Cape Epic
Encyclopedia
The Cape Epic, under current sponsorship as the "Absa Cape Epic", is an annual mountain bike
team race held in the Western Cape
, South Africa
. First staged in 2004, the race covers more than 700 kilometres (435 mi), and typically lasts eight days. As the best known and most prestigious mountain bike stage race, the Absa Cape Epic attracts top riders from around the world, who compete in teams of two. The race is also open to amateurs, who enter a lottery in order to gain a slot. The race is broken into day-long segments, called stages. Times to finish each stage are aggregated to determine the overall winning team at the end of the race. The team with the lowest aggregate time at the end of each day wears the yellow leaders’ jerseys. The course changes every year, but the race has always finished in the winelands of the Western Cape. Since 2007, the climax of the final stage has been at the Lourensford Wine Estate. The Absa Cape Epic was once described by Bart Brentjens
, 1996 Olympic gold medallist in mountain biking, as the "Tour de France of mountain biking”.
and ending in the winelands of the Western Cape. This format changed in 2009, where riders spent multiple days in each stage location to ensure the route could fully explore the best mountain biking that the region had to offer. This format looks likely to be the way forward for the organisation. It is arguably one of the most physiologically demanding of athletic events. The effort is compared to running an ultra marathon for an entire week, while the total elevation of the climbs was compared to "climbing three times the height of Mount Everest
”.
Riders in a team must remain within 2 minutes of each other at all times during the race or face a one-hour penalty. This is enforced by means of timing mats places through the stage. After a third offence, the team is disqualified. Teams are expected to reach the finish line by the specified maximum stage time. Team dynamics therefore are a major part of the race – unevenly matched partners give rise to frustration on both parts, communication is key.
Teams can also form alliances with other riders and teams, even if they are not of the same sponsor.
in 2008. A sloping start ramp launches the team into motion after a countdown.
registered riders at 45 second intervals and the final 10 go off in 2 minute intervals). Like the prologue, it’s an all out effort, without the race dynamics of racing in a pack where drafting can give up to a 30% advantage. The distance varies but typically is around 30 km, which is regarded by the main field, who are not contending for overall victory, as an ‘easy’ day.
, one of the world’s top marathoners at the time. The week’s racing was white hot, with impressive performances from Team GT Africa and the motivated Kenyans. However Platt and Heymans controlled the race throughout, winning six out of the eight stages, with a 20-minute lead overall.
arriving at the start with equally fast Roel Paulissen as his partner. The Dutch / Belgian team dominated the race, even more so than Platt and Heymans had the year before.
and Silvio Bundi to race the legs off the field. Previous winner only Platt managed 3rd, partnered with Carsten Bresser. This was to be the Absa Cape Epic’s most convincing win yet, with Sauser and Bundi’s 29min 08sec lead over Johannes Sickmuller and Christain Heule.
of Cannondale Vredestein. This set the tone for the week – a dramatic ding-dong battle with the leader jerseys changing shoulders four times. Platt and Sahm had the final word, wearing their yellow leaders’ jerseys on the final stage into Lourensford Wine Estate.
. The Belgian/Danish team had made their case winning the 2008 event convincingly.
and Swiss Christoph Sauser. The pair won the prologue and the first 3 stages, till Stander’s momentary lapse of concentration put an end to their overall hopes with a smashed front wheel. The Bulls capitalized and held their leader’s jerseys till the end, but not without a challenge from old rival Bart Brentjens, partnered with Australian Chris Jongewaard. Their campaign was not without incident, breaking a chain on the penultimate stage into Oak Valley. True to form, it was repaired quickly and they limited their losses.
and Alban Lakata powered to victory on stage 1, taking the race lead. Illness put Stander out of action early in the race but made good with 3 stage victories while MTN Qhubeka’s tyre woes lost them South Africa’s chance at an overall win at the Absa Cape Epic. Arriving at Lourensford, the Bulls had prevailed – it was Platt’s forth victory, Sahm’s third. By 2011, teams were left wondering how to break this phenomenal run of success.
Approximate Total Distance = 707 km
Approximate Total Ascent = 14 550m
Finish: Tokai Forest, Cape Town
27km, 750m ascent
The Tokai forest, part of Table Mountain National Park hosted the prologue of the 2011 Absa Cape Epic. Regarded as the Eden of mountain biking in Cape Town with its revered network of trails. Tough climbs, fast descents and flowing singletrack formED the 27km route. This showcase event is a race against the clock to decide the seeding in the field and which teams will wear the coveted zebra-striped leaders’ jerseys at the start of stage 1 on Monday morning in Tulbagh.
Finish: Saronsberg, Tulbagh
89km, 2050m ascent
Stage 1’s distance was a shade under 90km, which may have seemed relatively short. The flat roads out of town left few clues as to what was to come. The short but incredibly steep, rough and loose climbs appeared soon though, and on the treacherous descents, volleyball-sized rocks and sand patches pocked the little-used dual tracks. While the pros made short work of it, the first 50km took backmarkers over 5 hours. The stage’s last climb on some rough roads brought riders to the top of one of most precariously difficult downhills they’d seen at the Cape Epic, with large rocks, deep ruts and a sheer drop on the left.
Finish: Saronsberg, Tulbagh
104km,
2300m ascent
A 12km steady upward drag took riders to a 6km climb on an ancient Voortrekker wagon trail, specially opened for the race. At the top, the 18km mark, riders had already ascended almost 1000m. With the stage’s major obstacle out of the way, the valley opened up ahead, with the route looping clockwise, following the buffer zone between orchards and mountainside. A look at the profile shows that the tracks are far from flat and a short section of singletrack compensated the labours of the first 50km. After a 1.5km rise to the highpoint of the day’s outing came the reward of the hard work invested in the first climb – a view of the silhouette of Table Mountain. Riders then descended the wagon trail back towards town for a good night’s rest.
Finish: Worcester
125km, 1900m ascent
With the fast roads out of town, riders will covered 13 km before the first climb, steep at times and very loose, requiring hard bursts of effort to gain momentum over the rockiest parts. After the 4km climb, riders arrived at a plateau with a beautiful valley nestled between spectacular mountains that resemble the pictures found on the covers of fantasy novels. Deep-rutted descent tested the riders and equipment alike. After smooth farm roads and more rocky tracks, the tyres were put to the test, with devil thorns lying in wait. A long drag upwards on a rough path lead riders to a remote hut at the foot of the cliff face of bare mountain rock – a geologist’s paradise. Some winding singletrack then took them into Worcester.
Finish: Worcester
32km, 800m ascent
It was a first for the Absa Cape Epic – two time trials in the 2011 race. This 32km route threaded through the foothills of Brandwacht. Like in 2010, riders traversed the western side of Worcester in this semi-desert environment. Added to the 2010 route was an extra 5km loop along dual tracks past the local golf course.
Finish: Oak Valley
143km, 2350m ascent
It was a classic Cape Epic stage, one of the longest in years. With fast open roads, marked by 3 obstacles along the way, riders were advised to save their strength and cooperate with other teams to form larger groups, to take turns at the front to lighten the load. After the first climb of the day riders descended towards more open roads will help get some kilometers under the belt before the Villiersdorp radio mast came into view. Down the other side of this deceptive climb is a fast chute into farmlands and waiting for them was a set of rolling hills that deadened the legs of even the most hardened campaigner. At the 100km mark, riders reached the foot of the exquisite Groenlandberg, with a 15% gradient on the concrete path and the remainder of the climb taking most riders well over an hour to complete. The north-facing slope made for a challenging ascent but the rocky downhill section leads to the rewards of the famed Oak Valley singletrack.
Finish: Oak Valley in Elgin/Grabouw
128km, 2700m ascent
In the penultimate stage competitors were wary, the route profile told how they’d be tested right to the end of the week on this brutal Oak Valley loop. Again they headed over Groendlandberg, for the second time in two days, this time following the 2010 route in reverse. After crossing the R43 came a tough sandy climb, but at the top riders had a dramatic view over the Indian Ocean. The last climb lead the race through another Cape Nature area featuring some rare fynbos. Shortly after riders got to enjoy the flowing single tracks of Lebanon, before they dipped under the N2 motorway for more singletrack through Thandi and back home to Oak Valley.
Finish: Lourensford
59km, 1700m ascent
As is tradition the last day of the Absa Cape Epic is shorter than the others, but it is never easy. Old Viljoens Pass and Nuweberg reminded riders there was still one hurdle to go before being reunited with their loved ones. Gantouw Pass is an old wagon trail where Voortrekkers’ oxen dragged the carts over the rocks. Riders had to carry their bikes over this Heritage site before a last effort into Lourensford wine estate for the grand finale.
Sahm has completed 5 Cape Epics and Platt all 8
This is the strongest and most decorated team in the race. Sauser won easily in 2006, partnered with Silvio Bundi. Sauser hasn’t won since Stander’s ITB injury (2008), crash (2009) and illness (2010). They finally broke the curse and showed their true potential, winning in 2011. Stander was a year older, stronger and wiser. Sauser was his ever reliable, Swiss self.
Sauser has now completed 7 Cape Epics and Stander 3 (he dropped out of 2008 race with an ITB injury)
The Swiss pair were the darlings of the 2010 race, winning two stages 6 & 7. If it weren’t for the unfortunate smashing of their derailleur on stage 2, they may have achieved far more. They are sometimes criticised for their lack of tactical nous, but speed and enthusiasm counterbalances their youth. As brothers, they have an added advantage in the ever-important x factor of team dynamics – older Lukas is the cool head, younger Mathias is the deadly weapon with a point to prove
Lukas and Mathias have both completed 3 Cape Epics
This team was the great South African hope. The Evans/George partnership tasted victory in 2008, with a prologue win in Knysna, a stage win in Hermanus and a 3rd spot overall. These are good friends who train together as often as possible. Evans owns a bike shop in Plettenberg Bay and George lives in Cape Town. George once rode for US Postal Service pro cycling team.
Evans - 7 Cape Epics, George - 4
Brentjens had completed 5 Absa Cape Epics whereas Boelen started as a novice. Bart Brentjens was retiring after 2009, but it seemed that he like he went home, sat around for a few months and decided it wasn’t really his scene! Brentjens won Olympic gold in 1996, Atlanta, and bronze in 2004, Athens. He is known fondly as ‘the partner killer’, arriving with a new teammate each year. He aimed to capture a stage win hoping his partner could take the pressure.
Brentjens - 6 Cape Epics, Boelen - 1
Frasnacht is Kugler's home town. He weighs 70kg, is 183cm tall with a resting pulse of 38bpm. He’s entered the event twice and finished the event twice. His best achievements so far include: 2010 Swiss XCM Champion; 2010 Bronze Medalist European XCM Championships; 2009 Trans Schwarzwald winner; 2 time Silver Medalist Jeantex Transalp (2010, 2009)
José Hermida and Ralph Naef team up again after having a great time together in 2007 when Naef was the reigning World Marathon Champion
In 2007 year they made a pact, that if Hermida ever wore the rainbow stripes denoting mountain biking world champion, they’d ride the Absa Cape Epic together again. This year it’s Hermida’s turn to wear them, after winning cross-country world championships. Speaking in World Cup terms, this was the second fastest team on paper. They’re great friends, with no trouble getting the team dynamic right.
Hermida – 4 Absa Cape Epics, Naef - 2
Pietersma rode in 2010 with Brentjens while Vastaranta is a novice. In 2010 Pietersma showed maturity and poise, coping well with the notorious ‘partner killer’ Brentjens.
2004 winner with Karl Platt, Heymans had been rather invisible on his last few attempts, being accident-prone and partner mismatched
2011 was his last real shot at some podium time. Niyonshuti is Rwandan and has seen his fair share of hardship with genocide ripping his country apart in 1994. Raw talent combined with his past experience at the Absa Cape Epic, he’ll be a man to watch in the future.
Niyonshuti is on track to being the first Rwandan Olympian in 20 years. Niyonshuti rode in 2007 for the first time in 2007 with Project Rwanda. His partner, former Tour de France rider Jock Boyer, predicted then that Adrien would go on to achieve great things.
Genze and Kaess were a credible 4th in 2008. Together, these two take the Cape Epic seriously, perhaps a little too seriously. When they relax and use their efforts wisely they ride very well. Genze's Best Results - 2005 European marathon champion; 2 x XCM German marathon champion; Trans-Schwarzwald winner; Trans-Germany winner; Twice silver medallist Transalp. Their Cape Epic History: Debut Year - 2008; Races Entered: 5; 2009 3rd overall; 2011 2nd overall including a stage win.
In total 4 500 two-man tents are now used on the race, with two teams of 30 students pitching 1 200 tents at a time. Each student pitches and strikes over 250 tents during the duration of the event. The marquees are pitched in advance four days before the event arrives. This is the central point around which all the other event services from.
Setting up infrastructure in new towns create multiple variables, and therefore experts in troubleshooting are required. The issue of drinking water alone requires precision planning to ensure a high standard of drinking water. Single source water from Overberg Water is distributed to the eight 8-foot refrigerated water trucks, while substitution tankers meet the race every three days with fresh water, while the depleted tankers head back for a refill.
and chocolates. “Dan’s Happy Hour” is where Cape Epic MC and media personality Dan Nichol holds court between 16h30 and 17h30. Dan’s special brand of humour accompanies his “spot prizes” for riders and those in attendance. Beers are sold at half price.
No technical or mechanical assistance is provided and teams may only access their own boxes and wheelsets. It will be up to the rider to use this equipment to provide his own tech support. No outside human help (from a rider not also racing) will be allowed.
Initially the project involved handing bikes to key people in the villages and towns. Today, these programmes have evolved into Big Tree Foundation, a Section 21 company, which works to uplift the communities that host the race through educational projects. Big Tree Foundation’s belief is that poverty can be alleviated through education. The programs face challenges in many of the smaller communities, supplying basic stuff, like books, clothes, even desks and chairs.
Big Tree now has the full support of the government. The Department of Education had adopted a development model built on the success of the Sibabalwe pre-school in De Doorns. Big Tree Foundation is poised to take this model and to expand it into the Western Cape and hopefully, the entire country. The Sibabalwe pre-school in De Doorns now accommodates 90 children per year.
Workshops on bike repair and coaching help improve the local economies, giving rise to sales and workshops. Another of Big Tree Foundation’s plans is to subsidise bikes for school kids who walk 3 to 9km to school per day – reducing travel time by two thirds.
The JAG Foundation is the other official charity of the Absa Cape Epic. The JAG Foundation enlists local celebrities to ride the race to raise funds in the All Stars Challenge. South African rugby players Robbie Kempson, Breyton Paulse and footballer Mark Fish have all taken part.
Karl Platt, Mannie Heymans, Bart Brentjens, Roel Paulissen and Stefan Sahm all won the Absa Cape Epic the first time they rode the race. The Cape Epic has been won three times by teams who lead the general classification from the first stage and holding the lead all the way to the finish. Karl Platt and Mannie Heymans did it during the first edition, 2004. Bart Brentjens and Roel Paulissen repeated the feat the next year and Christoph Sauser and Burry Stander in 2011.
In the early years of the Absa Cape Epic, cyclists were forbidden to switch equipment during the race, being required to use the same frame and wheels as when they started. Today, teams may replace damaged parts with similar items.
In the early years, from 2004 till 2006, one team dominated the race. But 2007 saw the lead change four times during the race between Roel Paulissen and Jakob Fuglsang of Cannondale-Vredestein and Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm of the Bulls. In 2011 again, one team (Christoph Sauser and Burry Stander of 36ONE-SONGO-SPECIALIZED) lead from start to finish, with very little sign of any threat to their lead.
2006 saw Christoph Sauser team up with Swiss countryman Silvio Bundi, displaying the most dominant performance of the Absa Cape Epic in the race’s history. Team Specialized won the first stage easily, putting over 9 minutes between them and German Johannes Sickmuller and Swiss Christain Heule with Karl Platt and Carsten Bresser even further back. The two went on to win six out of the eight stages. By the end of the race, they’d extended their advantage to 29min 08sec over Sickmuller and Heule.
Only one women’s team has ever won the Absa Cape Epic twice – the partnership of Sharon Laws (GBR), Hanlie Booyens (RSA).
Stage One
Stage Two
Stage Three
Stage Four
Stage Five
Stage Six
Stage Seven
Stage Two
Stage Three
Stage Four
Stage Six
Stage Seven
Stage One
Stage Two
Stage Three
Stage Four
Stage Six
Stage Seven
Mountain bike
A mountain bike or mountain bicycle is a bicycle created for off-road cycling. This activity includes traversing of rocks and washouts, and steep declines,...
team race held in the Western Cape
Western Cape
The Western Cape is a province in the south west of South Africa. The capital is Cape Town. Prior to 1994, the region that now forms the Western Cape was part of the much larger Cape Province...
, South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
. First staged in 2004, the race covers more than 700 kilometres (435 mi), and typically lasts eight days. As the best known and most prestigious mountain bike stage race, the Absa Cape Epic attracts top riders from around the world, who compete in teams of two. The race is also open to amateurs, who enter a lottery in order to gain a slot. The race is broken into day-long segments, called stages. Times to finish each stage are aggregated to determine the overall winning team at the end of the race. The team with the lowest aggregate time at the end of each day wears the yellow leaders’ jerseys. The course changes every year, but the race has always finished in the winelands of the Western Cape. Since 2007, the climax of the final stage has been at the Lourensford Wine Estate. The Absa Cape Epic was once described by Bart Brentjens
Bart Brentjens
Bart Jan-Baptist Marie Brentjens is a Dutch racing cyclist in mountain biking.Brentjens won a gold medal for mountain biking in the 1996 Summer Olympics, the first to recognize cross-country mountain biking as an event. He followed this with bronze in the 2004 Summer Olympics...
, 1996 Olympic gold medallist in mountain biking, as the "Tour de France of mountain biking”.
Origins
Lying on a beach in Central America, founder Kevin Vermaak had just completed the 2002 Ruta del Conquistadores in Guatemala, and decided there to leave the world of London corporate banking and head to his home to Cape Town. It was there that he began dreaming of an event similar to La Ruta, but to let riders experience the beauty of South Africa. By January 2003 he had moved back to Cape Town, committed to making this dream a reality.Route
The route starts and finishes in the Western Cape, South Africa. It is redesigned every year. Race week typically lasts 8 days and typically covers around 700 kilometres (435 mi). The shortest Absa Cape Epic was in 2009 at 685 kilometres (425 mi), the longest in 2008 at 966 kilometres (600 mi). The route originally was a point-to-point race, beginning in KnysnaKnysna
Knysna is a town with 76,431 inhabitants in the Western Cape Province of South Africa and is part of the Garden Route. It lies 34 degrees south of the equator, and is 72 kilometres east from the town of George on the N2 highway, and 25 kilometres west of Plettenberg Bay on the same road.-History:A...
and ending in the winelands of the Western Cape. This format changed in 2009, where riders spent multiple days in each stage location to ensure the route could fully explore the best mountain biking that the region had to offer. This format looks likely to be the way forward for the organisation. It is arguably one of the most physiologically demanding of athletic events. The effort is compared to running an ultra marathon for an entire week, while the total elevation of the climbs was compared to "climbing three times the height of Mount Everest
Mount Everest
Mount Everest is the world's highest mountain, with a peak at above sea level. It is located in the Mahalangur section of the Himalayas. The international boundary runs across the precise summit point...
”.
Two person team
All riders must enter as a two-person team. Teams register in one of four different categories that include Men, Ladies, Mixed and Masters (both riders must have a combined age of 40 years or older on race day). Initially the team concept was developed because stage racing often takes riders through some very remote areas, and having partners who are bound by the race rules to look after each other serves a very valuable safety function. A two-person team race originated as an adventure – but this concept of ‘looking after each other’ still runs deep in the ethos and technique of stage racing. It’s gone from being a necessity to an integral part of race tactics. Even the pros have to be in perfect sync, taking care of one another.Riders in a team must remain within 2 minutes of each other at all times during the race or face a one-hour penalty. This is enforced by means of timing mats places through the stage. After a third offence, the team is disqualified. Teams are expected to reach the finish line by the specified maximum stage time. Team dynamics therefore are a major part of the race – unevenly matched partners give rise to frustration on both parts, communication is key.
Categories and Leader Jerseys
All riders aim to win stages, but mostly they want to win the overall general classification. The leading team wears a distinctive yellow jersey. This competition is decided by totaling the time each team takes on the daily stages. The team with the lowest overall time at the end of each stage receives ceremonial leaders’ jerseys and the right to start the next stage of the race in those jerseys. The team to receive the leaders’ jerseys after the last stage are the overall winners of the Absa Cape Epic. The yellow colour is adopted from the Tour de France leader’s jersey (the colour of the pages of L-Equipe, the race’s initial sponsor).Miscellaneous Categories
There are four categories: men, women, mixed and masters. A team who leads more than one category wears the jersey of the most prestigious (yellow). The colours denoting the category leaders are: yellow – men; rust – ladies, green – mixed (a woman and a man), blue – masters (both riders must be 40 years or older on race day).Blue Numbers Boards
Any rider who does not complete a stage within the maximum stage time for the first time will be classified as a blue board rider. Blue board riders will be entitled to continue the race (they may start the following stage), but will not be classified as official race finishers. Should any blue board rider fail for the second time to finish a stage within the maximum stage time or fail to start a stage, he or she will not be allowed to continue the race.Outcast Jersey
UCI licensed riders who lose their partners will be allowed to continue riding but without interfering in the race. They are required to ride in an Outcast Jersey. Riders in this jersey may not ride within the first 30 teams or interfere with the race or other categories such as the mixed or ladies teams. Any rider or team accepting mechanical or any other assistance from the outcast will be penalised. This will give the rider the opportunity to finish the race, be it unofficially, but still be part of the experience.Internal technical and tactical support
It is allowed - any rider, including riders from the same sponsor (but not in the same 2-rider team) can provide technical assistance and equipment from his own bicycle to support another rider.Teams can also form alliances with other riders and teams, even if they are not of the same sponsor.
Pro-Am aspect of the race
Amateurs use the same chute, ride the same course and stay in the same race village as the UCI registered riders, of which are world and national champions and Olympic medalists.Amabubesi
This is a loyalty programme to recognise riders that return each year to ride the Absa Cape Epic. "Amabubesi" means "pack of lions" in Zulu. In addition to a special certificate to honour their achievement members receive a set of benefits. Three finishes secures entry into the club, but as the race has matured, additional benefits have been reserved for riders that have completed a greater number of races. In 2011, a guaranteed slot at the Absa Cape Epic is reserved for those who have completed 6 events or more, without the need to enter the public lottery in order to obtain a start place. Special Amabubesi merchandise range is available only for members.Timeline from 2002 to 2011
| DATE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 15/11/2002 | Kevin Vermaak and 4 friends, from London, participate in La Ruta in Costa Rica where he conceives the idea for a MTB Stage Race in RSA |
| 09/01/2003 | Kevin Vermaak resigns from Royal Bank of Scotland and buys a ticket to Cape Town, South Africa |
| 16/04/2003 | More than 80 VIP's, sports journalists and guests attend the official launch party of the Cape Epic at the Cullinan Hotel, Cape Town. |
| 24/06/2003 | SA Regional entries for 2004 sell out in 3 days |
| 28/02/2004 - 6/03/2004 | The Inaugural Cape Epic 2004 is a resounding success. (546 riders from 27 countries ride 801 km) |
| 01/06/2004 | The 350 SA regional team entries for Cape Epic 2005 sell out in less than 5 hours |
| 09/10/2004 | The international block of entries sells out for the first time. |
| 02/04/2005 - 09/04/2005 | 866 riders from 32 countries take part in the second Cape Epic including Olympic medallists and the world’s leading mountain bikers |
| 09/04/2005 | Inaugural Vigne à Vigne attracts 550 participants. |
| 26/08/2005 | The Cape Epic is awarded UCI status as the first ever team mountain bike stage race and the only mountain bike race in Africa to appear on the UCI calendar |
| 26/10/2005 | The Cape Epic is the first ever mountain bike race to exhibit at the Sportel TV Rights Fair in Monaco and surpassed 2500 hours of global TV hours to become the most televised mountain bike race of all time |
| 30/03/2006 | Absa, Africa's leading bank announces title sponsorship – it's the Absa Cape Epic presented by adidas |
| 22/04/2006 - 29/04/2006 | The third Epic is another resounding success and 1046 riders ride the longest Epic to date - 921 km |
| 24/10/2006 | Absa announces a 3-year extension to its title sponsorship and the all-new 2007 route is launched at the glittering Route Launch Charity Gala at the Hilton Sandton in Johannesburg |
| 24/10/2006 | Lourensford is announced as our new finish venue after 3 successful finishes at Spier Wine Estate |
| 31/01/2007 | Toyota announces sponsorship as Official Vehicle of the Absa Cape Epic |
| 24/03/2007 -31/03/2007 | 1206 riders from 43 countries, including 7 of the top 10 ranked UCI XCO riders, ride the toughest race yet. A daily 24min TV highlights package is distributed globally – a world first for any mountain bike stage race. |
| 30/09/2007 | 2008 Route is announced, with a prologue to kick of proceedings in Knysna |
| April 2008 | Yet another successful Absa Cape Epic finishing at Lourensford |
| October 2008 | New route concept announced – multiple days in one stage location. Prologue to take place beneath Table Mountain. Traditional finish in Lourensford |
| April 2009 | Race registration takes place with the backdrop of Table Mountain. After the prologue riders begin stage 1 in Gordon’s Bay, staying 2 nights at their next destination in Villiersdorp, then Greyton and Oak Valley |
| October 2009 | New 2010 route announced - keeps the same multiple stage route concept after 2009’s success. Diemersfontein marks the start of stage 1, arriving in Ceres where riders will stay 3 nights. Route touted to include more singletrack than ever before |
| March/April 2010 | Stage 2 in Eselfontein, Ceres voted the best stage in Absa Cape Epic history |
| October 2010 | 2011 route announced – prologue is reintroduced, Tokai forest. Stage 1 begins in Saronsberg, Tulbagh. Other towns include Worcester and Oak Valley |
| 27/03/2011 - 03/04/2011 | Absa cape Epic 2012 Finisher's rate at 88.2% with participants representing 54 countries. Riders rode 707 km with 14 550 metres of climbing. Proud Winning team 36One-Songo Specialized finishing with a winning time of 28:44,44.0 |
| 25/08/2011 | New Headline Sponsor is announced : Exxaro. Establishing the Exxaro Academy to support the transformation of mountain biking as a sport in South Africa. Exxaro will be the Development Academy Partner to the Absa Cape Epic. |
| 26/08/2011 | Riders in the Ladies Category will now be given the opportunity to earn UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) points at an HC (Hors Catégorie) race. |
| 25/10/2011 | 2012 Route is launched with Dr. Evil citing 2012's route as the biggest challenge to date. |
| 25/10/2011 | Brand new Corporate Identity is launched along with 2012 Route |
| 25/10/2011 | CRAFT is announced as new sponsor. |
Prologue
Marking the opening day of the race, this is a two-man team time trial, where teams usually leave at timed intervals (non UCI registered riders leave at 25 second intervals, UCI registered riders at 45 second intervals and the final 10 go off in 2 minute intervals). It’s an all out effort, without the race dynamics of racing in a pack where drafting can give up to a 30% advantage. The distance is usually marked at just under 30 km. Riders can use the prologue as an opportunity to be seeded in a faster group, ensuring a good position for the mass start the following day. The first ever prologue of the Absa Cape Epic was in KnysnaKnysna
Knysna is a town with 76,431 inhabitants in the Western Cape Province of South Africa and is part of the Garden Route. It lies 34 degrees south of the equator, and is 72 kilometres east from the town of George on the N2 highway, and 25 kilometres west of Plettenberg Bay on the same road.-History:A...
in 2008. A sloping start ramp launches the team into motion after a countdown.
Mass start
In most stages of the race, teams start together. As they roll out of the respective start towns, the teams are led by a vehicle, without racing. A short while later is the real start, setting riders on their way. The second member of the first team across the line wins. Riders in a group finish in the same time as the lead rider. Time bonuses for intermediate sprints have been offered in the past. Stage lengths usually vary between 60 km and 145 km. Long stages cause major shifts in the general classification and large time differences between teams. A maximum ride time is allotted for each day and teams must complete the stage with in that time. If they arrive after their start group’s maximum allotted time they will be listed as unofficial finishers.Time trial
Some years, an individual time trial appears midway through raceweek, this is a two-man team time trial, where teams usually leave at timed intervals (non UCI registered riders leave at 25 second intervals, UCIUCI
UCI usually refers to the Union Cycliste Internationale, the world governing body for the sport of cycling.UCI may also refer to:* United Cinemas International* United Kennel Clubs International...
registered riders at 45 second intervals and the final 10 go off in 2 minute intervals). Like the prologue, it’s an all out effort, without the race dynamics of racing in a pack where drafting can give up to a 30% advantage. The distance varies but typically is around 30 km, which is regarded by the main field, who are not contending for overall victory, as an ‘easy’ day.
2004
In its inaugural year, the Absa Cape Epic attracted one of the biggest names in the sport. 2004 saw stage-racing supremo Karl Platt team up with Namibian Mannie HeymansMannie Heymans
Mannie Heymans is a Namibian cyclist. He was born in Krugersdorp, South Africa.-Personal:Heymans moved to Namibia in 1984 while the country was still controlled by his native South Africa...
, one of the world’s top marathoners at the time. The week’s racing was white hot, with impressive performances from Team GT Africa and the motivated Kenyans. However Platt and Heymans controlled the race throughout, winning six out of the eight stages, with a 20-minute lead overall.
2005
In 2005 the field got more than they bargained for with former world champion, Olympic gold medalist and mountain biking legend Bart BrentjensBart Brentjens
Bart Jan-Baptist Marie Brentjens is a Dutch racing cyclist in mountain biking.Brentjens won a gold medal for mountain biking in the 1996 Summer Olympics, the first to recognize cross-country mountain biking as an event. He followed this with bronze in the 2004 Summer Olympics...
arriving at the start with equally fast Roel Paulissen as his partner. The Dutch / Belgian team dominated the race, even more so than Platt and Heymans had the year before.
2006
Fortunately for all, Brentjens had proved his point, not returning for the 2006 edition, leaving the Swiss team of Christoph SauserChristoph Sauser
Christoph Sauser is a cross-country mountain biker, who won the bronze medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. He currently races on the Specialized Cross Country Team....
and Silvio Bundi to race the legs off the field. Previous winner only Platt managed 3rd, partnered with Carsten Bresser. This was to be the Absa Cape Epic’s most convincing win yet, with Sauser and Bundi’s 29min 08sec lead over Johannes Sickmuller and Christain Heule.
2007
It was as if Karl Platt had been plotting his revenge after two humiliating defeats – he’d formed a new team with Stefan Sahm – the Bulls. They won stage 1 in a close sprint finish against Roel Paulissen and Jakob FuglsangJakob Fuglsang
Jakob Diemer Fuglsang is a Danish professional racing cyclist for UCI ProTeam . Before turning professional for Team Saxo Bank, he was a mountain biker racing for Team Cannondale-Vredestein. He has won the U23 World Cup...
of Cannondale Vredestein. This set the tone for the week – a dramatic ding-dong battle with the leader jerseys changing shoulders four times. Platt and Sahm had the final word, wearing their yellow leaders’ jerseys on the final stage into Lourensford Wine Estate.
2008
Roel Paulissen and Jakob Fuglsang were back, baying for the Bulls’ blood. After a dominant performance on stage 2, and with the Bulls imploding that same day heading into Calitzdorp, Cannondale Vredestein had a comfortable lead over the Germans. Only once was their lead under threat with some tyre trouble outside BredasdorpBredasdorp
Bredasdorp is a town in the Southern Overberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa, and the main economic and service hub of that region. It lies on the northern edge of the Agulhas Plain, about south-east of Cape Town and north of Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa.-History:The...
. The Belgian/Danish team had made their case winning the 2008 event convincingly.
2009
New rivals came to the fore in 2009 – Team songo.info of South African Burry StanderBurry Stander
Burry Stander , a South African mountain biker, is the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup under-23 men's cross-country 2009 world champion. He is third overall in the World Cup standings behind multiple Olympic and World Champion, Julien Absalon and José Hermida...
and Swiss Christoph Sauser. The pair won the prologue and the first 3 stages, till Stander’s momentary lapse of concentration put an end to their overall hopes with a smashed front wheel. The Bulls capitalized and held their leader’s jerseys till the end, but not without a challenge from old rival Bart Brentjens, partnered with Australian Chris Jongewaard. Their campaign was not without incident, breaking a chain on the penultimate stage into Oak Valley. True to form, it was repaired quickly and they limited their losses.
2010
Even as outright race favourites, the Bulls still had to prove themselves, after what many said was a lucky win in 2009. Their strength and tactical aptitude was tested to the limit as Team MTN Qhubeka’s Kevin EvansKevin Evans
Kevin Robert Evans was a professional ice hockey player who played briefly for the Minnesota North Stars and San Jose Sharks of the NHL...
and Alban Lakata powered to victory on stage 1, taking the race lead. Illness put Stander out of action early in the race but made good with 3 stage victories while MTN Qhubeka’s tyre woes lost them South Africa’s chance at an overall win at the Absa Cape Epic. Arriving at Lourensford, the Bulls had prevailed – it was Platt’s forth victory, Sahm’s third. By 2011, teams were left wondering how to break this phenomenal run of success.
Route
Route Stats for 2011Approximate Total Distance = 707 km
Approximate Total Ascent = 14 550m
Prologue
Start: Tokai Forest (Chrysalis Academy), Cape TownFinish: Tokai Forest, Cape Town
27km, 750m ascent
The Tokai forest, part of Table Mountain National Park hosted the prologue of the 2011 Absa Cape Epic. Regarded as the Eden of mountain biking in Cape Town with its revered network of trails. Tough climbs, fast descents and flowing singletrack formED the 27km route. This showcase event is a race against the clock to decide the seeding in the field and which teams will wear the coveted zebra-striped leaders’ jerseys at the start of stage 1 on Monday morning in Tulbagh.
Stage 1
Start: Saronsberg, TulbaghFinish: Saronsberg, Tulbagh
89km, 2050m ascent
Stage 1’s distance was a shade under 90km, which may have seemed relatively short. The flat roads out of town left few clues as to what was to come. The short but incredibly steep, rough and loose climbs appeared soon though, and on the treacherous descents, volleyball-sized rocks and sand patches pocked the little-used dual tracks. While the pros made short work of it, the first 50km took backmarkers over 5 hours. The stage’s last climb on some rough roads brought riders to the top of one of most precariously difficult downhills they’d seen at the Cape Epic, with large rocks, deep ruts and a sheer drop on the left.
Stage 2
Start: Saronsberg, TulbaghFinish: Saronsberg, Tulbagh
104km,
2300m ascent
A 12km steady upward drag took riders to a 6km climb on an ancient Voortrekker wagon trail, specially opened for the race. At the top, the 18km mark, riders had already ascended almost 1000m. With the stage’s major obstacle out of the way, the valley opened up ahead, with the route looping clockwise, following the buffer zone between orchards and mountainside. A look at the profile shows that the tracks are far from flat and a short section of singletrack compensated the labours of the first 50km. After a 1.5km rise to the highpoint of the day’s outing came the reward of the hard work invested in the first climb – a view of the silhouette of Table Mountain. Riders then descended the wagon trail back towards town for a good night’s rest.
Stage 3
Start: Saronsberg, TulbaghFinish: Worcester
125km, 1900m ascent
With the fast roads out of town, riders will covered 13 km before the first climb, steep at times and very loose, requiring hard bursts of effort to gain momentum over the rockiest parts. After the 4km climb, riders arrived at a plateau with a beautiful valley nestled between spectacular mountains that resemble the pictures found on the covers of fantasy novels. Deep-rutted descent tested the riders and equipment alike. After smooth farm roads and more rocky tracks, the tyres were put to the test, with devil thorns lying in wait. A long drag upwards on a rough path lead riders to a remote hut at the foot of the cliff face of bare mountain rock – a geologist’s paradise. Some winding singletrack then took them into Worcester.
Stage 4
Start: WorcesterFinish: Worcester
32km, 800m ascent
It was a first for the Absa Cape Epic – two time trials in the 2011 race. This 32km route threaded through the foothills of Brandwacht. Like in 2010, riders traversed the western side of Worcester in this semi-desert environment. Added to the 2010 route was an extra 5km loop along dual tracks past the local golf course.
Stage 5
Start: WorcesterFinish: Oak Valley
143km, 2350m ascent
It was a classic Cape Epic stage, one of the longest in years. With fast open roads, marked by 3 obstacles along the way, riders were advised to save their strength and cooperate with other teams to form larger groups, to take turns at the front to lighten the load. After the first climb of the day riders descended towards more open roads will help get some kilometers under the belt before the Villiersdorp radio mast came into view. Down the other side of this deceptive climb is a fast chute into farmlands and waiting for them was a set of rolling hills that deadened the legs of even the most hardened campaigner. At the 100km mark, riders reached the foot of the exquisite Groenlandberg, with a 15% gradient on the concrete path and the remainder of the climb taking most riders well over an hour to complete. The north-facing slope made for a challenging ascent but the rocky downhill section leads to the rewards of the famed Oak Valley singletrack.
Stage 6
Start: Oak Valley in Elgin/GrabouwFinish: Oak Valley in Elgin/Grabouw
128km, 2700m ascent
In the penultimate stage competitors were wary, the route profile told how they’d be tested right to the end of the week on this brutal Oak Valley loop. Again they headed over Groendlandberg, for the second time in two days, this time following the 2010 route in reverse. After crossing the R43 came a tough sandy climb, but at the top riders had a dramatic view over the Indian Ocean. The last climb lead the race through another Cape Nature area featuring some rare fynbos. Shortly after riders got to enjoy the flowing single tracks of Lebanon, before they dipped under the N2 motorway for more singletrack through Thandi and back home to Oak Valley.
Stage 7
Start: Oak Valley in Elgin/GrabouwFinish: Lourensford
59km, 1700m ascent
As is tradition the last day of the Absa Cape Epic is shorter than the others, but it is never easy. Old Viljoens Pass and Nuweberg reminded riders there was still one hurdle to go before being reunited with their loved ones. Gantouw Pass is an old wagon trail where Voortrekkers’ oxen dragged the carts over the rocks. Riders had to carry their bikes over this Heritage site before a last effort into Lourensford wine estate for the grand finale.
Bulls
Karl Platt, 33 years old, and Stefan Sahm, 34 years old. Both are from Germany. On paper, in UCI World Cup terms they’d be lucky to attain a top 5 position. Even with the stiff competition they’d been at the top of the pile three times in the past four years. Masters in the art of damage control, they have the same number of punctures, mechanicals and crashes as everyone else (others lose minutes, they lose seconds), but they seem to deal with these setbacks more effectively.Sahm has completed 5 Cape Epics and Platt all 8
36ONE-SONGO-Specialised
Christoph Sauser, 35 years of age and Swiss, and Burry Stander, a 24-year-old South African.This is the strongest and most decorated team in the race. Sauser won easily in 2006, partnered with Silvio Bundi. Sauser hasn’t won since Stander’s ITB injury (2008), crash (2009) and illness (2010). They finally broke the curse and showed their true potential, winning in 2011. Stander was a year older, stronger and wiser. Sauser was his ever reliable, Swiss self.
Sauser has now completed 7 Cape Epics and Stander 3 (he dropped out of 2008 race with an ITB injury)
Trek World Racing
Swiss brothers Lukas, 27 years old, and Mathias Flueckiger, 23 years old.The Swiss pair were the darlings of the 2010 race, winning two stages 6 & 7. If it weren’t for the unfortunate smashing of their derailleur on stage 2, they may have achieved far more. They are sometimes criticised for their lack of tactical nous, but speed and enthusiasm counterbalances their youth. As brothers, they have an added advantage in the ever-important x factor of team dynamics – older Lukas is the cool head, younger Mathias is the deadly weapon with a point to prove
Lukas and Mathias have both completed 3 Cape Epics
360LIFE
Kevin Evans, 32 years old, and David George, 35 years old. Both South African.This team was the great South African hope. The Evans/George partnership tasted victory in 2008, with a prologue win in Knysna, a stage win in Hermanus and a 3rd spot overall. These are good friends who train together as often as possible. Evans owns a bike shop in Plettenberg Bay and George lives in Cape Town. George once rode for US Postal Service pro cycling team.
Evans - 7 Cape Epics, George - 4
Milka-Trek
Bart Brentjens, 42 years old, and Jeroen Boelen, 32 years old, both from the Nederlands.Brentjens had completed 5 Absa Cape Epics whereas Boelen started as a novice. Bart Brentjens was retiring after 2009, but it seemed that he like he went home, sat around for a few months and decided it wasn’t really his scene! Brentjens won Olympic gold in 1996, Atlanta, and bronze in 2004, Athens. He is known fondly as ‘the partner killer’, arriving with a new teammate each year. He aimed to capture a stage win hoping his partner could take the pressure.
Brentjens - 6 Cape Epics, Boelen - 1
Multivan Merida 2
Andreas Kugler, 31 years old and Swiss. Markus Kaufman, 29 years old and German.Frasnacht is Kugler's home town. He weighs 70kg, is 183cm tall with a resting pulse of 38bpm. He’s entered the event twice and finished the event twice. His best achievements so far include: 2010 Swiss XCM Champion; 2010 Bronze Medalist European XCM Championships; 2009 Trans Schwarzwald winner; 2 time Silver Medalist Jeantex Transalp (2010, 2009)
Multivan Merida 3
José Hermida, 33-year-old Spaniard and Ralph Naef, 31-year-old Swiss.José Hermida and Ralph Naef team up again after having a great time together in 2007 when Naef was the reigning World Marathon Champion
In 2007 year they made a pact, that if Hermida ever wore the rainbow stripes denoting mountain biking world champion, they’d ride the Absa Cape Epic together again. This year it’s Hermida’s turn to wear them, after winning cross-country world championships. Speaking in World Cup terms, this was the second fastest team on paper. They’re great friends, with no trouble getting the team dynamic right.
Hermida – 4 Absa Cape Epics, Naef - 2
Trek Brentjens by Milka
Jelmer Pietersma, a 28-year-old from the Netherlands, and Jukka Vastaranta, a 26-year-old from Finland.Pietersma rode in 2010 with Brentjens while Vastaranta is a novice. In 2010 Pietersma showed maturity and poise, coping well with the notorious ‘partner killer’ Brentjens.
Garmin adidas
Mannie Heymans, 39-year-old Namibian and Adrien Niyonshuti, 24-year-old Rwandan.2004 winner with Karl Platt, Heymans had been rather invisible on his last few attempts, being accident-prone and partner mismatched
2011 was his last real shot at some podium time. Niyonshuti is Rwandan and has seen his fair share of hardship with genocide ripping his country apart in 1994. Raw talent combined with his past experience at the Absa Cape Epic, he’ll be a man to watch in the future.
Niyonshuti is on track to being the first Rwandan Olympian in 20 years. Niyonshuti rode in 2007 for the first time in 2007 with Project Rwanda. His partner, former Tour de France rider Jock Boyer, predicted then that Adrien would go on to achieve great things.
Multivan Merida 1
Hannes Genze, 29-year-old German and Jochen Kaess, 29-year-old German.Genze and Kaess were a credible 4th in 2008. Together, these two take the Cape Epic seriously, perhaps a little too seriously. When they relax and use their efforts wisely they ride very well. Genze's Best Results - 2005 European marathon champion; 2 x XCM German marathon champion; Trans-Schwarzwald winner; Trans-Germany winner; Twice silver medallist Transalp. Their Cape Epic History: Debut Year - 2008; Races Entered: 5; 2009 3rd overall; 2011 2nd overall including a stage win.
Organisation
The holding company of the Cape Epic brand is named Grandstand Management and this events team is responsible for all that is required for a full service mountain bike stage race. A dynamic and passionate group coordinate route design and permission requests, rider registration, race rules, emergency and medical services, marshals, timing and results, optional extras available to riders as well as crew and volunteer management. On the logistics side there is the planning and implementation of infrastructure such as tents, marquees, security, ablution facilities and catering, to name a few. In addition to the aspects of the race mentioned, the events team manage the relationships with the various stage locations, venues, towns and municipalities that the race visits each year to ensure that the event meets with their expectations and assists them to maximise their opportunities.Logistics
Each stage, riders arrive at the finish to see a full-service race village. The forward planning begins up to 12 months before the race. Where to build the race village involves complex planning for space, water, electricity and other amenities. The logistics involves the movement of the entire race village from town to town. By 2007, over 1 000 fully supported riders started the event, each having to eat and sleep within the location. Ablution facilities and medical facilities needed to be provided. The bikes require attention too, with daily washes and services. The crew also stay in the race village: the workers, supervisors, timekeepers, TV crew, administrators, photographers, media and also need to be provided for.In total 4 500 two-man tents are now used on the race, with two teams of 30 students pitching 1 200 tents at a time. Each student pitches and strikes over 250 tents during the duration of the event. The marquees are pitched in advance four days before the event arrives. This is the central point around which all the other event services from.
Setting up infrastructure in new towns create multiple variables, and therefore experts in troubleshooting are required. The issue of drinking water alone requires precision planning to ensure a high standard of drinking water. Single source water from Overberg Water is distributed to the eight 8-foot refrigerated water trucks, while substitution tankers meet the race every three days with fresh water, while the depleted tankers head back for a refill.
Medics
The Medi Clinic private hospital unit consists of an expert team of 60 medical professionals including 6 doctors, 6 nurses and two paramedics. 25 Emergency Care Practitioner (ECP) marshals are on the course. Headed up by chief medical officer Dr Basil Bonner, who has assisted at the Cape Epic since the first race in 2004. Dr Bonner is a Specialist Emergency Medicine Physician and Head of the Emergency Centre at Milnerton Medi-Clinic. He is also Senior Medical Officer for the Medi-Clinic Special Events Division. The private hospital unit is capable of handling any medical emergency in their tent. Emergency vehicles include: 3 Off-road (4x4) ambulances, 4 response vehicles, 3 logistics vehicles, 5 quad bikes (with medical jump boxes), 2 Emergency equipment trailers. A UCI anti-doping official and a full anti-doping caravan also accompany the medical team.Route Marshals
A team of 30 trained marshals travel throughout the event. They are there not only to show riders the way but to ensure the safety of cyclists. The marshals are divided into 4 teams, which get deployed throughout the day and leapfrog one another throughout the race to make sure all participants are supported at every stage. The marshals all accredited in first-aid, with a number having more advanced medical training. Four of the marshals are provincial or municipal traffic officers. These officers support the Epic in their private capacity and take leave from their formal employment in order to do so.Showers
Riders are rewarded with a shower at the end of each day’s racing thanks to the shower trailers supplied by Afripex. Four shower trailers are available throughout the race, with the units being towed between the various stages to await the riders. Each trailer consists of 10 shower units. Hot and cold water is available in each of the 40 showers available.Chill zone
The Chill Zone is the social hub of the Cape Epic, and the place riders and crew can relax and stock up on liquid carbohydrates after a long day on the course. It also offers soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, assorted smoothies and snacks, such as chips, biltongBiltong
Biltong is a kind of cured meat that originated in South Africa. Many different types of meat are used to produce it, ranging from beef through game meats to fillets of ostrich from commercial farms. It is typically made from raw fillets of meat cut into strips following the grain of the muscle, or...
and chocolates. “Dan’s Happy Hour” is where Cape Epic MC and media personality Dan Nichol holds court between 16h30 and 17h30. Dan’s special brand of humour accompanies his “spot prizes” for riders and those in attendance. Beers are sold at half price.
Waterpoints
The waterpoints are staggered throughout the route, and situated where riders will be most in need of a refuel. Volunteers form the majority of staff at the waterpoints, however all waterpoints are managed by a professional team. Food is available at all waterpoints with a selection of fruits and snacks is on offer. Overberg Water provides all the drinking water available at waterpoints. The water is single-source. A variety of flavours of sports drinks are also available. A free chain lubricating service is situated at all waterpoints as is a medical station. There is a separation time check at most waterpoints to ensure team members remain within two minutes of each other.Pro Tech Zones
A Pro Tech Zone exists at all waterpoints. These areas are for the use of UCI-registered riders only. The organisers will transport 1 wheel set and one tool bag per 2-rider team to each of the water points for every stage. The content of the tool bag is at the team’s discretion and may consist of anything riders wish to use – tools, spares, tyre sealant, food, waterbottles, sunscreen.No technical or mechanical assistance is provided and teams may only access their own boxes and wheelsets. It will be up to the rider to use this equipment to provide his own tech support. No outside human help (from a rider not also racing) will be allowed.
Tech Zones
At the second waterpoint, a Tech Zone is provided for amateurs. A mechanic is also present to aid amateurs with their repairs. ‘Neutral’ bike parts such as tyres, tubes and CO2 bombs are also available.Pragma Supply Zone
A bike toolkit as well as basic supplies such as tyres, tubes and CO2 bombs is available at the Pragma Supply Zones at Waterpoints 1 and 3. The Supply Zone allows amateur teams who have mechanical problems to repair their bikes and get to the finish. No technical or mechanical assistance is provided here.Environmental Management Plan
The Absa Cape Epic considers itself a ‘green event’. The Nature Conservation Corporation, an environmental consultancy, is contracted to ensure the race minimises its environmental impact in a number of critical areas. All bike washing liquids, degreasers and lubricants offered by the Cape Epic’s service partners and sponsors are bio-degardable. The Nature Conservation Corporation assesses the overall environmental impact of the race, including the race villages and the race route itself. On the race route the NCC conducts a full environment sweep and erosion check after cyclists have passed through an area. In the race village the Nature Conservation Corporation focuses on issues such as recycling the shower and bike wash water, minimising waste and implementing waste removal systems. The intention is to leave the pristine environments the Epic traverses in the same condition in which they were found.Cape Nature Conservation
The Cape Epic has worked tirelessly to ensure riders are able to traverse spectacular tracts of Cape Nature Conservation land. During several stages, riders pass through areas of the Cape Floral Kingdom under Cape Nature Conservation stewardship. These unspoilt areas feature incredible bio-diversity. On some paths, leopard camera traps have been set up by the Cape Leopard Trust. These unmanned camera traps detect movement and snap photos of the elusive leopard in its natural habitat.Prize money
2012 Cape Epic: Total Prize Money - R720 000- All prize money is in South African Rand.
- Stage prize money is awarded in both Men's and Ladies' categories.
- Prize money is awarded per team
Floating Trophy Awarded to Overall Winners
The overall winners of the Absa Cape Epic are awarded a floating trophy designed by local artist Neil Jonker, and receive a replica trophy for each rider to keep. If the same team wins the race three times, they get to keep this exceptional piece!In the Media
The Cape Epic is the most televised mountain bike race in the world. It is broadcasted to 175 countries, including UK, USA, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Czech Republic, Japan, Brazil, Egypt and Rwanda. It has gained 18000 hours of TV coverage and viewers tune in to watch news clips, highlights packages and an hour-long program worldwide. Photographs and articles about the event have appeared in The New York Times, The LA Times, Sports Illustrated, as well as dozens of international and local bicycle magazines and websites.Official Charities
Since the first Absa Cape Epic in 2004, the organisation has had a formal programme of giving back to the communities that host the race.Initially the project involved handing bikes to key people in the villages and towns. Today, these programmes have evolved into Big Tree Foundation, a Section 21 company, which works to uplift the communities that host the race through educational projects. Big Tree Foundation’s belief is that poverty can be alleviated through education. The programs face challenges in many of the smaller communities, supplying basic stuff, like books, clothes, even desks and chairs.
Big Tree now has the full support of the government. The Department of Education had adopted a development model built on the success of the Sibabalwe pre-school in De Doorns. Big Tree Foundation is poised to take this model and to expand it into the Western Cape and hopefully, the entire country. The Sibabalwe pre-school in De Doorns now accommodates 90 children per year.
Workshops on bike repair and coaching help improve the local economies, giving rise to sales and workshops. Another of Big Tree Foundation’s plans is to subsidise bikes for school kids who walk 3 to 9km to school per day – reducing travel time by two thirds.
The JAG Foundation is the other official charity of the Absa Cape Epic. The JAG Foundation enlists local celebrities to ride the race to raise funds in the All Stars Challenge. South African rugby players Robbie Kempson, Breyton Paulse and footballer Mark Fish have all taken part.
Exxaro Academy
Exxaro is the Development Academy Partner to the Absa Cape Epic and sponsor of the Exxaro MTB Development Academy. The Exxaro Academy was created to assist and fund historically disadvantaged South African development riders who wish to prepare for and participate in the Absa Cape Epic.Statistics
Only one team has won more than one Absa Cape Epic – Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm of Team Bulls. The German Platt is one of 13 riders who have competed in all eight events, winning four times. He is one of two foreigners to do so, along with Dirk Rossignol, an amateur from Belgium. Only two women are on that exclusive list, Hannele Steyn and Bonnie Swanepoel.Karl Platt, Mannie Heymans, Bart Brentjens, Roel Paulissen and Stefan Sahm all won the Absa Cape Epic the first time they rode the race. The Cape Epic has been won three times by teams who lead the general classification from the first stage and holding the lead all the way to the finish. Karl Platt and Mannie Heymans did it during the first edition, 2004. Bart Brentjens and Roel Paulissen repeated the feat the next year and Christoph Sauser and Burry Stander in 2011.
In the early years of the Absa Cape Epic, cyclists were forbidden to switch equipment during the race, being required to use the same frame and wheels as when they started. Today, teams may replace damaged parts with similar items.
In the early years, from 2004 till 2006, one team dominated the race. But 2007 saw the lead change four times during the race between Roel Paulissen and Jakob Fuglsang of Cannondale-Vredestein and Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm of the Bulls. In 2011 again, one team (Christoph Sauser and Burry Stander of 36ONE-SONGO-SPECIALIZED) lead from start to finish, with very little sign of any threat to their lead.
2006 saw Christoph Sauser team up with Swiss countryman Silvio Bundi, displaying the most dominant performance of the Absa Cape Epic in the race’s history. Team Specialized won the first stage easily, putting over 9 minutes between them and German Johannes Sickmuller and Swiss Christain Heule with Karl Platt and Carsten Bresser even further back. The two went on to win six out of the eight stages. By the end of the race, they’d extended their advantage to 29min 08sec over Sickmuller and Heule.
Only one women’s team has ever won the Absa Cape Epic twice – the partnership of Sharon Laws (GBR), Hanlie Booyens (RSA).
Stage Winners
This table lists the riders who have won stages in the Absa Cape Epic since 2004 until present. 19 Riders have won 10 or more stages.| Name | MEN | LADIES | MIXED | MASTERS | TOTALS | NOTES | NATIONALITY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shan Wilson | 3 | 17 | 20 | 2 x Prologues | |||
| Nico Pfitzenmaier | 18 | 18 | 2 x Prologues | ||||
| Andrew Mclean | 17 | 17 | 1 x Prologue | ||||
| Hanlie Booysens | 17 | 17 | 1 x Prologue | ||||
| Christoph Sauser | 20 | 20 | 2 x Prologues | ||||
| Ivonne Kraft | 3 | 12 | 15 | 1 x Prologue | |||
| Anke Erlank | 8 | 6 | 14 | ||||
| Linus Van Onselen | 14 | 14 | |||||
| Sharon Laws | 14 | 14 | 1 x Prologue | ||||
| Allison Sydor | 6 | 7 | 13 | 1 x Prologue | |||
| Bart Brentjens | 12 | 12 | 1 x Prologue | ||||
| Doug Brown | 13 | 13 | |||||
| Roel Paullssen | 12 | 12 | |||||
| Hannele Steyn-Kotze | 9 | 3 | 12 | ||||
| Karl Platt | 11 | 11 | |||||
| Yolande Speedy | 1 | 10 | 11 | ||||
| Barti Bucher | 3 | 7 | 10 | ||||
| Geddan Ruddock | 2 | 8 | 10 | ||||
| Paul Cordes | 10 | 10 | |||||
| Burry Stander | 14 | 14 | 1 x Prologue | ||||
| Yolande De Villiers | 8 | 1 | 9 | ||||
| Mannie Heymans | 6 | 6 | |||||
| Pia Sundstedt | 6 | 6 | |||||
| Sabine Grona | 6 | 6 | |||||
| Anna Baylis-Scheiderbauer | 5 | 5 | |||||
| Anna-Sofie Noergaard | 5 | 5 | |||||
| Jakob Fuglsang | 5 | 5 | |||||
| Jorg Scheiderbauer | 5 | 5 | |||||
| Kirsten Rosel | 5 | 5 | |||||
| Kristine Noergaard | 5 | 5 | |||||
| Robert Eder | 5 | 5 | |||||
| Silvio Bundi | 5 | 5 | |||||
| Zoe Frost | 5 | 5 | |||||
| Damian Booth | 4 | 4 | |||||
| Stefan Sahm | 4 | 4 | |||||
| Walter Platzgummer | 4 | 4 | 1 x Prologue | ||||
| Esther Süss | 10 | 10 | 1 x Prologue | ||||
| Jan Siemons | 3 | 3 | |||||
| Jennifer Smith | 3 | 3 | 1 x Prologue | ||||
| Johan Greef | 3 | 3 | |||||
| Kevin Evans | 3 | 3 | 1 x Prologue | ||||
| Lukas Flückiger | 4 | 4 | |||||
| Mathias Flückiger | 4 | 4 | |||||
| Michelle Lombardi | 3 | 3 | |||||
| Rudi Van Houts | 3 | 3 | |||||
| Susan Haywood | 3 | 3 | 1 x Prologue | ||||
| Brandon Stewart | 2 | 2 | |||||
| Alban Lakata | 2 | 2 | |||||
| David George | 2 | 2 | 1 x Prologue | ||||
| Dolores Maechler | 2 | 2 | |||||
| Duncan English | 2 | 2 | |||||
| Frank Soll | 2 | 2 | |||||
| Fredirik Kessiakoff | 2 | 2 | |||||
| Friedrich Coleske | 2 | 2 | |||||
| Jeanine Bomford | 2 | 2 | |||||
| Jose Hermida | 3 | 3 | |||||
| Severin Rupp | 2 | 2 | |||||
| Anke Moore | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Anna Sutton | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Carsten Bresser | 1 | 7 | 8 | 1 x Prologue | |||
| Chris Jongewaard | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Christian Heule | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Corrie Muller | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Elizabeth Hager | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Fourie Kotze | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Henrik Cohen | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Hillary Harrison | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Jacques Rossouw | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Jelmer Piertsma | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Joanne Marie King | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Johan Labuschagne | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Johannes Sickmeuller | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Louise Kobin | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Luka Kubis | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Mads Bodker | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Massimo Debertolis | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Ralph Naef | 2 | 2 | |||||
| Spaeth Sandro | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Thomas Zand | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Hannes Genze | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Jochen Kaess | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Kirsten Brachtendorf | 6 | 6 | |||||
| Eva Lechner | 6 | 6 | 1 x Prologue | ||||
| Nathalie Schneitter | 6 | 6 | 1 x Prologue | ||||
| Sandra Lettner | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Karien van Jaarsveld | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Leana De Jager | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Sally Bigham | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Barti Bucher | 10 | 7 | 17 | 1 x Prologue | |||
| Paul Cordes | 10 | 10 | |||||
| Nic White | 6 | 6 |
Stage Towns
| Town | Number of Visits |
|---|---|
| Barrydale Barrydale Barrydale is a village located on the border of the Overberg and Klein Karoo regions of the Western Cape Province in South Africa. Named after James Barry, it is situated at the northern end of the Tradouw's pass which winds its way through the mountains to Swellendam.-History:Barrydale's history... |
2 |
| Bredasdorp | 1 |
| Calitzdorp | 2 |
| Cape Town Cape Town Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality... |
2 |
| Ceres Ceres, Western Cape Ceres is a town with 46,251 inhabitants in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. It is the administrative centre and largest town of the Witzenberg Local Municipality. Ceres serves as a regional centre for the surrounding towns of Wolseley, Tulbagh, Op-die-Berg and Prince Alfred Hamlet... |
1 |
| Elgin Elgin, Western Cape Elgin, situated in the Overberg region of South Africa, is an apple-growing area near Grabouw and is about 70 km southeast of Cape Town. A group of apple farms called Glen Elgin - owned by the Molteno family - gave the place its name... |
4 |
| Franschoek | 3 |
| George George, Western Cape George is a city with 203,253 inhabitants in South Africa's Western Cape province. The city is a popular holiday and conference centre and the administrative and commercial hub of the Garden Route.- Location :... |
4 |
| Greyton | 3 |
| Herbetsdale | 1 |
| Hermanus | 2 |
| Kleinmond | 1 |
| Knysna | 5 |
| Ladismith | 1 |
| Montagu Montagu, Western Cape Montagu is a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, about 180 km from Cape Town in western Kannaland. It is named after former secretary of the Cape Colony, John Montagu, but was once known as Agter Cogman’s Kloof. It is situated at the confluence of the Keisie and Kingna... |
2 |
| Mossel Bay | 1 |
| Oudtshoorn Oudtshoorn, Western Cape Oudtshoorn is a town in the Western Cape province in South Africa. With 80,336 inhabitants it is the largest town in the Little Karoo region... |
1 |
| Riversdale Riversdale, Western Cape Riversdale is a town located on the N2 highway between Cape Town and George on the Agulhas Coastal Plain of the southern Western Cape province of South Africa. It is an agricultural service orientated town, being a hub for shopping and other services for surrounding farming communities, smaller... |
4 |
| Somerset West Somerset West, Western Cape Somerset West |metropolitan municipality]]. In the Western Cape, South Africa It is situated in the Helderberg area , about east of Cape Town and from Strand.... |
5 |
| Stellenbosch Stellenbosch, Western Cape Stellenbosch is a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, situated about east of Cape Town, along the banks of the Eerste Rivier. It is the second oldest European settlement in the province, after Cape Town... |
3 |
| Swellendam | 3 |
| Tulbagh | 1 |
| Uniondale Uniondale, Western Cape Uniondale is a small town in the Little Karoo in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. The town was formed in 1856 by the joining of two towns, Hopedale and Lyons. Its primary claim to fame is the ghost story of the Uniondale hitcher... |
1 |
| Villiersdorp | 3 |
| Wellington | 1 |
| Worcester Worcester, Western Cape Worcester is a town in the Western Cape, South Africa. It is located 120 km north-east of Cape Town on the N1 highway north to Johannesburg.... |
2 |
2011 men's top 5
Prologue| CAT Position | GC Position | Team Name | No. | Rider | No. | Rider | Stage Time | Overall Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 36ONE-Songo-Specialised | 2-1 | Christoph Sauser (SUI) | 2-2 | Burry Stander (RSA) | 1:02.40,7 | 1:02.40,7 |
| 2 | 2 | MultiVan Merida Biking | 6-1 | Hannes Genzel (GER) | 6-2 | Joachen Kaess (GER) | 1:04.22,9 | 1:04.22,9 |
| 3 | 3 | Bulls | 1-1 | Karl Platt (GER) | 1-2 | Stefan Sahm (GER) | 1:04.22,9 | 1:04.22,9 |
| 4 | 4 | 360LIFE | 3-1 | Kevin Evans (RSA | 3-2 | David George (RSA) | 1:04.50,5 | 1:04.50,5 |
| 5 | 5 | MultiVan Merida Biking 3 | 4-1 | Jose Hermida (ESP) | 4-2 | Ralph Naef (SUI) | 1:04.53,0 | 1:04.53,0 |
Stage One
| CAT Position | GC Position | Team Name | No. | Rider | No. | Rider | Stage Time | Overall Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 36ONE-Songo-Specialised | 2-1 | Christoph Sauser (SUI) | 2-2 | Burry Stander (RSA) | 3:52.13,9 | 4:54.54,6 |
| 2 | 2 | Stockli Pro | 18-1 | Urs Huber (SUI) | 18-2 | Konny Looser (SUI) | 3:53.15,5 | 4:58.17,3 |
| 3 | 3 | Bulls 2 | 9-1 | Thomas Dietsch (FRA) | 9-2 | Tim Boehme (GER) | 3:54.25,1 | 4:59.48,4 |
| 4 | 4 | Bulls | 1-1 | Karl Platt (GER) | 1-2 | Stefan Sahm (GER) | 3:56.02,4 | 5:00.38,0 |
| 5 | 5 | MultiVan Merida Biking 3 | 4-1 | Jose Hermida (ESP) | 4-2 | Ralph Naef (SUI) | 3:56.02,8 | 5:00.25,7 |
Stage Two
| CAT Position | GC Position | Team Name | No. | Rider | No. | Rider | Stage Time | Overall Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 36ONE-Songo-Specialised | 2-1 | Christoph Sauser (SUI) | 2-2 | Burry Stander (RSA) | 4:32.43,4 | 9:27.38,0 |
| 2 | 2 | MultiVan Merida Biking | 6-1 | Hannes Genzel (GER) | 6-2 | Joachen Kaess (GER) | 4:33.30,6 | 9:33.56,3 |
| 3 | 3 | Trek World Racing | 5-1 | Lukas Flückiger (SUI) | 5-2 | Mathias Flückiger (SUI) | 4:34.07,2 | 9:48.42,1 |
| 4 | 4 | Bulls | 1-1 | Karl Platt (GER) | 1-2 | Stefan Sahm (GER) | 4:34.23,6 | 9:35.01,6 |
| 5 | 5 | Versluys-Evenza | 13-1 | Nicola Vermeulen (BEL) | 13-2 | Jochen Kaess (GER) | 4:40.18,0 | 9:49.53,2 |
Stage Three
| CAT Position | GC Position | Team Name | No. | Rider | No. | Rider | Stage Time | Overall Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | MultiVan Merida Biking | 6-1 | Hannes Genzel (GER) | 6-2 | Joachen Kaess (GER) | 5:06.33,0 | 14:40.29,3 |
| 2 | 2 | 36ONE-Songo-Specialised | 2-1 | Christoph Sauser (SUI) | 2-2 | Burry Stander (RSA) | 5:06.35,8 | 14:34.13,8 |
| 3 | 3 | Milka Trek | 7-1 | Bart Brentjens (NED) | 7-2 | Jeroen Bielen (NED) | 5:06.49,1 | 15:11.25,9 |
| 4 | 4 | Bulls | 1-1 | Karl Platt (GER) | 1-2 | Stefan Sahm (GER) | 5:07.44,4 | 14:42.46,0 |
| 5 | 5 | Versluys-Evenza | 13-1 | Nicola Vermeulen (BEL) | 13-2 | Jochen Kaess (GER) | 5:10.10,2 | 15:00.03,4 |
Stage Four
| CAT Position | GC Position | Team Name | No. | Rider | No. | Rider | Stage Time | Overall Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 36ONE-Songo-Specialised | 2-1 | Christoph Sauser (SUI) | 2-2 | Burry Stander (RSA) | 1:10.01,1 | 15:44.14,9 |
| 2 | 2 | MultiVan Merida Biking | 6-1 | Hannes Genzel (GER) | 6-2 | Joachen Kaess (GER) | 1:11.34,0 | 15:52.03,3 |
| 3 | 3 | WildWolf-Trek Pro Racing | 12-1 | Sergio Gutierrez (ESP) | 12-2 | Carlos Nicholas (ESP) | 1:12.08,0 | 18:25.25,0 |
| 4 | 4 | BMC Mountainbike Racing | 26-1 | Alexandre Moos (SUI) | 26-2 | Balthazar Weber (SUI) | 1:12.13,7 | 16:52.44,0 |
| 5 | 5 | Stockli Pro | 18-1 | Urs Huber (SUI) | 18-2 | Konny Looser (SUI) | 1:12.25,6 | 16:11.01,0 |
Stage Five
| CAT Position | GC Position | Team Name | No. | Rider | No. | Rider | Stage Time | Overall Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 36ONE-Songo-Specialised | 2-1 | Christoph Sauser (SUI) | 2-2 | Burry Stander (RSA) | 5:19.30,7 | 21:03.45,6 |
| 2 | 2 | Trek World Racing | 5-1 | Lukas Flückiger (SUI) | 5-2 | Mathias Flückiger (SUI) | 5:19.41,2 | 21:57.21,4 |
| 3 | 3 | MultiVan Merida Biking | 6-1 | Hannes Genzel (GER) | 6-2 | Joachen Kaess (GER) | 5:19.451,1 | 21:11.54,4 |
| 4 | 4 | Bulls 2 | 9-1 | Thomas Dietsch (FRA) | 9-2 | Tim Boehme (GER) | 5:23:10,5 | 22:35.47,5 |
| 5 | 5 | Bulls | 1-1 | Karl Platt (GER) | 1-2 | Stefan Sahm (GER) | 5:23.10,6 | 21:19.04,4 |
Stage Six
| CAT Position | GC Position | Team Name | No. | Rider | No. | Rider | Stage Time | Overall Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | MultiVan Merida Biking 3 | 4-1 | Jose Hermida (ESP) | 4-2 | Ralph Naef (SUI) | 5:00.47,0 | 27:58.51,8 |
| 2 | 2 | 36ONE-Songo-Specialised | 2-1 | Christoph Sauser (SUI) | 2-2 | Burry Stander (RSA) | 5:01.38,7 | 26:05.24,3 |
| 3 | 3 | Trek World Racing | 5-1 | Lukas Flückiger (SUI) | 5-2 | Mathias Flückiger (SUI) | 5:04.06,0 | 27:01.27,4 |
| 4 | 4 | MultiVan Merida Biking 2 | 11-1 | Andreas Kugler (SUI) | 11-2 | Markus Kaufmann (GER) | 5:04.18,4 | 26:58.54,4 |
| 5 | 5 | MultiVan Merida Biking | 6-1 | Hannes Genzel (GER) | 6-2 | Joachen Kaess (GER) | 5:04.21,3 | 26:16.15,7 |
Stage Seven
| CAT Position | GC Position | Team Name | No. | Rider | No. | Rider | Stage Time | Overall Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Trek World Racing | 5-1 | Lukas Flückiger (SUI) | 5-2 | Mathias Flückiger (SUI) | 2:33.18,6 | 29:34.46,0 |
| 2 | 2 | MultiVan Merida Biking | 6-1 | Hannes Genzel (GER) | 6-2 | Joachen Kaess (GER) | 2:35.37,1 | 28:51.52,8 |
| 3 | 3 | MultiVan Merida Biking 3 | 4-1 | Jose Hermida (ESP) | 4-2 | Ralph Naef (SUI) | 2:39.06,1 | 30:37.57,9 |
| 4 | 4 | BMC Mountainbike Racing | 26-1 | Alexandre Moos (SUI) | 26-2 | Balthazar Weber (SUI) | 2:39.07,4 | 30:09.15,4 |
| 5 | 5 | 36ONE-Songo-Specialised | 2-1 | Christoph Sauser (SUI) | 2-2 | Burry Stander (RSA) | 2:39.19,7 | 28:44.44,0 |
2010 Men's Top 5
Stage One| CAT Position | GC Position | Team Name | No. | Rider | No. | Rider | Stage Time | Overall Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | MTN Qhubeka Topeak Ergon | 9-1 | Kevin Evans (RSA) | 9-2 | Alban Lakata (AUSTRIA) | 4:35.52,3 | 4:35.52,3 |
| 2 | 2 | Songo-Specialized by DCM | 4-1 | Christoph Sauser (SUI) | 4-2 | Burry Stander (RSA) | 4:39.17,0 | 4:39.17,0 |
| 3 | 3 | Rabobank-Giant Off Road | 3-1 | Emil Lindgren (SWE) | 3-2 | Fabian Giger (SUI) | 4:40.05,4 | 4:40.05,4 |
| 4 | 4 | Bulls 1 | 1-1 | Karl Platt (GER) | 1-2 | Stefan Sahm (GER) | 4:40.27,4 | 4:40.27,4 |
| 5 | 5 | Trek World Racing | 7-1 | Lukas Flückiger (SUI) | 7-2 | Mathias Flückiger (SUI) | 4:41.53,1 | 4:41.53,1 |
Stage Two
| CAT Position | GC Position | Team Name | No. | Rider | No. | Rider | Stage Time | Overall Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Trek Bretjens | 2-1 | Bart Brentjens (NED) | 2-2 | Jelmer Pietersma (NED) | 4:08.06,4 | 8:52.18,9 |
| 2 | 2 | Bulls 1 | 1-1 | Karl Platt (GER) | 1-2 | Stefan Sahm (GER) | 4:08.08,8 | 8:48.16,2 |
| 3 | 3 | MTN Qhubeka Topeak Ergon | 9-1 | Kevin Evans (RSA) | 9-2 | Alban Lakata (AUSTRIA) | 4:08.10,7 | 8:43.53,0 |
| 4 | 4 | DCM1 | 13-1 | Silvio Bundi (SUI) | 13-2 | Thomas Zahnd (SUI) | 4:09.52,18 | 8:54.05,6 |
| 5 | 5 | Multivan Merida | 8-1 | Hannes Genze (GER) | 8-2 | Andreas Kugler (SUI) | 4:10.02,5 | 9:06.40,4 |
Stage Three
| CAT Position | GC Position | Team Name | No. | Rider | No. | Rider | Stage Time | Overall Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Songo-Specialized by DCM | 4-1 | Christoph Sauser (SUI) | 4-2 | Burry Stander (RSA) | 4:36.59,8 | 13:40.00,1 |
| 2 | 2 | Trek World Racing | 7-1 | Lukas Flückiger (SUI) | 7-2 | Mathias Flückiger (SUI) | 4:41.09,5 | 13:42.27,2 |
| 3 | 3 | Bulls 1 | 1-1 | Karl Platt (GER) | 1-2 | Stefan Sahm (GER) | 4:41.50,6 | 13:30.06,8 |
| 4 | 4 | Trek Bretjens | 2-1 | Bart Brentjens (NED) | 2-2 | Jelmer Pietersma (NED) | 4:41.51,2 | 13:34.10,1 |
| 5 | 5 | DCM2 | 14-1 | Brandon Stewart (RSA) | 14-2 | Max Knox (RSA) | 4:43.41,5 | 14:05.55 |
Stage Four
| CAT Position | GC Position | Team Name | No. | Rider | No. | Rider | Stage Time | Overall Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Songo-Specialized by DCM | 4-1 | Christoph Sauser (SUI) | 4-2 | Burry Stander (RSA) | 3:33.01,2 | 17:12.41,3 |
| 2 | 2 | Bulls 1 | 1-1 | Karl Platt (GER) | 1-2 | Stefan Sahm (GER) | 3:34.24,4 | 17:04.21,2 |
| 3 | 3 | MTN Qhubeka Topeak Ergon | 9-1 | Kevin Evans (RSA) | 9-2 | Alban Lakata (AUSTRIA) | 3:34.32,6 | 17:10.39,4 |
| 4 | 4 | MultiVan Merida 2 | 6-1 | Jose Hermida (ESP) | 6-2 | Rudi Van Houts (NED) | 3:38.18,9 | 17:44.24,8 |
| 5 | 5 | Trek World Racing | 7-1 | Lukas Flückiger (SUI) | 7-2 | Mathias Flückiger (SUI) | 3:38.21,6 | 17:20.48,8 |
Stage Six
| CAT Position | GC Position | Team Name | No. | Rider | No. | Rider | Stage Time | Overall Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Trek World Racing | 7-1 | Lukas Flückiger (SUI) | 7-2 | Mathias Flückiger (SUI) | 4:37.22,6 | 23:14.12,8 |
| 2 | 2 | Songo-Specialized by DCM | 4-1 | Christoph Sauser (SUI) | 4-2 | Burry Stander (RSA) | 4:40.00,8 | 22:57.37,1 |
| 3 | 3 | Bulls 1 | 1-1 | Karl Platt (GER) | 1-2 | Stefan Sahm (GER) | 4:40.00,9 | 22:50.41,1 |
| 4 | 4 | MTN Energade | 20-1 | Jaco venter (RSA)) | 20-2 | Adrien Niyonshuti (RWA) | 4:43.36,1 | 23:00.41,0 |
| 5 | 5 | Multivan Merida | 8-1 | Hannes Genze (GER) | 8-2 | Andreas Kugler (SUI) | 4:46.16,3 | 23:25.56,5 |
Stage Seven
| CAT Position | GC Position | Team Name | No. | Rider | No. | Rider | Stage Time | Overall Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Trek World Racing | 7-1 | Lukas Flückiger (SUI) | 7-2 | Mathias Flückiger (SUI) | 4:11.58,9 | 27:26.11,7 |
| 2 | 2 | Bulls 1 | 1-1 | Karl Platt (GER) | 1-2 | Stefan Sahm (GER) | 4:12.05,03 | 27:02.46,4 |
| 3 | 3 | MultiVan Merida 2 | 6-1 | Jose Hermida (ESP) | 6-2 | Rudi Van Houts (NED) | 4:13.36,7 | 28:04.24,4 |
| 4 | 4 | Songo-Specialized by DCM | 4-1 | Christoph Sauser (SUI) | 4-2 | Burry Stander (RSA) | 4:15.59,8 | 27:13.36,9 |
| 5 | 5 | Scott Swisspower MTB Racing | 5-1 | Nino Scurter (SUI) | 5-2 | Florian Vogel (SUI) | 4:16.11,3 | 28:47.42,7 |
2009 Men's Top 5
Prologue| CAT Position | GC Position | Team Name | No. | Rider | No. | Rider | Stage Time | Overall Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Songo.info | 4-1 | Christoph Sauser (SUI) | 4-2 | Burry Sander (RSA | 40:58,2 | 40:58,2 |
| 2 | 2 | MTN Energade | 2-1 | Kevin Evans (RSA) | 2-2 | David George (RSA) | 41:04,1 | 41:04,1 |
| 3 | 3 | Multivan Merida | 3-1 | Hannes Genze (GER) | 3-2 | Jochen Kaess (GER) | 41:45,3 | 41:45,3 |
| 4 | 4 | Felt Factory 2 | 13-1 | Emil Lindgren (RSA) | 13-2 | Andreas Kugler (SUI) | 41:51,0 | 41:51,0 |
| 5 | 5 | Trek | 11-1 | Lukas Flückiger (SUI) | 11-2 | Mathias Flückiger (SUI) | 42.11,2 | 42.11,2 |
Stage One
| CAT Position | GC Position | Team Name | No. | Rider | No. | Rider | Stage Time | Overall Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Songo.info | 4-1 | Christoph Sauser (SUI) | 4-2 | Burry Sander (RSA) | 4:50.04,3 | 5:31.03,1 |
| 2 | 2 | The Bulls | 1-1 | Karl Platt (GER) | 1-2 | Stefan Sahm (GER) | 4:52.14,9 | 5:35.06,6 |
| 3 | 3 | The Bulls 2 | 12-1 | Tim Boehme (GER) | 12-2 | Thomas Dietch | 4:54.28,4 | 5.38.13,6 |
| 4 | 4 | Trek-Brentjens | 5-1 | Bart Brentjens (NED) | 5-2 | Chris Jongewaard (AUS) | 4:55.08,4 | 5:37.33,8 |
| 5 | 5 | Trek | 11-1 | Lukas Flückiger (SUI) | 11-2 | Mathias Flückiger (SUI) | 4:58.40,2 | 5:40.51,4 |
Stage Two
| CAT Position | GC Position | Team Name | No. | Rider | No. | Rider | Stage Time | Overall Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Songo.info | 4-1 | Christoph Sauser (SUI) | 4-2 | Burry Sander (RSA) | 3:53.48,3 | 29:08.40,5 |
| 2 | 2 | The Bulls | 1-1 | Karl Platt (GER) | 1-2 | Stefan Sahm (GER) | 3:56.07,7 | 28:10.13,8 |
| 3 | 3 | Felt Factory 2 | 13-1 | Emil Lindgren (RSA) | 13-2 | Andreas Kugler (SUI) | 3:56.09,0 | 28:28.42,6 |
| 4 | 4 | MTN Energade | 2-1 | Kevin Evans (RSA) | 2-2 | David George (RSA) | 3:56.11,8 | 28.40.59,4 |
| 5 | 5 | Trek-Brentjens | 5-1 | Bart Brentjens (NED) | 5-2 | Chris Jongewaard (AUS) | 3:58.45,5 | 28:15.07,9 |
Stage Three
| CAT Position | GC Position | Team Name | No. | Rider | No. | Rider | Stage Time | Overall Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Songo.info | 4-1 | Christoph Sauser (SUI) | 4-2 | Burry Sander (RSA) | 3:21.38,1 | 12:46.35,7 |
| 2 | 2 | Trek | 11-1 | Lukas Flückiger (SUI) | 11-2 | Mathias Flückiger (SUI) | 3:21.57,4 | 13:50.01,0 |
| 3 | 3 | Trek-Brentjens | 5-1 | Bart Brentjens (NED) | 5-2 | Chris Jongewaard (AUS) | 3:21.57,4 | 12:57.57,1 |
| 4 | 4 | The Bulls | 1-1 | Karl Platt (GER) | 1-2 | Stefan Sahm (GER) | 3:22.05,0 | 12:53.27,7 |
| 5 | 5 | Multivan Merida | 3-1 | Hannes Genze (GER) | 3-2 | Jochen Kaess (GER) | 3:24.13,8 | 13:17.35,0 |
Stage Four
| CAT Position | GC Position | Team Name | No. | Rider | No. | Rider | Stage Time | Overall Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | The Bulls | 1-1 | Karl Platt (GER) | 1-2 | Stefan Sahm (GER) | 4:32.09,1 | 17:25.36,8 |
| 2 | 2 | Felt Factory 2 | 13-1 | Emil Lindgren (RSA) | 13-2 | Andreas Kugler (SUI) | 4:32.22,5 | 17:45.06,6 |
| 3 | 3 | The Bulls 2 | 12-1 | Tim Boehme (GER) | 12-2 | Thomas Dietch | 4:32.34,9 | 20:08.24,7 |
| 4 | 4 | MTN Energade | 2-1 | Kevin Evans (RSA) | 2-2 | David George (RSA) | 4:33.24,1 | 17:39.56,0 |
| 5 | 5 | Trek | 11-1 | Lukas Flückiger (SUI) | 11-2 | Mathias Flückiger (SUI) | 4:36.03,09 | 18:26:04,9 |
Stage Six
| CAT Position | GC Position | Team Name | No. | Rider | No. | Rider | Stage Time | Overall Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Songo.info | 4-1 | Christoph Sauser (SUI) | 4-2 | Burry Sander (RSA) | 4:15.50,8 | 22;00.56,5 |
| 2 | 2 | Trek-Brentjens | 5-1 | Bart Brentjens (NED) | 5-2 | Chris Jongewaard (AUS) | 4:17.05,0 | 21:52.18,4 |
| 3 | 3 | Felt Factory 2 | 13-1 | Emil Lindgren (RSA) | 13-2 | Andreas Kugler (SUI) | 4:20.00,3 | 22:05.06,9 |
| 4 | 4 | The Bulls | 1-1 | Karl Platt (GER) | 1-2 | Stefan Sahm (GER) | 4:21.09,0 | 21:46.45,8 |
| 5 | 5 | MTN Energade | 2-1 | Kevin Evans (RSA) | 2-2 | David George (RSA) | 4:23.20,6 | 22:03.16,6 |
Stage Seven
| CAT Position | GC Position | Team Name | No. | Rider | No. | Rider | Stage Time | Overall Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Trek-Brentjens | 5-1 | Bart Brentjens (NED) | 5-2 | Chris Jongewaard (AUS) | 3:31.08,7 | 25:23.17,1 |
| 2 | 2 | Songo.info | 4-1 | Christoph Sauser (SUI) | 4-2 | Burry Sander (RSA) | 3:31.19,6 | 26:16.56,1 |
| 3 | 3 | Felt Factory 2 | 13-1 | Emil Lindgren (RSA) | 13-2 | Andreas Kugler (SUI) | 3:31.50,0 | 23:36.56,9 |
| 4 | 4 | The Bulls | 1-1 | Karl Platt (GER) | 1-2 | Stefan Sahm (GER) | 3:32.13,6 | 25:18.29,4 |
| 5 | 5 | Multivan Merida | 3-1 | Hannes Genze (GER) | 3-2 | Jochen Kaess (GER) | 3:34.21,5 | 26:03.40,6 |