Ralf Naef, one of the contenders for the men’s overall title at the Absa Cape Epic, has had to pull out due to an injury picked up in a fall while training.
Catherine Williamson and Yolande Speedy lead the ladies category during stage 2 of the 2013 Absa Cape Epic. Williamson has now dropped out of the 2014 edition of the race. Photo: Greg Beadle / Sportzpics
And England’s Catherine Williamson, a favourite for a win in the mixed category, is also out of the Epic after breaking her leg in a skiing accident.
The eight-day, 718km race starts with a prologue at Meerendal Wine Estate, Durbanville, on March 23.
Switzerland’s Naef, previously a top 10 Cape Epic finisher and one of the world’s top riders, was scheduled to partner countryman Lukas Flückiger in Team BMC. They were widely expected to be among the front-runners at this year’s race.
BMC said in a statement that Naef “sustained an injury to his quadriceps a few weeks ago during training, and it has turned out to be more severe than anticipated”.
Flückiger will now partner with rising star Martin Fanger, who is also Swiss.
The team’s director sportif Alex Moos said: “It is Martin’s first Cape Epic and a fabulous opportunity for him to experience multi-stage racing with the top riders in the world. Lukas has amassed lots of experience over the years and they are both really motivated and prepared to race. We remain optimistic!”
Read more Absa Cape Epic news here.
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