The Absa Cape Epic: Stage 2 Day 3

The short and sweat race

Shaun Roy/Cape Epic/SPORTZPICS

As the temperature climbed in the high 30s at the Absa Cape Epic for the third day in a row, any grumbles about shortening Stage 2 on Tuesday melted away and were replaced by chatter about the hot racing up front.

The weather conditions experienced at this year’s event saw the organisers make a decision based on medical advice late on Monday night to shorten Stage 2 to 62km. The planned 102km from Hermanus to Elandskloof near Greyton was changed and riders finished at what would have been the second water point for the day at the Botanical Gardens just outside Caledon. 

The short distance, though, meant nothing to the elite men’s field as they cranked up the heat on what essentially became a long, fast cross-country course.

Jaroslav Kulhavy and Christoph Sauser (Investec-Songo-Specialized) were first in a sprint over the line to claim their first stage win of the 2017 event, with Nino Schurter and Matthias Stirnemann (SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing) just behind in second. Overall leaders Manual Fumic and Henrique Avancini (Cannondale Factory Racing XC) finished third on the day, but hold an almost three-minute lead over Sauser and Kulhavy in the race for the 2017 title. 

From the outset, the pace was fast and furious as some teams eyed a potential stage win and the three leading teams got away midway through the stage to fight a three-way sprint at the end.

“It was a good race today. I knew that when they made it shorter we could expect a fast day,” said Olympic champion Schurter. “Our plan was just to see how the day unfolded. We decided to attack on the hotspot and Manny and Henrique came with us. Jaro and Susi dropped off, but then after some singletrack there was a flat section where Jaro’s power helped. Susi was able to hang in and they got over the line first.”

The other that we are following closely, Team Bulls,managed to finish in 11th position - having finished 7th in Prologue and 6 in stage 1. Karl Platt who is meant to be chasing a 6th Cape Epic as his rival, Christoph Sauser is struggling to find his legs and his horsepower to be much of concern. 

Here's the interview with Team Bulls rider Karl Platt and Urs Huber talking about their performance this far and their plans to catch up to top of the race, team Investec-Songo-Specialized.

The results of the men's category in Stage 2:

Greg Beadle/Cape Epic/SPORTZPICS

1. Investec-Songo-Specialized 2:33.16,5 - Christoph Sauser, Jaroslav Kulhavy

2. SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing 2:33.17,3 - Nino Schurter, Matthias Stirnemann

3. Cannondale Factory Racing XC 2:33.18,5 - Manuel Fumic, Henrique Avancini

4. Kansai Plascon 2:35.24,9  - Leonado Hector Leon Paez, Max Knox

5. Centurion Vaude 2 2:36.13,5 Nicola Rohrbach, Daniel Geismayr

6. Scott-SRAM Young Guns 2:36.18,5 Michiel Van Der Heijden, Andri Frischknecht

7. PYGA Euro Steel 2:37.02,4 Philip Buys, Matthys Beukes

8. Centurion Vaude 2:37.46,4 Jochen Kaess, Markus Kaufmann

8. Topeak Ergon Racing 2:37.46,4 Alban Lakata, Kristian Hynek

10. Claes - Carabin 2:38.49, 6 Frans Claes, Sebastien Carabin 

Till next time. . .

Stay tuned!