \u201cAt this stage I feel like I\u2019ve been hit by a bus. It also feels like we\u2019ve been on the bike for a long time,\u201d she said. \u201cBut we\u2019re going well.\u201d<\/p>\n