Süss and Nuessli Grab Cape Epic Pole Position

Esther Süss and Jane Nuessli (BMC Wheeler) will wear the sough-after orange jersey on Stage 1 of the 2013 Absa Cape Epic on Monday, after winning the Ladies category in a time of 1:08.21,6, ahead of Sally Bigham and Milena Landtwing (Topeak Ergon) in 1:10.19,2.

South African/British duo Yolande Speedy and Catherine Williamson (Energas) finished third in 1:11.56,4, with South Africans Hanlie Booyens and Ischen Stopforth (Pragma Volcan Ladies) in fourth place in 1:15.22,9.

The tenth edition of the race kicked off with a 22-kilometer prologue at Meerendal Wine Estate in the Durbanville Wine Valley, and set off with a bang, riders left the start chute riding through the historic Meerendal Manor House, and almost immediately thereafter faced a challenging climb up “Stairway to Heaven” to the top of Dorstberg, a mountain top boasting magnificent 360 degree views of world famous landmarks such as Table Mountain, Robben Island and Cape Point.

Team dove straight into a rugged, Renosterveld lined trail that descended into the quarry and adjacent Hoogekraal farm, where sweeping single-track formed part of the Tygerberg Mountain Bike Club trail system.

Well-bermed turns made for a fun roller-coaster descent, as the route ultimately headed back through steep vineyards and a steady climb past dairy fields onto the picturesque Meerendal Wine Estate, finishing off with some more single-track and ensuring riders finished the first day with big smiles on their faces.

Says Esther Süss of BMC Wheeler: “This was my first race of the season and I’m really happy with how it went. Jane and I work well together and hopefully we’ll recover for tomorrow. We’ll see how it goes. At least I know where I stand.”

“Today was really good,” agreed Says Sally Bigham of Topeak Ergon. “It wasn’t as hot as last year, and a nice temperature. We did a test ride yesterday and I was unsure whether I liked the course, but really enjoyed it today.

“The spectators on the course were also really nice and added to my enjoyment of the race. I felt stronger than last year. We’re here to enjoy the race and will see what happens. I’ve won the last two years, so maybe it’s someone else’s turn to win.

“This is my fourth stage race with Milena and we’ll have a good time.” Adds Milena Landtwing: “It’s hard to bike with Sally as she’s faster than I am. I’m happy though as I did my best and we still have a long way to go.”

Catherine Williamson (Energas), who finished third, says: “It’s always nice to get the first day out of the way. We can now get into a rhythm. It’s the first time we rode together and we’re both happy with how today went. All bodes well and I’m happy with my legs.

“I’m sure Yolande is also happy with hers. Now the nerves have gone, we can focus on tomorrow which is a really hard stage. The Cape Epic is a long race and our aim is a podium finish, but we’ll take it one stage at a time.”

Yolande Speedy adds that she was very nervous at the start of the race. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but we had a strong ride today. I’m looking forward to the next 7 days – we’re happy with our position.”

In the Mixed Category, the RE:CM team of Erik and Ariane Kleinhans won in 1:06.23,9, followed by Theresa Ralph and Damian Perrin of Biogen Britehouse in 1:08:40,9. The South African/Swiss team of Jennie Stenerhag and Craig Gerber (Big Tree) finished in third place (1:11.13,3).

Says Erik Kleinhans of RE:CM: “We’re happy with everything. We wanted to catch the two Mixed teams ahead of us and managed to do so. We increased the gap from there. Our mission was to win the Prologue and we accomplished that.

“There’s still a long way to go, but our form is good. We’ll ride conservatively and cleverly.”

Ariane adds: “I’m very happy with today’s results. I felt much better than last year and really gave my best. We’re a good team and Erik supports me so well. Tonight we’ll look at tomorrow’s stage and take it from there.”

Stage 1 boasts 2,500m of climbing in a 96-kilometer loop on virgin Absa Cape Epic territory that starts and finishes in Citrusdal, a small farming town at the foot of the Cederberg Mountains. The stage starts climbing from the word go, up Piekenierskloof on relatively smooth and sandy roads, before descending nearly 600 meters in seven rocky kilometers of a wet Olifants River crossing.

A steady eight-kilometer climb leads to a four-kilometer section of rugged dual track and a short, but thrilling, single-track descent. The gradual descent to water point two, is on uneven farm roads through citrus orchards. Riders need to fill up here as the most challenging section of the day awaits – seven kilometers of climbing, a brief rutted descent and then a portage that will test bodies and humour.

The long descent to water point three is followed by approximately 20 kilometers through the farmlands in the Olifants River Valley. With no significant climbs, though by no means flat, riders will enjoy a slight reprieve before reaching the final obstacle of the day: a tough, sandy slog up the mountain side and the just reward of a fast, fun descent into the race village in Citrusdal.

Visit www.cape-epic.com for more details and to see where the riders are online during the race.