{"id":67566,"date":"2024-03-17T21:04:27","date_gmt":"2024-03-17T19:04:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/?p=67566"},"modified":"2024-03-19T20:27:20","modified_gmt":"2024-03-19T18:27:20","slug":"world-bicycle-relief-ghost-factory-racing-set-cape-epic-alight-at-scorching-prologue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/world-bicycle-relief-ghost-factory-racing-set-cape-epic-alight-at-scorching-prologue\/","title":{"rendered":"World Bicycle Relief &#038; Ghost Factory Racing set Cape Epic alight at scorching Prologue"},"content":{"rendered":"\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 | PROLOGUE | 2024 Absa Cape Epic\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4IMOXlM9Aks?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>World Bicycle Relief (Nino Schurter and Sebastian Fini) and Ghost Factory Racing (Anne Terpstra and Nicole Koller) claimed the UCI Men\u2019s and Aramex Women\u2019s Categories respectively at today\u2019s Absa Cape Epic Prologue in Somerset West.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f7730be4b83&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f7730be4b83\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"934\" 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\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_1171-1400x934.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67567\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_1171-1400x934.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_1171-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_1171-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_1171-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_1171-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><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\">Photo by Sam Clark\/Cape Epic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting, taking place within the confines and finishing at Lourensford Wine Estate, the 2024 Prologue provided the typical tests of tough climbs, dusty descents and ever-rising late-summer temperatures. Handling the challenges &#8211; and their bikes &#8211; best on the day were World Bicycle Relief in the UCI Men\u2019s race and Ghost Factory Racing in the Aramex Women\u2019s Category. Both teams were remarkably cool and comfortable throughout the day\u2019s racing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f7730be4f87&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f7730be4f87\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"934\" 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\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_9333-1400x934.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67568\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_9333-1400x934.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_9333-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_9333-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_9333-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_9333-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><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\">Photo by Sam Clark\/Cape Epic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Schurter, participating with Danish rider Sebastian Fini, seems to have finally met a partner who can match his enthusiasm and talent for trail riding. Fini was stuck like a child\u2019s craft-set glitter to the multiple mountain bike World Champion, with the pair racing home in 1:02:38 for first place. Matt Beers and Howard Grotts (Toyota-Specialized-NinetyOne) took second place in 1:03:29, with Hans Becking and Wout Alleman (Buff Megamo) rounding out the top three. Grotts, the 2018 Cape Epic winner, was reintroduced to the joys of cycling in South Africa when he was forced to bunny-hop over a puff adder at one point on the stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sneaky snakes, aside, all three of the men\u2019s top teams rode blemish-free Prologues, with Schurter and Fini having the edge on the steep climbs (though their descending was impressive too). Arguably, though, the ride of the day came from South African duo Marco Joubert and Wessel Botha (Imbuko).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f7730be5331&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f7730be5331\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" 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\/2024\/03\/ACE24_stage.Prologue_NickMuzik_9126-1400x933.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67569\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_stage.Prologue_NickMuzik_9126-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_stage.Prologue_NickMuzik_9126-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_stage.Prologue_NickMuzik_9126-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_stage.Prologue_NickMuzik_9126-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_stage.Prologue_NickMuzik_9126-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><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. Photo by Nick Muzik\/Cape Epic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting as the 18th-best team in the Prologue, Joubert and Botha scorched through the field and the route to finish in a time of 1:04:15 &#8211; this with Joubert crashing twice (first when he was looking at a spectator rather than the route and second just before the floating bridge).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For seven-time starter and former winner Schurter, this was only his second Prologue win at the Absa Cape Epic. \u201cComing here from Europe, I thought \u2018Okay, it\u2019s not too hot\u2019 but it was brutal out there. On the climbs, the air was just standing still &#8211; so I think maybe we went too fast in the beginning and suffered towards the end, but still very happy with the result. Sebastian and I worked well together on that route. We have similar strengths and I think that showed in the racing today. Some long days are coming up. The competition will be tight, but that\u2019s what I enjoy. That\u2019s why I am here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f7730be569e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f7730be569e\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" 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\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Prologue_DB-5963-1-1400x933.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67576\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Prologue_DB-5963-1-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Prologue_DB-5963-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Prologue_DB-5963-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Prologue_DB-5963-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Prologue_DB-5963-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><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 the Prologue of the 2024 Absa Cape Epic. Photo by Dominic Barnardt\/Cape Epic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Debutant Delight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Aramex Women\u2019s Category, Ghost Factory Racing and Cannondale Factory Racing (Candice Lill and Mona Mitterwallner) appeared to be neck-and-neck in the early stages, but the heat proved too much for Austrian rider Mitterwallner. Cannondale Factory Racing faded towards the end of the stage, allowing Ghost Factory Racing\u2019s Terpstra and Koller to surge ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f7730be5a30&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f7730be5a30\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" 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\/2024\/03\/ACE24_stage.Prologue_NickMuzik_4255-1400x933.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67573\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_stage.Prologue_NickMuzik_4255-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_stage.Prologue_NickMuzik_4255-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_stage.Prologue_NickMuzik_4255-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_stage.Prologue_NickMuzik_4255-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_stage.Prologue_NickMuzik_4255-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><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\">Anne Terpstra and Nicole Koller of GHOST Factory Racing during the Prologue of the 2024 Absa Cape Epic. Photo by Nick Muzik\/Cape Epic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI struggled with the heat today,\u201d said Mitterwallner on the finish line. \u201cI think I got a heat stroke for the first time in my life. My heart rate was sitting at 195 and wouldn&#8217;t get below 190, so I couldn&#8217;t recover in the descents. Then I got cold and shaky. I was just trying to survive to the finish.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cannondale teammate Lill was happy with the second place, though, knowing that there\u2019s a long, hard week of racing to come. \u201cIt\u2019s always a shock to the system to start the week with such a hard effort, but I think we rode well. It\u2019s always good to get the Prologue out the way, take some positivity into the week and focus on the racing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f7730be5d83&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f7730be5d83\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"934\" 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\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_8937-1400x934.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67571\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_8937-1400x934.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_8937-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_8937-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_8937-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_8937-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><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\">Photo by Sam Clark\/Cape Epic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Terpstra and Koller were all focus, all morning, to claim their first stage win at their first attempt. Both riders are racing the Cape Epic for the first time and took to the trails like seasoned veterans. The team rode smoothly throughout the 27km stage, barely putting a pedal stroke wrong as they calmly navigated the course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was around the halfway point in the stage where Cannondale Factory Racing started to drop off the pace, allowing Ghost Factory Racing to spirit away the stage victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe are very happy with a stage win,\u201d said Terpstra. \u201cWe weren\u2019t expecting that at all. We just wanted to ride at our own pace but then we started going nicely and getting faster. It was hot out there. And dusty. I am looking forward to a shower!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f7730be60f7&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f7730be60f7\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"934\" 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\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_8982-1400x934.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67572\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_8982-1400x934.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_8982-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_8982-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_8982-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Pro_PhotoSamClark_8982-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><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\">Photo by Sam Clark\/Cape Epic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>2022 Aramex Women\u2019s Category winner Sofia Gomez Villafane, riding with Samara Sheppard (Toyota-Specialized-Ninetyone), finished third on the day, one minute and 11 seconds off the lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f7730be6459&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f7730be6459\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" 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\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Prologue_DB-5238-1400x933.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67574\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Prologue_DB-5238-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Prologue_DB-5238-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Prologue_DB-5238-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Prologue_DB-5238-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ACE24_Prologue_DB-5238-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><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\">Winning Ladies during the Prologue of the 2024 Absa Cape Epic. Photo by Dominic Barnardt\/Cape Epic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>World Bicycle Relief (Nino Schurter and Sebastian Fini) and Ghost Factory Racing (Anne Terpstra and Nicole Koller) claimed the UCI Men\u2019s and Aramex Women\u2019s Categories respectively at today\u2019s Absa Cape Epic Prologue in Somerset West. Starting, taking place within the confines and finishing at Lourensford Wine Estate, the 2024 Prologue provided the typical tests of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":67573,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[24],"featured_location":[],"class_list":["post-67566","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-events","tag-cape-epic"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67566","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=67566"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67566\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":67579,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67566\/revisions\/67579"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/67573"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=67566"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=67566"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=67566"},{"taxonomy":"featured_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured_location?post=67566"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}