{"id":62334,"date":"2023-03-23T15:15:25","date_gmt":"2023-03-23T13:15:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/?p=62334"},"modified":"2023-03-25T19:41:14","modified_gmt":"2023-03-25T17:41:14","slug":"beers-blevins-complete-hat-trick-while-looser-and-le-court-shine-on-stage-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/beers-blevins-complete-hat-trick-while-looser-and-le-court-shine-on-stage-4\/","title":{"rendered":"Beers, Blevins complete hat-trick while Looser and Le Court shine on Stage 4"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Matt Beers and Christopher Blevins (Toyota-Specialized-NinetyOne) won the Stage 4 Time Trial of the Absa Cape Epic, their fourth stage victory in five days, while Vera Looser and Kim le Court (Efficient Infiniti Insure) won in the CM.com 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 4 | 2023 Absa Cape Epic\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/k4VZpjFj35k?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>The Stage 4 win for Beers and Blevins pushed them up to third in the Men\u2019s general classification. They now sit five minutes behind race leaders Nino Schurter and Andri Frischknecht (SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f5fe22c58a1&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f5fe22c58a1\" 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_Stage4_NickMuzik_6050-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62335\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_NickMuzik_6050-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_NickMuzik_6050-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_NickMuzik_6050-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_NickMuzik_6050.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 4 of the 2023 Absa Cape Epic. Photo by Nick Muzik \/ Cape Epic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Of more immediate concern for Schurter and Frischknecht, though, will be the overall progress made by Lukas Baum and Georg Egger (ORBEA x Leatt x Speed Company).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The defending Absa Cape Epic Champions had a superb day on the bike, finishing second on the 47km Time Trial stage. In doing so, they managed to eat away at the overall lead of Schurter and Frischknecht. With three tough stages to come, Baum and Egger are just a minute and 11 seconds off first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f5fe22c5ca5&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f5fe22c5ca5\" 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_Stage4_SamClark_2199-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62336\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_SamClark_2199-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_SamClark_2199-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_SamClark_2199-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_SamClark_2199.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 during stage 4 time trial of the 2023 Absa Cape Epic. Photo Sam Clark \/ Cape Epic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As good as Baum and Egger were, the short, punchy stage played to the strengths of Blevins and the American was in no mood to mess around. He set the pace from the word go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI felt amazing,\u201d he said. \u201cI don\u2019t know why, but today was just one of those days when I felt great. The wind made it tricky, but I had a lot of fun out there. I hope the legs I had today stick around for the next three days because that\u2019s where this race will be won. We\u2019re happy with these stage wins, but we definitely want that yellow jersey.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f5fe22c601f&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f5fe22c601f\" 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_Stage4_NickMuzik_6151-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62337\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_NickMuzik_6151-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_NickMuzik_6151-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_NickMuzik_6151-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_NickMuzik_6151.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 and Lukas Baum during stage 4 of the 2023 Absa Cape Epic. Photo by Nick Muzik \/ Cape Epic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Beers added that Blevins was the engine and the conductor on Stage 4. \u201cWe went out really hard but I realised very quickly that I wasn\u2019t feeling so great. Chris was amazing though. He just pushed on and got me through it. That\u2019s where teamwork is essential at the Absa Cape Epic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f5fe22c636f&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f5fe22c636f\" 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_Stage4_NickMuzik_6192-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62338\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_NickMuzik_6192-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_NickMuzik_6192-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_NickMuzik_6192-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_NickMuzik_6192.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 Men&#8217;s Podiun (L-R) ORBEA x Leatt x Speed Company, Toyota-Specialized-NinetyOne and Scott SRAM MTB Racing. Photo by Nick Muzik \/ Cape Epic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall leaders in the Men\u2019s race Schurter and Frischknecht were happy with their efforts, too. \u201cOur goal was always to go out at a good pace and not work too hard on the stage,\u201d said Schurter. \u201cWe are still in the lead and I think we didn\u2019t leave as much out there today as some of the other riders. We have three days of good racing to come and we\u2019re ready for it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the CM.com Women\u2019s category on Stage 4, Le Court and Looser were determined from start to finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f5fe22c66d0&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f5fe22c66d0\" 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_Stage4_NickMuzik_3112-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62341\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_NickMuzik_3112-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_NickMuzik_3112-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_NickMuzik_3112-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_NickMuzik_3112-1.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 win stage 4 of the 2023 Absa Cape Epic. Photo by Nick Muzik \/ Cape Epic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting ahead of Sofia Gomez Villafane and Katerina Nash (NinetyOne-Songo-Specialized) and e-FORT.net | SeattleCoffeeCo in the Time Trial format, the Mauritius-Namibia team looked comfortable throughout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The nature of the format is such that teams on the route have no idea what their nearest rivals are up to. Le Court and Looser raced almost flawlessly on the 47km stage, despite Looser&#8217;s slight stumble on loose gravel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f5fe22c6a1a&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f5fe22c6a1a\" 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_Stage4_SamClark_2253-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62342\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_SamClark_2253-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_SamClark_2253-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_SamClark_2253-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_SamClark_2253.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 during stage 4 time trial of the 2023 Absa Cape Epic. Photo by Sam Clark \/ Cape Epic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThat was an amazing way to celebrate Kim\u2019s birthday,\u201d said Looser. \u201cIt was hard out there, two hours of full gas riding, but we hung on. We were riding along and we heard we had a one-minute lead and couldn\u2019t believe it. Kim was in front and saying \u2018come Vera, come on, come on, let\u2019s go!\u2019 I was saying \u2018wait, wait my legs are killing me\u2019. But we pushed on and it was a great feeling to pull it off. It\u2019s been a very special day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Le Court said it was a dream to win on her birthday. \u201cWe raced at another Epic Series event and we won a stage there on Vera\u2019s birthday, so now it was my turn! It\u2019s been long days prior to today, so we are thrilled and slightly surprised with the stage victory.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f5fe22c6d44&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f5fe22c6d44\" 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_Stage4_SamClark_2086-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62343\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_SamClark_2086-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_SamClark_2086-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_SamClark_2086-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ACE23_Stage4_SamClark_2086.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\">Sofia Gomez Villafane and Katerina Nash during stage 4 time trial of the 2023 Absa Cape Epic . Photo by Sam Clark \/ Cape Epic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Wakefield and Lill were last to leave the start chute and managed to overtake Villafane and Nash, who had started two minutes ahead of them. While Wakefield and Lill didn\u2019t set the course alight, they were still able to build on their overall lead with a smooth ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once again, Villafane and Nash appeared to struggle as the stage wore on. They sit second overall in the CM.com Women\u2019s category, more than 10 minutes behind Wakefield and Lill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2023 Absa Cape Epic Stage 4 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 \u2013 01:45:09.5<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Orbea X Leatt X Speed Company Racing: Georg Egger, Lukas Baum \u2013 01:45:32.1 (+00:00:22.6)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SCOTT-SRAM MTB-Racing: Nino Schurter, Andri Frischknecht \u2013 01:47:33.5 (+00:02:23.9)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>CM.com Women\u2019s category:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Efficient Infiniti Insure: Kim le Court, Vera Looser \u2013 02:09:32.1<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>e-FORT. net | SeattleCoffeeCo.: Amy Wakefield, Candice Lill \u2013 02:12:24.7 (+00:02:52.6)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NinetyOne-songo-Specialized: Sofia Gomez Villafane, Katerina Nash \u2013 02:14:45.5 (+00:05:13.4)<br><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2023 Absa Cape Epic General Classification After Stage 4:<\/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 15:20:31.2<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Orbea X Leatt X Speed Company Racing: Georg Egger, Lukas Baum \u2013 15:21:42.7 (+00:01:11.5)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Toyota-Specialized-NinetyOne &#8211; Matthew Beers, Christopher Blevins \u2013 15:25:47.5 (+00:05:16.3)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>CM.com 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 18:58:09.3<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NinetyOne-songo-Specialized: Sofia Gomez Villafane, Katerina Nash \u2013 19:08:51.6 (+00:10:42.2)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Efficient Infiniti Insure: Kim le Court, Vera Looser \u2013 19:14:39.2 (+00:16:29.9)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>View the full Stage 4 results <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epic-series.com\/capeepic-riders-liveresults\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Matt Beers and Christopher Blevins (Toyota-Specialized-NinetyOne) won the Stage 4 Time Trial of the Absa Cape Epic, their fourth stage victory in five days, while Vera Looser and Kim le Court (Efficient Infiniti Insure) won in the CM.com Women\u2019s category. The Stage 4 win for Beers and Blevins pushed them up to third in the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":62341,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[76,24],"featured_location":[],"class_list":["post-62334","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\/62334","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=62334"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62334\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":62385,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62334\/revisions\/62385"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/62341"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=62334"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=62334"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=62334"},{"taxonomy":"featured_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured_location?post=62334"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}