Absa Cape Epic: Day 3 - Stage 2 (17.03.15)

Another day, another race in Elgin, Oak Valley Estate

Day 3 of stage 2 at Absa Cape Epic also took off at the same pace as the previous stage except the riders were going to experience some tough climbing along the way; testing their strength and endurance. 

The difference between stage 2 and stage 1 despite starting off at the same place, is that the riders had to endure more intense climbing of 2300m and ride a distance of 92km in total. Starting at Oak Valley Wine Estate and facing the finish line back at Oak Valley Wine Estate. Below, we can see an image of a that gives a brief description of what the riders experienced on day 3 of mountain biking.

Total in climbing and riding distance

After experiencing some riding of fast, flat sections and some great single tracks, the riders were in for yet another surprise when took on the toughest climb of the day, that is Nuweberg, which was about 5km. We could see the riders experience some tough concrete segments with steeper gradients. Taking on this climb was already tricky enough for the elite riders, who were the leaders in the Cape Epic, yet alone the amateurs. But who wanted to be left behind and not take on this challenge? After all that is what mountain-biking is all about.It is quite intriguing how these bicycles could endure so much pressure and still help the riders complete the stages.

Some beautiful views had to be experienced along the way

After riding through this intense Nuweberg, the riders were led into a trail which was 7-8km of forest before leading them into Elgin Country and our second Water Point of the day. These Water Points where very vital sections in the rides as you will keep seeing them being mentioned in every post. Some of these posts we would see the riders taking a brief break to grab a bite to eat and/or drink something to hydrate themselves; and some riders would use this opportunity to fix any mechanical they might have experienced along the way. Of course, not every rider stopped here, some therefore felt the need to carry on but the rest of the riders that had stopped would eventually carry on.

The best spectator point that the riders went through in this stage was definitely the Paul Cluver Estate. Here, we could see a lot of spectators cheering on their favourite teams and shouting out remarks of support to individual riders. This point on the other hand was also very tricky as the riders had to go through some climbing through the Paul Cluver Amphitheater. The riders went through bridges, bottom to top and in between trees. Nothing stopped these riders, they were just pedalling through. You could see the exhaustion but the determination to keep on and make it to that finish line, and of course we were focused on the elite riders who were the leaders of the stages, to see who was going to make this stage after some difficult climbing. Blood, sweat and tears could have easily been used to dub this stage, because it was definitely not child's play.

Video footage showing some of the loops the riders had to go through

Our riders riding through at the Paul Cluver amphitheatre

Above video footage can briefly show you what our riders had to go through at the Paul Cluver Amphitheatre. Every media crew was scattered about  to get the best angle but of course the bikers and the crew in the helicopters got the most incredible aerial footage.

A rider is seen riding through the small bridgeway

Riders at the bottom of the bridges, and in between trees

After riding through hectic points during stage 2, our leaders had to make their way through back to Oak Valley Estate, gunning for that finish line; and the media crews had to make their way through too to capture the best of the best arriving at the finish line.

It became a very interesting finish line when team Investec-Songo-Specialized finished first at the finish line of Day 3: Stage 2 in Elgin. These two men, Christoph Sauser and Jaroslav Kulhavy definitely showed us that they might be the forces to be reckoned with in this year's Cape Epic. After all Christoph has had 31 stage wins and 4 Cape Epic wins; with Jaroslav in the mix, could we be seeing 'Susi' as he is affectionately, be taking the 2015 trophy?

Jaroslav Kulhavy and Christoph Sauser arriving first at the finish line

After yet another vigorous but successful day at the office of the Absa Cape Epic, the top 3 teams that finished the race to make it to the podium, were tallied as follows:

1. Investec-Songo-Specialized

Christoph Sauser & Jaroslav Kulhavy sitting on their bikes, taking interviews

*Christoph Sauser and Jaroslav Kulhavy with another well-polished first position with a total stage time of 4:06.50,8

2. Topeak Ergon

Kristian Hynek taking finish-line interviews

*A surprise 2nd place entry seeing Kristian Hynek and Alban Lakata replacing team Bulls who had made 2nd place on the podium in Stage 1. A superb total stage time of 4:09.09,1

3. Multivan Merida

*No surprise with these two Jose Hermida and Rudi Van Houts finished 3rd for the podium after gracefully finishing in the same position in stage 1

From left: Topeak Ergon, Investec-Songo-Specialized, Multivan Merida on the podium

As they always say, "Save the best for last". The highlight of stage 2 was managing to score a 'finish-line' interview with top athlete Jaroslav Kulhavy of Investec-Songo-Specialized. Listen below for some raw interview footage on what he had to say about winning yet another stage of the Cape Epic, and baring in mind that it was still early stages.

Interview with Jaroslav Kulhavy

Stay tuned for the next days to follow.

Till next time. . .