The organisers of the Cape Epic took the unprecedented decision to shorten stage 2 by 40km due to the expected heat and humidity today.
Stage 2 of the 2017 Cape Epic has been shortended due to the expected heat and humidity. Photo: Cape Epic
The stage, which started in Hermanus this morning, will now be raced over 62km with the finish at the Caledon Botanical Gardens. The original stage, over 102km, was due to conclude in Greyton.
“This is a big decision for us and we have never done it before in 14 years of staging the race, but the safety of our riders is paramount,” said Cape Epic CEO Lynn Naudé.
She said the first two days of the race had been marked by temperatures peaking at 40 degrees Celcius and several riders had suffered from heat-related ailments.
Naudé said the shortened stage will include about 1 500m of climbing instead of the original 2 350m.
“We made the call after extensive discussions with the medical team and key stakeholders,” said Naudé. “We considered various options but decided this was the fairest and safest option.”
