{"id":62270,"date":"2023-03-21T17:13:25","date_gmt":"2023-03-21T15:13:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/?p=62270"},"modified":"2023-03-22T17:34:34","modified_gmt":"2023-03-22T15:34:34","slug":"tense-and-tactical-on-stage-2-at-absa-cape-epic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/tense-and-tactical-on-stage-2-at-absa-cape-epic\/","title":{"rendered":"Tense and tactical on Stage 2 at Absa Cape Epic"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>There were no changes in the overall category leads of the Absa Cape Epic after Stage 2, with both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s leaders holding on to their yellow and orange leader jerseys respectively, after 116km of racing on Tuesday, 21 March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ede66267ae7&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ede66267ae7\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_NickMuzik_2702-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62271\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_NickMuzik_2702-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_NickMuzik_2702-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_NickMuzik_2702-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_NickMuzik_2702.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Matt Beers leads the charge during stage 2 of the 2023 Absa Cape Epic . Photo by Nick Muzik\/Cape Epic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Men\u2019s race, Matt Beers and Christopher Blevins (Toyota-Specialized-NinetyOne) won Stage 2, while in the CM.com Women\u2019s Category, Vera Looser and Kim le Court (Efficient Infiniti Insure) took the honours. Orange leader jersey wearers Candice Lill and Amy Wakefield (e-FORT.net&nbsp;| SeattleCoffeeCo) finished third on the stage and retained their five-minute gap overall at the top of the Women\u2019s Category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"News | Stage 2 | 2023 Absa Cape Epic\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/876-q7omf2o?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Nino Schurter and Andri Frischknecht (SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing) remain in yellow in the general classification, now with a handy three-minute lead over second-placed Georg Egger and Lukas Baum (ORBEA x Leatt x Speed Company). Thanks to their excellent ride, Beers and Blevins jumped up from eighth to fifth in the overall standings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ede66267f64&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ede66267f64\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_DomBarnardt-0170-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62272\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_DomBarnardt-0170-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_DomBarnardt-0170-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_DomBarnardt-0170-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_DomBarnardt-0170.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nino Schurter and Andri Frischknecht during stage 2 of the 2023 Absa Cape Epic. Photo by Dom Barnardt \/ Cape Epic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In both the Men\u2019s and the&nbsp;CM.com&nbsp;Women\u2019s races, the riding was tense and tactical. The men started at a furious pace, charging towards the village of Stanford. Early pacesetters included Toyota-Specialized-NinetyOne, SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing, ORBEA x Leatt x Speed Company, Wilier Pirelli Factory, Canyon Northwave MTB, PYGA Euro Steel and Imbuko TypeDev. The lead bunch went through the 42km mark in a time of one hour and 11 minutes, barely noticing the festive Stanford revellers and party boat as they crossed the Thirsti floating bridge ahead of the water point.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The pretenders eventually fell by the wayside, leaving Toyota-Specialized-NinetyOne, SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing, ORBEA x Leatt x Speed Company, and Wilier Pirelli Factory\u2019s Fabian Rabensteiner and Wout Alleman alone in the front.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ede662682ee&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ede662682ee\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_NickMuzik_4053-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62273\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_NickMuzik_4053-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_NickMuzik_4053-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_NickMuzik_4053-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_NickMuzik_4053.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Georg Egger leads the bunch during stage 2  of the 2023 Absa Cape Epic. Photo by Nick Muzik\/Cape Epic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With a flat start, a tough middle section punctuated by two big climbs, and an undulating final 30km, there was little margin for error. Blevins, having recovered well from his Stage 1 ailment, pushed the pace, but no one was able to make a clean break for victory as the well-matched teams kept each other in check.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wilier Pirelli fell back at 92km, and at around 100km, ORBEA x Leatt x Speed Company started to struggle. First, they ran out of water, then they had a slight collision in the sand, followed by a stick in the derailleur. The minor incidents stacked up, forcing them to drop off and chase back repeatedly. The mishaps allowed the final 10km to turn into a two-team race between SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing and Toyota-Specialized-NinetyOne.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Schurter led into the final singletrack, but as the two teams popped out onto the tar home stretch, Matt Beers mashed his monstrous legs and raced away. Frischknecht attempted to follow, but it was Blevins who had the energy to chase and ultimately rode home comfortably alongside his Toyota-Specialized-NinetyOne partner for the Stage 2 win.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ede6626867a&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ede6626867a\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_NickMuzik_4593-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62275\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_NickMuzik_4593-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_NickMuzik_4593-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_NickMuzik_4593-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_NickMuzik_4593-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Matt Beers and Christopher Blevins win stage 2 of the 2023 Absa Cape Epic. Photo by Nick Muzik\/Cape Epic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWith Andri and Nino you can\u2019t get past them in the singletrack so I knew we had to do it on the tar. I also can\u2019t sprint, so the tar was our best shot,\u201d said Beers. \u201cChris told me to send a flyer when we hit the road; I did and it worked out really well. You can\u2019t ask for more.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Blevins added that the stage win was a confidence booster. \u201cIt\u2019s very motivating to bounce back with a stage win after a day like yesterday. It\u2019s still a long week and there is a lot of racing to come, but we are happy for now!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ede66268a00&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ede66268a00\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_NickMuzik_4703-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62281\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_NickMuzik_4703-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_NickMuzik_4703-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_NickMuzik_4703-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_NickMuzik_4703.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The mens podium (from L-R), Scott-SRAM MTB Racing, Toyota Specialized and Speed Company Racing on stage 2 of the 2023 Absa Cape Epic. Photo by Nick Muzik\/Cape Epic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In the&nbsp;CM.com&nbsp;Women\u2019s category, the three top teams raced together all day. They were joined for a short while by a handful of other women\u2019s teams, but their class told as the day wore on.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ede66268d48&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ede66268d48\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_DomBarnardt-7841-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62276\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_DomBarnardt-7841-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_DomBarnardt-7841-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_DomBarnardt-7841-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_DomBarnardt-7841.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Vera Looser and Katerina Nash from 2 different teams lead the elite ladies during stage 2 of the 2023 Absa Cape Epic. Photo by Dom Barnardt \/ Cape Epic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With Amy Wakefield recovering from late-night surgery to her arm injury and dealing with a lack of sleep, the onus was on Sofia Gomez Villafane and Katerina Nash (NinetyOne-Songo-Specialized) or Efficient Infiniti Insure to attack at some stage. For Wakefield and Lill, the aim was always to ride defensively on the day and make sure no team was able to eat into their overall lead.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ede662690a8&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ede662690a8\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_DomBarnardt-7364-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62279\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_DomBarnardt-7364-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_DomBarnardt-7364-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_DomBarnardt-7364-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_DomBarnardt-7364.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Amy Wakefield all smiles ahead of stage 2 despite having a serious arm injury the day before in the 2023 Absa Cape Epic. Photo by Dom Barnardt \/ Cape Epic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On a stage that featured few opportunities for decisive moves, the three women\u2019s teams couldn&#8217;t be separated. Looser and Le Court eventually made the killer move with 5km to go, though Looser misjudged her attack slightly, thinking she only had a kilometre or two left of the racing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Le Court, initially stuck behind NinetyOne-Songo-Specialized, was eventually able to chase down her partner and the pair raced away to give the all-African combo a deserved stage victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ede66269402&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ede66269402\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_SamClark_0182-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62283\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_SamClark_0182-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_SamClark_0182-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_SamClark_0182-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_SamClark_0182-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kim Le Court and Vera Looser during stage 2 of the 2023 Absa Cape Epic. Photo Sam Clark<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThere was a little step over this bridge,\u201d said Looser. \u201cIt could almost have been stairs; I rode over and I saw that Sofia stopped for a second and had to dismount. I thought \u2018now is my chance\u2019 and just put my head down knowing that Kim could sprint away from them and catch me. I saw a sign and was hoping that it said&nbsp;2km or 1km to go, then I saw that it said 5km to go and I thought \u2018no, my legs.\u2019 Then I looked back and saw Kim. I was very happy that she was there!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ede66269747&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ede66269747\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_SamClark_0804-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62278\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_SamClark_0804-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_SamClark_0804-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_SamClark_0804-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_SamClark_0804.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kim Le Court and Vera Looser during stage 2 of the 2023 Absa Cape Epic. Photo Sam Clark<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Le Court added, \u201cI put in the attack and saw they couldn\u2019t catch me. I caught Vera and thought I was going to throw up\u2026 but I held on to the end, burning to the finish. We are thrilled to win. It was a great day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wakefield and Lill were satisfied with their ride, happy to not lose any time in the overall lead. \u201cI\u2019m feeling \u2018okay\u2019,\u201d said Wakefield, after the injury and surgery on Monday night. \u201cI won\u2019t lie, I felt every bump and I\u2019m pretty sore. But it is what it is and I had to take it to get through the stage.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lill was slightly more impressed with her partner, labelling her a superwoman. \u201cAmy is amazing,\u201d she said. \u201cIt was a good race today, tight and tactical. We raced hard in parts and took it easier in other parts. It was a long day, but we&#8217;re still in orange. That\u2019s where we want to be.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ede66269ace&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ede66269ace\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_SamClark_6633-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_SamClark_6633-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_SamClark_6633-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_SamClark_6633-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage2_SamClark_6633.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Candice Lill and Amy Wakefield. Photo Sam Clark<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Tune in to <a href=\"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/south-african-success-on-stage-3-of-absa-cape-epic\/\">Stage 3<\/a> of the Absa Cape Epic live\u00a0broadcast from 08:30 on Wednesday 22 March on the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dmanalytics2.com\/click?u=https%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.com%2Fcapeepic&amp;i=8&amp;d=HUf6k980TW23g7WP71ddyA&amp;e=press%40bikehub.co.za&amp;a=BbjJX0z4RPKsEogD_Bes5g&amp;s=0B-1NfKpdMc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Absa Cape Epic Facebook page<\/a>\u00a0or the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dmanalytics2.com\/click?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F%40EpicSeries_Race_The_World&amp;i=9&amp;d=HUf6k980TW23g7WP71ddyA&amp;e=press%40bikehub.co.za&amp;a=BbjJX0z4RPKsEogD_Bes5g&amp;s=xj_6cVX-MqE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Epic\u00a0Series YouTube channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2023 Absa Cape Epic Stage 2 Results:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Men\u2019s category:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Toyota-Specialized-NinetyOne &#8211; Matthew Beers, Christopher Blevins &#8211; &nbsp;04:20:31.3<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SCOTT-SRAM MTB-Racing: Nino Schurter, Andri Frischknecht &#8211; 04:20:46.9 (+00:00:15.5)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Orbea X Leatt X Speed Company Racing:&nbsp;Georg Egger, Lukas Baum \u2013 04:23:05 (+00:02:33.6)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>CM.com&nbsp;Women\u2019s category:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Efficient Infiniti Insure:&nbsp;Kim le Court, Vera Looser\u2013 05:28:42.6<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NinetyOne-songo-Specialized:&nbsp;Sofia Gomez Villafane, Katerina Nash \u2013 05:28:47.1 (+00:00:04.4)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>e-FORT. net | SeattleCoffeeCo.: Amy Wakefield, Candice Lill \u2013 05:28:47.8 (+00:00:05.2)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2023 Absa Cape Epic General Classification After Stage 2:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Men\u2019s category:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>SCOTT-SRAM MTB-Racing: Nino Schurter, Andri Frischknecht \u2013 09:25:42.4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Orbea X Leatt X Speed Company Racing:&nbsp;Georg Egger, Lukas Baum \u2013 09:28:57.9 (+00:03:15.5)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wilier Pirelli Factory: Fabian Rabensteiner, Wout Alleman&nbsp;\u2013 009:30:41.7 (+00:04:59.2)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>CM.com&nbsp;Women\u2019s category:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>e-FORT. net | SeattleCoffeeCo.: Amy Wakefield, Candice Lill \u2013 11:46:02.0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NinetyOne-songo-Specialized:&nbsp;Sofia Gomez Villafane, Katerina Nash \u2013 11:51:25.9 (+00:05:24)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Efficient Infiniti Insure:&nbsp;Kim le Court, Vera Looser \u2013 11:56:42.3 (+00:10:40.4)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>View the full Stage 2 results&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dmanalytics2.com\/click?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.epic-series.com%2Fcapeepic-riders-liveresults&amp;i=12&amp;d=HUf6k980TW23g7WP71ddyA&amp;e=press%40bikehub.co.za&amp;a=BbjJX0z4RPKsEogD_Bes5g&amp;s=0MAybXiA8Yc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There were no changes in the overall category leads of the Absa Cape Epic after Stage 2, with both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s leaders holding on to their yellow and orange leader jerseys respectively, after 116km of racing on Tuesday, 21 March. In the Men\u2019s race, Matt Beers and Christopher Blevins (Toyota-Specialized-NinetyOne) won Stage 2, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":62271,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[76,24],"featured_location":[],"class_list":["post-62270","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-events","tag-absa-cape-epic","tag-cape-epic"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62270","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=62270"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62270\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":62311,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62270\/revisions\/62311"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/62271"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=62270"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=62270"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=62270"},{"taxonomy":"featured_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured_location?post=62270"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}