{"id":71668,"date":"2025-03-17T19:55:38","date_gmt":"2025-03-17T17:55:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/?p=71668"},"modified":"2025-03-17T20:05:34","modified_gmt":"2025-03-17T18:05:34","slug":"schurter-colombo-in-yellow-while-langvad-villafane-extend-lead-in-stage-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/schurter-colombo-in-yellow-while-langvad-villafane-extend-lead-in-stage-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Schurter, Colombo in Yellow while Langvad, Villafane Extend Lead in Stage 1"},"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 | STAGE 1 | 2025 Absa Cape Epic\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EdxMxiRToyc?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 Filippo Colombo (SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing) timed their attack to perfection late on Stage 1 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic to claim the stage victory and move into the overall lead of the men\u2019s race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f6fbb2bdf51&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f6fbb2bdf51\" class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" 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\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_NickMuzik_2922-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71669\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_NickMuzik_2922-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_NickMuzik_2922-1200x800-5b2df79-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_NickMuzik_2922-1200x800-5b2df79-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><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 wins the hot spot during Stage 1 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at Meerendal Wine Estate, Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2025. Photo by Nick Muzik\/Cape Epic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Aramex UCI Women\u2019s Category race, Annika Langvad and Sofia Gomez Villafane (Toyota | Specialized) took control midway through the day\u2019s racing to win Stage 1 more than five minutes ahead of second-placed Vera Looser and Alexis Skarda (Efficient Infiniti SCB SRAM). They now lead the Aramex UCI Women\u2019s Category overall by seven minutes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f6fbb2be354&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f6fbb2be354\" class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" 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\/2025\/03\/Epic25_S1_DomBarnardt-1766-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71676\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Epic25_S1_DomBarnardt-1766-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Epic25_S1_DomBarnardt-1766-1200x800-5b2df79-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Epic25_S1_DomBarnardt-1766-1200x800-5b2df79-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><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\">Annika Langvad and Sofia Villifane take the win during Stage 1 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at Meerendal Wine Estate, Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2025. Photo by Dom Barnardt\/Cape Epic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The theme of the day was wind, climbing and more wind. And sometimes climbing with wind. In the men\u2019s race, that meant the main bunch stayed together for the first third of the race. At about 58km into the 96km stage, nine teams, including Prologue winners WILIER-VITTORIA (Luca Braidot and Simone Avondetto), ORBEA Leatt Speed Company (Lukas Baum and Georg Egger) and SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing were all together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f6fbb2be6cf&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f6fbb2be6cf\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" 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\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_NickMuzik_7332-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71673\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_NickMuzik_7332-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_NickMuzik_7332-1200x800-5b2df79-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_NickMuzik_7332-1200x800-5b2df79-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><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 race during Stage 1 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at Meerendal Wine Estate, Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2025. Photo by Nick Muzik\/Cape Epic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>From the 70km mark, Speed Company, SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing and WILIER-VITTORIA were all alone at the front, with defending champion Matt Beers and partner Keegan Swenson (Outride | Toyota | Songo) unable to match the pace at the front. From a distance, Swenson appears to be struggling two days into the 2025 Absa Cape Epic. They now sit in eighth place overall, seven-and-a-half minutes behind the leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f6fbb2bea1d&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f6fbb2bea1d\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" 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\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_NickMuzik_7487-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71672\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_NickMuzik_7487-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_NickMuzik_7487-1200x800-5b2df79-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_NickMuzik_7487-1200x800-5b2df79-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><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\">Luca BRAIDOT and Simone AVONDETTO during Stage 1 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at Meerendal Wine Estate, Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2025. Photo by Nick Muzik\/Cape Epic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Speed Company\u2019s Georg Egger looked in good shape for most of the stage, pulling the lead bunch up the climbs and into the wind. Two crucial attacks at the front, though, happened in the closing 15km of the stage. First, Simone Avondetto (WILIER-VITTORIA) surged up the day&#8217;s final climb, dragging partner Luca Braidot along for the ride. It appeared to be too much for Braidot, who faltered in the closing kilometres, allowing Schurter and Colombo to race ahead and win the stage by 31 seconds. The winning margin also put the Swiss duo into the overall leaders Zebra Stiped Yellow Jerseys.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThat was a hard day,\u201d said Schurter. \u201cSome bits were fun but that was flat-out racing. It was hard from the start and I found the flat sections quite difficult. I really don\u2019t like the flat stuff. I prefer when we go into the mountains!\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f6fbb2bed82&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f6fbb2bed82\" class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" 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\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_NickMuzik_2985-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71671\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_NickMuzik_2985-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_NickMuzik_2985-1200x800-5b2df79-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_NickMuzik_2985-1200x800-5b2df79-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><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 1 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at Meerendal Wine Estate, Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2025. Photo by Nick Muzik\/Cape Epic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Schurter added that with a handful of kilometres to go, he sensed that Braidot was struggling with the pace. \u201cEarly on, Luca and Simone attacked hard and we got caught in rough terrain where we couldn\u2019t respond. I paced myself a bit and then at the end I realised Luca had maybe overdone it a bit so then we could fight back. I am quite lucky because I think in Filippo I have the strongest rider in the field.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f6fbb2bf0cb&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f6fbb2bf0cb\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" 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\/2025\/03\/Epic25_S1_DomBarnardt-1393-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71670\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Epic25_S1_DomBarnardt-1393-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Epic25_S1_DomBarnardt-1393-1200x800-5b2df79-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Epic25_S1_DomBarnardt-1393-1200x800-5b2df79-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><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 happy after taking the stage win during Stage 1 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at Meerendal Wine Estate, Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2025. Photo by Dom Barnardt\/Cape Epic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The leading teams in the Aramex UCI Women\u2019s race on Stage 1 also formed a tight-knit bunch for the early part of the day, until Langvad and Villafane pulled away before the rough, rocky and steep \u2018Rhino Climb\u2019. By the top of the climb, they held a three-and-a-half minute lead over nearest challengers, Efficient Infiniti SCB SRAM. The Toyota | Specialized team stopped briefly for some tyre repairs, but the delay wasn\u2019t long enough for Looser and Skarda to close the gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f6fbb2bf40f&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f6fbb2bf40f\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" 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\/2025\/03\/Epic25_S1_DomBarnardt-0520-1201x800-5b2df79.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71678\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Epic25_S1_DomBarnardt-0520-1201x800-5b2df79.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Epic25_S1_DomBarnardt-0520-1201x800-5b2df79-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Epic25_S1_DomBarnardt-0520-1201x800-5b2df79-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><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\">Elite Women head off during Stage 1 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at Meerendal Wine Estate, Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2025. Photo by Dom Barnardt\/Cape Epic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThat was such a brutal climb,\u201d said Langvad. \u201cThis race likes to throw everything at you over the week but it felt like it all came in one day today &#8211; Sofia had a bad crash just 5km in, we had a flat tyre, there was the climb, and the wind was blowing non-stop.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the mishaps, Langvad and Villafane powered through the stage. \u201cThere are lots of positives to take from today though and I am very happy with our performance and very proud of my partner for the way she rode because that was not a nice crash &#8211; she went down quite hard. You have to be efficient at the (Absa) Cape Epic and you have to take your opportunities because you never know what is going to happen in the week. I think that\u2019s what Sofia and I achieved today. I feel like I am riding myself into form and I am excited to be here.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f6fbb2bf76f&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f6fbb2bf76f\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" 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\/2025\/03\/Epic25_S1_DomBarnardt-1787-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71679\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Epic25_S1_DomBarnardt-1787-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Epic25_S1_DomBarnardt-1787-1200x800-5b2df79-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Epic25_S1_DomBarnardt-1787-1200x800-5b2df79-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><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\">Annika Langvad and Sofia Villifane take the win during Stage 1 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at Meerendal Wine Estate, Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2025. Photo by Dom Barnardt\/Cape Epic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Villafane was in an equally buoyant mood after a commanding Stage 1 performance. \u201cThe Absa Cape Epic always likes to test on Stage 1 and today was no different. The climbs were exposed to the elements, I had a crash, everything seemed to happen at once, but we still had a good day out there and we have built up a nice lead on the second-place team in the general classification. We are in a very good space heading into Stage 2.\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f6fbb2bfac5&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f6fbb2bfac5\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" 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\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_Michael-Chiaretta_4095-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71680\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_Michael-Chiaretta_4095-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_Michael-Chiaretta_4095-1200x800-5b2df79-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_Michael-Chiaretta_4095-1200x800-5b2df79-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><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\">Toyota | Specialized during the Prologue of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at Meerendal Wine Estate, Cape Town, South Africa on the 16th March 2025. Photo by Michael Chiaretta\/Cape Epic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Stage 2 could produce fireworks because, for the first time in the event\u2019s history, a stage will take the shape of a point-to-point time trial, with riders setting off in pairs from Meerendal Wine Estate for the finish line at Fairview.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>UCI Men\u2019s Category Stage 1 Results<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1 Nino Schurter and Filippo Viero Colombo \u2013 SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing \u2013 3:51:03<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2 Luca Braidot and Simone Avondetto \u2013 WILIER-VITTORIA \u2013 3:51:34<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3 Lukas Baum and Georg Egger \u2013 ORBEA Leatt Speed Company \u2013 3:53:07<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4 Samuele Porro and Marc Stutzmann \u2013 Klimatiza Orbea \u2013 3:53:43<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5 Fabian Rabensteiner and Simon Stiebjahn \u2013 Torpado x Singer \u2013 3:53:53<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f6fbb2bfeec&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f6fbb2bfeec\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" 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\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_NickMuzik_3139-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71681\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_NickMuzik_3139-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_NickMuzik_3139-1200x800-5b2df79-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S1_NickMuzik_3139-1200x800-5b2df79-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><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 Filippo Colombo  win  Stage 1 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at Meerendal Wine Estate, Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2025. Photo by Nick Muzik\/Cape Epic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>UCI Men\u2019s Category GC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1 Nino Schurter and Filippo Viero Colombo \u2013 SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing \u2013 4:51:08<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2 Luca Braidot and Simone Avondetto \u2013 WILIER-VITTORIA \u2013 4:51:19<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3 Lukas Baum and Georg Egger \u2013 ORBEA Leatt Speed Company \u2013 4:54:22<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4 Fabian Rabensteiner and Simon Stiebjahn \u2013 Torpado x Singer \u2013 4:55:59<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5 Samuele Porro and Marc Stutzmann \u2013 Klimatiza Orbea \u2013 4:56:22<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Aramex UCI Women\u2019s Cateogry Stage 1 results<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1 Annika Langvad and Sofia Gomez Villafane \u2013 Toyota | Specialized \u2013 4:43:35<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2 Vera Looser and Alexis Skarda &#8211; Efficient Infiniti SCB SRAM \u2013 4:49:17<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3 Rosa Van Doorn and Janina W\u00fcst \u2013 BUFF MEGAMO \u2013 4:51:37<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4 Monica Yuliana Calderon Martinez and Tessa Kortekaas \u2013 CANNONDALE ISB SPORT \u2013 4:53:41<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5 Bianca Haw and Hayley Preen \u2013 TitanRacing SE Honeycomb \u2013 4:55:02<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Aramex UCI<\/strong> <strong>Women\u2019s Category GC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1 Annika Langvad and Sofia Gomez Villafane \u2013 Toyota | Specialized \u2013 5:56:08<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2 Vera Looser and Alexis Skarda \u2013 Efficient Infiniti SCB SRAM \u2013 6:03:06<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3 Rosa Van Doorn and Janina W\u00fcst \u2013 BUFF MEGAMO \u2013 6:09:06<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4 Monica Yuliana Calderon Martinez and Tessa Kortekaas \u2013 CANNONDALE ISB SPORT \u2013 6:09:26<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5 Bianca Haw and Hayley Preen \u2013 TitanRacing SE Honeycomb \u2013 6:10:52<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Category &amp; Special Jersey Standing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Toyota Mixed Category: Riaan WEIDEMAN and Samantha SANDERS &#8211; Toyota Gazoo Racing &#8211; 6:19:07<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>NTT Data Masters Men: Karl Platt and Calle Friberg &#8211; BULLS Masters Legends &#8211; 5:26:41<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Masters Women: Tatiana Furlan and Kellyn Cumin &#8211; Especial\u00edssima &#8211; 7:41:43<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>GIC Grand Masters Men: Ibon Zugasti and Kaare Aagaard &#8211; Orbea Factory Team &#8211; 5:38:28<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Grand Masters Women: Jenny R\u00f6nngren and Martha Koekemoer &#8211; UAG Epic &#8211; 7:37:43 Great Grand Masters: Barti Bucher and Peter Vesel &#8211; Meerendal Etis &#8211; 6:26:11<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Nino Schurter and Filippo Colombo (SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing) timed their attack to perfection late on Stage 1 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic to claim the stage victory and move into the overall lead of the men\u2019s race. In the Aramex UCI Women\u2019s Category race, Annika Langvad and Sofia Gomez Villafane (Toyota | Specialized) took [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":71670,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[24,280],"featured_location":[337],"class_list":["post-71668","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-events","tag-cape-epic","tag-nino-schurter","featured_location-top-row"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71668","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=71668"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71668\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":71686,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71668\/revisions\/71686"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/71670"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=71668"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=71668"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=71668"},{"taxonomy":"featured_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured_location?post=71668"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}