Matthys Beukes and Philip Buys claimed the Cape Epic African red jersey on the grand finale of the 2017 race today.
The red jerseys goes to the first team in which both riders are from the African continent.
The Pyga Euro Steel pair rode with good pace to finish nearly four minutes ahead of Nad Pro MTB’s Nico Bell and Gawie Combrinck – finishing seventh overall.
Beukes was pleased at the race finish. Even without a stage win, this year’s Cape Epic was educational for the team.
Matthys Beukes (R) and Philip Buys (Middle) during stage six of the 2017 Cape Epic. Photo: Sam Clark/Cape Epic/SPORTZPICS
He said they are hungry for success in 2018 at the Cape Epic, hinting that a challenge for an overall win could be on.
“We obviously didn’t get what we set out to get, but we definitely matured a lot and rode smartly,” said Beukes.
“I think this week was incredibly tough. It’s the most I have ever learned at a Cape Epic so there are a lot of good things to take home.”
The 2017 edition presented numerous mechanical challenges for the African special jersey winners.
Their ride was plagued by punctures, but Beukes said this didn’t cost them an elusive stage win.
“This year we had a couple of issues, but we handled them quickly and calmly,” he said.
