Absa Cape Epic Stage One: Day Two

Nowhere to hide

Andrew McFadden/Cape Epic/SPORTZPICS

Absa Cape Epic fans and riders alike are well versed in that Stage 1 is never easy but the riders have to get up in the morning with a smile on their face ready to champion on. 

Today's stage was called 'Nowhere to Hide' started at Arabella Wine Estate and finishing there as well. The distance was of 100km and a climb of 1900m; but the real challenge was to get through the 'Skid and Bones' technical terrain and it would be downhill dashing from then on, to the finish line. Prior to that, riders had to make sure they hydrate at McGregor Main Road which was made Water Point 2 in the typical Epic jargon as the first real test of their climbing legs would follow right after that point.  

There were some incredible scenes out there today, but nothing was stopping the riders. Centurion Vaude who were the leaders and winners of the Yellow Jersey at the Prologue were not as strong and trailed hard right behind the lead four who were already way ahead. Trek Selle San Marco who came third on today's stage were in an incredible form out on the notorious terrains of Takkap Climb, Skid and Bones (Land Rover Technical Terrain) and the "Hidden Cliff" of Skuilkrans. 

Team Bulls attempted to pick up the pace when we spotted them at Steenboksvlakte Farm but straight after at they went past McGregor Main Road, it seems to have slowed down for them when they were joined by their former support team BULLS 2. It proved a massive struggle for Karl Platt who is a 5 times winner of the Cape Epic and his team partner, Urs Huber. Luck was slightly on their side when they manage to get to the finish line and clock in an overall time of 5:02.14,6 to put them in the tenth position - catching up to the lead three may prove difficult for Team Bulls. However, Platt and Huber are a strong duo who mean business and never give up no matter the challenges they may face on the stages. 

On the positive side of the Cape Epic, Team Cannondale and Investec Songo Specialized were in formidable form on stage one of day two.  In all fairness, these two teams were exciting to watch on the route today. Earlier in the day, Manuel Fumic had taken the lead of the pack; eventually, Jaroslav took over and became the force in front of the leaders. Jaroslav Kulhavy always rides with absolutely no effort, as if he doesn't break a sweat. Fans tend to say that if he and Urs Huber of Bulls fame had to team up for the epic, then it might as well be the two of them riding because their endurance, stamina is something unique and a force to be reckoned with. 

Team Cannondale meant business today which proves to be their motto this year after they emerged as the 'dark horses' of the Cape Epic last year. It may be early in the stages but they could be the team to beat this year which is rather worrying for Team Scott Sram who are the champions of 2017 and this is their time to strive and defend their title. The finish line was had impeccable scenes with the helicopter roaring up in the air and the announcer motivating the spectators to cheer on the leaders as they were around the corner sprinting their lives away - if only it was possible to replay that finish line in person. 

Team Cannondale and Investec Songo Specialized were so close to each other that they could've shared first place finish if it was possible, but in the end it was the German and Brazil duo that owned the finish line with incredible force and won in a time of 4:08.22,6 which is not too far away from Kulhavy and Howard Grotts who claimed the second position in a time of 4:08.23,9. These results have put Manuel Fumic and Henrique as the leaders of stage one and the holders of the Yellow Zebra Jersey. 

Tomorrow we look to stage three, day two which will be 'Against The Ropes'. The riders will be riding another 110km from Arabella Wine Estate and will consist of a 2000m climb back to the same finish line as the start. This will be the stages of stages. 

Stage one results were as follows: 

1. Cannondale Factory Racing (Manuel Fumic, Henrique Avancini) 4:08.22,6

2. Investec Song Specialized (Jaroslav Kulhavy, Howard Grotts) 4:08.23,9

3. Trek Selle San Marco (Fabian Rabensteiner, Michele Casagrande) 4:13.55,6

Stay tuned. . .