Germany’s Karl Platt and Switzerland’s Urs Huber won the 26km prologue of the 2016 Absa Cape Epic at Meerendal, Durbanville, today.
The Swiss-German pairing of Nicola Rohrbach and Matthias Pfrommer (Centurion Vaude by Meerendal 2) finished second with Italy’s Samuele Porro and Damiano Ferraro (Trek-Selle San Marco A’s) third.
“I’ve never won the prologue,” said Platt of Team Bulls. “So to get off to such a good start makes me happy.
“The conditions were so tough, and we were battling a side-on wind at the top. There was nowhere to hide out there, so to have such an awesome ride was the best way to start.
“I’m confident about our team shape and I’m excited about the week ahead.”
James Reid and Gert Heyns (Spur) were the first South Africans home in fourth.
Karl Platt and Urs Huber of Team Bulls (centre) won the prologue of the 2016 Absa Cape Epic at Meerendal in Durbanville. Photo: Nick Muzik/Sportzpics
SA’ Robyn de Groot and her Swedish partner Jennie Stenerhag (Ascendis Health) won the Sasol Women’s category.
They beat defending champions Ariane Kleinhans and Annika Langvad (Spur-Specialized) into second by 18 seconds.
“To be honest, I didn’t think we were doing a fantastic time, we just rode within ourselves,” said De Groot.
Sabine Spitz and Yana Belomoina (Sport for Good) were third.
For the full results and general classifications, go to Cape Epic.
Team Ascendis Health’s Jennie Stenerhag and Robyn de Groot ascends Dorstberg during the prologue of the 2016 Absa Cape Epic at Meerendal in Durbanville. Photo: Ewald Sadie/Sportzpics
