The day again proved that the Absa Cape Epic is not for the faint-hearted.
Roel Paulissen and Riccardo Chiarini of Torpado Factory celebrate as they cross the line to win the 5th stage of the 2014 Absa Cape Epic. Photo: Shaun Roy / Cape Epic / SPORTZPICS
For the third consecutive day a top rider in the Men’s category withdrew. This time it was Rudi van Houts, partner of José Hermida (Multivan Merida Biking).
Van Houts crashed on Thursday and even though he started the stage, could not go on. This follows the withdrawals of Hannes Genze and Karl Platt on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.
There was also lots of drama on the route. Overall leaders Topeak-Ergon Racing double punctured before water point one and previous wearers of the yellow zebra-striped leader jersey Centurion-Vaude came to the rescue by giving them their wheels.
They are no longer in the race for an overall podium and decided to take the risk. Kaess had to ride on rims to water point two where they received help.
Today’s stage five is also known as the queen stage – arguably the hardest of this year’s race, with the most amount of climbing.
The Belgian/Italian combo of Roel Paulissen and Riccardo Chiarini of Torpado Factory won their first stage in a two-team sprint to the finish at Oak Valley Wine Estate in 4:52.03,4 (overall 24:02.37,3).
They were followed by Nino Schurter and Philip Buys of SCOTT-Odlo MTB Racing in 4:52.09,9 (overall 24:13.53,4) with Christoph Sauser and František Rabon of Meerendal Songo Specialized in third place in 4:57.03,4 (overall 23:53.19,3).
Swiss/Danish duo Ariane Kleinhans and Annika Langvad (RECM 2) won the stage for the fourth day in a row in a time of 5:29.20,5 (overall 27:09.10,7) and lead this category by 15 minutes and 24 seconds.
They were again followed by the Meerendal team of Esther Süss and Sally Bigham in 5:43.33,9 (27:24.35,2). In third place again were Jennie Stenerhag and Theresa Ralph of Cape Brewing Company in 6:09.50,7 (overall 28:53.25,6).
