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The classic first stage of the 2018 ABSA Cape Epic saw the UCI women taking on 110km and 1900m of climbing in and around Robertson and Mcgregor in the cape winelands.
The day started off cool but quickly the temperature along with the racing heated up as the ladies started pushing the pace.
The Investec Songo team of Langvad and Courtney were in front at the water point at 45km into the race with Team Spur’s Luthi and Michiels not far off at 45 seconds back. A further 45 seconds back saw a group of ladies including Team Ascendis Health, de Groot and Spitz along with Dormakaba’s, Buchacher and Sanders. Also there were the OMX team of Lass and Strauss.
At 69km the leaderboard had changed with the two top teams changing positions after Investec Songo suffered a mechanical. The third spot was firmly claimed by the OMX pair of Lass and Strauss.
The Investec Songo pair fought hard to recover following their mechanical bad luck and caught and passed the Team Spur ladies. A strong ride home saw them cross the line in front, followed by Luthi and Michiels. Lass and Strauss rounding up the podium in third. The Ascendis Health pair of de Groot and Spitz had a tough ride, coming home in 4th with Spitz suffering with cramp. But this is the Cape Epic and there is still plenty of time to recompose and come back fighting, a strength both these ladies are very capable of.
The Dormakaba ladies teams showed true grit and determination and came home strong in 5th and 6th position. Mcdougall and Lill retaining their African Women’s Jerseys into tomorrow’s stage 2.
Take a look at our finish line gallery:
