{"id":71718,"date":"2025-03-23T21:15:25","date_gmt":"2025-03-23T19:15:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/?p=71718"},"modified":"2025-03-26T09:29:10","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T07:29:10","slug":"schurter-colombo-win-absa-cape-epic-langvad-gomez-villafane-victorious","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/schurter-colombo-win-absa-cape-epic-langvad-gomez-villafane-victorious\/","title":{"rendered":"Schurter &amp; Colombo win Absa Cape Epic; Langvad &amp; Gomez Villafane victorious"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Nino Schurter and Filippo Colombo (SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing) won the 2025 Absa Cape Epic at Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West today. The win is Schurter\u2019s third Absa Cape Epic title, while Colombo claimed the crown at his first attempt. In the Aramex UCI Women\u2019s Category, Annika Langvad claimed her sixth Absa Cape Epic title and teammate Sofia Gomez Villafana (Toyota | Specialized) her second, as the well-matched duo controlled the race from Prologue to final pedal stroke over the finish line at Lourensford Wine Estate.<\/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 7 | 2025 Absa Cape Epic\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4aI5i4k6xPg?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>Langvad\u2019s sixth Absa Cape Epic title &#8211; she has competed at the event six times and won every time &#8211; makes her the most successful rider in the history of the race, surpassing the five titles shared by Karl Platt and Christoph Sauser. Even more remarkable, Langvad retired from the sport to have a child and has been working full-time as a dentist only to come roaring back to racing at this year\u2019s Absa Cape Epic alongside a committed and composed Gomez Villafane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f52bb06e591&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f52bb06e591\" 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_S7_DomBarnardt-3362-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71719\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Epic25_S7_DomBarnardt-3362-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Epic25_S7_DomBarnardt-3362-1200x800-5b2df79-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Epic25_S7_DomBarnardt-3362-1200x800-5b2df79-768x512.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 during Stage 7 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic. Photo by Dom Barnardt\/Cape Epic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis week has just been crazy,\u201d said Langvad. \u201cOur week did not really go to plan and after crashing earlier in the race, I have been in a lot of pain. Sofia has just been the most amazing partner, but I have not been having fun out there. Winning is amazing, though. I gave birth seven months ago. I didn\u2019t ride my bike for years. People think I am some superhuman cyclist. But this week has been very hard. I am tired now. I just want to lie down.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f52bb06e998&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f52bb06e998\" 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_S7_DomBarnardt-3536-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71721\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Epic25_S7_DomBarnardt-3536-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Epic25_S7_DomBarnardt-3536-1200x800-5b2df79-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Epic25_S7_DomBarnardt-3536-1200x800-5b2df79-768x512.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 during Stage 7 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic. Photo by Dom Barnardt\/Cape Epic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Gomez Villafane was full of praise for her partner. \u201cAnnika has been suffering in silence since that crash. I don\u2019t think I could have done what she has done this week and it\u2019s been my honour to be her partner and help her get that sixth title. I\u2019m excited to get the title back too! After getting third for two years in a row I wanted a partner that was strong enough to do this &#8211; they gave me the best one possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A shortened Stage 7 Grand Finale &#8211; due to severe overnight weather affecting the route &#8211; was won by Monica Yuliana Calderon Martinez and Tessa Kortekaas (CANNONDALE ISB SPORT).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f52bb06ed35&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f52bb06ed35\" 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_S7_Michael-Chiaretta_1158-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71720\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_Michael-Chiaretta_1158-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_Michael-Chiaretta_1158-1200x800-5b2df79-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_Michael-Chiaretta_1158-1200x800-5b2df79-768x512.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\">Monica Martinez and Tessa Kortekaas win Stage 7 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic. Photo by Michael Chiaretta\/Cape Epic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The CANNONDALE ISB SPORT pair surged late in this year\u2019s event and after two consecutive stage wins, now leave the Absa Cape Epic wondering what might have been. \u201cWinning today and yesterday makes up for all the bad stuff earlier in the week,\u201d said Kortekaas. \u201cWe raced hard from the start today and felt really good, so we are super happy with the last two days.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the UCI Men\u2019s Category, Lucas Braidot and Simone Avondetto (Wilier-Vittoria) had it all to do on the 41km shortened stage to close the 32-second gap on overall leaders SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing. Their efforts throughout the week finally caught up with them, though, and when Georg Egger and Lukas Baum (ORBEA Leatt Speed Company) upped the pace at the front on the Grand Finale, it was only Schurter and Colombo who could respond. Egger and Baum raced well on the closing kilometres to claim a stage win, with Schurter and Baum rolling over the line in second place a few seconds behind the Grand Finale winners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f52bb06f093&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f52bb06f093\" 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_S7_NickMuzik_6394-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71722\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_NickMuzik_6394-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_NickMuzik_6394-1200x800-5b2df79-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_NickMuzik_6394-1200x800-5b2df79-768x512.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\">Lukas Baum and Georg Egger win Stage 7 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic. Photo by Nick Muzik\/Cape Epic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s a little bonus to win today and makes us feel good to leave the event with a stage win,\u201d said Baum. \u201cWe knew if we raced hard from the start today we could split the field and potentially get the win. We just went for it and got the reward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f52bb06f3ce&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f52bb06f3ce\" 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_S7_SamClark_0432-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71725\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_SamClark_0432-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_SamClark_0432-1200x800-5b2df79-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_SamClark_0432-1200x800-5b2df79-768x512.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\">Photo by Sam Clark\/Cape Epic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f52bb06f6da&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f52bb06f6da\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large 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\" data-id=\"71723\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_SamClark_5197-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71723\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_SamClark_5197-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_SamClark_5197-1200x800-5b2df79-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_SamClark_5197-1200x800-5b2df79-768x512.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\">Photo by Sam Clark\/Cape Epic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f52bb06f9c4&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f52bb06f9c4\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large 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\" data-id=\"71724\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_NickMuzik_6523-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71724\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_NickMuzik_6523-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_NickMuzik_6523-1200x800-5b2df79-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_NickMuzik_6523-1200x800-5b2df79-768x512.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 the overall leaders jersey. Photo by Nick Muzik\/Cape Epic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Nino Schurter, who last won the Absa Cape Epic in 2019 riding with Lars Forster, was delighted to claim his third crown. \u201cThat was hard racing all week and it carried on into the final day,\u201d said Schurter. \u201cThis is a very sweet victory. Going into the Grand Finale we found we were able to pace ourselves well and it all worked out for us on the day. It\u2019s a very different type of racing to World Cup racing but winning here is always a career highlight. The team dynamic makes it so interesting and when you get the right partner it\u2019s very satisfying.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Colombo, who looked exhausted as he crossed the line, simply added, \u201cTo be honest, it\u2019s just a relief that it\u2019s over! We have been through so much this week, so winning now is very special.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>2025 Absa Cape Epic Stage 7 Results<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>UCI Men\u2019s Category Stage Results<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Georg Egger and Lukas Baum &#8211; ORBEA Leatt Speed Company &#8211; 1:33:22<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nino Schurter and Filippo Colombo \u2013 Scott-SRAM MTB Racing \u2013 1:34:01 (+39)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Matt Beers and Keegan Swenson &#8211; Outride | Toyota | Songo &#8211; 1:34:20 (+58)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Craig Oliver and Ben Oliver &#8211; MitoQ NZ Cycling Project &#8211; 1:34:37 (+1:15)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Miguel Munoz Moreno and Luis Francisco Perez Martinez &#8211; Klimatiza Orbea 2 &#8211; 1:34:55<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>UCI Men GC Overall Results<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nino Schurter and Filippo Colombo \u2013 SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing \u2013 23:12:39<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Luca Braidot and Simone Avondetto \u2013 Wilier-Vittoria \u2013 23:14:10 (+1:32)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Marco Joubert and Tristan Nortje \u2013 Imbuko ChemChamp A \u2013 23:25:37 (+12:58)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Samuele Porro and Marc Stutzmann \u2013 Klimatiza Orbea \u2013 23:35:52 (+23:13)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lukas Baum and Georg Egger &#8211; ORBEA Leatt Speed Company &#8211; 23:54:34<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f52bb07001c&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f52bb07001c\" 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_S7_NickMuzik_6779-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71726\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_NickMuzik_6779-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_NickMuzik_6779-1200x800-5b2df79-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_NickMuzik_6779-1200x800-5b2df79-768x512.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 the Mens overall podium during Stage 7 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West, Cape Town, South Africa on the 23rd March 2025. Photo by Nick Muzik\/Cape Epic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Aramex UCI Women\u2019s Category Stage Results<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Monica Yuliana Calderon Martinez and Tessa Kortekaas &#8211; CANNONDALE ISB SPORT &#8211; 1:54:38<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Katazina Sosna-Pinele and Claudia Peretti \u2013 Torpado Kenda FSA WMN &#8211; 1:55:11 (+33)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vera Looser and Alexis Skarda \u2013 Efficient Infiniti SCB SRAM &#8211; 1:58:01 (+3:23)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bianca Haw and Hayley Preen \u2013 TitanRacing SE Honeycomb &#8211; 1:58:06 (+3:28)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Haley Smith and Ella Bloor &#8211; MAAP &#8211; 1:58:35 (+3:57)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Aramex UCI Women\u2019s Category GC Overall Results<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Annika Langvad and Sofia Gomez Villafane \u2013 Toyota | Specialized \u2013 29:03:10<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vera Looser and Alexis Skarda \u2013 Efficient Infiniti SCB SRAM \u2013 29:24:42 (+21:32)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bianca Haw and Hayley Preen \u2013 TitanRacing SE Honeycomb \u2013 29:41:17 (+38:07)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monica Yuliana Calderon Martinez and Tessa Kortekaas &#8211; CANNONDALE ISB SPORT &#8211; 29:43:16 (+40:06)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Katazina Sosna-Pinele and Claudia Peretti \u2013 Torpado Kenda FSA WMN \u2013 30:04:29 (+1:01:19)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f52bb0704e1&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f52bb0704e1\" 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_S7_NickMuzik_6675-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71727\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_NickMuzik_6675-1200x800-5b2df79.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_NickMuzik_6675-1200x800-5b2df79-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACE25_S7_NickMuzik_6675-1200x800-5b2df79-768x512.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\">The women&#8217;s overall podium during Stage 7 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West, Cape Town, South Africa on the 23rd March 2025. Photo by Nick Muzik\/Cape Epic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other Categories &amp; Special Jerseys GC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open Men\u2019s Category: Manuel Fasnacht and Stefan Spielmann &#8211; Coachme &#8211; 27:21:01<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Open Women\u2019s Category: Rouxda Grobler and Mikaela Hagemann &#8211; Drivetrain Ladies &#8211; 34:42:07<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Toyota Mixed Category: Theresa Rindler-Bachl and Philipp Bachl &#8211; Protective Megamo &#8211; 30:13:13<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NTT DATA Masters Men\u2019s Category: Karl Platt and Calle Friberg &#8211; BULLS Masters Legends &#8211; 26:20:47<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Masters Women\u2019s Category: Nicolle Weir and Janine Muller &#8211; BOUNCE &#8211; 37:27:58<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>GIC Grand Masters Men\u2019s Category: Robert Sim and Udo Boelts &#8211; PRESIDENTIAL Team 1 &#8211; 28:31:30<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grand Masters Women\u2019s Category: Jenny R\u00f6nngren and Martha Koekemoer &#8211; UAG Epic &#8211; 37:48:20<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Great Grand Masters\u2019s Category: Barti Bucher and Peter Vesel &#8211; Meerendal Etis &#8211; 31:13:02<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Absa African Men\u2019s Special Jersey: Marco Joubert and Tristan Nortje \u2013 Imbuko ChemChamp A \u2013 23:25:37<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Absa African Women\u2019s Special Jersey: Bianca Haw and Hayley Preen \u2013 TitanRacing SE Honeycomb \u2013 29:41:17<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exxaro Special Jersey Men: Damon Terblanche and Ziandro &#8211; Fairtree DP World Can1 &#8211; 28:38:43<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Exxaro Special Jersey Women:&nbsp;Tsholofelo Nkosi and Bontle Phepiso &#8211; EXXARO ACADEMY LADIES 1- 47:56:43<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Nino Schurter and Filippo Colombo (SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing) won the 2025 Absa Cape Epic at Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West today. The win is Schurter\u2019s third Absa Cape Epic title, while Colombo claimed the crown at his first attempt. In the Aramex UCI Women\u2019s Category, Annika Langvad claimed her sixth Absa Cape Epic title [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":71724,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[24],"featured_location":[338],"class_list":["post-71718","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-events","tag-cape-epic","featured_location-bottom-row"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71718","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=71718"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71718\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":71730,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71718\/revisions\/71730"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/71724"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=71718"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=71718"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=71718"},{"taxonomy":"featured_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured_location?post=71718"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}