Grahamstown cyclists, Nick Theron and Andrew Lowndes took part in this year's Absa Cape Epic, as team Sabrina Love.
After finishing the first day's prologue, on Sunday 25 March, in 2:06:44 (in position 434) the Grahamstown duo headed into Stage 1 of the Cape Epic.
Grahamstown cyclists, Nick Theron and Andrew Lowndes took part in this year's Absa Cape Epic, as team Sabrina Love.
After finishing the first day's prologue, on Sunday 25 March, in 2:06:44 (in position 434) the Grahamstown duo headed into Stage 1 of the Cape Epic.
The first stage of 115km, including 2 350m of climbing, is always a rude awakening for the riders. Combining the length, the climbing, the severity of the trail surfaces and the speed of fresh-legged hares at the front of the field – all was a shock to the system, even for the best prepared.
Three major climbs loomed. The first three-kilometre rise was littered with loose rocks and a 25 percent gradient forced portage. There was a risky descent lying in wait.
Tortoise Peak was the third major obstacle and riders began creeping up this slow ascent. For their considerable efforts, riders were rewarded with a beautiful section of trails through Nama Karoo, with a few gentle rises before finally turning east, back toward Robertson, with a final rocky plunge into town.
The overall Stage 1 winners for the second consecutive day were the South African/Swiss team of Burry Stander and Christoph Sauser (Team 36ONE-Songo-Specialized) in a time of 4:33.22.6.
Team Sabrina Love finished Stage 1 in 7:48:09, in position 356.
Stage 2 saw participants cover a total distance of 119km and 1 650m climbing. The route traversed beautiful rolling dual tracks through the stony Klein Karoo, passing through the charming village of McGregor.
Riders soon passed through Van Loveren Wine Estate on some severe vineyard hills before returning to Robertson. Stage 2 was won by Karl Platt (Germany) and Stefan Sahm of team Bulls in 4:21:13. Sabrina Love finished in 390th position in 6:53:02.
In Stage 3, 147km with 2 900m of climbing saw cyclists covered four major climbs on one of the longest stages in Epic history. The first was a six-kilometre dual track, where riders fought for traction over large rolling rocks. Stage 3 was won by Stander and Sauser in 5:31.04. Sabrina Love finished in 9:11:18 in 319th.
Stage four covered a distance of 105km with 2 600m of climbing. The stage saw two major climbs – the loose, long and steep Babylonstoring, followed by the brutal, stony ascent to Charlie's Heaven, with several false peaks.
The ride into the finish included open farm roads, fast paths along a railway line, some tight single-track through Middleton and a few hundred metres of trails in Caledon's botanical gardens. Stage 4 was won by Stander and Sauser in 4:42.29. Team Sabrina Love finished in 395th in 8:50:14.
Friday's Stage 5 covered a distance of 119km with 2 350m climbing. The stage was a fast, flowing start, before riders headed to the fynbos-lined mountain tracks as they took in the views from the Highlands Plateau on to the Botrivier Lagoon and Kleinmond Beach. The last few steep single-track climbs throw agonising combination punches to the legs in the final push towards the lush fields of the race village in Oak Valley. Stage 5 was won by Stander and Sauser in 5:06:45. Sabrina Love finished in 9:08:45 in 309th position.
The second last stage saw riders complete 85km with 2 200m of climbing. On the penultimate day, nearing the climax of race week, the grand old lady Groenlandberg, appeared. Deep into this highly unique and remote landscape, riders savoured the solitude of the 30km of dual tracks through the pristine Cape Nature reserve. Riders then got to enjoy the coveted single-track in Oak Valley. Stage six winners were South African team of Kevin Evans and David George who finished in 3:38:05. Sabrina Love finished in 320th in 6:35:30.
The last stage covered 64km, with 1 350m of climbing.
With a new way to the Champs Elysees of mountain biking, riders were again reminded that there was no easy day at the Absa Cape Epic. Extended single-track sections offered a final reward. There were a few steep ascents with magnificent views of False Bay and Table Mountain, before riders arrived in Lourensford which hosted the Grand Finale festivities as riders experienced that bittersweet feeling at the end of the arduous, yet epic journey of the Absa Cape Epic.
The final stage on Sunday was won by Stander and Sauser in 2:35:11. They were also crowned the overall Absa Cape Epic champs with a total time of 32 hours 19 minutes and 22 seconds.
Lowndes and Theron finished the final stage in 4:45:04 in position 351. Team Sabrina Love's total cycling time was 55 hours 18 minutes and 50 seconds. The pair finished in position 325 overall and 190th in the men's team category.
