![\"ccs-62657-0-21432000-1413442549.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-21432000-1413442549.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nStage 3 of the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek came down to a sprint finish with SCOTT Factory Racing (in yellow) just edging out Team Bulls (in white) for the victory. \/\/ Photo credit: Zoon Cronje\/Nikon\/Xtremedia.<\/span><\/p>\n Second place went to the German Team Bulls pair of Tim Bohme and Simon Stiebjahn with South Africans Lourens Luus and Adriaan Louw (Fairview Elite) filling the final podium spot. Buys and Beukes retain their General Classification lead of 3 minutes 26 seconds over Team Bulls.<\/p>\n In the women\u2019s race, the Biogen Toyota Cape Brewing Co. pair of Robyn de Groot (RSA) and Jennie Stenerhag (SWE) claimed their fourth successive stage victory, also in a sprint finish, against Asrin Cycling\u2019s Catherine Williamson (GBR) and Alice Pirard (BEL) and maintained their overall 13-minute lead.<\/p>\n Jennie Stenerhag (far right) and Robyn de Groot look back down the finishing straight after getting a small gap on their rivals in the final sprint. \/\/ Photo credit: Zoon Cronje\/Nikon\/Xtremedia.<\/span><\/p>\n After Tuesday\u2019s gruelling stage, which culminated with a mountaintop finish at the summit of the iconic Swartberg Pass; and with Thursday\u2019s brutal Stage 4 looming, the riders appeared to consolidate somewhat on Wednesday\u2019s Stage 3 over 107km from Prince Albert to De Rust.<\/p>\n In the men\u2019s race, a pack of five teams reached the final 20km in the lead group \u2013 SCOTT Factory Racing, Team Bulls, EAI Cycling, Fairview RECM (Lourens Luus and Adriaan Louw) and Asrin Cycling\u2019s (James Reid and Herman Persteiner). Unfortunately for Asrin Cycling, Persteiner encountered a mechanical with his chain, which eliminated them from the final dash.<\/p>\n The remaining quartet shared the workload into a strong headwind, but rode a tactical approach to the finish, which included two 90-degree turns and a slightly uphill finishing straight.<\/p>\n The field of over 400 riders is stretched out under the fast early pace during the opening kilometres of Stage 3 of the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek. \/\/ Photo credit: Zoon Cronje\/Nikon\/Xtremedia.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe predicted this morning the stage might finish in a sprint so were ready for it. We\u2019ve discussed our sprinting tactics quite a bit, but didn\u2019t have to implement them today as Simon (Stiebjahn) made the first move and we were forced to react. Matthys went after him and I watched Tim (Bohme). Simon faded a bit and that allowed both Matthys and I to go across the line ahead of them,\u201d explained Buys.<\/p>\n \u201cWe accepted with about 10km to go that it would come down to a sprint,\u201d said De Groot. \u201cCatherine and Alice rode really well today and we knew that we\u2019d have to be tactically smart to beat them. Fortunately we got our timing right and were able to win. We still have a 13-minute lead, but it\u2019s not big enough to allow us to relax, especially with tomorrow\u2019s big stage.\u201d<\/p>\n Matthys Beukes (far left) and Philip Buys enjoyed a perfect first day in Yellow by winning Stage 3 of the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek. \/\/ Photo credit: Zoon Cronje\/Nikon\/Xtremedia<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Thursday\u2019s Stage 4 is likely to be the most decisive of the 2014 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek. With 2690m of ascent in 109km, it promises to make or break podium ambitions. It could also prove the toughest test for many of the amateurs, who are aiming to just complete the event.<\/p>\n The stage starts with a 25km steady drag before taking riders through the dry, rocky Kammanassie Mountains and over to the forested coastal belt area of George. The contrasts on this stage are remarkable and could well contribute to a General Classification shake-up.<\/p>\n \u201cIt will be a tough stage tomorrow. But Matthys and I will not be riding defensively. We\u2019re keen to push the technical sections hard, but will stay as safe as possible,\u201d revealed Buys.<\/p>\n In the other team racing categories, South Africans Brian Lennox and Hannes Hanekom (Klein Karoo Giants) were the top Amateurs, moving into the GC lead in the process. South Africans Kobus and Fienie Barnard (Klein Karoo Mixed), won the sprint for the stage, but are still second on GC to Germans Max Friedrich and Jana Mischance (Firebike Tomotion by Blacktusk).<\/p>\n Heinz Zorweg (AUT) and Bartie Bucher (SUI) of Team Meerendal Wheeler 2 claimed a fourth consecutive stage win and further extended their category lead; while South Africans Johan Labuschagne and Gerrie Beukes (Klein Karoo Veterans) secured a second successive stage win and moved to within less than a minute off Veteran category leaders Fanie Venter and Wayne McDuling (Pynfabriek) in the overall.<\/p>\n In keeping with tradition, the terrain of the 2014 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek is unforgiving. The leaders tackle a loose, rocky climb during Stage 3 on Wednesday. \/\/ Photo credit: Zoon Cronje\/Nikon\/Xtremedia.<\/span><\/p>\n In the Solo men\u2019s division, Travis Walker (RSA) won the stage in his category and moved into the General Classification lead, while Christine Janse van Rensburg (RSA), claimed another stage and extended her overall lead in the Solo women\u2019s race.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n