Stage 2: Villiersdorp - Villiersdorp.
Stage one of this year’s ABSA Cape Epic was labelled as: “the most difficult Epic course ever” by reigning Cross Country World Champion Christoph Sauser himself (team songo.info).
112kms leaved their marks on all the riders including our JAG AllStars Celebs, who after yesterday’s grueling ride, all pitched up at the start of day 2.
Today’s race was 100km long with 1527 meters of climbing with furiously quick start towards Elandskloof followed by 16-degrees slopes early in the stage. This kind of climbing required expert balance and poise just to avoid having to climb off and walk.
Next riders made their way towards Worcester then back to Robertson. In this loop there were several more steep climbs. One after the other they send riders searching for their granny gear as they winched their way up.
One of the main obstacles of the day was a 3km, technical 8% climb. But our riders couldn’t just
ABSA/JAG Vuvuzelas - Owen Hannie and Mark Fish - finish time: 8:26.19 position: 311
ABSA/JAG Pocket Rockets - Breyton Paulse and Linus van Onselen - finish time: 7:15.39 position: 234
PRAGMA/JAG 200 Kilogrames of Racing Snakes - Mike Bayly and John Swanepoel - finish time: 7:21.44: 104 (masters)
PRAGMA/JAG Living Ball - Braam van Straaten and Corne Klem - finish time: 6:08.14 position: 132
CYCLELAB/ JAG Warriors - Marius Hurter and Christiaan Schutte - finish time: 8:36.03 position: 315
Stage one of this year’s ABSA Cape Epic was labelled as: “the most difficult Epic course ever” by reigning Cross Country World Champion Christoph Sauser himself (team songo.info).
112kms leaved their marks on all the riders including our JAG AllStars Celebs, who after yesterday’s grueling ride, all pitched up at the start of day 2.
Today’s race was 100km long with 1527 meters of climbing with furiously quick start towards Elandskloof followed by 16-degrees slopes early in the stage. This kind of climbing required expert balance and poise just to avoid having to climb off and walk.
Next riders made their way towards Worcester then back to Robertson. In this loop there were several more steep climbs. One after the other they send riders searching for their granny gear as they winched their way up.
One of the main obstacles of the day was a 3km, technical 8% climb. But our riders couldn’t just
put down their heads and grind as they had to pick up the best lines to navigate the sharp rocks.
Of the 1200 riders who entered this year from 46 different countries, there are 361 mens teams, 11 Ladies teams, 146 Masters teams and 76 Mixed teams.
We caught up with our JAG AllStars on route and although they all looked strong some needed the occasional push up the hills.
We caught up with our JAG AllStars on route and although they all looked strong some needed the occasional push up the hills.
The course was very technical and at times even the pros had to get off and carry their bikes. Many of the riders struggled with punctures caused by thorns along the way.
The difficult route caused some of the riders falling of the bikes and injuring themselves and quite a few riders complained of dehydration. Mark & Owen had quite a number of falls while Breyton, even though a bit more optimistic about the day’s route, told some of the local kids that he wish he was as good a cyclist as a rugby player. Erica & Willie had a great day and moved up to 7th position.
Braam & Corne once again finished way ahead of their follow JAG AllStars teams. Marius & Christiaan had a very long day and both hoped that the worst part of the race is now over.
To our delight we saw a glimpse of smile on Breytons face after the race day was over which indicates that so far the team is still in the running to concur the next stage of the race.
To our delight we saw a glimpse of smile on Breytons face after the race day was over which indicates that so far the team is still in the running to concur the next stage of the race.
Thank you to all the JAG AllStars teams you are really living up to the name and we are extremely proud of you.
Our fellow cycle lab colleague Andrew McClain and his partner, riding for Cycle Lab Toyota once again took the 2nd spot in the Masters category, behind the ABSA Masters team.
Results Stage 2:
ABSA/JAG Legends - Erica Green and Willie Engelbrecht - finish time: 5:03.52 position: 7
Our fellow cycle lab colleague Andrew McClain and his partner, riding for Cycle Lab Toyota once again took the 2nd spot in the Masters category, behind the ABSA Masters team.
Results Stage 2:
ABSA/JAG Legends - Erica Green and Willie Engelbrecht - finish time: 5:03.52 position: 7
ABSA/JAG Vuvuzelas - Owen Hannie and Mark Fish - finish time: 8:26.19 position: 311
ABSA/JAG Pocket Rockets - Breyton Paulse and Linus van Onselen - finish time: 7:15.39 position: 234
PRAGMA/JAG 200 Kilogrames of Racing Snakes - Mike Bayly and John Swanepoel - finish time: 7:21.44: 104 (masters)
PRAGMA/JAG Living Ball - Braam van Straaten and Corne Klem - finish time: 6:08.14 position: 132
CYCLELAB/ JAG Warriors - Marius Hurter and Christiaan Schutte - finish time: 8:36.03 position: 315
Songo.info
It was yet another victorious day for the Songo.info team, having their 3rd consecutive win. With an overall time advantage of 6 minutes and 35 seconds, Barry & Christoph will wear the yellow leader jersey for Stage 3.
They crossed the finish line in a time of 03:53:48 this was 2min and 20 sec ahead of the German Bulls team Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm, which secured the Bulls second place.
The 2 remaining songo.info teams experienced numerous punctures during the stage. Nick & Simon finished in 67th position with a time of 5:30.21 and moved up to 30th position over all, Simon did however have to carry his bike for the last 5km.
The Kyamandi hero’s, Songo & Ndiphe kept on having punctures all the way thru, they were eventually helped by specialized technical support, and finished 20min before the cut off time, we wish them a much happier ride in tomorrow’s race.
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