Etnard Louw and Hanco Kachelhoffer of Team NFB Altech Autopage took a second stage win at the Storms River Traverse on Sunday.
Crossing the line in second position overall and first in the mixed teams category were Yolande de Villiers and Neill Ungerer, while the Cape Brewing Co combination of Anja van Zyl and Gemma Grobbelaar won the stage in the women’s category.
A rider winds his way along a scenic MTO Forestry road during stage two of the Storms River Traverse. Photo: Oakpics.com
The 43.2km stage featured a notoriously tough climb and lots of scenic riding.
The stage started with a trip through the Storms River Village before descending under the N2 and climbing into a picturesque indigenous forest.
Crossing back under the N2 and heading for the coast, riders made their way to the Storms River Pass.
The steep switchbacks of the tar road descent were taken with more trepidation than one might expect.
For every descent there has to be a climb, however, and this stage featured a dusi.
Rising from sea level, at the Storms River Mouth, to the cliff-tops 200 odd metres above in just over one kilometre the cement paved climb featured sections of 22% gradient.
Many riders trudged up the climb, knowing a water point loomed like an oasis at the top.
Stage three will be the last chance for riders to soak up the scenery, indulge at the water points and revel in the relaxed atmosphere.
The final stage features a 50.7km route which takes in 830m of climbing.
