The Investec-songo-Specialized pair of Jaroslav Kulhavy and Sam Gaze withdrew from the Cape Epic ahead of stage three today due to injuries sustained by Gaze when he crashed in stage one.
Gaze suffered concussion in the accident, which saw him flip over his handlebars and crack his helmet.
The Investec-songo-Specialized pair of Jaroslav Kulhavy and Sam Gaze (front) withdrew from the Cape Epic ahead of stage three today. Photo: Supplied
“Feeling strong, Sam returned for a second day of competition [on Tuesday] and raced well for the first half hour, but soon began to experience the effects of the prior day’s crash,” his team said in a statement.
“Ultimately he finished 28 minutes behind the leaders on the day,” the statement continued, as the pair slipped down to 19th overall.
Gaze reportedly was keen to continue with stage three, before withdrawing on medical advice.
His team reported that he was diagnosed with significant concussion following a neurological assessment and in the interests of his safety was medically withdrawn from the race.
“While Sam is torn over leaving the Epic early, we wholeheartedly support his decision. His health and full recovery are our top priority,” the team statement said.
Gaze and defending champ Kulhavy were the outfit’s first team, with Specialized Foundation NAD’s Matt Beers and Alan Hatherly and Investec-songo-Specialized 2’s Christoph Sauser and Simon Andreassen playing back-up roles.
Since Beers and Hatherly are currently placed sixth overall, the South Africans will take charge for the team.
