World champs rule podium on first day of Cape Epic
Annika Langvad and Anna van der Breggen take the lead in the women’s category, while Nino Schurter and Lars Forster gain advantage in men’s
The bright rainbow stripes of the world champions dominated the podium after the first day of the Absa Cape Epic stage race on the slopes of Table Mountain on Sunday. The race showed some of the old and some of the new as former winners tore up the short and sharp prologue course on Table Mountain. UCI marathon world champion Annika Langvad and Anna van der Breggen (Team Investec-Songo-Specialized), the Olympic champions, were untouchable and took the lead in the women’s category, while the Team Scott-SRAM MTB duo of Nino Schurter and Lars Forster took the early advantage in the men’s category. Schurter and Forster tore up the 20km course in 43min 41.5sec, 41sec quicker than Manuel Fumic and Henrique Avancini (Cannondale Factory Racing). For Schurter, the 2017 winner of the Epic who is regarded by many as perhaps the greatest mountain bike rider of his generation, the prologue was tailored to his strengths of short, sharp climbs.
“The course suited us quite well,” said Schurte...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.