Sauser can now boast with four stage victories in three DCM Cape Pioneer Trek tours and this is the first time he won two in one year.

During a cold and wet day in which a strong wind at times made life pure hell for the cyclists, Sauser and Knox executed their second consecutive stage victory with Swiss precision. They bided their time, waiting for the moment when the going got really tough.

When he was riding into one of the most technical sections, Sauser attacked.  When he realized that Knox had the legs to follow, there was no way of stopping them. They really put the hammer down.

Unfortunately, Kevin Evans and David George (Nedbank 360Life), overall leaders, were busy fixing a puncture when the attack took place. This meant that they had to play catch-up for the rest of the race.

Adrien Niyonshuti and Jacques Janse van Rensburg (MTN-Qhubeka) were the second team that was brought to an abrupt halt by a mechanical failure.

The cassette of Niyonshuti’s back wheel broke, which meant that he had to stop every three kilometres to try to fix it.

At one stage, his desperate teammate, Jacques Janse van Rensburg, tried to fix it, using a rock and his multi tool as implements.  Unfortunately it was to no avail.

Luckily Niyonshuti could change wheels at the next water point.

Sauser and Knox won the stage from Riversdale to Albertinia (107km) in 4 hours, 12 minutes and 24 seconds. This result means that they have moved up to the fifth position overall but, because of the 60 minute time penalty they received on the first day, they are still not in a position to win overall.

Ben-Melt Swanepoel and Nico Bell (Team Need Sponsor) were second in 4:13:53.  Because of their 22-minute lead on the third placed team, MTN-Qhubeka, they are now virtually assured of a second place overall

In spite of their third position finish in 4:17:22, Evans and George still have a comfortable overall lead of 20 minutes.

George was quite philosophical about their mishap.

“We are in good shape and we are here to win the tour. In stage racing the important thing is to gauge your efforts every day. On one day you end up on the back foot and on the next you are on the front foot. The trick is to even out your good and bad luck.”

Evans said jokingly afterwards that they indirectly helped Swanepoel and Bell to secure the second overall position.

“We were really chasing hard to catch up, but because we were wearing the yellow leaders’ jerseys Ben-Melt and Nico must have thought that they were being chased by the MTN-Qhubeka riders who were also wearing yellow jerseys. There was no way they would allow them to catch up with them.  Ben-Melt and Nico probably accelerated every time they saw us coming and, in doing so, they increased their lead.”

Having won the first two stages,IIschen Stopforth and Catherine Williamson (Bizhub) won the third stage in the women’s category as well. Switzerland’s Kathrin Stirnemann and Sandro Soncin (BH Hai Bike) caused an upset by outsprinting Erik and Ariane Kleinhans (Contego/Giant/Sludge) to win the third stage in the mixed category.

The Kleinhans couple won the first two stages and they are the overall leaders in the mixed category.

In what is undoubtedly one of the tour’s toughest stages, they managed to ride away from the rest of the riders with a display of almost faultless mountain biking.

Their winning time for the stage (from Calitzdorp to Riversdale) was 5 hours 23 minutes and 25 seconds.

Kevin Evans and David George (Nedbank 360Life) finished second in 5:30:49 and Adrien Niyonshuti and Jacques Janse van Rensburg (MTN-Qhubeka) were third in 5:48:50.

Ben-Melt Swanepoel and Nico Bell; (Team Need Sponsor) were fourth, also in 5:48:50.

Knox and Sauser’s stage victory has no influence on the overall standings. They received a 60 minutes time penalty after stage one because Sauser missed a route marker which resulted in him taking a short-cut.

This means that an overall win is no longer possible for them, because they were 86 minutes behind Evans and George before the second stage started.

All that is still at stake for them is their honour.

The deciding moment during stage two occurred when Knox attacked shortly after water point three with Sauser following suit. That was enough. It was game, set and match for the second stage.

Evans and George had the luxury of simply watching them ride away.

The pressure was on Janse van Rensburg and Niyonshuti and Neil MacDonald and Waylon Woolcock (RE:CM) to do the serious chasing, but unfortunately they were not able to do so. They were walking and pushing at that stage, because the terrain was just too rough to ride in some places.

Needless to say that this led to some swearing!

Afterwards Knox said jokingly that the reason why they won the stage was that there were no good looking girls nearby. This allowed Sauser to focus on where he was riding without looking around to appreciate the local beauties.

Evans ‘nearly drowned’ early in the race when they were racing through a river.

While the other riders wisely decided to get off their mountain bikes and walk through the water that reached halfway up their bodies, Evans decided to do it his own way and he raced kamikaze style into the water. He managed to stay on his bike for a moment or two before he and the bike suddenly totally disappeared under water.

He joked afterwards that he did not realize that his sunglasses are under water goggles as well.

Evans also joked about Katot’s route.

My dad, Leon, who is responsible for the layout of the Cape Epic route, is known as ‘Dr Evil’. I think Katot proved today that he is the Afrikaans version of Dr Evil. It was very tough out there and I feel sorry for the back markers.

Being the current world marathon mountain-bike champion, Sauser could well have taken a well-deserved break from cycling in October, but that will not be the case.

Sauser is adament that he will not miss out on racing the DCM Cape Pioneer Trek.

“I have so much fun during and after the stages when I race the DCM Cape Pioneer Trek. For me it feels like a great holiday.

“The staff and riders become like members of my family over the six days of the Trek. The comradeship among the riders is unbelievable. The Cape Pioneer Trek is not only about racing and winning. We have so much to laugh and joke about and we have enjoyed some legendary parties after the stages.

“The fact that some of the stages have been long, windy and rocky, has only made the rest of the time better. The race is always superbly organized.

“I really like the Klein Karoo and we always go to beautiful places. I love to explore, and to do so on my mountain bike is the very best way.”

Sauser is not yet sure who will be his partner for the six-day tour.

“I was hoping to ride the tour with Silvio Bundi again, but it might not happen because Silvio will become a dad about mid-August and he has to clear his participation with his wife first.

Sauser and Bundi won the 2006 Cape Epic.

One thing is certain. It does not matter with whom Sauser teams up to race the Pioneer Trek. Even though he claims to be on a holiday, he will not be just fooling around.

Even if Sauser should decide to put in just a 70% to 80% effort, it would in all probability be enough to give him a realistic chance to finish on the podium.

During last year’s tour Sauser grew noticeably stronger and more motivated as the tour progressed.

South African cycling fans should actually try to watch Sauser racing because he is one of the true mountain-biking legends.

There are not many riders who can boast that they have won both the World Cross-country (2008) and World Marathon (2007 and 2011) titles. He also won a bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, as well as 14 World Cup races. As far as second and third place finishes in important international events are concerned, his CV is also impressive.

Sauser has also won the Absa Cape Epic with South Africa’s Burry Stander this year (2011).

Sauser at last years DCM Cape Pioneer Trek

The Swiss rider answered the following questions on his website.

What Specialized bikes do you ride?

S-Works Carbon Epic for racing, S-Works Stumpjumper and Enduro for the real fun, Tarmac SL2 and Roubaix on the road, Stumpjumper hardtail 29er for commuting

What is your favourite food?

Marroni, fresh bread, pizza, homemade burger. Actually I like anything. It just depends on the quality and how it is cooked.

What is your favorite fluid?

Water, draft beer, red wine, coffee, and nothing else really.

Any hobbies besides cycling?

Backcountry skiing, reading, snowboarding, relaxing, cooking.

If you were not a pro mountain-bike racer, what would you be?

Professional road cyclist, military pilot, ski jumper.

What has been your best riding experience?

Free riding with backpack from hotel to hotel after the racing seasons. This is a great way of having fun with friends and still being active. Well, it can also get over the top for after-season fun. The routes on the hiking maps always look short in time, and we often end up riding into the night. One day, years ago, we could not find the trail in the dark and it was midnight before we arrived in a small mountain village. Luckily there was something like a holiday apartment in which we could sleep. Now I always have a light in the backpack with me!

And the worst?

On a long road trip to Italy I stopped the car near Brescia and went for a road ride. On the way back it got dark, and I could not find my car. It was freezingly cold, and I had to ride in the rush hour without lights. It took me for ever to find the car again!

Where is your favorite place to do mountain biking?

Alps, Colorado, Monaco

What kind of music do you have on your iPod?

Lunik, Depeche Mode, Franz Ferdinand, Gorillaz, Robbie Williams, Akon, Mattafix. The Thing Things, Gwen Stefani, Led Zeppelin. All in all I need great variety.

What is the best part of racing?

Crossing the finishing line first, and seeing excited team staff and fans!

What are your main strengths?

Technique, mental, confidence, preparation, experience, equipment.

What are your main weaknesses?

A combination of cold and wet weather. Sometimes I think too positive, especially when I choose tires, or not take spares with me.

Any advice for beginners?

Have fun with the right bike from the beginning. So have a look at the Specialized S-Works right away!

What is your best way of having a good time?

Being healthy, and independent in the mountains. Riding on cool single trails the whole day with friends and on my free-ride bike, with a great dinner afterwards.

Why do you ride?

The is no better way of getting around in nature, with friends or alone. The perfect travelling speed. Actually it is amazing how far you can go with a bike in just one day with only the energy of your body!

It was a successful weekend for the Scott-Swisspower MTB Racing team. The racing started on Friday night with a short track race which was won by German champion Moritz Milatz. Florian Vogel placed 3rd. The main xco race was won by the in form Nino Schurter. Together with Christoph Sauser he broke away from the rest of the field. It was on the final lap when Schurter put the pressure on the 35 year old Sauser to get away and win by five seconds. Florian Vogel, tipped to be Nino’s main rival for the weekend suffered more bad luck after getting a nail stuck in his rear tire on the second lap.

Roger Walder placed 2nd in the amateur category with Dominic Zumstein and Andri Frischknecht finishing 2nd and 3rd on the junior podium.

Elite

1. SCHURTER Nino 1986 Chur Scott-Swisspower MTB Racing 1:30:48,7
2. SAUSER Christoph 1976 Sigriswil Specialized Factory Racing +0:04,7
3. GUJAN Martin 1982 Mastrils Cannondale Factory Racing +0:52,4
4. FLÜCKIGER Lukas 1984 Leimiswil Trek World Racing Team +1:18,1
5. GALLATI Patrik 1988 Mollis BMC Mountainbike Racing Team +1:24,7
6. FANGER Martin 1988 Ennetmoos Giant Swiss SR-Suntour +1:31,6
7. VOGEL Florian 1982 Rapperswil-Jona Scott-Swisspower MTB Racing +1:50,1
8. MCCONNELL Daniel (AUS) 1985 Bruthen Anytime Fitness / Torq Nutrition +2:29,3
9. MOOS Alexandre 1972 Miège BMC MountainbikeRacingTeam +2:42,9
10. GIGER Fabian 1987 RiedenSG Rabobank-GiantOffroad +2:48,9

Junior Men

1. FORSTER Lars 1993 Jona Tower Sports-VC Eschenbach 1:10:06,4
2. ZUMSTEIN Dominic 1994 Männedorf Scott-Swisspower MTB Racing +0:20,9
3. FRISCHKNECHT Andri 1994 Feldbach Scott-Swisspower MTB Racing +0:59,3

Amateur & Masters

1. PETER Stefan 1992 Giswil MTB Kader Zentralschweiz 1:08:52,5
2. WALDER Roger 1992 Wil ZH Scott-Swisspower MTB Racing +1:06,9
3. STÜNZI Michael 1992 Beggingen Haibike-Swiss IT Repair MTB +2:11,4

Moments after finishing the last stage on Sunday at Lourensford Heymans made it clear that finishing ninth overall in the Epic and winning the African Jersey with Niyonshuti is a definite highlight in his already illustrious mountain biking career.

“I don’t have words to describe the feeling. It was our plan to win the African Jersey and it means as much as winning the first Absa Cape Epic with Karl Platt in 2004.

“I am so happy that the hard work I put into making Garmin-adidas/MTN paid off since this will open even more doors for a super rider like Adrien.

“I achieved a lot in my long cycling career and it was time to give back. It was a pleasure to teach Adrien some of my racing secrets during the last ten days.

“For example I even got him to relax more in front of the television cameras. Give him another year or two and his English will be as good as his riding.”

Doug Ryder, team owner of MTN/Qhubeka, made it clear that it is a great result for both team and their respective sponsors – MTN/Qhubeka and Garmin-adidas.

“Adrien could not have asked for a better Epic-partner. Mannie was unbelievable. I am sure that Adrien learned during the Epic about what it takes to become a winner on a mountain bike.

“For example Mannie helped Adrien to stay calm during the stages. In the past Adrien sometimes made the mistake of immediately racing off with the race leaders and then ‘exploding’ during the latter part of a race.”

Heymans and Niyonshuti’s overall winning time in the African Jersey competition was (30:29.36,5. They were followed by Brandon Stewart and Shan Wilson (Toyota DCM) in 31:33.52,7. Paul Cordes and Charles Keey (MTN/Qhubeka) finished in third position in 32:01.11,9.

The 36ONE Songo Specialized team of Burry Stander and Christoph Sauser walked away with top honours as overall winners of this year’s exciting Absa Cape Epic presented by adidas.

Stander and Sauser finished the last 8 days of the Magical and Untamed Mountain Bike Race of 707km in an overall time of 28:44.44,0. It is the first time in the history of the race that a South African is part of the winning team.

In second place in an overall time of 28:51.52,8 were the German team of Hannes Genze and Jochen Käss (Multivan Merida Biking), with the Bulls, Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm, in third place overall in 29:05.53,7.

They were followed by the Flückiger brothers, Lukas and Mathias, of Trek World Racing in a time of 5:19.41,2, with the Multivan Merida team, Hannes Genze and Jochen Käss, in third place with 5;19.51,1.

Sauser and Stander now lead overall by 8 minutes and 8 seconds with an overall time of 21:03.45,6.

In second position overall are Hannes Genze and Jochen Käss of Multivan Merida Biking in 21:11,54,4, followed by the Bulls team of Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm in 21:19.04,4. In fourth place overall are the Versluys-Evenza team of Nicolas Vermeulen and Kevin van Hoovels (21:39.22,6). They have moved up from fifth place overall yesterday. Andreas Kugler and Markus Kaufmann of the Multivan Merida Biking 2 team are now in fifth position overall (21:54.36,0).

The difference in time between the leaders and last year’s winners, Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm is 15 minute and 18 seconds.

Stander said: “Today was a long stage, but for most of the way we could take it easy. The first 100km we rode in a big group into Groenlandberg with both Multivan Merida and Trek World Racing riding with us. We broke away in the last 2,5 km. Every day we get closer to the finish. We still have a long day tomorrow and the next day is the final stage. If we can finish tomorrow without any mechanicals and with our lead intact, we have a good chance of winning. But as always we’ll wait for the finish line to be sure. We’ve lost this race too many times to take it for granted.”

His team mate Sauser added: “The Milka-Trek 2 team of Pietersma and Vastaranta were in front for most of the day, but we knew we’d say hello to them again. It was just a matter of time until we caught up with them. We pretty much know tomorrow’s route and feel quite confident. Our legs are good, but something could still happen-this is the Cape Epic.”

Mannie Heymans and Adrien Niyonshuti (team Garmin adidas MTN) maintain their lead in the African Jersey with an overall time of 22;21.04,1, followed by Brandon Stewart and Shan Wilson (Toyota DCM) in 23:09.59,6. They have moved up to second position overall. Paul Cordes and Charles Keey (MTN/Qhubeka) are now in third position in 23:29.03,7. Heymans and Niyonshuti are in 9th position overall, steadily moving up one position with each stage for the last two days.

The Attix5 Ladies, Hannele Steyn and Leana de Jager won today’s stage in a time of 6:28.32,2 (3rd overall; 30:08.51,0).

They were followed by Sally Bigham and Karien Van Jaarsveld (team USN) in a time of 6:31.29,1 (1st overall 27:33.47,8), with Australians Niki Fisher and Jenni King in third place in 6:42.15,4 (overall 30:35.06,2). Hanlie Booyens and Ischen Stopforth of team Absa aBreast again finished in fourth (6:45.17,9; 2nd overall 28:13.20,3). Bigham and Van Jaarsveld lead by 40 minutes and 28 seconds.

Robert Sim and Doug Brown of the Robert Daniel team won stage 5 of the Master’s Category in 5:40.41,7 (overall 23:50.48,8), followed by the Juwi team (Carsten Bresser and Udo Boelts) in 5:40.43,2 (overall 23:04.31,4). In third place were the Nandos team of Adrian Enthoven and Gerrie Beukes in a time of 5:53.00,1 (overall 24:27.53,2). Sim and Brown are still in second place overall in this category and the Juwi team lead by 46 minutes and 18 seconds.

The Wheeler – BIXS team, Bärti Bucher and Esther Süss won the Mixed category for the 6th day in a row in 5:59.12,4 (overall 24:51.59,5).

They were again followed by Erik Kleinhans and Ariane Lüthi (of Contego Giant Sludge) in 6:05.32,7 (overall 25:40.51,9). Ivonne Kraft and Peter Vesel of Raedisch Race achieved their second podium finish in third place in 6:18.32,6 and are also placed third overall (27:34.34,8).

The Wheeler – Bixs team lead this category by 48 minutes and 52 seconds.

Tomorrow’s Stage 6 is in Oak Valley, spanning 128km, with 2 700m of climbing.

Christoph Sauser and Burry Stander maintain their overall lead with a time of 15:44.14,9. In second position overall are Hannes Genze and Jochen Käss of Multivan Merida Biking in 15:52.03,3, followed by the Bulls team of Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm in 15:55.53,8. In fourth place overall are the Stöckli Pro team of Urs Huber and Konny Looser who finished in fifth place today (16:11.01,0), with Versluys-Evenza’s Nicolas Vermeulen and Kevin van Hoovels in fifth place overall (16:13.29,8). They finished in 8th place today.

Says Burry Stander of 36ONE Songo Specialized: “This is the first day in this year’s Absa Cape Epic that I really felt good and had good legs. I didn’t need to rely on Christoph and could finally push him as he has done with me the last couple of days, putting me through the paces. It’s also nice that we a have a bit more time today to recover ahead of the last two long stages. We’ve extended our lead but it’s hard to say what’ll happen in the next three days. We’re doing what we need to every day and trying to ride conservatively as well as increase our lead. I just hope we have Lady Luck on our side.” Christoph Sauser adds: “I’ve learnt that it’s never good for me to think I’m going to have a nice racing day. We caught up with Genze and Käss in the big downhill, rode together for a bit and in the next uphill pulled away. It’s always a cool feeling catching the guys in front. If it’s just down to pedalling, we stand a good chance to stay in front, but this race is not like an office job and an 8 minute lead is not a lot.”

Hannes Genze of Multivan Merida Biking reckons his partner Jochen Käss had a very good day. “I was feeling a bit weak this morning, but Jochen had obviously recovered and pushed the hammer down. After the first kilometre, I thought wow, Jochen is in good form. But luckily after about 10 minutes I also got into a nice rhythm. We wanted to increase our lead on the Bulls team today and I think we managed to do that.” Jochen Käss adds: “I felt very good – definitely better than yesterday – so I pushed Hannes. It was quite windy on the course and I was riding in front on the flat sections. We passed the Bulls in the middle of the race and are very happy with our fourth podium finish, but I think Sauser and Stander are too far ahead for us to catch up.”

Says the current Spanish Cross Country Champion Sergio Gutierrez Mantecon (Wildwolf-Trek Pro Racing): “We’re extremely happy with our first podium finish and felt good today. This race is very difficult and the competition is exceptionally fierce with the best riders in the world participating. It’s also a fantastic atmosphere with the school kids welcoming us at the finish line. It’s a fun race and I’m sure we’ll be back again.”

Karl Platt of the Bulls team comments that Stander and Sauser caught up with them on a steep climb at the 10 km mark. “It always gives riders an extra push to pass the leaders in front of them. Stefan is finding it tough to get his rhythm this year and you have to admit that you can’t have the same legs every year. Christoph and Burry are super strong this year and one can’t say whether there’ll be a price to pay for riding so hard. Susi (Sauser) is in excellent shape and he seems to be getting stronger as the stage progresses. Burry is still young but old doesn’t necessarily mean slower. I’m really surprised by Christoph – he gets skinnier each day and more confident. They’re doing a great job.” To the comment that Sauser is training with a coach again, Platt comments that one never stops learning. “You need to learn all the time – even when you’re 60.”

Belgian champion Nicolas Vermeulen (team Versluys-Evenza) is happy with his team’s performance. “I think our result in the overall is good. Milka-Trek had a mechanical, as did the Multivan Merida team. It was bad luck for them but good for us.”

African Leader jersey fits comfortably on team Garmin adidas MTN

Mannie Heymans and Adrien Niyonshuti (team Garmin adidas MTN) maintain their lead in the African Jersey with an overall time of 16:53.47,3, followed by Paul Cordes and Charles Keey (MTN/Qhubeka) in 17:34.29,0. In third place are Brandon Stewart and Shan Wilson (Toyota DCM) in 17:33.27,9. Heymans and Niyonshuti are now in 10th position overall.

South Africa’s Brandon Stewart, riding with Shan Wilson as team Toyota DCM, says: “We were quite close to the leading team in the African jersey up to yesterday, but then Shan had two big crashes and we lost some time. We suspect he has a fractured collar bone and broken septum. We took it nice and easy today as tomorrow’s stage will be really tough. This is Shan’s 8th Absa Cape Epic and I have a feeling nothing will let him pull out unless he really has to. He takes a couple of pain killers in the morning and carries on. In cycling, sometimes you’re giving it and sometimes you’re taking it. This is a team race and we’re in it together whether it’s good or bad. We’ll try our best and hope to have some fun along the way, as that’s important.” His team mate Shan Wilson adds: “We were fighting for the African jersey but then I broke a fork and had to carry on like that for 100km. This will be a fight to the finish. We’re third in the African jersey and will do our best to defend it. It’s all in the head and one can train only so much. I love this race and the drama. It’s the best novel or movie and you’re the star actor in it. Today’s time trial wasn’t good. It felt as if someone with a hammer and nail was drilling into my collar bone. But this is what the Cape Epic is about. I’m a determined guy by nature and won’t easily give up.”

Says Namibian Marc Bassingthwaighte of team Garmin adidas 2: “We’re not fighting for the African jersey. Our team mates have it and we’re just trying to protect it. It means a lot to our team that we help them and we’ll definitely be there for them if they have any problems.”

Ben Melt Swanepoel of the Ghost Specialized team reckons the weather was nice today. “I have a good partner and bike and we’ll give it everything we have.”

This is their third consecutive win, having also taken top honours in both the Prologue and Stage 1.

With an overall time of 9 hours, 27 Minutes and 38 seconds, the 36ONE Songo Specialized team will wear the yellow leader jersey for Stage 3 tomorrow.

They were followed by Hannes Genze and Jochen Käss of Multivan Merida Biking in 4:33.30,6 (overall 9:33.56,3) with their second podium finish for this event and placed second overall.

Hannes Genze and Jochen Käss

In third place with their first podium finish this year were Lukas and Mathias Flückiger of Trek World Racing in 4:34.07,2 (overall time 9:48.42,1). In fourth place was the Bulls team of Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm in (4:34.23,6; overall time 9:35.01,6), placing them in third position overall. Nicolas Vermeulen and Kevin van Hoovels (team Versluys-Evenza) finished in fifth place today in 4:40.18,0 (overall time 9:49.53,2)

Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm

The 36ONE Songo Specialized team of Sauser and Stander lead the Multivan Merida Biking team of Hannes Genze and Jochen Käss by 6 minutes and 18 seconds and it is their 12th stage win in the Absa Cape Epic since they participated for the first time.

Stander said: “Today’s stage was hard. We followed a similar tactic to yesterday and tried to stay in front. Towards the end there were some steep climbs, but Susi (Christoph Sauser) was really strong and I just had to follow his wheel and on the flat stretch power to the end.”

Sauser added: “I was feeling super strong today and had a good day in the saddle. We were riding together – about 8 of us – for most of the day but we broke away near the end. It was really nice to win another stage, but we’ll only celebrate tomorrow if we manage to win the stage again. The whole thing can blow up again. I‘ve never been as strong as this year – I also had a coach this year which was good for me. It’s good to get some advice, even at 35, and do more power workouts. I definitely have more strength in my legs.”

Mannie Heymans and Adrien Niyonshuti (team Garmin adidas MTN) are the leaders in the African Jersey in 10:05.25,5, followed by Paul Cordes and Charles Keey (MTN/Qhubeka) in 10:17.39,3. In third place are Brandon Stewart and Shan Wilson (Toyota DCM) in 10:19.55,1.

Heymans said: “We‘re out here to defend the African leader jersey and very happy that we managed to extend our lead. Our objective for the rest of the race is to defend it. Adrien and I didn’t do much training together and he’s not a guy with lots of words, but every day just gets better and better. We’re getting stronger as the Absa Cape Epic progresses. I had a big heart for Adrien at the beginning of the race and as we go along, my heart is getting bigger. It’s a dream come true to ride with him. He’s been through so much – I really admire him. It’s a pity about Kevin and David, but we’ll wear the African Leader jersey with pride.”

Eva Lechner and Nathalie Schneitter (team Colnago Arreghini Südtirol) won the Ladies Category for the third day in a row in a time of 5:56.23,0 (overall time 12:27.59,7), ahead of Sally Bigham and Karien Van Jaarsveld (team USN) in a time of 6:01.49,6 (overall 12:41.38,7). Naomi Hansen and Jodie Willett of adidas finished in third place in 6:07.58,4 (overall time 13:26.15,4). Lechner and Schneitter lead by 13 minutes and 39 seconds.

In the Master’s Category the Juwi team (Carsten Bresser and Udo Boelts) won the stage for the third consecutive day in 4:59.31,2 (overall time 10:30.14,2). They were again followed by Robert Sim and Doug Brown of the Robert Daniel team in 5:10.34,3 (overall time 10:57.08,8) with the Nandos team of Adrian Enthoven and Gerrie Beukes in third place in 5:23.08,6 (overall time 11:17.19,1). The Juwi team lead by 26 minutes and 55 seconds.

The Wheeler – BIXS team, Bärti Bucher and Esther Süss, won the Mixed category for the third day in a row in 5:23.08,0 (overall time 11:16.09,6), followed by Erik Kleinhans and Ariane Lüthi in 5:42.13,3 (overall time 11:49.47,0). The Swiss team of Daniel Annaheim and Renata Bucher (Baumat / zaboobikes.com) again finished in third place in 5:50.20,3 (overall time 12:13.29,2).

Tomorrow’s Stage 3 is between Saronsberg/Tulbagh and Worcester. (125km, 1900m of climbing)

courtesy www.sport24.co.za

While Kevin Evans (Nedbank 360Life) headed to a hospital ER to confirm his broken collarbone after a crash on a treacherous descent, his compatriot and rival, Burry Stander (36One-Songo-Specialized) was standing on the top step of the podium, celebrating his second consecutive stage win along with Swiss teammate, Christoph Sauser.

Stander and Sauser rode the final 20km alone in the front to secure the stage win in a time of 3hr 53min 13sec, extending their overall lead in the gruelling race which still has six stages remaining. Taking the early lead is nothing new for Stander and Sauser, who have started the world’s most prestigious stage race three times as teammates. They’ve been early leaders almost each time, but haven’t been able to maintain that to the finish.

In 2008, Stander was forced to withdraw on Day 3 while he and Sauser were leading. A knee injury ending his victory hopes early. In 2009 Stander and Sauser were dominating the race, having won the first four stages. On Day 5 Stander crashed, destroyed a wheel and was handed a one-hour penalty for accepting outside assistance, crushing any chance of a victory. Then last year, Stander started the race with a stomach illness. And just as he recovered and the team looked to set to challenge for the win, Sauser became ill and the pair ended up finishing second overall.

After three years of illness, injury and bad luck, they’re taking no chances this year. While most top teams are racing on hardtail 29-inch wheeled bikes, Stander and Sauser are racing on dual suspension 29-inch wheeled bikes, the rear suspension giving them the option of added control on the tricky descents and more traction on the bumpy climbs.

While most title contenders have opted for super lightweight accessories, Stander and Sauser have chosen heavier, but more durable accessories such as tyres, handlebars, stems and seatposts.

“Our bikes weigh 9.5 kgs, which is as much as a kilogramme heavier than some of the other guys’ bikes,” explained Stander. “But we have learned from the past that lighter isn’t necessarily better at the Cape Epic. This race has some of the most rugged terrain in the world and we’ve taken a more cautious approach this year.”

Stander says that he and Sauser have even been conservative with their racing strategy.

“We are only really racing the climbs. The rest of the time we are going steady and staying out of trouble. On the descents we are normally among the quickest, but we’re not taking any risks. It just isn’t worth it. As we saw from Kevin’s unfortunate crash today, your race can be over in seconds.”

Second place on Monday was the Swiss Stockli Pro team of Urs Huber and Konny Looser, who were 1min 02 sec down, followed by the German Team Bulls 2 pairing of Thomas Dietsch and Tim Boehme, 2min 17sec down on Stander and Sauser. Three time-winners and defending champions, Team Bulls 1, Stefan Sahm and Karl Platt (both of Germany) were fifth, almost four minutes back.

Stander refused to show any signs of contentment in the fact that he and Sauser have extended their overall lead to 3min 23sec over second-placed Huber and Looser.

“We may be in the lead, but we’re not in the clear. This race is so unpredictable. You cannot take anything for granted. We are taking one day at a time and we are doing so with far less aggressive racing than we have shown in the past,” said Stander.

Evans meanwhile underwent surgery on Monday night to repair his collarbone. An hour after withdrawing from the race, he sent out a short, but powerful twitter message: “My collarbone is broken but my heart is shattered.”

Judging by the overwhelming sympathetic response to his tweet, the hopes of the host nation were also shattered.

His Nedbank 360Life teammate, David George was equally glum: “I’m very disappointed, but it’s part of the game I guess,” he said. Starting the day in fourth overall, the pair seemed on track to challenge for the honour of becoming the first ever South African team to win the world’s most coveted mountain bike stage race.

In its seven previous editions, a South African has never won the Cape Epic. Evans has been third three times (once with George) and Stander was second last year.

In the women’s race on Monday, the Swiss pair of Eva Lechner and Nathalie Schneitter (Colnago Arreghini Sudtirol) claimed their second consecutive stage win, but were less than two minutes ahead of Team USN’s Karien van Jaarsveld (RSA) and Sally Bigham (ENG). The all-South African ABSA aBreast team of Hanlie Booyens and Ischen Stopforth were third. In the overall classification, Lechner and Schneitter have an 8min 13sec lead of Van Jaarsveld and Bigham.

In the Master’s category, the German Team Juwl pair of Carsten Bresser and Udo Boelts dominated the stage to beat the South African pair of Robert Sim and Doug Brown (Team Robert Sim) by over 15 minutes, extending their overall lead in the process. And in the Mixed division, the Wheeler BIXS Swiss pair of Barti Bucher and Esther Suss won the stage comfortably to extend their overall advantage to more than 15 minutes over South African Erik Kleinhans and his Swiss partner Ariane Luthi (Contego/Giant/Sludge).

Tuesday’s Stage 2 takes the remaining 580 two-rider teams over a 104km route that includes 2300 metres of vertical ascent, also starting and finishing at Saronsberg in Tulbach.

For detailed race information, results and a gallery of images, visit www.cape-epic.com

Says Burry Stander (team 36ONE Songo Specialized): “This course definitely suited us. It’s the best stage we’ve ever had – we’re cross country riders. It also suited our bikes. We were riding full suspension 29’ers which helped us close time on the flat section. Susi (his team mate Christoph Sauser’s nickname) was hurting me today and I had to slow him down a few times. Usually I lead at the start, but as soon as we hit the first climb he was leading and did so for about 80% of the way. It was also great as the MD of our new sponsor, 36ONE, especially flew down from Johannesburg to support us.” Sauser adds that winning the prologue was incredible. “We’ve never been as well-balanced and strong as a team. To date I suffered through every time trial, but today went really well. We’re obviously using the right equipment which helped.”

Hannes Genze and Jochen Käss of Multivan Merida Biking team finished second. Says Genze: “Jochen is in really good shape. For half of the race I struggled to stay on the back of his wheels. I even had to call him back once or twice. On the second downhill I found my rhythm and could then keep up with him. It was a beautiful, technical route.” Jochen adds that he prepared well in winter training on cross-country skis in Livigno, Italy. “I’m very happy to be here and am in good shape. It’s difficult to estimate how good your shape is until you get here.”

Team Bulls riders Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm

Karl Platt of the Bulls team enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere on the course. “People were shouting at us – it felt like the Tour de France. The race was excellent with lots of fun single-track. And of course a podium finish is great. My legs aren’t 150% yet, but we’re happy. We look forward to rest of the race. This year is going to be the big 29’er year. We developed our bikes last year especially for the Absa Cape Epic and it felt really good on the single-track.”

Says David George (of team 360LIFE). “I crashed last week Friday, so have stitches in my elbow, and today lost my pedal and fell which cost us about 15 seconds. But we have another 7 days and 680km to go, so a lot can still happen. I’m not concerned at all. It’s early days and we’ll keep going.”

Team 360life riders Kevin Evans and David George

According to Hermida, who will be giving amateur riders a witty summary of the day’s events in the dining marquees each evening, “it was a really good day for us. It’s been a long time since we trained together, so we had to get our co-ordination together and it seemed to come easy. It was a good race and technical, which we like. It was a great feeling crossing the finish line and to be on the podium. So this year I’m not just here for entertainment, but to race.” Näf adds that José is in really great shape. He could go faster than me today and it was hard to stay with him. We’re very pleased to be in the top 5 and proud of the other Multivan Merida team that finished in second place. Now we’ll enjoy the race.”

COLNAGO ARREGHINI SUDTIROL TAKES TOP HONOURS IN LADIES CATEGORY AT PROLOGUE

Eva Lechner and Nathalie Schneitter (team Colnago Arreghini Südtirol) won the Ladies Category in a time of 1:20.20,1, ahead of Sally Bigham and Karien Van Jaarsveld (team USN) in a time of 1:26.37,6. Australian team adidas Naomi Hansen and Jodie Willett took honours in third place in 1:26.56,9.
Says Sally Bigham: “The prologue was so much fun. The course was nice and technical and kept us on our toes, with some really nice single trail, drops, rocks, roots and sand – my partner also rode really well. Apart from one little crash and problems with a chain, we really had fun. I felt fine power wise and am really looking forward to the next 7 days.” Her team mate Karien van Jaarsveld also had fun. “I had a super ride with Sally. It’s challenging to ride with an international rider such as Sally, but also a great privilege. She’s very experienced and really good on the single track.”

Hannele Steyn, a seven times Absa Cape Epic finisher, (of team Attix5 Ladies) is riding with newcomer Leana de Jager this year and finished in 1:30.40,1. “I’ve done all the Absa Cape Epics to date and find every year nerve-wrecking. I really enjoyed the vibe today and it was nice to see people on the course – it creates a fantastic atmosphere. This year I’m not racing and look forward to giving back to the sport. We were riding at Leana’s pace and it makes me proud to see people coming up.”

For Australia’s Niki Fisher (of team Swell/Giant) it was good to get the prologue out of the way. “It was hard to ride aggressively as there were too many riders out there. It was a good challenge and one just had to stay patient. Compared to similar events in Australia, the Absa Cape Epic is really huge. It’s great fun and I look forward to knuckling down tomorrow.” With her team mate Jenni King, they finished in 1:31.27,3.

Tracy Moseley of team Downhillers for World Bicycle Relief had a wonderful day (1:37.31,3). “The rest of the week will definitely be tougher. It’s nice to finally be here and get going. The atmosphere is awesome – families are having picnics in the forest and we even passed two baboons which of course made my day.” For her riding partner Anka Martin it was amazing. “We had tons of fun and enjoyed the heat. It’s nice to get started as it takes those nerves away.”

MASTERS CATEGORY PROLOGUE WON BY JUWI TEAM

The Masters Category was won by the Juwi team made up of Carsten Bresser and Udo Boelts. Their winning time was 1:12.32,2. They were followed by Robert Sim and Doug Brown (team Robert Daniel) in 1:13.29,3 with Americans Dooley Thomas and Mike Hogan (team Singletrack.com/Justin’s Nut Butter) in 1:16.25,7.

Seventeen-time World Cup Winner and Olympic medallist Thomas Frischknecht (of team Scott-Swisspower equipped by Oslo), one of the most prolific winners of cross-country events of all time, says the prologue was a nice way to start. He and team mate Urs Gerig finished in 1:17.30,5. “It was great fun – and not too hard. It gave us time to get a feel for the bike. It’s the perfect way to start the race. There was a great atmosphere with all the spectators along the route.”

MIXED CATEGORY WINNERS IN PROLOGUE – BARTI BUCHER AND ESTHER SUSS

The Wheeler – BIXS team, Bärti Bucher and Esther Süss won the Mixed Category (in 1:15.46,0), followed by Erika Kleinhans and Ariane Lüthi in 1;20.07,6. The Swiss team of Daniel Annaheim and Renata Bucher (Baumat / zaboobikes.com) finished in third place (1:20.30,8).

Says Esther Süss of team Wheeler – BIXS: “It was fun. Tokai Forest is so cool. I can ride for hours and hours on this single track. It was still hard, but I feel so good. I finished strong and my legs feel great. I’m very happy as it means that my winter training worked. I’m excited for the race.” Bucher adds that “first we had to walk uphill and then only the single-tracks came. First work and then play! We had a very good start. The prologue is a great idea and makes it possible for many people to be part of it.”

Ivonne Kraft of (Raedisch Race) looks forward to the first stage of the race. “Today was great fun. We missed a section and had to go back – we probably lost about 40 seconds. I’m riding with a new partner (Peter Vesel), but I don’t think that will be a problem. One needs to respect each other. We’re all just doing our best and I think Peter and I will ride well together.” They finished in fourth place in 1;24.18,7.
Gisela Gartmair of Vau De Germany “couldn’t get going. My legs are stiff, so it was one of my worst days. Hopefully tomorrow is a better day. It was still an awesome experience and nice to be here.” Her team mate added that it was the first day. “We still have long days ahead of us and still have time to get in front. It’s a great event.”

Full results here