Investec-Songo-Specialized’s Jaroslav Kulhavy and Howard Grotts took the yellow jersey from Cannondale Factory Racing’s Manuel Fumic and Henrique Avancini after stage three of the Cape Epic in Worcester today.
The 122km stage was won by Canyon Topeak’s Alban Lakata and Kristian Hynek, with overall leaders in second and Fumic and Avancini in third.
“It was great, we have been trying for so long not only to win the Epic with Alban, but to win a stage,” said Hynek.
“We’ve had many second places but now we are back in the game.”
Jaroslav Kulhavy of Investec Songo Specialized during stage three of the 2017 Cape Epic. Photo: Mark Sampson/Sportzpics
“In general we have a good feeling. To be honest, the last three days suited the marathon guys. The next few days are shorter and more technical and suits us more,” said Fumic.
He added that the yellow jersey could feel a little heavy because it came with expectation.
“We don’t care if we have a yellow or other jersey on our shoulders. We are back in the hunt.”
At the 69km mark the gap between leaders Investec Songo Specialized and Canyon Topeak to the chasing bunch was 4’28”.
Soon after, Canyon Topeak were leading on their own when Investec Songo Specialized had to fix a flat.
At the 92km mark the leading men were Canyon Topeak and Investec-Songo-Specialized.
The overall leaders went through a tricky stage when Grotts fell off the pace on a sandy section and Kulvavy had to push him. Fortunately soon after they were back in flying formation.
Investec-Songo-Specialized finished only 1’11” after the stage winners.
“This has definitely been the toughest stage of the race. At least it paid off in the end,” said Grotts.
“I felt good on the steep climb and then it started to take its toll on me. I’m just going to be focused on the recovery now, go out there and give 100 percent again.”
Grotts said it was incredibly motivating to be in yellow.
“Jaro is not just incredibly strong but a good teammate too.”
Ellsworth-ASG’s HB Kruger and Stuart Marais hang on to the African Men’s special jersey, but lost time to Pyga Euro Steel’s Matthys Beukes and Julian Jessop.
View the results here.
