2012 Absa Cape Epic Annual by Absa Cape Epic

2012 ABSA CAPE EPIC ANNUAL

contEntS 002 FOREWORD Race Founder Kevin vermaak 003 RACE FIguRES Participant figures 004 PRE EvEnt Registration & Waterfront activities 008 PROlOguE Meerendal, 14 SpectatorPoints: hillcrest & nitida, 16 Snapshot: Joel Stransky 020 StAgE OnE Robertson, 26 RiderService: Absa Capital lounge 032 StAgE tWO Robertson, 38 RiderService: telkom Business, 40 Snapshot: Alain Prost 044 StAgE thREE Robertson to Caledon, 50 RiderService: Woolworths, 52 Snapshot: Elana Meyer 056 StAgE FOuR Caledon, 62 logisticsFeature: volunteers, 64 Snapshot: Koos Pretorius 068 StAgE FIvE Caledon to Oak valley/Elgin, 74 RiderService: Pragma, 76 Snapshot: Raynard tissink 080 StAgE SIX Oak valley/Elgin, 86 RiderService: Miele, hansgrohe and Afripex 092 StAgE SEvEn Oak valley/Elgin to lourensford, 98 grandFinale: lourensford Wine Estate 104 OvERAll RESultS 108 PhOtOgRAPhER BIOS Photographers’ Biographies 110 CREDItS 111 AMABuBESI Absa Cape Epic Finisher’s Club

ens Foreword Page numbering starts

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ForeWORD: race founder kevin vermaak In 2012, Burry Stander and Christoph Sauser demonstrated emphatically that they’ve cracked the winning formula. For Burry, it was his second Absa Cape Epic and for Christoph, his third and I’m sure that for both of these world-class athletes, the victory was no less sweet than their first. Huge congratulations go to them, and of course runners up Kevin Evans and David George, the best result ever for an all-South African team. There’s no doubt this year will go down in history too – I’m told that the 2012 Absa Cape Epic may have been the hardest ever of the nine editions of the race. We were not entirely to blame as the elements conspired against the riders (as well as against our resolute logistics team) making the 773km a greater challenge than anyone imagined. As if the riders needed it, with 16 300m of climbing on some pretty rugged trails! With great hardship comes great reward, and the spectacular images captured by some of the best action photographers in the world are proof of that. The fortitude that 1 055 riders showed to complete the eight days, from the world’s best to the guys arriving minutes before the maximum allotted time, is testimony to all the hard training and sacrifice that went into each and every rider’s preparation. This book is a tribute to all of you, who create the amazing spirit we witness at the race every year – thank you, enjoy and we’ll see you all next year on our tenth birthday.

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RACEFigures 1208 total number of riders • 92% men • 8% ladies • 39 average age of men • 36 average age of ladies • 24.8km/h average speed of fastest rider • 11.6km/h average speed of slowest rider • 31:46.50,5 fastest time • 67:05.57,4 slowest time • 64% of riders rode on a 29inch wheel bike • 69% of riders rode on a full suspension bike • 40% of riders were roadies before converting to mountain biking • 65% of riders bought a new bike for the race • 86% of riders indicated that they want to ride again • 87% riders finished • 85% of Ladies teams finished • 82% of Mens teams finished • 78% of Masters teams finished • 72% of Mixed teams finished • 65 age of oldest finisher (Hubert Loomans - BEL) • 18 age of youngest finisher (Simon Marincowitz - RSA)

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PReEvent Even while the eyes of the world followed 1 200 riders as they navigated the jagged landscape of the Western Cape, international journalist were still buzzing from their whirlwind tour of Cape Town, the ‘taste of the region’ priming them for their full-on experience during race week. During dinner at Granger Bay, they received itineraries, which included a road trip to the 12 Apostles Hotel via Chapman’s Peak Drive and Cape Point. At suppertime, they sampled Gold Restaurant’s fare of traditional African food, while mingling with the top riders. After an action-pack week, they were able to relax again at the wine tasting function at Spier the day after the race. It wasn’t just the media that enjoyed an exciting build-up to the race. Pre-event hospitality packages were snapped up by local and international riders, who stayed at the Commodore Hotel – a central base from which they could explore. Daytrippers hosted an outride and athletes could opt for either a sojourn in Tokai Forest or a lap of the peninsula via Cape Point. CycleLab set up an onsite workshop for last minute tweaks to their bikes. The Absa Cape Epic attracts riders from all around the world and as part of their pre event experience, they were invited to the traditional ‘Around The World Party’. Here, international riders arrive dressed in a costume that represents their nationality.

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As the start drew nearer it was time for registration at the V&A Waterfront, one of the most popular tourist destinations on the continent. Nervous riders collected their registration packs, then prepped and packed their new, official Absa Cape Epic bags into the Lourensford truck to be taken to the Robertson Race Village. Race Briefing took place at the V&A’s amphitheatre, and a full entertainment programme helped keep obsessive athletes’ minds from worrying about the gargantuan task that lay ahead. This programme included former world-MTB trials champion Kenny Belaey performing seemingly impossible stunts on his mountain bike and the Absa Celeb Spinathon. Here, professional riders, celebrities and amateurs alike powered away on spinning bikes on stage, raising money for a selection of Absa charities. The core spirit of the race owes a lot to those special riders that keep coming back. This elite group of riders, who’ve completed three or more Absa Cape Epics, is named the Amabubesi Club. They were honoured at their customary Saturday morning breakfast at Harbour House restaurant. Present were members of the esteemed handful who look set to achieve the monumental task of completing all 10 events, in 2013.

This page: For anyone visiting Cape Town, a trip to the V&A Waterfront is essential, as it is for Absa Cape Epic riders, who registered for the race amid hearty celebrations.

THIS PAGE: Athletes turned out at registration looking lean and fit, but nervous, before the challenging week that followed.

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opposite PAGE: Riders and fans enjoyed a festive atmosphere, with memorabilia for sale and former world-MTB trials champion Kenny Belaey, keeping the crowds entertained. this PAGE: Pro riders, celebrities and amateurs participated in the Absa Celeb Spinathon to raise funds for various charities.

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PROlogue Any riders who thought the Prologue would be a good opportunity to spin the legs and ‘open the valves’ quickly changed their minds when they arrived at the start. The spectacle of the Prologue was breathtaking, especially the view of Stairway to Heaven. Looking up at the finish arch at the top was pretty intimidating! After all, this is the biggest mountain bike stage race on the planet and if the efforts over the 27km and 900m of climbing weren’t enough, the views of Table Mountain, Table Bay and Robben Island at the summit had the eyelids snapping open. There are no easy days in the Absa Cape Epic and this was a bumpy and dusty ride with sharp climbs, steep descents and flowing singletrack heading towards the fan-lined final climb. The route wound its way from Meerendal Wine Estate through Hillcrest and Nitida, passing protected renosterveld. Every rider knew to go hard in the team time trial and get a decent seeding for the start of Stage 1. After up to eight months preparing the bodies for the eight days that followed, this was a good test of how well the homework had been done, and of course a unique arena where mere mortals could measure themselves against the top professionals of the sport. Temperatures were cool for the early starters setting off before 7am, but by the time the UCI-registered professional teams rolled into the

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bullring (or arena) for their scheduled starts, the needle passed the 35 degrees mark. Out came the ice towels to keep them cool. It might have been said this was just another hot day in Africa, but few knew it would set the tone for some extreme conditions in the week. There’s nothing normal about the Absa Cape Epic. The Prologue is always an adrenaline-filled day, with fresh legs after the careful tapering in riders’ training programmes. Athletes are tempted to go all-out and flirt with their anaerobic zones – it’s almost irresistible. On the last winding and tricky ascent to the line, they were cheered on by the crowds. Throngs of people waved flags, rang cowbells and shouted for their favourite riders, Tour de France style. It was not an option to get off and walk past the fans! ABOVE: After months of preparation, riders begin the eight-day adventure on the start ramp of the Prologue, held at Meerendal Wine Estate.

FASTFACtS PROLOGUE: 1208 RIDERS AT THE START

STATS AT END OF STAGE: FINISHERS INDIVIDUAL FINISHER BLUE BOARD RIDERS RIDERS OUT OF RACE YOUTUBE LINK

1205 1 3 0

PROlOguE: 25 MARCh 2012 km

STAGE HIGHLIGHTS

MEEREnDAl/DuRBAnvIllE

27km

900m

36OnE-SOngO-SPECIAlIZED [MEn]

1:11.52,1

(1-1) Christoph Sauser

(1-2) Burry Stander

36OnE-SOngO-SPECIAlIZED [MEn]

1:11.52,1

(1-1) Christoph Sauser

(1-2) Burry Stander

ABSA CAPE EPIC @AbsaCapeEpic

25-Mar

RT @maxcluer 4 #saffas in top 8 riders at #AbsaCapeEpic nice work guys @MaxKnoxRSA @kevinevansracin @davegeorge101 @africanmtbkid #proud

3:04.14,2

retweeted by Absa Cape Epic

RAYNARD TISSINK @RAYTISSINK

25-Mar

Day1 @AbsaCapeEpic Prologue. Good first 5mins, then suffered all the way. 1h31 of sufferfest. Never climbed such steep hills in my life.

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FRANCIOS THERON @ftheron

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25-Mar

RT @ftheron: Crazy crowds on the final #AbsaCapeEpic Prologue climb, 4km to go! retweeted by Absa Cape Epic

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OPPOSITE page: In this individual time trial, the amateur two-man teams set off at 20 second intervals. From the crack of dawn, riders traversed the winding trails with one of the seven natural wonders of the world as a fitting backdrop to the biggest mountain bike stage race on the planet. left: The final climb is aptly nicknamed Stairway to Heaven, with athletes winching their way up the technical ascent to spectacular views at the summit. Above: A fan cheers former world marathon champion Alban Lakata and Topeak-Ergon teammate Robert Mennen on their way to third place.

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Opposite page and above:: The day’s 27km route wound its way from Meerendal Wine Estate, through Hillcrest and Nitida, passing through vineyards, olive groves and protected Renosterveld.

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spectatorpoints: HILLCREST & NiTIDA Hillcrest and Nitida: Spectator friendly Hillcrest Estate and Nitida are tucked away against the rolling slopes of the tranquil Durbanville wine valley with breathtaking vistas. That was until the Absa Cape Epic arrived. Prologue spectators turned out in droves to support 1 208 riders as they passed through these two spectator points. Both Hillcrest and Nitida went to great lengths to put on a show for the spectators by opening their facilities early and offering a tasty fare of coffee, muffins and rolls and later some panini and lamb-from-the-spit burgers. As the day progressed and spectators became a little parched in the midday sun, they wandered down to the cellars for some less strenuous wine tasting and to listen to the Rustenberg Girls High Marimba Band and Louwtjie and Chad demonstrating their virtuoso musical skills. Both spectator points are multi-faceted wine estates, both boasting superb restaurants with spectacular views. Hillcrest’s and Nitida’s handmade offerings include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Weisser Reisling, Semillon, Pinotage and a lightly oaked red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Nitida was named “Top Producer” and Hillcrest Quarry 08 took a Gold Medal and at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards, as well as The Best Merlot at The Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show 2011. This was good news, for those looking to participate in some post race celebrations.

For more information, visit: www.nitida.co.za or www.hillcrestfarm.co.za

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ABOVE: Urs Huber and Konny Looser were listed among the favourites in the prerace build up, but failed to live up to the promise they showed in 2011.

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snaPShOt: JoeL stransky (rsa) Former sPringBok FLy-HaLF

Race number: 149-1 teammate: Max Gebhardt

team name: ABSA Mountain Ghosts time Finished: 55:03.33,2

ACE: how many years have you been mountain biking? JS:

I started three and half years ago for my first Absa Cape Epic.

ACE: What role does mountain biking play in your life? JS:

Endurance sport plays a massive role in my life and mountain biking is a huge part of this. It is my release from the pressures of life and it keeps me sane!

ACE: What was your 2012 Absa Cape Epic highlight? JS:

The Absa team camaraderie was incredible and the guts shown by some of the team was truly inspiring! Being part of this was special.

ACE: Which stage did you enjoy the most? JS:

Stage 5 would have been unbelievable had it not rained all day and been freezing cold. Stage 6 was beautiful and shorter, which made it easier to enjoy!!

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This page: Allowing clear vistas of Cape Town and Table Mountain, the weather gods smiled on the race’s proceedings, albeit temporarily...

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Rider: 307-2 Cor Van Heyningen, Team: MIAMI Time: 1:46.48,0

RSA Rider: 310-2 Sara Mertons, BEL Team: O2 BIKERS C-BABES Time: 1:51.07,0

Rider: 113-2 Elana Mey er (Left), RSA Team: ABSA ROOKIE AND THE ROCK Time: 2:24.21,3

ick Mosler, GER Rider: 269-1 Patr NN RACING Team: HAMMERMA 0,2 0.5 Time: 1:4

h at the end. Otherwise “Tough in the middle, toug s. You could see all view very enjoyable. Very nice h and Table Mountain.” the way to Stellenbosc

“It was just perfect, everything went ﬁne from the beginning to the end. We rode as hard as we could, really enjoyed it.”

riderROunDuP

“It was great, I was nervous. I wanted to get through day one of a partner. I’m in one piece. Ernst was a roc k just happy to tic k the Prologue off to start the Epic.”

esome. Really

“Awesome, aw

great.”

Rider: 569-1 Riad Achmed, RSA Team: CRANK BRO’S Time: 2:09.28,6 Bernard, REU Rider: 162-1 Benoit 3 Team: CYCLOZONE Time: 1:41.28,8

Rider: 368-2 John Mille r, AUS Team: WEATHERZONE Time: 1:44.31,6

Rider: 56-1 Hannele Steyn, RSA Team: LEXMED/SECOND SKINS Time: 1:42.29,1

tner are me and my par ry technical, “Very well. Ve y happy to be here.” ver

“It was fantastic! Seven long days ahead, but today was fantastic with lots of support. My partner was strong as a lion!”

“It was very nice, my partner travel led from Australia. The Prologue is not either one of our strengths. We like the longer rides where we can think a little bit.”

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“We had a good rac e, were good fun, we it was good fun. The tracks enjoyed the single track. We really enjoyed the m.”

ABOVE: Former world champion water-skier Sebastian Di Pasqua summits the final climb with his partner, former Formula 1 driver, Alain Prost.

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stageone There’s nothing new about the Klein Karoo in the Absa Cape Epic, as it has been visited in every edition. It’s dusty, dry and hot, and feared for that dreaded knife-edge shale littering the trail surface. But on Stage 1, there were a few more obstacles that worried the riders at breakfast time.

The top 10 teams set a cracking pace and behind them the moist air thickened with dust, leaving the rest to cry ‘thick brown tears’ as one writer/rider eloquently blogged. Though the day had begun with cloud cover, the temperature escalated dramatically, jumping by several degrees for every hour out on the course.

For starters, it felt really cold that morning. Maybe it was all the extra training that made everyone a little leaner, shedding some insulation. Then there was the first 3km rise and the tyres writhed over the loose rocks as the gradient tilted to 25%. There were mutterings in the midfield as riders dismounted to push. ‘Did the pros walk?!’ Yes they did, even the very best.

True enough, keeping air in the tyres proved to be a major challenge too, even for the likes of Kevin Evans and David George. Their chances at an overall win were dashed as they struggled for 25 minutes to repair a gash in George’s rear sidewall. Irreverent remarks flew around the groups while passing the Gospel Express, with riders bogged down by the sand.

Hangman’s Tree was true to pre-race predictions, in that it took most riders up to half an hour to climb. If looking up at the Prologue finish was intimidating, the view of the Telkom Business Hotspot atop the rocky hill dead ahead had all but the very brave psyched out. On the 5km Tortoise Peak, the ancient residents were seeking shade as the searing heat set in for the day – not a shell to be seen.

In this race there are so many factors to consider: the heat, the hills, the descents, the bike, the body – something’s bound to give. Former track and field Olympian and South African sports icon Elana Meyer proved this by somersaulting over her handlebars on a descent, earning her some stitches at the race hospital.

It was a day for the TV cameras (and the riders who took the time to look around), with the flowing trails traversing the breathtaking mountain ridges and a stunning section through the Nama Karoo: the Western Cape can never resist an opportunity to show off.

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ABOVE: The tented village awakes to the first big day out at the Absa Cape Epic.

FASTFACtS STAGE 1: 1201 RIDERS AT THE START

STATS AT END OF STAGE: FINISHERS INDIVIDUAL FINISHERS BLUE BOARD RIDER RIDERS OUT OF RACE YOUTUBE LINK

1170 24 1 37

StAgE 1: 26 MARCh 2012 km

STAGE HIGHLIGHTS

ROBERtSOn

114km

2350m

36OnE-SOngO-SPECIAlIZED [MEn]

4:33.22,6

(1-1) Christoph Sauser

(1-2) Burry Stander

36OnE-SOngO-SPECIAlIZED [MEn]

5:45.14,7

(1-1) Christoph Sauser

(1-2) Burry Stander

ABSA CAPE EPIC @AbsaCapeEpic

26-Mar

RT @buzzolini: let the pain begin Stage 1 #absacapeepic 119km 2300m vertical 35deg. Oh yeah. Awesome atmosphere at race village #mustdorace

10:38.10,6

retweeted by Absa Cape Epic

ABSA CAPE EPIC @AbsaCapeEpic

26-Mar

RT @songoinfo: @sauserwind description of today’s stage of @AbsaCapeEpic: “We didn’t have to attack today, the route attacked us”.

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retweeted by Absa Cape Epic

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RIDE MAGAZINE @ridemagazinesa

26-Mar

RT @ridemagazinesa: “couple primples…then downhill all the way” - overheard at WP2 before serious climb #ThingsMidfieldersSay #AbsaCapeEpic retweeted by Absa Cape Epic

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Opposite page: The particularly steep and loose-surfaced climbs forced almost all riders to portage, including 2011 world marathon champion Esther Süss. THIS page: The Western Cape shows off its splendour, with magnificent peaks and valleys, and unique flora and fauna.

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Opposite page: Swiss couple Michael and Adrienne Stecchi bravely tackle the varied terrain on a mountain bike tandem. ABOVE: As always, riders were treated to some breath-taking landscapes on stage one, the kind of striking scenery that we’ve come to expect from the event.

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riderService: RIDeR LOUNGE ABSA capital lounge: BUSINESS CLASS The 2012 Absa Cape Epic course turned out to be an extremely tough environment, with riders tackling sweltering temperatures reaching 45 degrees in Robertson and the miserable, wet conditions on their way from Caledon to Oak Valley (not to mention the 773km and 16 300m of climbing). If the Klein Karoo was a cauldron of fire in the desert, then the Absa Capital Lounge was the oasis. Every day 300 to 400 riders seeking a moment of relaxation visited the lounge and were served by tireless and friendly staff. It was a refuge, with comfy couches, day beds, ottomans and beanbags providing a home away from home, where riders put up their feet and rested their weary bodies. Daily newspapers and widescreen televisions had riders catching up on the outside world, and even watched the highlights of the 2012 race. For the Type A personalities wanting to check their email, there was a free Wi-Fi hotspot, and computer stations provided by Telkom Business, as well as plug points for riders to recharge their cellphones and laptops. Truth be told, most used the Internet to chat to families and friends around the world, to let them know of their progress. With free foot massages courtesy of 10 masseuses from Mangwanani Spa, a chiropractor service, fans to cool the riders, free soft drinks, water, fruit lollies and fresh fruit, athletes thought they’d finally reached heaven (the real one, not Charlie’s Heaven). Steward Masela, Absa’s Sponsorship Manager says, “This is the only international race, that we are aware of, that provides facilities like these to the riders.” Masela has been part of the team since 2006, the start of Absa’s partnership with the Absa Cape Epic. “It is so rewarding to see all the plans coming together and being part of an event that opens the world to the organisational abilities that South Africa has.”

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ABOVE: A lone team follows a remote dirt road, cutting a swathe through the characteristic scrub of this semi-desert region. Following pages: Apart from the great distances to cover and considerable accumulated vertical metres to scale, riders have to contend with mechanical issues, notably punctures, on Stage 1.

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Rider: 525-2 Ken neth Koh, SIN Team: GRANNYGE ARHEROES Time: 9:26.41,9

an Kellermayr, AUT Rider: 412-1 Sebasti ILLAS Team: AUSTRIAN GOR Time: 5:46.00,7

Rider: 297-1 Stephan Muller, RSA Team: JAG -PINKY & THE BRAIN Time: 9:30.35,7

Rider: 298-2 Nicole Murphy, RSA Team: JAG: MOBICOVER Time: 8:16.09,5

“It was Epic! someone to I’ve been waiting the wh int ole day for It was really erview me so that I can say that. hard, toug hardest moun h. I think this was my tain biking da y!”

ld have than we shou was arted faster ck “Tough, we st towards the end. The tra .” ing it r bik fo n d untai and pai ing it, great mo beautiful, lov “It was fun, it was just too hot. It degrees up there on the hills.”

was 40

riderROunDuP

“It was awesome, lots of climbing. Climbs like I’ve never seen before in my life. Took it easy, hydrated well, ate well. Feeling very tired, but at least I made it.”

Rider: 487-2 Jar rod Crosby, AUS Team: KMD RAC ING Time: 6:06.04,0

Rider: 501-2 Owen Lloyd, RSA Team: INTELLIBUS TRACKIES Time: 8:45.48,0

Rider: 96-2 Andre Van Der Veen, RSA Team: ENS 1 Time: 8:30.29,8 l Stecchi, SUI Rider: 402-1 Michae DHA Team: SWISS BUD Time: 7:40.43,0

“Tough out

“Toughest day I’ve had on a bike.”

ising It was surpr nice, very hot. three “It was very me from Switzerland and ” ld. co co we and very because was snowing weeks ago it

030 2012 ABSA CAPE EPIC

there, those ﬁrst brutal out th three climbs were ere.”

“It was good, really long, tough climbs and far too hot. Waterpoints were excellent, also the support. The organisation is great.”

ABOVE: Top professional mountain biker, American Adam Craig’s expression speaks volumes, only managing 17th in a brutal Stage 1.

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stageTWO This was touted as a ‘rest day’, but one thing’s for sure – no single rider arrived back in Robertson saying they felt refreshed and rejuvenated. After all, 122km on a bike is still a long way, especially when heading through the loose dual tracks over the stony red Klein Karoo. The front pack leaving Robertson had some passengers, with the usual scenario of some amateur teams hanging on for dear life. A large bunch on narrow tracks is a tense and dangerous place to be with all that jostling for position. This made Burry Stander nervous, so he did what he knows best – stamped on the pedals and clicked the pace up a couple of notches. The field scattered. The ‘geologist’s paradise’ part of the stage’s route description lived up to its promise. Admiring the mountains’ extraordinary sandstone formations, everyone was glad that today they didn’t have to ride up them. They had other worries, like the sharp rocks clawing at their tyres on the fynbos-lined roller-coaster singletrack. But by this stage, anyone who hadn’t fitted heavy-duty rubber the day before got little sympathy. Temperatures would later rise dangerously, but at the start it was still chilly and a 50m submerged bridge across the Breede River freshened everyone up. Pedalling through, drivetrains were stripped of their lubrication. Pulling into the charming village of McGregor, the 1 175-strong field were welcomed warmly by fans lining the streets and the tech staff ready with their cans of Motorex. 032 2012 ABSA CAPE EPIC

Pulling into Van Loveren Wine Estate, flags led the riders right into and out the other side of one of its cavernous loading sheds, buzzing with loud music, boisterous crowds and a chirpy announcer calling out their names. Like all the waterpoints, this was to be a deserved treat after tackling the steep and rocky tracks of CapeNature’s Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve. Then it was a dash along the farm roads towards Ashton and the last stretch into Robertson again. Day done, but hardly easy. That night in the race village, battered athletes were either lying prone in the chill zone or limping off for a massage. The Epic was beginning to settle into hurt mode. Statistically, Stage 2 showed fewer casualties than Stage 1, but there was a palpable air of nervous trepidation: everyone feared Stage 3, but experienced riders were just as wary of Stage 4. That would be another hard day to weed out the field. All par for the course at the Absa Cape Epic.

THIS PAGE: The start / finish town of Robertson showed typical warm hospitality, with the event spending three days racing around the region

FASTFACtS STAGE 2: 1175 RIDERS AT THE START

STATS AT END OF STAGE: FINISHERS INDIVIDUAL FINISHERS BLUE BOARD RIDERS RIDERS OUT OF RACE YOUTUBE LINK

1149 39 11 48

StAgE 2: 27 MARCh 2012 km

STAGE HIGHLIGHTS

ROBERtSOn

122km

1650m

BullS [MEn]

4:21.13,4

(2-1) Karl Platt

(2-2) Stefan Sahm

36OnE-SOngO-SPECIAlIZED [MEn]

10:06.29,7

(1-1) Christoph Sauser

(1-2) Burry Stander

RALPH NAEF @ralphnaef

27-Mar

would love to be @the @AbsaCapeEpic! I follow their livestream just after I get up in the morning till finish!! Go @MeridaRacing ride hard!!

9:08.47,9

ABSA CAPE EPIC @AbsaCapeEpic

27-Mar

RT @alexanderharris: Wow! What great riding on Stage 2 @AbsaCapeEpic. Took 5hrs 51 for 122kms. Lying 149 GC.

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MANNIE HEYMANS @misterafrican 38

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27-Mar

Good day at the office in @AbsaCapeEpic except for the tree that jumped in front of @RAY TISSINK. Had me worried there for a bit, poor tree tweet

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Opposite pagE: It’s a two-man race, and camaraderie and teamwork play a vital role in dealing with the week’s challenges. THIS pagE: Even with the relatively moderate 1 650m of climbing, riders realised quickly that there’s no easy day at the Absa Cape Epic.

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Opposite PAGE and above: During the eight days, the field will cross several rivers, the Breede River being the widest, appropriately.

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riderService: Communication Telkom Business: the media backbone The Absa Cape Epic is the most competitive mountain bike stage race on the calendar. Olympic medallists and current and former world champions with their younger understudies wanting to knock the old guard off their pedestals, all line up at the start all keen to win a stage, and hopefully even take overall line hours and the coveted yellow zebra jerseys. With the race broadcasted to in 175 countries all over the world, including the UK, USA, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Czech Republic, Japan and Brazil, it’s not surprising they want to perform at their best. Sponsors are delighted with the coverage they get with more than 2000 hours of TV time annually. Then there are the thousands of reports and images that appear on websites, in magazines and newspapers internationally, including the New York Times. Simply put, without Telkom Business this wouldn’t be possible. Never mind the media demands at the race, riders need to stay in touch with their loved ones too, keeping them up to date ontheir adventures at the race. In total, 30 WiFi hotspots were set up in therace village, with the routers in the tented area and the Absa Capital Lounge letting them log on and surf the ‘net to catch up on the happenings in the outside world, in full broadband. Figures from the rider survey indicated that Telkom Business earned high approval ratings from its users. Telkom Business’ detailed analytical report of bandwidth usage yielded some fascinating findings, not least of which were the data transfer figures. The media (TV and photographers) used nearly 120GB of data of the 185GB in total, despite the fact that this department made up only a small proportion of the race village’s population. The riders constituted 56% of all the users, but only consumed 20% of the bandwidth, perhaps testimony to how hard they worked out on the 773km course.

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above: Stage 2 ranked among the riders’ favourites, with a more ‘moderate’ parcours navigating winding tracks through the beautiful Klein Karoo.

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snaPShOt: aLain Prost (Fra) 4 x FormuLa 1 drivers’ cHamPion

Race number: 578-2 teammate: Sebastien Di Pasqua

team name: Prost/Di Pasqua time Finished: 52:13.09,6

ACE: how did you hear about the Absa Cape Epic? AP:

I have always followed the bike news. I had heard about the Epic a few years ago and always followed the race, without ever thinking too much about doing it myself.

ACE: how long have you been a mountain biker? AP:

I am a road biker. I had done some mountain biking a few times but more for relaxing or enjoying a ride with friends. Nothing serious. I decided to do the race only three weeks before the start so it was a challenge.

ACE: What was your 2012 Absa Cape Epic highlight? AP:

Every thing was a highlight for me during this week: I felt a lot of friendship with my teammate Sebastien and the other riders. A great human experience. I have really learned about myself phisically and mentally. I had a few problems with my back and huge blisters on my feet and hands, but at the end it gave me a lot of courage to try to forget the pain. South Africa is a fantastic country with wonderful people.

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THIS pagE: Spirited festivities at the waterpoints buoyed the riders’ spirits as well as their energy levels. 2012 041

, RSA Rider: 105-1 Craig McHendrie Team: WOOLIES Time: 7:00.30,0

Rider: 414-2 Michael Maxwell, CAN Team: SINGAPORE RACING MASTERS Time: 8:49.32,9

Rider: 515-2 Hilde Heulens, BEL Team: HBW11-BIKERS Time: 6:54.52,7

Rider: 151-1 Shawn Mitchley, RSA Team: AVIS RENT A CAR Time: 6:59.05,3

? Had day, what can I say the “Another awesome Luckily it was at als. hnic tec of ple a cou tech zone.” where there was a second water point

“Organisation is excellent, water points along the way, route markers, medical, everything is well organised.. All that was not good was me. Bad nutrition day, I was dehydrated.”

riderROunDuP

“It was better than yesterday, less hot. We enjoyed the ride today,scenery was beautiful.”

“It was awesome today. I’ve done three Epics and today was by far the best day ever. Awesome riding!”

Rider: 493-2 Kerry Glen, ENG Team: JAG-TWIN STREAK Time: 6:57.23,6 Rider: 580-2 Ian Philips, RSA Team: CHAFED JUNK Time: 7:27:46,9 Rider: 446-1 Siegried Rousseau, RSA Team: ORANGEWORKS Time: 7:08.09,0

Rider: 521-2 Graham Collins, SIN Team: THE OLD MOUNTAIN GOATS Time: 8:13.13,7

“It was good, I enjo yed it. We’re here, we ﬁnished Stage 2!”

“Wonderful, beautiful course. Enjoyed the scenery. Everything was perfect, no complaints.”

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“It was long, tempera ture a lot better than yesterday. All things considered it went pret well, no crashes. Not hing too technical. Im ty really happy with our effo rt today”

“Excellent route. A lot easier than yesterday. Lots of fun!”

above: Ominous black clouds loom as the first signs of the changing weather began to appear. 2012 043

stageTHREE On Tuesday night the Race Director stood on stage, as she does every night, to brief the riders on the following day’s route. She said she had good news and bad news. The good: Stage 3 had been shortened by 4km. The bad: there was still 2 900m of climbing. Accusations of sadism were bandied about as riders bounced from elation to trepidation in seconds. Again they were reminded of the emotional helter-skelter they battle every day at the race. Proceedings began with a quick, flat 38km on tar and gravel. It offered some ‘free mileage’ as the race director promised, before the first of four big obstacles sent riders towards the morning’s blue skies. The first was the 6km dual track, with riders battling for traction over the tumbling ostrich egg-sized rocks. All was quiet on the climb, riders carrying their bikes stoically, each going into their special place with pain as their only opponent in a one-on-one fight. The 4km Villiersdorp mast climb is all too familiar, and it was right there where the weather gods suddenly turned up the heat. Stronger riders surged ahead of their partners and congregated at the top looking for shade under some bushes (and to admire the view too). The smooth-surfaced but long Toll House climb followed and on the 5km descent dropping 500m into the valley everyone recharged their spirits before the brutal UFO climb at the 110km mark.

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This climb goes on and on. Looking up at every corner there was a long line of ant-like figures high above, far in the distance. Thinking that was the top, riders measured their efforts accordingly, only to have their hopes dashed at the next corner. One rider referred to the day as ‘a curveball that went on forever’. Some teams had to dive for the line, scraping in just under the maximum allotted 11h 2min 8sec (calculated as the longer of either the original maximum stage time of 11 hours or twice Sauser and Stander’s winning time – on this stage it was the latter). The statisticians were disappointed. No more could they refer to this as ‘the longest day in Epic history’. But 11 hours is a long time to spend on a bike. Very few professionals have ever ridden for that long on any single day, let alone for several days in a week. Riders were settling into a rhythm – find the mechanic, a shower, the physio, a tent – but that left many only half an hour to eat and get to bed. Then it was time to wake up and ride again. It’s tunnel vision in its truest definition when it comes to stage racing.

TOP: South African Burry Stander and Swiss teammate Christoph Sauser had, by Stage 3, showed their superiority. The all South African team of Kevin Evans and David George emerged as their only realistic challengers. above: Cheering fans are always appreciated, especially on the more remote parts of the course.

FASTFACtS STAGE 3: 1158 RIDERS AT THE START

STATS AT END OF STAGE: FINISHERS INDIVIDUAL FINISHERS BLUE BOARD RIDERS RIDERS OUT OF RACE YOUTUBE LINK

1106 66 12 90

StAgE 3: 28 MARCh 2012 km

STAGE HIGHLIGHTS

ROBERtSOn

CAlEDOn

143km

2900m

36OnE-SOngO-SPECIAlIZED [MEn]

5:31.04,0

(1-1) Christoph Sauser

(1-2) Burry Stander

36OnE-SOngO-SPECIAlIZED [MEn]

15:37.33,7

(1-1) Christoph Sauser

(1-2) Burry Stander

CHRISTOPH SAUSER @sauserwind

28-Mar

We found our 2012 AbsaCapeEpic song: boom, snoop dog & t-pain helped for today :) thanks for all the super support

10:58.36,2

ABSA CAPE EPIC @AbsaCapeEpic

28-Mar

And it’s over. 11 hours later, there are still 5 riders out there sweating, grinding it out. Hard to watch. #absacapeepic

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RT @Muddy_Mike: One day when I am big I want to ride #AbsaCapeEpic like @live2ridemtb + @MTBaverageguy! They make it look easy! retweeted by Absa Cape Epic

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OPPOSITE page: Stage 3 was one of the longest days in the race’s history, with teams thankful for the company of others on the long trek to Caledon. This page: Knee deep in the river, riders are careful not to let the flowing river flush their drivetrains of vital lubrication.

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Opposite page and above: The 143km course saw the field of 1158 riders stretch out, with the last placed team taking almost double the time as Stander and Sauser to complete it.

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riderService: CATERING WOOLWORTHS: food for thought On a day like Stage 3, an average 80kg Epic rider would have burned nearly 10 000 calories. That’s the same amount of energy he’ll consume at the office in a week. It’s easy to see how the most important time of any rider’s day is grabbing a Woolies lunch pack straight after climbing off the bike, and eating as much as the body will allow at dinner time. Refueling well is the key to success at the race. For four years Green Catering has ‘fed’ Absa Cape Epic, with 125-strong staff preparing breakfasts and dinners for the 1200 riders and 849 crew members. Many of the courses are made in Cape Town, and six 8-ton trucks bring the much-needed sustenance to the race every day. Meanwhile, salads and breakfasts are prepared on-site in special refrigerator trucks, from 2am! Over the 8 days approximately 25 300 eggs and 550kg of pasta were consumed by the hungry riders and crew. Head Chef Riedwaan Rooknodien, who has worked at 3 editions, outlines their diet, “Dinners always include white meat, red meat, two vegetable options, a starch, a pasta, one fruit and one desert.” During the race, Woolworths supplied the waterpoint refreshments and lunch packs in the Rider Recovery Zones. All meals and snacks were specially selected by Maryke Van Zyl, Woolworths’ dietician (she also completed the race this year). Almost 12 000 recovery meals and chocolate milks were consumed, including 11 000 sandwiches, 600 kilograms of boiled potatoes and more than 12 000 packets of cashew and assorted nuts! The most popular foods included chocolate milks, chicken strips, banana and fruit cakes, potatoes and jelly sweets. A caffeine boost was also available for riders and spectators at the highly popular Woolworths coffee carts in the race villages. As a new initiative this year Woolworths provided a free online Top Up snacks and meals service, for delivery to riders in the race village. On a stage like the wet, cold and muddy run into Oak Valley, this was also very well-received! As a final adieu and thanks, riders received a Woolies Food Hamper and picnic blanket at the finish line in Lourensford which, after eight hard days in the saddle, went down just as fast.

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above: On such a long day riders were grateful for some ‘free mileage’ on the smooth tar sections. 2012 051

snaPShOt: eLana meyer (rsa) oLymPic siLver medaLList

Race number: 113-2 teammate: Ernst viljoen

team name: ABSA rookie and the rock time Finished: 62:08.38,5

ACE: What was your 2012 Absa Cape Epic highlight? EM:

The highlight for me was to successfully finish the event and to get to Lourensford in one piece! There were highlights every day and the mixture of emotions, terrain and weather conditions made it an unforgettable journey. It was also great to raise some good funds for children on the JAG Foundation programmes.

ACE: Which stage did you enjoy the most, and why? EM:

Stage 2 – going through McGregor with a very warm reception and riding through the beautiful winelands of the roberston valley. It brought back very good memories of my high school years in robertson.

ACE: When did you start mountain biking? EM:

I started end of October 2011 and the 2012 Absa Cape Epic is my first ever race or event on a bike.

ACE: Will you continue to enter mountain biking races now that you have completed an Absa Cape Epic? EM:

I will definitely continue riding and doing selected events - I love it!

ACE: Are there any special/new JAg projects that you would like to mention, that will be supported with the funds collected by the 2012 riders? EM:

We have recently built a BMx track in Bonteheuwel in partnership with PPA and City of Cape Town - we still need some funds for bikes and equipment there. Together with our Sport programmes we also have a literacy programme.

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This page: As the last team home on the day, emotions get the better of Sydney Gregan and Hein Venter after a hard day in the saddle. 2012 053

scon, ESP

rell Ga Alberto Marto Rider: 470-2 RICA Team: MIS IBE 6,0 Time: 7:49.0

Rider: 386-1 Gregory Team: THE BONK! Time: 10:41.56,7

Rider: 362-1 Hannes Gildenhuys, RSA Team: WITWATERGALJOENE Time: 10:23.24,4

Mollet-Vieville, FRA

Rider: 191-2 Raymond Hack, RSA Team: JAGENATORS Time: 10:37.59,7

in the . Very fast rd but niceing very, very fast.” y was ha id Da R d. s. ire re “T met or 60 kilo ﬁrst 50

riderROunDuP Rider: 518-2 Joeri De Groot, NED Team: HANS STRUIJK Time: 7:40.17,5

“It was very heavy, especially the hills. Halfway to Lourensford. Now it’ll be easier, sure we are going to make it.”

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w make it. We kne e ! Very happy to “Fun and easy!! it today, we still have a chanc ke .” ma r target that if can end. That is ou the to it ke ma to

“Great! Tough, but great! They take you right down to the bottom and then just right back up again. It was a tough day, very long.”

“Unbelievable. We started off with a puncture at 3 km’s, then the tyre split! I had to gradually pull my partner in, but he just kept on pedalling. He’s a legend, so strong.”

Rider: 113-1 Ernst Viljoe n, RSA Team: ABSA ROOKIE AND THE ROCK Time: 10:12.52,8

Rider: 21-2 Carl Bezuidenh oud, RSA Team: MANKELE/MERRELL Time: 7:24.17,0

Rider: 377-2 Renato Sabbioni, RSA Team: RIDE MAGAZINE Time: 7:32.35,5

“The day was lon g minutes. No mechan and tough. 10 hours and 10 icals, no accidents. Nothing!”

“The scenery was unbelievable, the wat were great. The loc erpoints als on, you draw a lot and guys who cheer you of energy out of that.”

“Very good, best trail ever. The course is fantastic, some very scary downhills. Kudos to the route planner.”

Above: Team 36One-Songo-Specialized and Team 360Life speed towards Caledon – a dramatic two-up finale in which Stander and Sauser emerged as the winners. 2012 055

stageFOUR According to the profile and description, this stage looked pretty straightforward. There were just two hard climbs: Babilonstoring and then Charlie’s Heaven. According to all the press releases and talk among the journalists, Stage 3 was supposed be the killer day, but for many Thursday’s loop around Caledon was unspeakably hard – the second in a triple-punch combination. Comparing stage strategies, most agreed that after ticking off each climb it was just about staying out of trouble on the steep, jagged and rutted descents, then it would be plain sailing from there on open paths along the railway line. With some singletrack through Middleton and the botanical gardens everyone’s home free, right? That was the theory, anyway. Babilonstoring and Charlie’s Heaven are tough climbs no doubt, but by this stage everyone was used to winching up steep rocky tracks in granny gear. That’s not to say there weren’t tears shed on the way up and certainly no one went to the edge to admire the views of Cape Point. At least there was some snaking singletrack between the two climbs to lift the mood. Even early in the day as the tracks ascended, the riders were definitely getting a sense that the weather was changing. But no one expected that wind. In any Epic athlete’s terms, the stretch after Charlie’s

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Heaven’s descent could have been equated to another 1 000m climb, an unforeseen factor that no rider or course designer could have anticipated. It made for a long day for everyone, from the top of the table to the last team home. And it smashed morale into tiny pieces. The madness began as riders passed the wire cyclist ascending Charlie’s Heaven: the life-sized plastic cows positioned beside the trail were lying down, blown over. Right at the front, team 360Life laid down the gauntlet, keen to make up for their time lost repairing punctures on Stage 1. The rest were just trying to stay upright. Marius Hurter, a former Springbok forward who weighs over 115kg, was blown off his bike. On the flatlands, hammering into the teeth of the gale in echelon formation, Belgian road-racing style, the field shattered. Riders scratched for every watt of power to hang in. The northwester reached speeds of 70km/h, and for many the final stretch took up to two hours – a distance that could’ve been covered in half the time. That feeling of pedalling hard but going nowhere – the word demoralising doesn’t even begin to describe it.

Top: The day’s proceedings followed an anticlockwise loop around the farming town of Caledon, another challenging day on the bike. Above: Caledon won the competition for the best flyover. Flyovers have been a part of the town festivities from the second race in 2005, it’s a great way for host towns to brand the landscape with a display only visible from the air.

FASTFACtS STAGE 4: 1120 RIDERS AT THE START

STATS AT END OF STAGE: FINISHERS INDIVIDUAL FINISHERS BLUE BOARD RIDERS RIDERS OUT OF RACE YOUTUBE LINK

1089 71 19 100

StAgE 4: 29 MARCh 2012 km

STAGE HIGHLIGHTS

CAlEDOn

103km

2600m

36OnE-SOngO-SPECIAlIZED [MEn]

4:42.29,7

(1-1) Christoph Sauser

(1-2) Burry Stander

36OnE-SOngO-SPECIAlIZED [MEn]

20:20.03,4

(1-1) Christoph Sauser

(1-2) Burry Stander

ABSA CAPE EPIC @AbsaCapeEpic

29-Mar

RT @ishotimagesza: Riders in Stage 4 of the #AbsaCapeEpic faced heat, mountains & duststorms, but also gale winds & driving rain! U legends!

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retweeted by Absa Cape Epic

ABSA CAPE EPIC @AbsaCapeEpic

29-Mar

RT @muddy_mike: Today was proof that toughest #AbsaCapeEpic stages aren’t longest. @Drevilepic teamed up with mother nature + gave us a smack.

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BRYAN HELLON @bryza05

29-Mar

RT @bryza05: #AbsaCapeEpic put a fork in me, Im done! Sleep time and the end of longest day of my life thanks to Stage 4 and @Drevilepic retweeted by Absa Cape Epic

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Opposite and this page: The contrasting landscapes of the Western Cape.

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Opposite page and Above: As the wind picked up, riders scaled the scorched mountains on their way up Charlie’s Heaven.

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logisticsfeature: Volunteers Volunteers: Passionate supporters Slots to ride the Absa Cape Epic are highly sought after. As one of the most popular races on the calendar, just to be a member of the volunteer program is an honour for the 45-strong group that dovetails neatly into the crew contingent of 849, helping keep the event running smoothly and professionally. Many are passionate about the race and join in to become part of this global event and meet and encourage these intrepid athletes. Some volunteer to secure an entry into next year’s event, and others to support their friends and family who’re riding. 25 were first timers and 30% of them arrived from all over the world: Holland, Belgium, Germany, England, Canada, USA, Brazil and even Russia. Many are professional people, like accountants, university lecturers, medical doctors, project managers, financial planners, students, hotel managers, gym owners, software developers, dentists and artists. Their key role is to assist at the waterpoints, race nutrition stations and at the ever-popular Woolies Recovery Zone. Undoubtedly, the waterpoints are a crucial part of the race service package at the event. Volunteers form the majority of staff here, managed by a core professional team. A variety of flavours of Energade are served to the glycogen-depleted athletes and Woolworths provides the food with a healthy selection of fruits and snacks. In a week-long race, riders appreciate the ‘real food’ on offer, as they often grow tired of sweet-tasting energy bars and gels over the week. The volunteers’ cheerful faces are a welcome relief from the challenges the riders face out on the course and the banter, in no small way, helps them through each day. Volunteers are also deployed as rider bag support, UCI anti-doping chaperoning, timing services, and some go the extra mile and help out at the Castle Lite Chill Zone, the social hub of the Absa Cape Epic. Here, the riders and crew can chat, relax and stock up on much-needed liquid carbohydrates after a long day. Over the course of the eight days, there comes a camaraderie and spirit that can only develop in such high-pressure conditions, with workers often toiling into the night. Clive Seaton, who’s no stranger to the program said, “I had such a great time and even that this was my 6th Epic as a volunteer, there is always something new and challenging (this year the weather).” First timer Wendy Rameckers from The Netherlands was equally enthralled, “The Absa Cape Epic experience was one of a kind…!” 062 2012 ABSA CAPE EPIC

Above and page 65: More of the dramatic, assorted colours of the Absa Cape Epic.

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snaPShOt: koos Pretorius (rsa) director at edWard natHan sonnenBergs

Race number: 96-1 teammate: Andre van der veen

team name: ENS 1 time Finished: 60:15.08,6

ACE: What role does mountain biking play in your life? KP:

There’s no way I could do the job I do without it. It’s about maintaining balance, great for stress management, weight control and getting my head out the office – having a life!

ACE: What was your 2012 Absa Cape Epic highlight? KP:

I crashed during Stage 1, quite badly. So to still compete and be able to ride three consecutive days for more than 9 hours, was a big deal. This was the best, most challenging course ever in my five attempts. Stages 3, 4 and 5 were hard, all for different reasons. First the distance, then the wind and sand, and of course the mud-wrestling contest on Stage 5. I’d torn muscles in my shoulder, so the pain was a big tester.

ACE: What was your favourite stage of the race and why? KP:

Stage 2 was a great ride, absolutely beautiful. I love McGregor and there was nice single track, beautiful wine estates with vines and bougainvilleas. Stage 7, the last one, is always good.

ACE: Describe an incident that posed the biggest challenge for you during race week? KP:

That’s hard because it all builds cumulatively. Stage 1’s heat took it out of us. Then Stage 3’s length… Stage 4 was sand, sand and more sand; the climb, the wind, and then my rear skewer snapped forcing me to run 7km. We were starting to worry about cut-off!

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Opposite page and Above: As the wind picked up, riders scaled the scorched mountains on their way up Charlie’s Heaven. 2012 065

Jonck, RSA Rider: 526-2 Malan R Team: GRANNY GEA Time: 8:23.25,0

Rider: 334-2 Sandra Colby, RSA Team: THE COLBY’S Time: 8:33.05,2

f of was blown of I tell you! I it was “Awesome day ﬁrst time in my life, but hard, e y th km’s was ver my bike for . The last 20 ” still a great day o the north west wind! straight int

“It was very tough, the wind was very hard. I’m just glad we made it.”

Rider: 176-1 Marc Mendelson, ENG Team: KIDZPOSITIVE Time: 10:25.45,2

“My collarbone took a lot of strain today [third day cycling with a broken collarbone], especially on Charlie’s Heaven. But it was good. Still going on.”

riderROunDuP Rider: 117-1 Michael Bouwmeester, RSA Team: CHUCK RACING Time: 9:14.55,7

“I’m absolutely stuffed, to put it mildly. It was possibly the hardest day I’ve ever had on a bike. I’ve never been so sore in my life. But we ﬁnished!”

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Rider: 533-2 Jackie Baker, USA Team: GIANT HONEY BADGERS Time: 8:50.44,5

“The stage started off good, but then we hit the wind and we crashed. Earlier in the ride there was fun singletrack.”

Rider: 501-1 Gavin Smith, RSA Team: INTELLIBUS TRACKIES Time: 8:30.57,3

“I’m a bit windswept. It was very tough, the wind made it almost un-rideable in places .I enjoyed it, it was good fun at the end. Just one little crash with a little bit of blood to make it worth it.”

Rider: 404-1 Hein Vent er, RSA Team: SUNBIRD Time: 9:57.46,1

“At ﬁrst this win d was a blessing, it too up that long, long hill. In the last 5km k us took us through this botanical gard ’s they get executed for en, people doing stuff like tha t... but it’s wonderful ﬁnishing. ”

Rider: 204-2 Mirjam Buch er, SUI Team: CAPRICORNS GRIS CHUNS Time: 8:22.33,1

“It’s been so win dy, you really can ’t imagine, My partner was great, she think we worked per really helped me a lot. I fec tly tog eth er today, when the one was feeling not well the other one was.”

Above: Photographer Sven Martin once again clicks the button at exactly the right moment. 2012 067

stageFIVE After the heat, sand and wind of Stages 1, 2 and 3, one of the South African professionals was heard to remark, ‘The rain forecast for tomorrow wouldn’t be the worst thing to happen, as it would at least settle the dust’. His identity is now guarded, for obvious reasons. After the previous night’s soak, the first 20km were spent sliding across the farm roads of Caledon. By the time the mid-fielders had passed through, it was a mud bath. Then came some hail. The mercury showed 10 degrees on the first climb of the day and with an almost collective synchronised chain suck on the steep rise, a day of severe suffering began to reveal itself. From early on riders took every chance to wash their bikes down, either in a nearby dam or with a friendly farmer’s hosepipe. Wash and lube at any opportunity. Stage 5 was supposed to be a transition from the farmlands and fynbos to the lush orchards and vineyards of Oak Valley, over the Highlands Plateau and through the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. The famed fast, flowing singletrack with new and old sections in Lebanon, Thandi and Oak Valley were waiting. But the rain was pelting down, every piece of clothing and gear was sodden and riders could barely see in front of their noses (the friendly Oakley cleaners at the waterpoints were busy). Gazing down at the feet turning over was misery and only a momentary look at the views, in between the downpours, could lift the mood.

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On that fateful Friday, all anyone could think about was keeping warm and dry. Fooled by the clearing skies earlier, many shed their jackets but later riders were spotted donning rubbish bags that they’d found in the feed zone after downing hot tea. Those with technical issues were the ones who suffered most, having to stand in the freezing precipitation while undoing the damage caused by the grit finding its way into the smallest nooks and crannies of their bikes. Shifters were clogged, brakes worn down to the metal and bodies were racked with deathly shivers. One such casualty was Bonny Swanepoel, aiming to be one of only two women to have completed all nine Epics. Three hard days in a row was more than the riders ever expected: the long day of Stage 3 may have been anticipated, but howling winds added a new dimension to Stage 4 and no one would have dared predict the horror of Stage 5, certainly not the overtired mechanics who were left to pick up the pieces.

ABOVE: Stage 5: best described as a mudbath.

FASTFACtS STAGE 5: 1099 RIDERS AT THE START

STATS AT END OF STAGE: FINISHERS INDIVIDUAL FINISHERS BLUE BOARD RIDERS RIDERS OUT OF RACE YOUTUBE LINK

1066 86 15 127

StAgE 5: 30 MARCh 2012 km

STAGE HIGHLIGHTS

CAlEDOn

OAK vAllEY/ElgIn

118km

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36OnE-SOngO-SPECIAlIZED [MEn]

5:06.45,3

(1-1) Christoph Sauser

(1-2) Burry Stander

36OnE-SOngO-SPECIAlIZED [MEn]

25:26.48,7

(1-1) Christoph Sauser

(1-2) Burry Stander

NEIL FRAZER @NeilFrazer

30-Mar

Without a doubt my most diversely extreme @absacapeepic ever. From boiled to cryogenic to saturated to blown away to oxygen depraved. H-core.

11:15.32,3

ABSA CAPE EPIC @AbsaCapeEpic

30-Mar

RT @dannicholl: rain lashing down earlier at #AbsaCapeEpic. Weather to build an ark in. luckily mountain bikers come in pairs.

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With the drop in temperature and miserable weather the European riders will be finding this positively balmy. #absacapeepic tweet

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Opposite page, left: Justice Makhale still manages to enjoy the experience, despite the miserable conditions. Opposite page, RIGHT: Others were less enthusiastic, in the cold deluge of rain, hail and muck. This page, left: Max Knox enjoys some singletrack respite. THIS page, above: Evidence of what was for most, one of the hardest days out on a bike, ever.

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Opposite page: With the weather turning nasty, riders were forced to improvise: dustbin bags doubled up as makeshift rain jackets. THIS PAGE: Friday the 30th of March was a day many Absa Cape Epic riders would rather forget.

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RIDERSERVICE: BIKE WASH PRAGMA: Clean bikes, happy riders After rolling into Oak Valley on Stage 5, one top rider weighed his bike, revealing that his 10kg steed weighed 12kg. He wasn’t alone. Bikes arrived at the finish, plastered in mud and grime after enduring the shocking conditions that characterised the day, and indeed the week. With over 1 000 completing the day’s course, that’s a lot of dirt. Surely one of the most appreciated and necessary race services, the Pragma bike wash station ensures that this is dealt with quickly and seamlessly, as riders know already. At the finish, a rider’s bike is collected and taken to the bike wash area where it is sprayed with soap, washed and rinsed using high-pressure Kränzle nozzles. When ready, a text message is sent to alert the rider to collect it. Pragma involvement is attributed to Gerrie Olivier, the Managing Director, who competed in the Absa Cape Epic for the first time in 2006. His colleague Adriaan Scheeres, founder and CEO of Pragma, accompanied Olivier as a supporter and saw the gap. The following year, all riders could enjoy the benefit of this world-class service. The scale of the operation can best be described in numbers. Every day, Pragma uses about 10 000 litres of water, 25 litres of soap concentrate and 26 staff. Following a bike through the process, the washing takes 1 minute and 14 seconds and within five minutes the text alert is sent and the bike is ready for collection. Motorex supplies biodegradable, non-degreaser concentrate wash and the operation is monitored by NCC Environmental Services to help keep it as green as possible. Pragma is a global engineering company that provides physical asset management improvement services and products to its clients. To an Absa Cape Epic rider, of course, their bike is their biggest asset – an appropriate partnership. So dedicated is their team, its Pragma office staff that man the wash area, and it’s the biggest crew group at the race – great for building team spirit.

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ABOVE: The sun peeked out from behind the heavy clouds, but only temporarily. 2012 075

snaPShOt: raynard tissink (rsa) Winner oF 7 internationaL ironman titLes

Race number: 606-2 teammate: Mannie Heymans

team name: JAG Foundation time Finished: 36:38.01,1

ACE: how did you hear about the Absa Cape Epic? rT:

The Absa Cape Epic is a race that I have always been keen to do and I have always followed the race in the past.

ACE: how long have you been a mountain biker? rT:

I only really started mountain biking in January when we moved down to Cape Town. We were based in PE before and I was very focused on racing Ironman, so spent all my time on the road. In fact, one of the last mountain bike races I did was in a team with Conrad Stoltz back in 1998 where I fell and broke my collar bone.

ACE: What was your 2012 Absa Cape Epic highlight? rT:

I think my highlight was riding with Mannie Heymans. He was pretty patient with my ‘skills’ and I learnt a lot from riding with him. I also enjoyed the daily challenges and most importantly, it was great to just get out there and have fun, without any pressures of having to perform.

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Above: Depite Graham Collins’ best efforts, he is unable to finish the stage within the maximum stage time and leaves partner, Andrew Sharkey of Hong Kong as an individual finisher at the end of the day. Above Right: There was some cleaning up to be done after the wretched weather that characterised the day.

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Rider: 387-1 Brad Bentz, RSA Team: THE BEEGEES Time: 9:55.15,0

Rider: 572-2 Ebrahim Levy, RSA Team: ASRIN CYCLING Time: 9:35.21,9

n, ITA Rider: 441-1 Elena Peri CA Team: PEDALI DI MAR Time: 9:36.05,3

Rider: 99-2 Ma Team: JEBE rcel Braas, NED L WARRIORS Time: 8:52 .17,0

“It was rough. It was better than yesterday, thankfully today I broke nothing. So it was a good day.”

“Today was very cold and tough and raining and muddy. We were sliding all over the show. We made it to the end. It was just so tough.”

riderROunDuP Rider: 153-1 Richard Hawkins, USA Team: BEST MATES Time: 8:49.51,0

“It was a tough day. We had all the weather, we had rain, sunshine, clouds, there was a big downfall. But otherwise, it wouldn’t be called the Epic if it wasn’t an epic day. So it was great.”

078 2012 ABSA CAPE EPIC

Rider: 435-2 Gerfried Team: PLUS MINUS Time: 9:44.56,2

the weather. d, because of “It was very har harder than we heavy. It was y ver s wa n rai The expected.”

Weiss, AUT

in you look back But tough. If of the “It was great. ent. It was one ell exc be l wil 5 years it today.” toughest days

Rider: 422-1 Fabien Wexler, FRA Team: RFGR Time: 10:09.17,1

“Incredible day. Mud, mud, only mud. It was very cold, it was raining for 2 hours. We are very tired, but happy to ﬁnish.”

“I live in thought Dubai so this Waterpo about quitting, felt extremely co in I Then we t 2 the sun cam ’m glad I went ld. I on e out, ha took it ea d a cup . At sy and m singletrac ade it back sa of tea. fe k today.” . Great

Rider: 255-1 Sivuyile Kepelele, RSA Team: EXXARO ACADEMY 8 Time: 10:09.03,0

“Day was very tough. We worked hard from the start.”

ABOvE: Although the prize purse is the race’s biggest ever, there was no pot of gold on Stage 5.

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stageSIX The previous night the Race Director had announced a route change, cutting out 6km but more importantly detouring the mucky farm roads that would trash the bikes all over again. The local traffic department services agreed to close down Grabouw’s roads to allow a neutral start through town (even though the high-speed chase could hardly be classified as neutral), taking riders directly to the Elgin/Grabouw Country Club and into MTO property where trail conditions were less affected by the rain.

in the legs. Towards the back of the field, climbs that riders could ordinarily have ridden easily were hardly attempted. Resigned, riders climbed off and walked with systems running on empty. In the cold the day before, the body had required more fuel just to maintain core temperature. And for those in the tented village, it had been a cold night. The result: no energy for the next day. Everyone felt it, from the zebra-striped leader-jersey wearers to the last rider to leave the start chute.

Every rider rolling out of Oak Valley on Saturday morning had at some point explored the depths of their character over the previous three days. Shell-shocked, many preferred not to even think about the two days that still lay ahead after a brutal Stage 5. Taking it one pedal stroke at a time, they looped out of the race village, some a little overdressed, decked out in their windproof jackets, arm- and legwarmers. No risks.

The question was, would they have anything left in the tank to enjoy the last section of singletrack in Oak Valley? Would they make it unscathed through the 30km of stony dual tracks through the unspoiled CapeNature area? But somehow the majesty of Groenlandberg inspired the intrepid riders as they headed towards the highest point in the race.

By now the riders were wise to the treacherous ways of the Absa Cape Epic. This was the first stage since Sunday that was less than 100km – but no one was fooled, despite the later start. Everyone was ready for a hard day of climbing with Nuweberg as the first big challenge of the morning and then the grand old dame, Groenlandberg. Reaching the first rises on the day’s profile there was a mutual realisation, almost in the entire field, that there was nothing left

080 2012 ABSA CAPE EPIC

At the top a familiar-looking large gentleman wearing veldskoene, with a 500L water tanker in his bakkie, refilled empty bottles. Thanks to the previous day’s rain, conditions were perfect – nature repaid the riders for their efforts on Stage 5 as they headed over the highest point in the race. After waterpoint 2 everyone enjoyed the strangely bone-dry hardpack singletrack before swooping into the race village at Oak Valley again under blue skies.

top: Groenlandberg: made famous by chief photographer Gary Perkin, capturing the action from his favourite spot. above: Body Scrabble, played by the ‘Baggies’. They’re the real characters of the race who handle and deliver riders precious luggage over the eight days.

FASTFACtS STAGE 6: 1076 RIDERS AT THE START

STATS AT END OF STAGE: FINISHERS INDIVIDUAL FINISHERS BLUE BOARD RIDERS RIDERS OUT OF RACE YOUTUBE LINK

1057 91 18 133

StAgE 6: 31 MARCh 2012 km

STAGE HIGHLIGHTS

OAK vAllEY/ElgIn

83km

2200m

360lIFE [MEn]

3:38.05,8

(3-1) Kevin Evans

(3-2) David george

36OnE-SOngO-SPECIAlIZED [MEn]

29:11.39,0

(1-1) Christoph Sauser

(1-2) Burry Stander

VICTOR MATFIELD @VictorMatfield

31-Mar

@VanHaywood I would love to do the @AbsaCapeEpic next year. Sterkte vir more. Ek doen die Vineyard Race saam ABSA

8:41.41,1

LANCE ARMSTRONG @lancearmstrong

31-Mar

Been following the @absacapeepic. Looks, well, uh, pretty epic. I have to do this one day.

1040 940 840

640 540 440

ROSS MOODY @roscoe_1

280 40

StARt

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StAgE WInnERS

km StAgE DIStAnCE

StAgE ClIMB

RACE lEADERS

WInnIng tIME

SlOWESt tIME

31-Mar

RT @roscoe_1: #AbsaCapeEpic the views from the mountain tops today made the 40+ heat, gale force winds, driving rain and mud worthwhile. retweeted by Absa Cape Epic

2012 081

082 2012 ABSA CAPE EPIC

opposite and this page: For Absa Cape Epic veterans, these were familiar landscapes, with the riders heading towards Oak Valley past Theewaterskloof Dam, through Highlands Plantation and over Groenlandberg.

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opposite PAGE: Nuweberg was the first big challenge of the day and the front group of racers split up early in the stage on this tricky climb. TOP: Just what the doctor ordered: fun, flowing singletrack after a hard week. ABOVE: Kevin Evans and David George forge their overall podium spot with a daring breakaway that they were able to hold till the finish line in Oak Valley.

2012 085

Riderservice: Laundry & Showers Miele, hansGrohe and afripex: taking care of Dirty business Only a select few can say they’ve experienced a day with weather conditions being as miserable as during Stage 5 in the Absa Cape Epic’s history. They’d have had flashbacks to 2004, of the muddy tracks between Riversdale and Swellendam. Since then, there’s never been a day like Friday the 30th of March, heading into Oak Valley. Imagine 1200 riders arriving at the finish, barely recognizable from the mud. That’s when the folk at Afripex, Hansgrohe and Miele became instant heroes. Afripex’s Simon Hough is a mountain biking fanatic and distinguished member of the Amabubesi club. Having completed five editions, he knows how much riders appreciate a good shower. To keep riders and crew squeaky clean and race ready, it takes 32 000 litres of water, running from 40 Afripex showers a day. Hough’s team worked long hours over the 8 days of the event to make certain that there was always a warm shower to welcome every rider’s weary body. As an added luxury, 40 mobile cubicles were installed by Hansgrohe in each shower area, providing privacy for riders to dress and freshen up. Cyclist Rick Reimann no doubt spoke for many saying, “I really enjoyed the showers. Like everything else at the Absa Cape Epic – it was perfectly organised.” Hansgrohe provided the water-saving showerheads, cutting the amount of water used by half of that of a regular showerhead. Left unwashed in a rider bag for too long, the acidity in sweat and dirt attack the Lycra fibres in cycling shorts and shirts causing them to quickly deteriorate. Miele’s free laundry service ensured that this was one less thing for riders to worry about. Around 500 cycling kits per day were cleaned using eight washing machines and 15kg of washing powder. Each rider received a personlised laundry bag with their race number on it. Within half an hour of dropping their muddy riding gear in their bags, riders received a text message notifying them that they could collect their clean laundry. Now that’s service!

086 2012 ABSA CAPE EPIC

ABOVE: Outcast Jersey wearers Emil Lindgren and Alexandre Moos lost their partners earlier in the week. They climb Groenlandberg at the back of the group, taking care not to interfere with the day’s racing.

2012 087

088 2012 ABSA CAPE EPIC

ABOVE: George and Evans embrace at the finish after soloing to a dramatic victory, almost seven minutes ahead of second-placed Stander and Sauser. 2012 089

Rider: 402-2 Adrienn e Stecchi, SUI Team: SWISS BUD DHA Time: 7:40.28,3

Rider: 390-2 Justin Ross, RSA Team: THRUTAINER S2 Time: 7:59.21,6

Rider: 255-2 Thando Klaas, RSA Team: EXXARO ACADEMY 8 Time: 6:24.48,6

Rider: 512-1 Leo Greve, NED Team: CC-GEAX 1 Time: 7:48.52,9

“Temperature was perfect, not this morning. At the end ou too hot, a bit cold had to ﬁnish r bike broke. So we running.”

riderROunDuP

“Tough, my par tner had a ha broke. But we got to the end rd day. His frame , the most im portant thing.”

was beautiful, with “It was a lovely day. Track It was really great lovely single track at the end. today, I enjoyed it.”

“It was very hard, I was empty at the end. Very big mountain, this green mountain, I hate it. But it’s done. Bye-bye mountain.”

Rider: 293-1 Michelle Garden, RSA Team: BABY ON MY BACK Time: 8:09.42,1 l Wake, AUS

Rider: 594-1 Nige Team: BLIGHTY Time: 8:18.34,3

“It was hard today. I was absolutely fried when we got to waterpoint two. I battled my way through but I’m just glad to be home.”

090 2012 ABSA CAPE EPIC

get me really hard to d to push me s so muddy!. The “My partner ha wa it , day ter going to yes think I was over the line days I didn’t far.” last couple of t it’s been fantastic so make it, bu

Rider: 544-1 Teresa De Witt, USA Team: ARTEMIS & ATALANTA Time: 8:24.41,3

Rider: 214-2 Mauricio Cervenka, BRA Team: SUMMIT Time: 8:22.52,4

“It was so difﬁcult. I’ve been sick for the last 4 days. I just gave up in the beginning. I just couldn’t do it. Again, my partner didn’t allow me to give-up.”

“The route was good. It was the most scenic route for me. We saw a lot of really amazing views today. Up at the Telkom tower, it was absolutely amazing.”

ABOVE: Cameraman Mark le Roux captures the action from a R44 helicopter, the footage beamed to all four corners of the globe. 2012 091

stageSeven On the final day of the 2012 Absa Cape Epic, moods were buoyed by the extra hour and a half of sleep and the thought of seeing loved ones later. The top riders attacked the route like there was no tomorrow (this of course was true). But some of the novices approached with caution, taking no risks, cringing at the thought of upending their bikes somewhere between Oak Valley and Lourensford and continuing the remainder of their journey in an emergency services vehicle. Lourensford held the traditional finish, and with the celebrations up ahead, riders’ nostrils flared like resort horses pointing home after a long outride. But Dr Evil had added a new twist to the saga, making absolutely certain that no rider who crossed the line that day got away lightly, earning their finisher’s medal, the congratulations on stage and respect back at the office on Monday morning. From Oak Valley there was a steep climb over Twin Peaks with the Elgin Dam and Steenbras Dam gleaming below, then the fire roads led them to the head of that ever-familiar portage section of Gantouw Pass. No matter how many times a rider completes this race, there’s always something special about cresting that rise, portaging the bike that’s carried the resolute athlete for eight days. Home was in sight and just ahead were the tight bamboo-lined zigzags of the Schapenberg singletrack, followed by some steep climbs through the vineyards with clear and spectacular views of False Bay all the way

092 2012 ABSA CAPE EPIC

to Cape Point. After Gantouw, every kilometre felt like a step closer to the end. Nearing the line, there are always mixed emotions about finishing the race. The Epic isn’t one week long. It’s an 8-month event with 8 days on the end of it. It all culminated right on the trails through Vergelegen, with riders thinking about what they’d been through – feeling lucky that they were still in the game. The Epic had become a lifestyle, with athletes constantly monitoring the body, the course and the bike. Not thinking of work, or even family and friends – that all becomes just a notion on the other end of a phone line. In the last kilometre though, the reality begins to dawn and the real world looms. The photographers seen along the route every day now lie waiting, aiming at the finish line. And in a camera flash it’s all over.

This page: Popular local lad Burry Stander and Swiss teammate Christoph Sauser sealed their overall victory with a stage win in Lourensford.

FASTFACtS STAGE 7: 1074 RIDERS AT THE START

STATS AT END OF STAGE: FINISHERS INDIVIDUAL FINISHERS BLUE BOARD RIDERS RIDERS OUT OF RACE YOUTUBE LINK

1055 93 18 35

StAgE 7: 01 APRIl 2012 km

STAGE HIGHLIGHTS

OAK vAllEY/ElgIn

lOuREnSFORD WInE EStAtE

63km

1350m

36OnE-SOngO-SPECIAlIZED [MEn]

2:35.11,5

(1-1) Christoph Sauser

(1-2) Burry Stander

36OnE-SOngO-SPECIAlIZED [MEn]

31:46.50,5

(1-1) Christoph Sauser

(1-2) Burry Stander

RAYNARD TISSINK @RAYTISSINK

01-Apr

@absacapeepic done & dusted pun intended. Great experience highly recommended. Tested to the limit physically and mentally.

6:01.52,0

WWW.MARATHONMTB.COM @marathonmtb

01-Apr

RT @marathonmtb: A lot of Exxaro lads are in a good group. The future is strong in SA MTB, big help from @absacapeepic providing world stage

600 520 440

retweeted by Absa Cape Epic

360 280 180

JOHN SMIT @JohnSmit123

100 0

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02-Apr

Inspired by the Absa Cape Epic finishers this year I bought myself a bike and hit the road today. Well done to everyone who rode! tweet

2012 093

094 2012 ABSA CAPE EPIC

opposite page: Packs of resort ponies have their noses pointed homewards, pushing the pace, keen to reunite with their families, and real life. THIS page: World Heritage Site Gantouw Pass has now become a tradition at the race. Riders observe the portage rule as they overlook the Winelands.

2012 095

096 2012 ABSA CAPE EPIC

opposite page: 36One-Songo-Specialized lead the field on a high-speed descent. this page: Early in the stage, the front group was relatively large, till the fireworks began…

2012 097

Grandfinale: Lourensford Wine estate

098 2012 ABSA CAPE EPIC

Opposite page: Lourensford festivities included former World MTB Trials Champion Kenny Belaey’s performance, Freshlyground and a Spur kiddies race and play-zone. above: The Western Cape landscape is breath-taking, from any angle. 2012 099

riderROunDuP Rider: 411-1 Brendan Grundlingh, RSA Team: SPARTACUS Time: 3:34.31,6

Rider: 166-2 Almero Barnard, RSA Team: DIALOGUE-M OBILE Time: 3:36.44,4

Rider: 171-2 Jacques Zietsman, RSA Team: ECOTECH CONVERGE Time: 3:49.43,5

Rider: 58-1 Robyn Adendorff, RSA Team: ASPEN Time: 4:05.43,3

“It was divine. But it was hard. I don’t think it was the route that was hard, it was the conditions. But we loved it, otherwise we wouldn’t come back every year.”

days “I don’t have words, unbelievable. Three te ecstasy of absolute hell, two days of absolu vable.” unbelie towards the end. It was

“Very nice race. I’m kind of sad it’s the end. Th atmosphere wa e s country. If I can very good, you have a very nic e ﬁnd a job in So uth Africa, I’ll come.”

“It was the toughest day ever. I had to dig so deep I can’t really say I enjoyed it, but I’m so happy now. It was the most magniﬁcent route. What a day!”

tOP: This was Jan Oomen’s third and, at last, successful attempt at an official Absa Cape Epic finish. Frank Knevels and Jan show their appreciation for the support. 100 2012 ABSA CAPE EPIC

Rider: 2762 Team: SAM Werner Joubert, RSA AR Time: 3:30 ITANS FEET 1 .22,5

RS Martin Dreyer, Rider: 332-1 Team: USN Time: 3:14.22,5

Rider: 487-1 Mike Foster, AUS Team: KMD RACING Time: 3:21.40,4

Rider: 448-1 Grant Parsons, RSA Team: PARKS CYCLING Time: 3:49.45,6

e toughest one of th ther up there as . The wea “It’s right g races in the world hing it had at bikin w everyt re th d to it mountain ha ll, st a curve-ba cting that. You ju rvived.” threw us was expe fed we su us. No-one e chunks, I’m chuf littl take it in

was an “I’m very emotional at the moment. It over and amazing experience and I’m glad I came made it I did it. I’m pretty proud of myself that team mate. though, and I’ve done it with a great It’s a great race, in a great country.”

Rider: 202-1 Alex Otto, RSA Team: PARKS CYCLING CLUB 1 Time: 3:22.19,4

“This w ee hardest k was emotio na th were sh ing we’ve ever l. The wet day ivering! done, it w was so as the and ﬁnis Finishing that cold we sta hing now is a suc ge was amazin g, h a relie f.”

“It was awesome. I’m glad it is over. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

Rider: 318-1 Maciej Dudziak, POL Team: SHEER DETERMINATION Time: 3:42.13,9

as, RSA

Rider: 514-1 Omri Thom Team: HEDGEHOG Time: 3:57.40,7

Rider: 458-1 James Ross, ENG Team: MUTUAL SAF ES Time: 3:42.29,9

“Its been a 5-year dream. I was volunteering here, I was volunteering back in Poland. I was racing in Poland and now I ﬁnished here!”

“It was an awesome experience, but it was extremely hard. The wind and the rain made it extremely though. Today was also hard, steep hills. It was short, but it was hard.”

about riding a The Epic is not s hail, “It was Epic! race. There wa a ing rid ut storm, it is abo wind, everything.” rain,

“My partner pulled It was surreal. me like an ox. I just held on. And back to wo rk tomorrow.”

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opposite and ABOVE: Finish line celebrations welcomed the athletes home after what many claim was the hardest edition yet. Relief and joy at the finish line, equally felt by winners and backmarkers alike.

2012 103

OVERALLRESULTS

Cat GC Overall Pos Pos Time

Team [Category] Race-number

Name (Country)

Cat GC Overall Pos Pos Time

Team [Category] Race-number Name (Country)

31:46.50,5

36ONE-SONGO-SPECIALIZED [MEN] 1-1 Christoph Sauser (SUI) 1-2 Burry Stander (RSA)

42:02.32,3

riverport.co.za [MEN] 466-1 Louis Bruwer (RSA) 466-2 George Nel (RSA)

32:14.12,6

360Life [MEN] 3-1 Kevin Evans (RSA) 3-2 David George (RSA)

42:03.27,4

Energas MEN [MEN] 173-1 Anton Smal (RSA) 173-2 Hannes Botha (RSA)

32:17.57,5

Multivan Merida Biking [MEN] 4-1 Hannes Genze (GER) 4-2 Andreas Kugler (SUI)

42:07.03,2

Gravity Sux [MEN] 118-1 David Harding (RSA) 118-2 Rory Mapstone (RSA)

32:18.48,2

Bulls [MEN] 12-1 Thomas Dietsch (FRA) 12-2 Tim Boehme (GER)

42:09.29,3

SWIFT CARBON [MEN] 325-1 Simon Swemmer (RSA) 325-2 Mark Nel (RSA)

32:19.22,7

Topeak Ergon Racing [MEN] 5-1 Alban Lakata (AUT) 5-2 Robert Mennen (GER)

42:11.15,6

Ansaldo STS Dunkeld Cycles [MASTERS] 82-1 Marc Wiederkehr (RSA) 82-2 Gus Klohn (RSA)

33:03.00,2

Bulls [MEN] 2-1 Karl Platt (GER) 2-2 Stefan Sahm (SUI)

42:15.04,0

Flighting Boyz [MASTERS] 180-1 Barto Van Der Merwe (RSA) 180-2 Alex Kruger (RSA)

33:41.59,7

VERSLUYS - CRAFT [MEN] 6-1 Kevin Van Hoovels (BEL) 6-2 Sebastien Carabin (BEL)

42:17.52,8

Abu Dhabi Triathlon [MEN] 220-1 Werner Leitner (AUT) 220-2 Swen Sundberg (GER)

33:43.34,6

Westvaal-Columbia [MEN] 23-1 Nico Bell (RSA) 23-2 Gawie Combrinck (RSA)

42:20.50,8

KANINA BIKES [MEN] 33-1 Alejandro Castrillo Hernandez (ESP) 33-2 Tomas Muñoz quesada (ESP)

33:45.04,8

SONGO-SPECIALIZED [MEN] 15-1 Max Knox (RSA) 15-2 Kohei Yamamoto (JPN)

42:23.30,6

Momentum Specialised Insurance [MEN] 20-1 Lieuwe Boonstra (RSA) 20-2 Alastair Davies (RSA)

33:55.52,4

FEDGROUP-ITEC CONNECT [MEN] 14-1 Brandon Stewart (RSA) 14-2 Jacques Rossouw (RSA)

42:25.33,0

Photonote - Toshiba [MASTERS] 67-1 Wayne Collin (RSA) 67-2 Andrew Murray (RSA)

33:58.14,0

STÖCKLI Pro [MEN] 7-1 Urs Huber (SUI) 7-2 Konny Looser (SUI)

42:26.52,9

NewWork [MASTERS] 455-1 Pierre Bourquenoud (SUI) 455-2 Serge Robadey (SUI)

34:03.16,3

Milka-Superior [MEN] 9-1 Chris Jongewaard (AUS) 9-2 Jeroen Boelen (NED)

42:29.09,3

Samaritans Feet 1 [MEN] 276-1 John Swanepoel (RSA) 276-2 Werner Joubert (RSA)

34:05.48,1

Centurion-Vaude [MEN] 8-1 Markus Kaufmann (GER) 8-2 Daniel Geismayr (AUT)

42:30.58,2

Austrian Gorillas [MEN] 412-1 Sebastian Kellermayr (AUT) 412-2 Wolfgang Seidl (AUT)

34:28.40,2

RE:CM [MEN] 16-1 Neil MacDonald (RSA) 16-2 Waylon Woolcock (RSA)

42:31.36,6

Exxaro Academy 9 [MEN] 256-1 Siphosenkosi Madolo (RSA) 256-2 Azukile Simayile (RSA)

34:45.02,8

Racing29ers [MEN] 36-1 Erik Skovgaard Knudsen (DEN) 36-2 Thomas Bundgaard (DEN)

42:40.15,2

Big Tree / Velocity Sports Lab [MIXED] 142-1 Russell De Jager (RSA) 142-2 Andrea Huser (SUI)

35:30.43,1

Craft [MEN] 32-1 Shan Wilson (RSA) 32-2 Bas Peters (NED)

42:40.27,2

R&R Sport NZ [MEN] 314-1 Mark Williams (NZL) 314-2 Malcolm Mcleod (NZL)

35:35.58,6

World Bicycle Relief [MASTERS] 60-1 Bart Brentjens (NED) 60-2 Jan Weevers (NED)

42:41.54,1

R-3 Life [MASTERS] 134-1 Rex Benson (RSA) 134-2 Koos Klopper (RSA)

35:42.10,1

Blend Property Group [MEN] 19-1 Charles Keey (RSA) 19-2 David Morison (RSA)

42:48.34,8

Neef & Niggie [MEN] 175-1 Fanie Venter (RSA) 175-2 Johan Venter (RSA)

36:00.11,8

Vredestein-de Flexwinkel by Koga [MEN] 17-1 Axel Bult (NED) 17-2 Bram Rood (NED)

42:48.42,0

24/7 SECURITY SERVICES [MEN] 147-1 David De Lima (RSA) 147-2 Taygan Robson (RSA)

36:19.18,9

Tru-Cape [MEN] 137-1 Hannes Hanekom (RSA) 137-2 Sakkie Hanekom (RSA)

42:49.54,6

Hans Struijk [MEN] 518-1 Timon Rutten (NED) 518-2 Joeri De Groot (NED)

36:38.01,1

JAG Foundation [MEN] 606-1 Mannie Heymans (NAM) 606-2 Raynard Tissink (RSA)

43:03.00,3

ZupS (Zero unplanned stops) [MEN] 92-1 Leon Erasmus (RSA) 92-2 Evert Meintjes (RSA)

37:14.51,2

JAG Craft [MASTERS] 63-1 Adrian Enthoven (RSA) 63-2 Delaney Impey (RSA)

43:03.53,4

Bigring Racing [MEN] 597-1 Lloyd Bettles (ENG) 597-2 Mike Jackson (ENG)

37:29.00,2

Santa Cruz Bikes UK/ Mountain Trax [MEN] 418-1 Ben Thomas (ENG) 418-2 Josh Ibbett (ENG)

43:07.15,6

Yip Yip [MASTERS] 351-1 Barry Davitt (SAU) 351-2 Christiaan Beyers (SAU)

37:32.17,0

ASRIN / RSA Web [MEN] 604-1 Rene Haselbacher (AUT) 604-2 Renay Groustra (RSA)

43:08.14,1

Tulbagh Koggelramme [MASTERS] 155-1 Deon Wilkins (RSA) 155-2 Pieter Carstens (RSA)

37:32.53,4

RSAWEB-Songo.info [MEN] 87-1 Nic Lamond (RSA) 87-2 Carl Pasio (RSA)

43:08.23,9

SuperSport 1 [MASTERS] 139-1 Melt Loubser (RSA) 139-2 Renato Albrecht (RSA)

37:33.23,7

Contego 28E [MIXED] 70-1 Erik Kleinhans (RSA) 70-2 Ariane Kleinhans (RSA)

43:09.39,4

Rhodesbros Virgin Mobile [MEN] 37-1 Derrin Smith (RSA) 37-2 Ross O’Neill (RSA)

38:07.26,6

Futurelife [MEN] 285-1 Franso Steyn (RSA) 285-2 Petrus Malherbe (RSA)

43:12.58,3

SIRAC [MEN] 286-1 Jason Deane (RSA) 286-2 Landon la Grange (RSA)

38:33.14,8

World Bicycle Relief [MEN] 18-1 Jason Sager (USA) 18-2 Justin Lindine (USA)

43:14.29,0

bizhub-fcf [LADIES] 57-1 Yolandi Du Toit (RSA) 57-2 Catherine Williamson (ENG)

38:34.11,8

Wheels4Life [LADIES] 50-1 Sally Bigham (ENG) 50-2 Esther Suss (SUI)

43:30.01,8

Anderson Transport [MASTERS] 116-1 Izak Visagie (RSA) 116-2 Stephan Gous (RSA)

39:04.21,1

Buff International [MEN] 24-1 David Roqueta (ESP) 24-2 Pau Zamora Perez (ESP)

43:35.59,4

KMD Racing [MEN] 487-1 Mike Foster (AUS) 487-2 Jarrod Crosby (AUS)

39:05.20,0

IPR - GDF SUEZ [MEN] 275-1 Maarten Van Der Horst (NED) 275-2 Pieter Calitz (RSA)

43:39.00,7

Jastrebarsko - Protea Jaska [MEN] 205-1 Tomislav Kataleni_ (CRO) 205-2 Mitja Rok (SLO)

39:23.38,6

Biogen Britehouse [LADIES] 55-1 Theresa Ralph (RSA) 55-2 Nina Gässler (NOR)

43:45.44,6

CYCLOZONE [MEN] 163-1 Olivier Vernaton (REU) 163-2 Sery Vincent (REU)

39:26.20,4

Orbea-suisse-Chälbli Bikes [MEN] 27-1 Rick Reimann (SUI) 27-2 Andy Weinhold (GER)

43:57.10,0

Rocking & Rolling Roadies [MEN] 284-1 Stijn Verhaegen (BEL) 284-2 Dieter Roman (BEL)

39:28.26,9

Complete Cyclist [MASTERS] 243-1 Warren Squires (RSA) 243-2 Scott Mckenzie (RSA)

43:58.16,7

Thrutainers 1 [MEN] 290-1 Andre De Oliveira (RSA) 290-2 Ryan Ambler-smith (RSA)

39:41.02,1

Centurion Vaude [MIXED] 71-1 Udo Boelts (GER) 71-2 Milena Landtwing (SUI)

43:59.24,0

Dawn Wing [LADIES] 140-1 Ann Harrison (RSA) 140-2 Jane Seggie (RSA)

39:49.11,4

Parks Cycling Club 1 [MASTERS] 202-1 Alex Otto (RSA) 202-2 Arno Daehnke (RSA)

44:00.01,4

Lancers Inn [MASTERS] 304-1 Charles Mansfield (RSA) 304-2 Malcolm Heathfield (RSA)

39:53.00,9

PEG [MEN] 393-1 Eben Espach (RSA) 393-2 Carel Vosloo (RSA)

100

44:00.02,1

PeptoSport [MIXED] 280-1 Gerhard Ebersohn (RSA) 280-2 Christine Jansen Van rensburg (RSA)

40:06.20,5

Samaritan’s Feet 2 [MASTERS] 65-1 Dennis Du Toit (RSA) 65-2 Noel Droomer (RSA)

71 101

44:04.26,7

Parmalat Suzuki South [MEN] 203-1 Neville Cragg (RSA) 203-2 Robert Cragg (RSA)

40:09.15,5

MTN Qhubeka Ladies [LADIES] 51-1 Karien van Jaarsveld (RSA) 51-2 Jane Nuessli (SUI)

72 102

44:04.43,6

GT CRO [MEN] 183-1 Milivoj Miljkovic (CRO) 183-2 Hrvoje Ruzic (CRO)

40:12.14,0

Rossi Spruyt [MASTERS] 43-1 Dirk Rossignol (BEL) 43-2 Ignace Spruyt (BEL)

18 103

44:05.44,7

MERLIN [MASTERS] 68-1 Christiaan Van Zyl (RSA) 68-2 Riaan Boshoff (RSA)

40:27.00,1

LV LIFE [MEN] 35-1 Sean Williams (RSA) 35-2 Christopher Wolhuter (RSA)

19 104

44:05.59,4

Cycle Lab - Nelspruit [MASTERS] 160-1 Roger Rusch (RSA) 160-2 Carl Van Maanen (RSA)

40:36.40,8

BAiK-Peak Performance Brugge [MIXED] 75-1 Klaas Vanmoortel (BEL) 75-2 Inne Gantois (BEL)

73 105

44:14.59,0

Exxaro Academy 2 [MEN] 552-1 Phillimon Sebona (RSA) 552-2 William Mokgopo (RSA)

40:38.11,3

The Fitzroy Revolution [MEN] 384-1 Ashley Hayat (AUS) 384-2 Duncan Murray (AUS)

74 106

44:18.23,2

CycleWorld Racing [MEN] 31-1 Jacques Malherbe (RSA) 31-2 Jean Fourie (RSA)

40:42.08,6

Skandia SZiK Eska [MEN] 29-1 Marcin Piecuch (POL) 29-2 Arkadiusz Cygan (POL)

107

44:32.35,1

Lexmed/Second Skins [LADIES] 56-1 Hannele Steyn (RSA) 56-2 Naomi Hansen (AUS)

40:44.25,9

USN [MEN] 332-1 Martin Dreyer (RSA) 332-2 John Ntuli (RSA)

20 108

44:33.32,7

Henry Fagan & Partners [MASTERS] 77-1 Henry Fagan (RSA) 77-2 Greg Gallagher (RSA)

40:49.15,9

World of MTB [MEN] 39-1 Sönke Wegner (GER) 39-2 Matthias Glaser (GER)

75 109

44:33.59,3

Exxaro Academy 3 [MEN] 551-1 Jan Montshioa (RSA) 551-2 Thokozani Mahlangu (RSA)

41:00.35,7

Attix5 [MIXED] 114-1 Pieter Venter (RSA) 114-2 Leana De Jager (RSA)

76 110

44:45.35,1

Peel en Maas MTB [MEN] 440-1 William Beurskens (NED) 440-2 Anton Peeters (NED)

41:05.14,5

FRM [MEN] 97-1 Johan Wentzel (RSA) 97-2 Rynard van Hoven (RSA)

77 111

44:46.08,0

MANKELE/MERreLL [MEN] 21-1 Hennie Kriek (RSA) 21-2 Carel Bezuidenhoud (RSA)

41:07.17,0

bike4life.ch - Men [MEN] 229-1 Ruben Wey (SUI) 229-2 Silvan Humbel (SUI)

78 112

44:53.31,3

The Docs [MEN] 385-1 Pierre Olivier Pigeon (FRA) 385-2 Thomas de l Hamaide (FRA)

41:09.25,2

INTER AFRICA [MEN] 187-1 Ferdie Potgieter (RSA) 187-2 Iain Don-Wauchope (RSA)

79 113

44:58.55,6

Ultimate Sports Nutrition [MEN] 34-1 Francois Theron (RSA) 34-2 Jacques Meyer (RSA)

41:21.25,8

Torq AUS / FTP Training / Plastyk [MASTERS] 66-1 Ollie Klein (AUS) 66-2 Mark Fenner (AUS)

21 114

44:59.08,3

IQ Green Solutions/Select space [MASTERS] 415-1 Pieter Uys (RSA) 415-2 Ryal De Waal (RSA)

41:26.46,7

SOAR [MEN] 28-1 Guylin van den Berg (RSA) 28-2 Tyronne White (RSA)

115

44:59.18,6

ASG/NEOTreND [MIXED] 328-1 Dirk Nel (RSA) 328-2 Ronel Van Wyk (RSA)

41:28.49,3

TandT [MEN] 327-1 Tobias Richli (SUI) 327-2 Tom Mattmann (SUI)

80 116

45:00.01,2

BOT Duo [MEN] 234-1 Sean Mccormick (BOT) 234-2 Kyle Poppleton (BOT)

41:30.23,9

WeBike Mountain Sheriffs [MEN] 367-1 Ulrik Andreassen (DEN) 367-2 Thomas Andreassen (DEN)

22 117

45:02.42,7

The Bike Project [MASTERS] 211-1 Franciscus Mouwen (NED) 211-2 Gregory Crookes (NED)

41:34.22,1

SHUMBALA-EASTERN RACING [MEN] 40-1 Andre Janse van niewenhuizen (RSA) 40-2 Dion Froneman (RSA)

81 118

45:05.12,9

Ride Magazine [MEN] 377-1 Alex Harris (RSA) 377-2 renato Sabbioni (RSA)

41:35.31,6

SmackDown ONE [MEN] 217-1 Francios Du Toit (RSA) 217-2 Nico Botha (RSA)

23 119

45:06.44,5

Auto & General [MASTERS] 85-1 Deon Kruger (RSA) 85-2 Neil Frazer (RSA)

41:42.13,1

JAG Foundation / Cyclelab [MEN] 492-1 Daniel Alikisente (RSA) 492-2 Ben Mwanje (UGA)

82 120

45:11.00,2

DialogueMobile [MEN] 166-1 Don Lange (RSA) 166-2 Almero Barnard (RSA)

41:46.15,6

Hammermann Racing [MEN] 269-1 Patrick Mosler (SUI) 269-2 Pascal Muller (SUI)

83 121

45:15.40,6

N.D.Silva / Barcelos [MEN] 457-1 Carlos Miguel Brito (POR) 457-2 Paulo Brito (POR)

41:46.18,2

Davies [MEN] 511-1 Hudson Chevallier (RSA) 511-2 Mathew Wentworth (RSA)

84 122

45:23.42,4

Big Tree Hammer & Chisel [MEN] 598-1 Brendon Wilson (RSA) 598-2 Jarrad Van Zuydam (RSA)

41:52.10,6

Exxaro 1 [MIXED] 73-1 Johan Labuschagne (RSA) 73-2 Yolande De Villiers (RSA)

85 123

45:34.26,3

Optical&Practical [MEN] 182-1 Hein Botes (RSA) 182-2 Pieter De Necker (RSA)

41:55.06,2

Van Riebeeck Rockets [MEN] 345-1 Franco Ferreira (RSA) 345-2 Jonathan Odendaal (RSA)

24 124

45:37.18,7

LS ALLOYS [MASTERS] 480-1 Luc Mignon (BEL) 480-2 Thierry Stas (BEL)

41:57.22,8

notebooksbilliger.de [LADIES] 54-1 Ivonne Kraft (GER) 54-2 Elisabeth Brandau (GER)

86 125

45:38.58,3

BestMed Blue Pencil [MEN] 301-1 Jeandre van Schalkwyk (RSA) 301-2 Julien Van Der Pluym (RSA)

42:02.14,8

Altmann [MEN] 221-1 Richard Deglise (SUI) 221-2 Christophe Schmocker (SUI)

87 126

45:39.13,7

Oldebjerg [MEN] 530-1 Allan Mortensen (DEN) 530-2 Gavin Viljoen (RSA)

Team [Category] Race-number

Cat GC Overall Pos Pos Time

Team [Category] Race-number Name (Country)

88 127

45:40.46,6

89 128

45:41.27,5

Father and Son [MEN] 258-1 Clement De bruin (RSA) 258-2 Casper De bruin (RSA)

120 190

48:35.26,7

Stubborn Slugs [MEN] 323-1 Jake Opie (RSA) 323-2 Gideon Van Rheede van Oudtshoorn (RSA)

Parks Cycling [MEN] 448-1 Grant Parsons (RSA) 448-2 Scott Lavery (RSA)

121 191

48:35.51,9

90 129

Divlock [MEN] 120-1 Hein De Villiers (RSA) 120-2 Jaco De Villiers (RSA)

45:43.32,7

Guns [MEN] 523-1 Philip Johnson (AUS) 523-2 Robert Spinks (MAS)

51 192

48:35.59,9

Death On Arrival [MASTERS] 95-1 Leon Van Den Schoor (NED) 95-2 Sjoerd Tilstra (NED)

91 130

45:47.10,8

Craib Bros. [MEN] 571-1 Gordon Craib (CAN) 571-2 Murrray Craib (RSA)

122 193

48:40.54,2

Sheer Determination [MEN] 318-1 Maciej Dudziak (POL) 318-2 Charl Du Plessis (RSA)

92 131

45:52.09,2

MTN Qhubeka 10ACITY [MEN] 279-1 Andrewe Procter (RSA) 279-2 Wesley Procter (RSA)

123 194

48:43.24,1

William’s Bike Shop SS Racing [MEN] 111-1 Nico Van Zyl (RSA) 111-2 William Keith (RSA)

93 132

45:59.15,0

Men of Thirst [MEN] 126-1 Neal Corbett (RSA) 126-2 Joaquin Valverde (ESP)

124 195

48:43.41,0

ECOTECH CONVERGE [MEN] 171-1 Francois Swart (RSA) 171-2 Jacques Zietsman (RSA)

94 133

45:59.25,6

WHAM [MEN] 381-1 Brendan Harcourt-Wood (RSA) 381-2 Andrew Cattell (RSA)

52 196

48:47.00,2

Fuel on the move [MASTERS] 536-1 Andre Le Grange (RSA) 536-2 Ludwig Malherbe (RSA)

25 134

46:13.37,4

Bridge Wealth 1 [MASTERS] 447-1 Emile Aldum (RSA) 447-2 Dirk Hendrik Oerlemans (RSA)

125 197

48:48.03,0

9999 FINE [MEN] 356-1 Warren Richards (RSA) 356-2 Sean Merredew (RSA)

95 135

46:16.05,3

TheNBs [MEN] 380-1 Oliver Coutts (NZL) 380-2 Morne Pienaar (NZL)

126 198

48:49.42,9

Exxaro Academy 6 [MEN] 548-1 Bruce Malele (RSA) 548-2 Musawenkosi Manana (RSA)

26 136

46:17.55,2

Tread [MASTERS] 407-1 Coetzee Gouws (RSA) 407-2 Craig Lindeque (RSA)

12 199

48:50.12,1

Totally Stoked [MIXED] 291-1 Jon Oosthuyse (RSA) 291-2 Tanja Oosthuyse (RSA)

27 137

46:18.56,4

OFM Radio [MASTERS] 103-1 Albert Retief (RSA) 103-2 Alan Cotton (RSA)

53 200

48:50.22,2

Pianeta Bici [MASTERS] 132-1 Enrico Ciarrocchi (ITA) 132-2 Alberto Bordini (ITA)

96 138

46:19.02,8

The Fitzroy revolution Dream Team [MEN] 383-1 Matthias Schwarze (AUS) 383-2 CARL MARONEY (AUS)

54 201

48:54.33,4

Group Five [MASTERS] 265-1 Craig Jessop (RSA) 265-2 Eric Marzoppi (RSA)

139

46:19.38,4

4 WHEELS ONLINE [LADIES] 53-1 Sofia Pezzatti (SUI) 53-2 Sandra Klomp (ITA)

13 202

48:54.54,7

Mitre 10 MEGA - Yeti NZ [MIXED] 394-1 Megan Dimozantos (NZL) 394-2 John Randal (NZL)

97 140

46:21.29,4

Jellybeans [MEN] 192-1 Jean Hubert (RSA) 192-2 Lyle Baldwin (RSA)

127 203

48:59.04,1

TESA [MEN] 333-1 Trevor Bodington (RSA) 333-2 Hentus Baard (RSA)

28 141

46:25.35,8

Absalutely [MASTERS] 240-1 Carlyle Whittaker (RSA) 240-2 Ian Gilley (RSA)

55 204

48:59.14,4

Helderberg Cycle World [MASTERS] 164-1 Willem Grobler (RSA) 164-2 Petie Viljoen (RSA)

98 142

46:34.00,7

Cargo_Powerade [MEN] 158-1 Julian Bryant (RSA) 158-2 Malcolm Barske (RSA)

128 205

49:13.13,0

HotChillee [MEN] 507-1 David Kirkby (ENG) 507-2 Jay Mcstay (ENG)

99 143

46:37.32,1

Mannatech [MEN] 330-1 Spiro Yaffes (RSA) 330-2 Vintzent Van der Linde (RSA)

129 206

49:16.09,0

Riverside Cycle/Cannondale [MEN] 473-1 Jorma Mueller (USA) 473-2 Marek Wright (RSA)

29 144

46:40.30,7

Morningside Cycles [MASTERS] 464-1 Kirk Meyer (RSA) 464-2 Brett Berry (RSA)

130 207

49:16.37,8

HERBALIFE [MEN] 289-1 André Immelman (RSA) 289-2 Andries Aucamp (RSA)

30 145

46:40.32,5

MATUS [MASTERS] 472-1 Igna De villiers (RSA) 472-2 ALBE BASSON (RSA)

56 208

49:24.23,9

Cannasia Cannondale [MASTERS] 238-1 Cas Brentjens (SIN) 238-2 Rob Wijnbergen (NED)

100 146

46:41.24,8

Exxaro Academy 5 [MEN] 549-1 Siyabonga Njiva (RSA) 549-2 Siphamandla Mtshali (RSA)

57 209

49:37.44,5

Pupkewitz Megabuild NAM [MASTERS] 427-1 Jacques Tattersall (NAM) 427-2 Nick Du plessis (NAM)

101 147

46:47.52,0

juwi2 [MEN] 489-1 Robert Wagener (RSA) 489-2 Neil Timm (RSA)

58 210

49:39.47,1

BEL Midlife Challenge [MASTERS] 442-1 Geert Noels (BEL) 442-2 Nicolas Deblauwe (BEL)

102 148

46:52.13,7

Cannasia [MEN] 157-1 Erdem Ozgul (SIN) 157-2 Fraser Morrison (SIN)

59 211

49:50.03,7

plusminuszero [MASTERS] 434-1 Denis Futter (RSA) 434-2 Martin Gleeson (RSA)

103 149

46:52.23,1

WOLFPACK [MEN] 350-1 Jan-Pieter Redelinghuys (RSA) 350-2 Jannas Du plessis (RSA)

60 212

49:52.15,4

M RACE [MASTERS] 277-1 Johan Malherbe (RSA) 277-2 Natie Ferreira (RSA)

104 150

46:55.49,1

4 Wheels, a Worm and a Horndog [MEN] 69-1 Justin Hornsby (RSA) 69-2 Darryl Irvine (RSA)

61 213

49:53.04,1

Jeanette and Neighbour Jeanine [MASTERS] 218-1 Jan Van Hal (NED) 218-2 Onno Eichelsheim (NED)

105 151

47:10.00,9

Bridge Wealth 2 [MEN] 379-1 Willem Bezuidenhout (RSA) 379-2 Johann Naude (RSA)

131 214

49:56.50,2

UFS Business School [MEN] 342-1 Wynand Van Der Berg (RSA) 342-2 Philip Beukes (RSA)

31 152

47:11.00,7

Pitstop [MASTERS] 167-1 Waleed Baker (RSA) 167-2 Greg Paulson (RSA)

132 215

50:04.53,6

Fishbowl 2 [MEN] 539-1 Gerard Visser (RSA) 539-2 Vernon Visser (RSA)

32 153

47:13.01,9

Bluespier [MASTERS] 233-1 Andrew Kenny (RSA) 233-2 Brendan Dower (RSA)

133 216

50:05.11,7

Movefree/Biking Aventura [MEN] 453-1 Pedro Duque (POR) 453-2 Ricardo Figueira (POR)

106 154

47:14.51,0

Spartacus [MEN] 411-1 Brendan Grundlingh (RSA) 411-2 Paul Whitburn (RSA)

10 217

50:07.47,3

Cipla Miles for Smiles / Woolworths [LADIES] 59-1 Catherine Townshend (RSA) 59-2 Julia Skea (RSA)

155

47:15.39,7

Yukon Travel [MIXED] 294-1 Tamara Goeppel (CAN) 294-2 Thomas Tetz (CAN)

134 218

50:09.29,7

Hansgrohe [MEN] 271-1 Livio Tronchin (RSA) 271-2 Ray O’bree (RSA)

33 156

47:17.50,6

B40+ [MASTERS] 352-1 Peter Vermeiren (BEL) 352-2 Luc Leunen (BEL)

62 219

50:17.21,5

HAMC [MASTERS] 519-1 Jurgen Van Achter (BEL) 519-2 Hans Michiels (BEL)

107 157

47:19.22,6

HI-TEC [MEN] 186-1 Digby Ryder (RSA) 186-2 Bryan Nicholson (RSA)

135 220

50:17.40,7

Boyer Boys [MEN] 590-1 David Boyer (RSA) 590-2 Jonathan Boyer (RSA)

108 158

47:25.17,7

Broers de Groot [MEN] 587-1 Dingeman De Groot (RSA) 587-2 Joris De Groot (NED)

136 221

50:19.38,1

Investec Private Bank [MEN] 274-1 Scott Stanton (RSA) 274-2 Anthony Church (RSA)

109 159

47:25.58,3

Campana [MEN] 115-1 Jonathan Wallace (NED) 115-2 Axel Schienbein (GER)

63 222

50:20.02,3

Abrame Brasil [MASTERS] 109-1 Jose Correia Pinto Filho (BRA) 109-2 Uli Blank (GER)

34 160

47:26.39,3

MRI Old Stars [MASTERS] 125-1 Liam Somers (MRI) 125-2 Christophe Gerard (MRI)

64 223

50:21.23,1

MOPANI [MASTERS] 278-1 John Roosen (BEL) 278-2 Chris Vercammen (BEL)

35 161

47:27.02,8

Wrigley’s Airwaves [MASTERS] 397-1 Neal De Graaf (RSA) 397-2 John de Bruyn (RSA)

65 224

50:22.43,8

Miami [MASTERS] 307-1 Mark Pieterse (RSA) 307-2 Cor Van Heyningen (RSA)

10 162

47:30.32,0

CYKLOTRENINK.com [MIXED] 567-1 Jana Martinkova (CZE) 567-2 Ji_í Bene_ (CZE)

137 225

50:25.45,4

Twakkie & Tjopper [MEN] 145-1 Jampie Vlok (RSA) 145-2 Johan Fourie (RSA)

36 163

47:34.57,4

Fietsen Loomans [MASTERS] 541-1 Steven De Neef (BEL) 541-2 Hubert Loomans (BEL)

66 226

50:29.19,1

Polyflex01 [MASTERS] 281-1 Brett Pollock (RSA) 281-2 Mark Carrol (RSA)

37 164

47:35.03,4

Slumdogs [MASTERS] 320-1 Fjord Jordaan (RSA) 320-2 Clene Van Wyk (RSA)

138 227

50:34.24,1

ICECOLD BODIES [MEN] 502-1 Burt Gildenhuys (RSA) 502-2 Reinhardt Basson (RSA)

38 165

47:37.06,5

William Simpson [MASTERS] 48-1 Mike Nixon (RSA) 48-2 William Simpson (RSA)

139 228

50:34.31,0

Brothers from Other Mothers [MEN] 156-1 Chris Viljoen (RSA) 156-2 Ivor Potgieter (RSA)

39 166

47:41.56,0

Bring it On [MASTERS] 517-1 Ian Trotter (RSA) 517-2 Jason Gifford (RSA)

140 229

50:37.38,0

Vodacom [MEN] 347-1 Lester Grovers (RSA) 347-2 Adrian Von Maltitz (RSA)

110 167

47:46.32,1

Dawn Till Dusk [MEN] 61-1 Ajay Chhetri (NEP) 61-2 Narayan Gopal Maharjan (NEP)

67 230

50:38.16,6

ELEVEN MTB Prichovice [MASTERS] 172-1 Tomas Pribyl (CZE) 172-2 Markus Dahmen (GER)

40 168

47:47.14,2

beachbikers ODteam [MASTERS] 227-1 Erwin Renders (BEL) 227-2 Alain Schroeven (BEL)

68 231

50:53.45,8

Energas Masters [MASTERS] 600-1 Cloete Murray (RSA) 600-2 Deon Klopper (RSA)

41 169

47:50.31,8

cyclozone 3 [MASTERS] 162-1 Benoit Bernard (REU) 162-2 Marcel Boillon (FRA)

141 232

50:54.13,5

VZ3 FARMING [MEN] 292-1 Jacobus Van Zyl (RSA) 292-2 Pieter Van Zyl (RSA)

111 170

47:53.20,9

SUPPLY FIVE [MEN] 324-1 Matthew Preen (RSA) 324-2 Robert Vogel (RSA)

142 233

50:54.50,9

JAG Samancor Chrome [MEN] 491-1 Desmond McManus (RSA) 491-2 Piere Joubert (RSA)

171

47:57.14,5

ASPEN [LADIES] 58-1 Robyn Adendorff (RSA) 58-2 Sarah Van Heerden (RSA)

69 234

50:55.50,9

Coronation - SAEP [MASTERS] 583-1 Mark Le Roux (RSA) 583-2 Philip van der Merwe (RSA)

42 172

48:05.45,9

MIS IBERICA [MASTERS] 470-1 Diaz Nieto Javier (ESP) 470-2 Martorell Gascon Alberto (ESP)

143 235

51:01.46,3

Baseline Project Management [MEN] 396-1 Roderick Benard (RSA) 396-2 Shaun Williamson (RSA)

112 173

48:06.17,3

Cutoff Dodgers [MEN] 247-1 Earl Van Zyl (RSA) 247-2 Paul Winter (RSA)

144 236

51:02.36,7

Dalton Mixers [MEN] 249-1 Johannes Gelderblom (RSA) 249-2 John Dalton (RSA)

43 174

48:09.08,7

CRAFT MASTERS [MASTERS] 266-1 Dave Linder (RSA) 266-2 Niall Evans (RSA)

11 237

51:04.34,4

O2 Bikers C-Babes [LADIES] 310-1 Fien Lammertyn (BEL) 310-2 Sara Mertens (BEL)

113 175

48:09.17,3

Iron Fist [MEN] 295-1 Ivor Hambridge (RSA) 295-2 Chris Anderson (RSA)

145 238

51:06.04,6

Exxaro 2 [MEN] 90-1 Mellis Walker (RSA) 90-2 Morne van Greuning (RSA)

114 176

48:10.39,5

Hemophilia MRI [MEN] 184-1 Arnaud De Commarmond (MRI) 184-2 Pascal PILOT (MRI)

146 239

51:06.22,3

Barista Boys [MEN] 253-1 Jaco Conradie (RSA) 253-2 Simon Rosenstein (RSA)

115 177

48:11.38,0

beachbikers 1 [MEN] 152-1 Erik Baeteman (BEL) 152-2 Rado Declerck (BEL)

70 240

51:06.38,4

AngloDutch [MASTERS] 337-1 Rob Houdijk (RSA) 337-2 Jim Farara (RSA)

44 178

48:13.23,7

Arise Ministries/reeds [MASTERS] 215-1 Donald Christy (RSA) 215-2 Kevin Dewar (RSA)

71 241

51:15.31,7

Best Mates [MASTERS] 153-1 Richard Hawkins (RSA) 153-2 Geoff Pinnock (RSA)

45 179

48:14.11,3

Weatherzone [MASTERS] 368-1 Mark Hardy (AUS) 368-2 John Miller (AUS)

147 242

51:20.05,5

Double Dutch [MEN] 25-1 Sander Van den Born (NED) 25-2 Enrico Theuns (NED)

116 180

48:15.32,2

Maiers & Squires [MEN] 305-1 Greg Squires (RSA) 305-2 Michael Maiers (HKG)

72 243

51:21.47,2

SOAR Spirit of Adam reyneke [MASTERS] 80-1 David Van den Berg (RSA) 80-2 Bruce Reyneke (RSA)

11 181

48:17.05,1

CPR Mixed [MIXED] 245-1 Alberto Prins (RSA) 245-2 Joritha Prins (RSA)

73 244

51:30.41,0

Catembe [MASTERS] 241-1 Gavin Graham (RSA) 241-2 Victor Nunes (RSA)

117 182

48:18.11,4

Exxaro Academy 4 [MEN] 550-1 Thomas Sokolangane (RSA) 550-2 Thabiso Komape (RSA)

148 245

51:32.13,4

HopsSquared [MEN] 509-1 Chris Hops (RSA) 509-2 Nicholas Hops (RSA)

46 183

48:18.38,5

Fat Bob [MASTERS] 46-1 John Gale (RSA) 46-2 Riaan Meintjes (RSA)

149 246

51:32.40,8

Comma5.com [MEN] 575-1 Keith Marais (BOT) 575-2 Shawn Bruwer (BOT)

47 184

48:20.21,6

ENS 2 [MASTERS] 76-1 Peter Roux (RSA) 76-2 Gary Tullis (RSA)

150 247

51:36.29,4

Shooting Stuff [MEN] 369-1 Andries De lange (RSA) 369-2 Alec Lambrechts (RSA)

118 185

48:20.31,5

Full Cycle [MEN] 260-1 Maurice Ferreira (RSA) 260-2 Mario Ferreira (RSA)

151 248

51:36.45,3

Exxaro Academy 8 [MEN] 255-1 Thando Klaas (RSA) 255-2 Sivuyile Kepelele (RSA)

48 186

48:24.36,3

Leigh Cycle Centre [MASTERS] 101-1 Leigh Durham (RSA) 101-2 Gerald Holland (RSA)

152 249

51:40.14,3

Absa Bank / Pouyoukas Foods [MEN] 148-1 Willie Mouton (RSA) 148-2 David Kretzmann (RSA)

49 187

48:25.33,9

TJ Architects [MASTERS] 339-1 Roelof Meyer (RSA) 339-2 Corné Meier (RSA)

153 250

51:44.48,6

Kibo [MEN] 169-1 Sw Jacobsz (RSA) 169-2 Karel Botha (RSA)

119 188

48:25.44,6

COAST2COAST [MEN] 576-1 Stefaan Pylyser (BEL) 576-2 Steve Pylyser (BEL)

74 251

51:49.05,6

Peace Force Security [MASTERS] 128-1 Kenhardt Scheepers (RSA) 128-2 Jan Zonnestein (RSA)

50 189

48:28.58,3

Easy Riders [MASTERS] 346-1 Paul Close (RSA) 346-2 Robert Sobey (RSA)

154 252

51:50.39,9

2 pintz pls [MEN] 146-1 Gordon Johnstone (RSA) 146-2 Lee Bentz (RSA)

Name (Country)

OVERALLRESULTS

Cat GC Overall Pos Pos Time

OVERALLRESULTS

Cat GC Overall Pos Pos Time

Team [Category] Race-number

Name (Country)

Cat GC Overall Pos Pos Time

Team [Category] Race-number Name (Country)

75 253

51:55.59,7

Bez and Alewyn [MASTERS] 83-1 Johan Bezuidenhout (RSA) 83-2 Alewyn Vorster (RSA)

96 316

54:40.07,7

RAD Moto [MASTERS] 423-1 Neil Mckillop (RSA) 423-2 Gerry De Boer (RSA)

155 254

51:56.40,9

Mantis [MEN] 474-1 Craig Erasmus (RSA) 474-2 Vernon Vogt (SEY)

97 317

54:54.53,2

Nut&Pole [MASTERS] 199-1 Martin Ciolkosz (POL) 199-2 Ralton Roebert (RSA)

156 255

52:05.20,1

Genomix [MEN] 141-1 Gert Marincowitz (RSA) 141-2 Simon Marincowitz (RSA)

185 318

54:59.21,9

Ama Jongosi [MEN] 223-1 Mike Robertson (ENG) 223-2 Angus Simpson (ENG)

157 256

52:06.01,2

Giro Sport BRA [MEN] 531-1 Pedro Ferolla (BRA) 531-2 Guilherme Bonesio (BRA)

186 319

55:02.19,9

Albarit Financial Services [MEN] 222-1 Johan Pentz (RSA) 222-2 Andre de Kock (RSA)

158 257

52:06.23,3

Dubai Tri Pirates [MEN] 559-1 Darryl Chiles (UAE) 559-2 Kevin West (UAE)

187 320

55:03.33,2

Absa Mountain Ghosts [MEN] 149-1 Joel Stransky (RSA) 149-2 Max Gebhardt (RSA)

159 258

52:10.02,4

Telkom - Braves [MEN] 388-1 Victor Da Silva (RSA) 388-2 Colin Bouwer (RSA)

98 321

55:04.35,7

Stress & Pressure [MASTERS] 106-1 Wayne Mac Farlane (RSA) 106-2 Shane Peters (RSA)

160 259

52:10.15,5

2-B-FreE [MEN] 354-1 Marius Van Wyk (RSA) 354-2 Marthinus Bekker (RSA)

188 322

55:07.22,9

NMMU Saasveld [MEN] 130-1 Richard Muller (RSA) 130-2 Emilé Boshoff (RSA)

161 260

52:13.09,6

Prost/Di Pasqua [MEN] 578-1 Sebastian Di Pasqua (SUI) 578-2 Alain Prost (SUI)

99 323

55:08.18,5

miff and biff [MASTERS] 127-1 Paul Potter (RSA) 127-2 Terry Uys (RSA)

162 261

52:14.26,0

Swiss Timing [MEN] 143-1 David Egli (SUI) 143-2 Daniel Schmid (SUI)

189 324

55:09.44,4

Granny Gear [MEN] 526-1 Neil Van Vuuren (RSA) 526-2 Malan Jonck (RSA)

163 262

52:16.37,2

Hang Tough [MEN] 270-1 Andrew Cairns (RSA) 270-2 Diteboho Khumalo (RSA)

190 325

55:11.18,3

Flat Dogs [MEN] 432-1 Adam Wooldridge (RSA) 432-2 Steve Vromans (RSA)

76 263

52:23.24,9

Harmony [MASTERS] 329-1 Marius Geyser (RSA) 329-2 Ivan Kruger (RSA)

100 326

55:15.50,9

Endecon Flyers [MASTERS] 557-1 Pieter Coertze (RSA) 557-2 Juan Vosser (RSA)

77 264

52:26.40,6

SIN RACING VIKINGS [MASTERS] 413-1 Morten Hansen (SIN) 413-2 Lars Spangberg (SIN)

191 327

55:18.50,1

Sabrina Love [MEN] 420-1 Andrew Lowndes (RSA) 420-2 Nicholas Theron (RSA)

164 265

52:27.05,8

Wembley Cycles [MEN] 349-1 Nigel Adcock (AUS) 349-2 Pete Gill (AUS)

101 328

55:22.11,2

AVIS reNT A CAR [MASTERS] 151-1 Shawn Mitchley (RSA) 151-2 Marc Arenhold (RSA)

78 266

52:28.21,8

Fifty Eggs revolution Cycles Dubai [MASTERS] 540-1 Peter O’higgins (UAE) 540-2 Philip O’Higgins (AUS)

192 329

55:25.58,8

The Legends [MEN] 144-1 Francois Theron (RSA) 144-2 Deon Kotze (RSA)

14 267

52:28.43,3

Gemini Hulamin SS [MIXED] 81-1 Henning Blaauw (RSA) 81-2 Brenda-Lynn Nell (RSA)

193 330

55:25.59,9

TCHEBIKERS [MEN] 398-1 Guilherme Brandenburger (BRA) 398-2 Juliano Arce Nunes (BRA)

79 268

52:29.29,5

jazzman /hansgrohe [MASTERS] 299-1 Leon Tobias (RSA) 299-2 Derek Nitch (RSA)

102 331

55:26.18,9

Woolworths 5 [MASTERS] 499-1 David Collins (RSA) 499-2 Robbie De Fleuriot (RSA)

165 269

52:30.01,9

Zimbo Bros [MEN] 315-1 Marc Brighton (RSA) 315-2 Michael Bissett (RSA)

103 332

55:27.23,4

The Invalids [MASTERS] 382-1 Andrew Donkin (RSA) 382-2 Mark Olivier (MRI)

166 270

52:31.29,0

The Mauritian Demons [MEN] 311-1 Sebastien Hacques (MRI) 311-2 Lawrence Wong (MRI)

104 333

55:29.28,1

Classiq Coatings [MASTERS] 577-1 Sean Miller (RSA) 577-2 Clinton Miller (RSA)

15 271

52:32.10,9

The Clothing Bank [MIXED] 107-1 Sean Thistleton (RSA) 107-2 Liesbet Kristafor (RSA)

105 334

55:32.12,5

Bionic Brothers [MASTERS] 224-1 Heinrich Gildenhuys (RSA) 224-2 Pierre Van den Heever (RSA)

167 272

52:32.32,6

RadioShax [MEN] 392-1 Ian Caldwell (RSA) 392-2 Andrew Grobicki (RSA)

25 335

55:33.43,8

ABSA WoodWorth Winning [MIXED] 273-1 Clayton Duckworth (RSA) 273-2 Vanessa Haywood (RSA)

16 273

52:37.15,2

Cycle Mashatu - Big Game MTB Safari’s [MIXED] 119-1 Claire Dowdle (RSA) 119-2 Justin Dowdle (RSA)

194 336

55:34.28,7

Yorkshire Grit [MEN] 358-1 Graham Crabtree (ENG) 358-2 James Atkinson (ENG)

80 274

52:38.24,6

Mountaineers - BRA [MASTERS] 308-1 Mauricio Marques de Castro (BRA) 308-2 Ronaldo Goncalves (BRA)

195 337

55:36.00,6

Woolies [MEN] 105-1 Craig McHendrie (RSA) 105-2 Sean Hanekom (RSA)

168 275

52:40.35,1

Pharmacy at SPAR 1 [MEN] 437-1 Abrie Greyling (RSA) 437-2 Deon Andrews (RSA)

196 338

55:37.44,8

Vat Hom Vas [MEN] 574-1 Pieter Cordier (RSA) 574-2 Stefan Van den Heever (RSA)

169 276

52:40.50,8

Mutual Safes [MEN] 458-1 James Ross (RSA) 458-2 Hector Ross (RSA)

197 339

55:38.55,3

Hyena’s revenge [MEN] 504-1 Roy Wouters (ENG) 504-2 Leo Wouters (ENG)

81 277

52:43.26,4

CC - GEAX 2 [MASTERS] 588-1 Gijs van Tuyl (NED) 588-2 Peter van Wijgerden (NED)

198 340

55:41.40,2

VC revolution / Softek [MEN] 38-1 Ryan Loots (ENG) 38-2 Paul Thomas (ENG)

170 278

52:43.27,7

Die Bergischen Biker [MEN] 563-1 Eric Müller (GER) 563-2 Maik Bangert (GER)

199 341

55:47.08,0

Goatcher [MEN] 264-1 Jonathan Goatcher (RSA) 264-2 Wesley Botha (RSA)

82 279

52:46.29,4

Crazy Horse [MASTERS] 246-1 Pieter Theron (RSA) 246-2 Andre Cilliers (RSA)

26 342

55:54.43,2

Giant Honey Badgers [MIXED] 533-1 Josh Fonner (USA) 533-2 Jackie Baker (USA)

83 280

52:49.23,9

POWERCOTE [MASTERS] 312-1 Neil Mckenzie (RSA) 312-2 Sean David Mccarthy (RSA)

200 343

55:55.17,1

Jessam [MEN] 121-1 Kevin Dore (RSA) 121-2 Justin Tomsett (RSA)

84 281

52:50.33,1

TNT [MASTERS] 570-1 Erhardt Du Toit (RSA) 570-2 Cd Du Toit (RSA)

201 344

55:55.21,7

ISPYDAFLY Titanium [MEN] 497-1 Rob Carle (BOT) 497-2 GARTH Armstrong (BOT)

171 282

52:58.32,6

Seated & Cleated [MEN] 206-1 Kenneth Cockcroft (RSA) 206-2 Harold Meyer (RSA)

202 345

56:07.14,7

Stillking Films [MEN] 287-1 Rudi Rossouw (RSA) 287-2 Charl Bleach (RSA)

172 283

52:59.04,4

Morning Wood [MEN] 465-1 Andy Croly (RSA) 465-2 Duncan Band (RSA)

203 346

56:07.32,4

Absa Capital Banksters [MEN] 110-1 André Ross (RSA) 110-2 Garth Humphries (RSA)

173 284

53:07.44,6

Crank Addicts [MEN] 210-1 Iwan De Jongh (RSA) 210-2 Mark Oliver (RSA)

204 347

56:08.18,8

HERMANUS PHARMACIES [MEN] 98-1 Jean De Jager (RSA) 98-2 Philip-ben Kotze (RSA)

174 285

53:13.29,5

Alpha et Omega [MEN] 331-1 Wesley Augustyn (RSA) 331-2 Manie Maritz (RSA)

106 348

56:10.51,6

Móveis Lopas/Rufato [MASTERS] 462-1 Nilo Marques Martins Junior (BRA) 462-2 Eduardo Marques Braz (BRA)

85 286

53:20.38,7

Rhino Men [MASTERS] 84-1 Izak Van Der Merwe (RSA) 84-2 Pea Blaauw (RSA)

205 349

56:11.57,4

Scotty Dogs [MEN] 417-1 Neil Vlaming (RSA) 417-2 Allan Geddie (RSA)

86 287

53:21.43,4

Hedgehog [MASTERS] 514-1 Omri Thomas (RSA) 514-2 Louis Bekker (RSA)

13 350

56:13.29,9

Velocity Sports Lab-Ladies [LADIES] 450-1 Birgit Bolling (RSA) 450-2 Caren Henschel (RSA)

17 288

53:22.11,6

Nativa Miracle Kidz [MIXED] 197-1 Andrew Koen (RSA) 197-2 Janet Lightley (RSA)

27 351

56:13.33,4

Bavarian Bears [MIXED] 399-1 Hansjörg Bosler (GER) 399-2 Marion Hemmerling (GER)

87 289

53:29.36,8

Kilometres for Kidneys [MASTERS] 488-1 Derek Van Den Berg (RSA) 488-2 Roger Hoffman (RSA)

107 352

56:14.33,5

Fat Boys [MASTERS] 257-1 Fanus Coetzer (RSA) 257-2 Andre Du plessis (RSA)

18 290

53:36.28,8

Max [MIXED] 185-1 Hennie Dreyer (RSA) 185-2 Ronel Dreyer (RSA)

14 353

56:14.47,6

JAG - Twin Streak [LADIES] 493-1 Kimberly Greene (KEN) 493-2 Kerry Glen (KEN)

175 291

53:38.40,3

Tribesports.com [MEN] 373-1 Tobias Mews (ENG) 373-2 James Heraty (ENG)

206 354

56:14.48,8

Neutkraker [MEN] 198-1 Albie Heigers (RSA) 198-2 Johannes Louw (RSA)

19 292

53:39.10,5

Fish & Chips [MIXED] 177-1 Gavin Wilkinson (RSA) 177-2 Yvette Roberts (RSA)

207 355

56:15.45,0

Underprepared, Overconfident [MEN] 344-1 Cameron Adams (RSA) 344-2 Selmar Gassen (BRA)

88 293

53:40.09,6

Mafate Riders [MASTERS] 478-1 Alain Elio Ramanase (REU) 478-2 Frederic Mitrano (REU)

108 356

56:18.43,0

MPACT [MASTERS] 129-1 Andrew Paterson (RSA) 129-2 Mario Firmani (RSA)

89 294

53:41.33,3

Corratec [MASTERS] 244-1 Rainer Würtele (GER) 244-2 Christian Spang (GER)

208 357

56:21.03,6

Asrin cycling [MEN] 572-1 Nizaam Essa (RSA) 572-2 Ebrahim Levy (RSA)

90 295

53:44.36,5

procycling [MASTERS] 429-1 Felix Garcia (ESP) 429-2 Kim Forteza Soler (ESP)

109 358

56:21.38,7

MMI Tel [MASTERS] 468-1 Jannie Grobler (RSA) 468-2 Sean Grobler (RSA)

91 296

53:47.50,6

Symmetry [MASTERS] 401-1 Toby Lambooy (RSA) 401-2 Derek Devine (RSA)

110 359

56:23.23,1

Kanimambo [MASTERS] 122-1 Attie Visser (RSA) 122-2 Marais Steyn (RSA)

20 297

53:49.25,1

Capricorns Grischuns [MIXED] 204-1 Giusep Alig (SUI) 204-2 Mirjam Bucher (SUI)

209 360

56:28.04,2

Gas Dogs [MEN] 181-1 Alan Mildenhall (RSA) 181-2 Johnny Marais (RSA)

176 298

53:54.47,0

Miele - Labex [MEN] 102-1 Rory Talbot (RSA) 102-2 Bruce Talbot (RSA)

210 361

56:37.33,5

Exxaro 3 [MEN] 546-1 Willie van Schalkwyk (RSA) 546-2 Christof Prinsloo (RSA)

21 299

53:55.45,1

Sponsor Yourself [MIXED] 74-1 Wayne Booysen (RSA) 74-2 Sanet Smal (RSA)

211 362

56:38.10,1

Lean Mean Green Machines [MEN] 483-1 Nathaniel Simpson (RSA) 483-2 Reuben Fleischer (RSA)

22 300

53:57.54,4

Boet and Sis [MIXED] 591-1 Carolyn Arnold (RSA) 591-2 Scott Gibson (RSA)

111 363

56:39.23,0

OLD BUT WILLING [MASTERS] 104-1 Clive Silva (RSA) 104-2 Philip Bekker (RSA)

12 301

53:59.34,1

bike4life.ch - Ladies [LADIES] 595-1 Barbara Nagel (SUI) 595-2 Eva Hiestand (SUI)

112 364

56:40.08,2

Craft Bullets [MASTERS] 94-1 Ray Farrenkothen (RSA) 94-2 Matthaeus Meier (SUI)

92 302

54:01.07,0

DSTV Media [MASTERS] 209-1 Ray Cranston (RSA) 209-2 Patrick Van Schoor (RSA)

113 365

56:42.09,1

SeaShore Geriatrics [MASTERS] 89-1 Cedric Peens (RSA) 89-2 Ted Adam (RSA)

177 303

54:01.46,0

GO4IT [MEN] 263-1 Alan Van rensburg (RSA) 263-2 Tim Smith (RSA)

28 366

56:44.13,8

NPI Trust [MIXED] 554-1 Nadine Nunes (RSA) 554-2 Nico Van Den Bergh (RSA)

93 304

54:03.24,5

G & L [MASTERS] 261-1 Gary Walters (RSA) 261-2 Leith Stewart (RSA)

29 367

56:48.25,1

NO BreAKS [MIXED] 49-1 Joyce Benade (RSA) 49-2 Hendrik Jakobus Muller (RSA)

178 305

54:08.05,1

EuroConcepts [MEN] 174-1 Andrew Mclagan (RSA) 174-2 Simon Bothner (RSA)

114 368

56:48.57,7

Hawaii [MASTERS] 516-1 Carl Brooks (USA) 516-2 Francois Esterhuizen (RSA)

23 306

54:10.37,5

bushpigs [MIXED] 237-1 Tony Bosman (RSA) 237-2 Sandy Bosman (RSA)

30 369

56:54.47,0

HBW11-BIKERS [MIXED] 515-1 Hans Casteur (BEL) 515-2 Hilde HEULENS (BEL)

94 307

54:13.08,7

Sunley [MASTERS] 288-1 Janneman De Bruijn (RSA) 288-2 Schalk-willem Joubert (RSA)

31 370

56:55.34,4

GoPro [MIXED] 527-1 Kevin Goodspeed (RSA) 527-2 Dominique Provoyeur (RSA)

95 308

54:14.33,5

Gripped Racing [MASTERS] 524-1 Rob Russell (USA) 524-2 Charles Buki (USA)

115 371

56:57.09,3

Cut Off Kings [MASTERS] 322-1 Howard Kelly (RSA) 322-2 Erik van der Spuy (RSA)

179 309

54:20.18,0

Karabina [MEN] 498-1 Grant Van Der Wal (RSA) 498-2 Heath Turner (RSA)

212 372

57:00.01,6

Jaffes Ford [MEN] 495-1 Danie Du Toit (RSA) 495-2 Pieter Eksteen (RSA)

180 310

54:26.58,0

León-5C5C5C- [MEN] 579-1 Marcos Barrio (ESP) 579-2 César Méndez (ESP)

213 373

57:00.40,7

EQUIPE ENTÃO [MEN] 555-1 Leonardo Santos (BRA) 555-2 Renato Lustosa (BRA)

181 311

54:27.37,9

Blood Brothers [MEN] 232-1 Anthonie De Beer (RSA) 232-2 Adriaan De Beer (RSA)

214 374

57:11.03,0

Knight Rider [MEN] 486-1 Scott Melville (RSA) 486-2 Andrew Carle (RSA)

24 312

54:32.25,4

The Colby’s [MIXED] 334-1 Glen Colby (RSA) 334-2 Sandra Colby (RSA)

215 375

57:14.37,5

Team iCan [MEN] 250-1 Bruce Darne (RSA) 250-2 Mike Darne (RSA)

182 313

54:33.57,9

Ride for recovery [MEN] 283-1 Andy Wright (RSA) 283-2 Dirk Kotze (AUS)

216 376

57:17.20,6

Barcelos/GOD Tv [MEN] 226-1 Johan Van Eyk (RSA) 226-2 Albertus Potgieter (RSA)

183 314

54:35.56,4

Jaffe’s Ford [MEN] 494-1 De Villiers Barry (RSA) 494-2 Gian Carlo Bassi (RSA)

116 377

57:18.24,8

Duggaboys [MASTERS] 252-1 Anthony Joseph (RSA) 252-2 Gideon Abrahams (RSA)

184 315

54:39.58,1

Desert Dust Devils [MEN] 165-1 Henko Van den Heever (RSA) 165-2 Johan De Kock (RSA)

217 378

57:24.19,4

Desert Dragons [MEN] 564-1 Richard Harding (WLS) 564-2 Willem Kirsten (UAE)

Team [Category] Race-number

Name (Country)

Cat GC Overall Pos Pos Time

Team [Category] Race-number Name (Country)

15 379

57:25.52,6

Pedali di Marca [LADIES] 441-1 Elena Perin (ITA) 441-2 Giuliana Moassarotto (ITA)

245 442

60:50.38,4

Why worry, be happy [MEN] 513-1 Herman Heunis (RSA) 513-2 Craig Whittaker (RSA)

117 380

57:30.35,6

R we there yet [MASTERS] 424-1 Francois Smith (RSA) 424-2 Louis Jordaan (RSA)

146 443

60:51.33,7

MAMBA WARRIORS [MASTERS] 309-1 Werner Schofmann (MOZ) 309-2 Kallie Calitz (MOZ)

218 381

57:36.30,2

CC - GEAX 3 [MEN] 374-1 Michel Thenaers (BEL) 374-2 Dirk Piessens (BEL)

246 444

60:52.50,2

Alota NOKS [MEN] 303-1 Nico Oosthuizen (RSA) 303-2 Keven Sinclair (RSA)

118 382

57:36.51,2

JAG - Intraspeed [MASTERS] 500-1 Andre Pasman (RSA) 500-2 Jade Da Costa (RSA)

247 445

60:54.51,8

Plautus Indaba Mobile Racing [MEN] 436-1 Edwin Siphiwe Mthandi (RSA) 436-2 Tebogo Dipeere (RSA)

219 383

57:41.44,6

onel1fe [MEN] 602-1 Neil Fourie (RSA) 602-2 Ryno Fourie (RSA)

147 446

61:05.11,3

The Bonk [MASTERS] 386-1 Gregory Mollet-vieville (FRA) 386-2 Arnaud Larrousse (FRA)

220 384

57:42.04,8

Stonehage [MEN] 406-1 Maruis Slabbert (RSA) 406-2 Willem Van Wyk (RSA)

148 447

61:07.08,9

Thrutainers 2 [MASTERS] 390-1 Gabriel De Oliveira (RSA) 390-2 Justin Ross (RSA)

119 385

57:45.40,6

CICLI MONTANINI [MASTERS] 421-1 Niccolo Violati (ITA) 421-2 Jamil Seedat (RSA)

149 448

61:08.23,5

missingchildrensa [MASTERS] 469-1 Andre van Eeden (RSA) 469-2 Adrian Dalton (RSA)

221 386

57:51.10,3

Skinny legs [MEN] 319-1 Robert Viljoen (RSA) 319-2 Bossau Boshoff (RSA)

248 449

61:17.44,1

Numb Nuts [MEN] 449-1 Duane Searle (RSA) 449-2 Gareth Morrison (UAE)

120 387

57:52.00,2

2 Ex Golfers [MASTERS] 219-1 Erik Knoetze (RSA) 219-2 Dawie De Villiers (RSA)

16 450

61:18.29,3

Wheels 4 Wheels [LADIES] 364-1 Candice Marsh (RSA) 364-2 Maryke Van Zyl (RSA)

222 388

57:52.25,0

Pro-Screen [MEN] 313-1 Shane Bridger (RSA) 313-2 Courtney Woodin (RSA)

249 451

61:19.11,6

Tough it Out [MEN] 376-1 Fanus Van Molendorff (RSA) 376-2 Dawie Kriel (RSA)

121 389

57:57.09,9

Hullabaloo Products [MASTERS] 505-1 Abrie Botma (RSA) 505-2 Stephen Paterson (RSA)

150 452

61:25.13,5

Luck o’ the Irish [MASTERS] 479-1 Ross Moody (RSA) 479-2 Joseph Fizelle (RSA)

223 390

58:00.21,8

Dust Collectors [MEN] 582-1 Henno Kirstein (RSA) 582-2 Martin Crafford (RSA)

250 453

61:29.42,3

CRANK BRO’S [MEN] 569-1 Riad Ahmed (RSA) 569-2 Adnan Essop (RSA)

224 391

58:02.29,8

JUST ADD VINO [MEN] 360-1 Wynand Putter (RSA) 360-2 Justin Jeffery (RSA)

151 454

61:30.31,4

Procon / Ceres Cycles [MASTERS] 430-1 Pierre De Jager (RSA) 430-2 Jaco Taylor (RSA)

225 392

58:02.41,7

Wildwechsel [MEN] 363-1 Jakob Kaths (GER) 363-2 Moritz Kaths (GER)

152 455

61:34.20,5

Absa JackMac [MASTERS] 112-1 Jack Stroucken (RSA) 112-2 Kevin McCallum (RSA)

226 393

58:04.59,5

Saxo-Lite [MEN] 316-1 Franz Senger (RSA) 316-2 Adriaan Van Den Berg (RSA)

251 456

61:55.53,0

Weekend Warriors [MEN] 366-1 Peet Venter (RSA) 366-2 Richard Jansen Van Vuuren (RSA)

32 394

58:05.07,7

Energas [MIXED] 254-1 Hp Van Huyssteen (RSA) 254-2 Laurike Van Huyssteen (RSA)

252 457

62:03.14,5

ABSA Missing Children SA [MEN] 534-1 Sean Kristafor (RSA) 534-2 Nico Panaggio (RSA)

122 395

58:05.53,4

BRA re-cycling [MASTERS] 154-1 Filipe Xavier (BRA) 154-2 Antonio Calmon (BRA)

253 458

62:08.18,6

Multicup [MEN] 459-1 Gareth Gammie (RSA) 459-2 Derek Couzens (RSA)

123 396

58:06.39,8

revolution Cycles Dubai [MASTERS] 168-1 Edmond Menzies (UAE) 168-2 Erik Klootwyk (RSA)

38 459

62:08.38,5

The Absa Rookie and the Rock [MIXED] 113-1 Ernst Viljoen (RSA) 113-2 Elana Meyer (RSA)

227 397

58:12.15,6

PELLE [MEN] 212-1 Michiel Scharrighuisen (RSA) 212-2 Christi Botha (RSA)

153 460

62:17.21,7

Miele-Euro-LCS Propfin [MASTERS] 194-1 Bertus Van Der Veen (RSA) 194-2 Anton Bekker (RSA)

228 398

58:13.45,9

Chuck Racing [MEN] 117-1 Michael Bouwmeester (RSA) 117-2 Ian Cloete (RSA)

154 461

62:22.17,3

Verleisdonk [MASTERS] 371-1 Egbert Verleidonk (NED) 371-2 Bert van Ramshorst (NED)

33 399

58:15.24,7

SCOR-LEO [MIXED] 317-1 David Durandt (RSA) 317-2 Erine Durandt (RSA)

39 462

62:22.31,8

mountain goats [MIXED] 463-1 Jorge Capkovic (RSA) 463-2 Marisa Capkovic (RSA)

229 400

58:15.27,8

BRA Riders Help [MEN] 589-1 Marcos Viana (BRA) 589-2 Leonardo Bortolaco (BRA)

254 463

62:25.50,5

No regrets [MEN] 452-1 Wayne Botha (RSA) 452-2 Herman Steynberg (RSA)

124 401

58:20.06,0

HAIFA [MASTERS] 268-1 Frank Knevels (NED) 268-2 Jan Oomen (NED)

255 464

62:49.50,2

Toukan [MEN] 375-1 Randall Kan (RSA) 375-2 Lyndon Kan (RSA)

230 402

58:23.23,7

LESOTHO MOUNTAIN GOATS [MEN] 482-1 GLENN KEUN (RSA) 482-2 WERNER KENNEDY (RSA)

40 465

62:53.13,3

Panic Stations [MIXED] 443-1 Bradley Wentzel (RSA) 443-2 Robyn Tracy Ray (RSA)

125 403

58:28.26,9

NJCH - New Jerusalem Children’s Home [MASTERS] 454-1 Sean Wall (RSA) 454-2 Mark Macdonald (RSA)

256 466

63:10.13,1

Pragma Acuity [MEN] 282-1 Dean Griffin (RSA) 282-2 Nelson Broden (RSA) ENERGAS 1 [MIXED] 44-1 Hendrik Van Huyssteen (RSA) 44-2 Petra Van Huyssteen (RSA)

34 404

58:28.55,8

Home4Hearts [MIXED] 603-1 Thomas Roegner (GER) 603-2 Kim-Maike Dornquast (GER)

41 467

63:32.26,0

126 405

58:30.22,7

Against all odds [MASTERS] 543-1 Rinus Beukes (RSA) 543-2 Danie Moller (RSA)

42 468

63:40.44,6

4 Sly [MIXED] 370-1 Wanette Hanekom (NAM) 370-2 Leroux Van Wyk (NAM)

127 406

58:35.38,3

McDonalds fueled by Scheckters [MASTERS] 188-1 Grant Hendriks (RSA) 188-2 John Neave (RSA)

155 469

63:46.06,0

Blighty [MASTERS] 594-1 Nigel Wake (AUS) 594-2 Paul Heyes (AUS)

128 407

58:41.26,3

Adrenalina Puerto Rico [MASTERS] 560-1 Benjamin Kauffmann (USA) 560-2 Jose Valdes (USA)

156 470

63:53.44,5

SA TRUCK BODIES [MASTERS] 79-1 Louis Du Toit (RSA) 79-2 Dirk Botha (RSA)

129 408

58:42.15,4

YETIGO [MASTERS] 359-1 Rudolph du Plessis (RSA) 359-2 Barend Van Der Walt (RSA)

257 471

63:56.07,4

Echo [MEN] 558-1 Johan Floris Botha (RSA) 558-2 Abraham Stefanus Olivier (RSA)

231 409

58:43.48,3

Rambo & Riempies [MEN] 135-1 Michael Jacobs (RSA) 135-2 Johan Jacobs (RSA)

258 472

64:09.23,1

Petrolheads [MEN] 438-1 Emile De Beer (RSA) 438-2 Riaan De Beer (RSA)

35 410

58:45.20,8

SWISS BUDDHA [MIXED] 402-1 Michael Stecchi (SUI) 402-2 Adrienne Stecchi (SUI)

259 473

64:11.24,1

Stormers [MEN] 405-1 Jacobus Cloete (RSA) 405-2 Brent Mathew Loftus (RSA)

130 411

58:45.33,3

Orangeworks [MASTERS] 446-1 Siegfried Rousseau (RSA) 446-2 Bruce Townsend (RSA)

157 474

64:49.06,4

JAGENATORS [MASTERS] 191-1 Marius Hofmeyr Hurter (RSA) 191-2 Raymond Hack (RSA)

131 412

58:46.14,8

Scott & Watt [MASTERS] 529-1 Scott Holmes (SCT) 529-2 Walter Murray (SCT)

158 475

64:49.54,0

Afrifresh [MASTERS] 542-1 Ernest Van Niekerk (RSA) 542-2 Jaco Burger (RSA)

132 413

58:53.27,4

Intellibus Trackies [MASTERS] 501-1 Gavin Smith (RSA) 501-2 Owen Lloyd (RSA)

159 476

65:03.13,7

JAG Riders [MASTERS] 189-1 Greg James (RSA) 189-2 Grant Sellick (SUI)

232 414

58:54.53,8

Pragma ONE [MEN] 433-1 Stefan Terblanche (RSA) 433-2 Marthinus Burger (RSA)

260 477

65:25.40,1

Mamut resistance [MEN] 475-1 Andre Erasmus (RSA) 475-2 Pieter Uys (RSA)

233 415

58:58.11,0

Blistering Blazers [MEN] 593-1 Robert Philpot (RSA) 593-2 Ryan Durrant (RSA)

160 478

65:53.08,2

CycleOps [MASTERS] 161-1 Jon Heeger (RSA) 161-2 Danny Sabbagh (RSA)

234 416

59:00.19,2

Northern Crocodiles/Mozgasvilag.hu [MEN] 451-1 Krisztian Szentgyorgyi (HUN) 451-2 Gideon phillipus Nel (RSA)

161 479

65:53.58,8

Birdhaven Buffaloes [MASTERS] 231-1 Albertus Muller (RSA) 231-2 Carey Bloch (RSA)

133 417

59:04.47,1

JAG-DESERT DUELERS [MASTERS] 190-1 Kirk Pleasant (QAT) 190-2 Daniel Keown (RSA)

17 480

66:03.14,1

Artemis & Atalanta [LADIES] 544-1 Teresa DeWitt (NED) 544-2 Loreen Mattson (USA)

36 418

59:21.30,9

Baby on my Back [MIXED] 293-1 Michelle Garden (RSA) 293-2 Neal Mandy (RSA)

162 481

67:05.57,4

SUNBIRD [MASTERS] 404-1 Hein Venter (RSA) 404-2 Sydney Gregan (RSA)

235 419

59:27.45,7

Summit [MEN] 214-1 Gustavo Thomaz (BRA) 214-2 Maurício Cervenka (BRA)

134 420

59:28.39,5

ABSA [MASTERS] 357-1 Andre Collins (RSA) 357-2 Roelof van Riet (RSA)

236 421

59:29.19,4

MeringExpress [MEN] 471-1 Ekkard Schnedermann (GER) 471-2 Arnold Asmussen (GER)

237 422

59:32.11,6

DAVIES MEYER [MEN] 565-1 Clemens Bartlome (SUI) 565-2 Olin Bartlome (SUI)

135 423

59:34.11,5

Jessica’s Dream [MASTERS] 300-1 Simon Durdey (RSA) 300-2 Grant Bain (RSA)

238 424

59:36.54,2

Go Big or Go Home [MEN] 262-1 Werner Busch (RSA) 262-2 Du Toit Louw (RSA)

239 425

59:39.39,3

plus minus [MEN] 435-1 Andi Ettlin (RSA) 435-2 Gerfried Weiss (AUT)

136 426

59:43.41,1

Microbial Solutions [MASTERS] 251-1 Paul Doubell (RSA) 251-2 Michael Doubell (RSA)

137 427

59:45.40,9

AQUA SPLASH NAM [MASTERS] 348-1 Dirk Van Schalkwyk (NAM) 348-2 Russell Paschke (NAM)

37 428

59:54.01,1

RFGR [MIXED] 422-1 Fabien Wexler (REU) 422-2 Geraldine Bereau-Wexler (REU)

240 429

59:56.53,4

The BeeGees [MEN] 387-1 Brad Bentz (RSA) 387-2 Geoff David (RSA)

241 430

59:57.56,4

Big Test Icicles [MEN] 599-1 Clinton Schultz (RSA) 599-2 Salo Minnaar (RSA)

242 431

60:07.05,2

WITWATERGALJOENE [MEN] 362-1 Hannes Gildenhuys (RSA) 362-2 Braam Rust (RSA)

138 432

60:07.20,6

CC - GEAX 1 [MASTERS] 512-1 Leo Greve (ENG) 512-2 Alex Gaspar (BEL)

243 433

60:08.46,1

KUW Exreme [MEN] 484-1 Ahmad Almajed (KUW) 484-2 Anwar Jawhar (KUW)

244 434

60:08.56,1

Chafed Junk [MEN] 580-1 Mark Stevens (RSA) 580-2 Ian Phillips (RSA)

139 435

60:09.01,5

Tata ma Chance [MASTERS] 400-1 Bruce Tanner (RSA) 400-2 Andre Slabbert (RSA)

140 436

60:15.08,6

ENS 1 [MASTERS] 96-1 Koos Pretorius (RSA) 96-2 Andre Van der Veen (RSA)

141 437

60:19.06,9

SAC trucks [MASTERS] 78-1 Pieter Lategan (RSA) 78-2 Neels Nel (RSA)

142 438

60:30.41,7

Giant Rookies [MASTERS] 532-1 Gert Kotze (RSA) 532-2 Sarel Van Deventer (RSA)

143 439

60:34.28,6

Cerrado Brasil Multisport [MASTERS] 581-1 Denilson Postai (BRA) 581-2 Jose Ferreira (BRA)

144 440

60:39.30,5

Tokai Masters [MASTERS] 378-1 Mark Fairclough (RSA) 378-2 Andrew Torr (RSA)

145 441

60:44.58,9

The Tallboyz [MASTERS] 336-1 Francois Swanepoel (RSA) 336-2 Jacques De Jong (RSA)

OVERALLRESULTS

Cat GC Overall Pos Pos Time

GREG BEADLE KARIN SCHERMBRUCKER GARY PERKIN

NICK MUZIK

SVEN MARTIN

PHotograPHerBIOS gARY PERKIn

KARIn SChERMBRuCKER

is a professional photographer, lucky enough to travel the world to capture the essence of the sport of mountain biking. The mix of environment, passion, and competition drives him to search endlessly for that iconic image which sums up this great and varied sport.

has a passion for photographs that change people’s perspectives and open their eyes. It was during a 10-month trip through East Africa with UNICEF, documenting community projects in over 14 different countries, that the bug bit, and her career as a photographer began.

www.flipper.co.za

www.slingshotmedia.co.za

SvEn MARtIn

nICK MuZIK

is a 37-year-old full time photographer who lives out of a suitcase for 8 months of a year, following the world’s best mountain bikers across the globe. As a past professional racer, he likes the un-staged reality found in race imagery and strives to tell a story with his images of the sport’s greatest riders.

considers himself a cyclist. He has ridden road bikes, mountain bikes and BMX’s. He’s completed 11 Argus Cycle Tours (some from the A bunch), as well as numerous mountain bike races around the country, but after a day on one of the Absa Cape Epic pre-rides, he is content to be a photographer at this event!

www.svenmartinphotography.com

www.nmphoto.photoshelter.com

108 2012 ABSA CAPE EPIC

Greg Beadle has not been a professional photographer long, but his broad range of photographic skills is well suited to a fast-paced documentary-style event like the Absa Cape Epic. His BMW GS 1200 Adventure takes him to those hard to get to locations where he enjoys shooting most. www.gregbeadle.com

Genia Nowicki discovered photography when she first learnt the joys

Sportograf

implies photographer & sportsman, but also sportsmen & photographer… As competition athletes in several disciplines, this organisation has a natural affinity to sport; they respect the performance of every athlete, and honour this with professional quality pictures in the best locations. www.sportograf.com

of exposing black and white photographs in a dark room. “But times have changed and now my ‘dark room’ is Photoshop on my computer”. After shooting and traveling extensively for 4 years she returned home to get her degree in Cinematography at a film school in Cape Town. After completing her degree, she soon realized stills was her storytelling medium of choice and has pursued a full time career in photography ever since. www.geniaphotography.co.za

Jon Meinking is a Cape Town based photographer, specialising in sports, events and commercial photography. From a sporting background, sports-photography allows him to be part of the action on a whole different level! If he is not out on a bike course, trail or in the ocean, Jon can be found in & around Cape Town enjoying all that the Mother City has to offer.

Above: International photographers and TV journalists await the riders at Lourensford. 2012 109

credITS PROJECt SPOnSOR

ENS (Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs) www.ens.co.za

MARKEtIng AnD COMMunICAtIOnS MAnAgER Tanya Odendaal

DESIgn AnD lAYOut Sharon Rushton, Salt Design sharon@saltdesign.co.za

ARt AnD PRODuCtIOn Deon de Villiers, Art de Ville art@artdv.co.za

EDItORIAl ASSIStAntS

Marion Kritzinger, Reeza Odendaal, Jessica Schipper, Narike Lintvelt

Credits

WRItERS Neil Gardiner

PhOtOgRAPhERS

Gary Perkin, Sven Martin, Karin Schermbrucker, Nick Muzik, Genia Nowicki, Greg Beadle, Jon Meinking, Sportograf

PRIntED AnD BOunD BY Formeset Printers, Cape

Gary Perkin, Sven Martin, Karin Schermbrucker, Nick Muzik, Genia Nowicki, Greg Beadle, Jon Meinking, Sportograf

DISClAIMER

The authors and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information contained in the book is as accurate as possible, but cannot make any expressed or implied representation to the accuracy and cannot be held legally liable or responsible for any errors or omissions. The authors and publisher assume no liability for any consequences, loss, injury, misfortune or death resulting from the use of this book. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without prior permission of the publishers.

110 2012 ABSA CAPE EPIC

2012 START CHUTE PLAYLIST NAME

TIME

CALLED OUT IN THE DARK 04:01 YOU’VE GOT THE LOVE 02:47 HEARTBREAK MONDAY (CRAIG MASSIV REMIX) 03:43 LULLABY 03:40 FEEL SO CLOSE 03:25 EVERY TEARDROP IS A WATERFALL 04:03 PUMPED UP KICKS 03:56 WATERFRONT 04:49 LIGHTS 04:02 MAYHEM 02:46 DRIVE BY 03:15 CHARLIE BROWN 04:19 STRONGER (WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU) 03:40 TITANIUM (FEAT. SIA) 04:05

ARTIST SNOW PATROL FLORENCE + THE MACHINE ARNO CARSTENS NICKELBACK CALVIN HARRIS COLDPLAY FOSTER THE PEOPLE SIMPLE MINDS ELLIE GOULDING IMELDA MAY TRAIN COLDPLAY KELLY CLARKSON DAVID GUETTA

TEAM NAME, Race Number, Name, Country

AMERICAN CLASSIC - SKEAN PROTECTION 150-1 Jean-françois Bossler (FRA) FIT SPORTS LABORATORIES 179-1 Gavin Richardson (RSA) HAMBURGER PERLEN 520-1 Denver Knoetzen (RSA) MTBC WEHRHEIM 196-2 Michael Tessmer (GER) PADDLE POWER 131-2 Bennie Reynders (RSA) PARK CYCLING 201-1 Albert Olivier (RSA) RABOBANK-GIANT OFFROAD 13-1 Emil Lindgren (SWE) RÄDISCH 72-1 Peter Vesel (SLO) SOFA KING FAST 321-2 Laurence Szendrei (RSA) GEMINI HULAMIN SS 81-2 Brenda-Lynn Nell (RSA) 2 PINTZ PLS 146-1 Gordon Johnstone (RSA) 24/7 SECURITY SERVICES 147-1 David De Lima (RSA) 24/7 SECURITY SERVICES 147-2 Taygan Robson (RSA) 4 WHEELS, A WORM AND A HORNDOG 69-1 Justin Hornsby (RSA) ABSA BANK / POUYOUKAS FOODS 148-1 Willie Mouton (RSA) ABSA MOUNTAIN GHOSTS 149-1 Joel Stransky (RSA) ARISE MINISTRIES/REEDS 215-1 Donald Christy (RSA) ASPEN 58-1 Robyn Adendorff (RSA) AVIS RENT A CAR 151-1 Shawn Mitchley (RSA) BEACHBIKERS 1 152-1 Erik Baeteman (BEL) BEST MATES 153-1 Richard Hawkins (RSA) BLEND PROPERTY GROUP 19-1 Charles Keey (RSA) BRAZIL RE-CYCLING 154-1 Filipe Xavier (BRA) BROTHERS FROM OTHER MOTHERS 156-2 Ivor Potgieter (RSA) CANNASIA 157-1 Erdem Ozgul (SIN) CARGO_POWERADE 158-1 Julian Bryant (RSA) CIPLA MILES FOR SMILES / WOOLWORTHS 59-1 Catherine Townshend (RSA) CRAFT MASTERS 266-1 Dave Linder (RSA) CRAFT MASTERS 266-2 Niall Evans (RSA) CUTOFF DODGERS 247-2 Paul Winter (RSA) CYCLE LAB - NELSPRUIT 160-2 Carl Van Maanen (RSA) CYCLEOPS 161-2 Danny Sabbagh (RSA) CYCLOZONE 163-1 Olivier Vernaton (REU) CYCLOZONE 3 162-1 Benoit Bernard (REU) DESERT DUST DEVILS 165-2 Johan De Kock (RSA) DIALOGUEMOBILE 166-2 Almero Barnard (RSA) DIVLOCK 120-1 Hein De Villiers (RSA) DSTV MEDIA 209-2 Patrick Van Schoor (RSA) ECOTECH CONVERGE 171-1 Francois Swart (RSA) ELEVEN MTB PRICHOVICE 172-1 Tomas Pribyl (CZE) ENERGAS 254-2 Laurike Van Huyssteen (RSA) EUROCONCEPTS 174-1 Andrew Mclagan (RSA) FEDGROUP-ITEC CONNECT 14-2 Jacques Rossouw (RSA) FISH & CHIPS 177-1 Gavin Wilkinson (RSA) FISH & CHIPS 177-2 Yvette Roberts (RSA) FLIGHTING BOYZ 180-2 Alex Kruger (RSA) FUTURELIFE 285-1 Franso Steyn (RSA) GAS DOGS 181-2 Johnny Marais (RSA) GENOMIX 141-1 Gert Marincowitz (RSA)

GRAVITY SUX 118-1 David Harding (RSA) GT CROATIA 183-1 Milivoj Miljkovic (CRO) HELDERBERG CYCLE WORLD 164-2 Petie Viljoen (RSA) HEMOPHILIA MAURITIUS 184-1 Arnaud De Commarmond (MRI) HERMANUS PHARMACIES 98-2 Philip-ben Kotze (RSA) HI-TEC 186-1 Digby Ryder (RSA) INTER AFRICA 187-2 Iain Don-Wauchope (RSA) JAG CRAFT 63-2 Delaney Impey (RSA) JAG RIDERS 189-1 Greg James (RSA) JAG-DESERT DUELERS 190-2 Daniel Keown (RSA) JAGENATORS 191-1 Marius Hofmeyr Hurter (RSA) JELLYBEANS 192-1 Jean Hubert (RSA) JELLYBEANS 192-2 Lyle Baldwin (RSA) KANIMAMBO 122-1 Attie Visser (RSA) KIBO 169-1 Sw Jacobsz (RSA) LEXMED/SECOND SKINS 56-2 Naomi Hansen (AUS) MANKELE/MERRELL 21-1 Hennie Kriek (RSA) MAX 185-1 Hennie Dreyer (RSA) MCDONALDS FUELED BY SCHECKTERS 188-2 John Neave (RSA) MIELE-EURO-LCS PROPFIN 194-2 Anton Bekker (RSA) MPACT 129-2 Mario Firmani (RSA) NATIVA MIRACLE KIDZ 197-2 Janet Lightley (RSA) NEEF & NIGGIE 175-1 Fanie Venter (RSA) NEEF & NIGGIE 175-2 Johan Venter (RSA) NEUTKRAKER 198-1 Albie Heigers (RSA) NUT&POLE 199-1 Martin Ciolkosz (POL) NUT&POLE 199-2 Ralton Roebert (RSA) OLD BUT WILLING 104-2 Philip Bekker (RSA) OPTICAL&PRACTICAL 182-1 Hein Botes (RSA) PARKS CYCLING CLUB 1 202-2 Arno Daehnke (RSA) PARMALAT SUZUKI SOUTH 203-1 Neville Cragg (RSA) REVOLUTION CYCLES DUBAI 168-1 Edmond Menzies (UAE) SAMARITAN’S FEET 2 65-2 Noel Droomer (RSA) SEATED & CLEATED 206-1 Kenneth Cockcroft (RSA) STRESS & PRESSURE 106-2 Shane Peters (RSA) SWISS TIMING 143-1 David Egli (RSA) SWISS TIMING 143-2 Daniel Schmid (RSA) THE BIKE PROJECT 211-2 Gregory Crookes (NED) THE LEGENDS 144-1 Francois Theron (RSA) TNT 570-1 Erhardt Du Toit (RSA) TULBAGH KOGGELRAMME 155-1 Deon Wilkins (RSA) TWAKKIE & TJOPPER 145-2 Johan Fourie (RSA) ULTIMATE SPORTS NUTRITION 34-1 Francois Theron (RSA) VELOCITY SPORTS LAB-LADIES 450-2 Caren Henschel (RSA) VERSLUYS - CRAFT 6-1 Kevin Van Hoovels (BEL) WESTVAAL-COLUMBIA 23-1 Nico Bell (RSA) WHEELS4LIFE 50-1 Sally Bigham (ENG)

AMAbubesi FINISHERS CLUB: NEW MEMBERS

TEAM NAME, Race Number, Name, Country

2012 ABSA CAPE EPIC ANNUAL