The 2015 ABSA Cape Epic concluded over the weekend. Here’s a round up of results, plus a gallery of lots of race shots.
The eight-day stage race bills itself as the toughest in the world. Riders race in pairs, covering 748km over the course of the week with 16,000m of altitude gain – that’s not far off two Everest’s worth of climbing in hot, dusty and predominantly desert conditions. Competition for places is fierce (early bird entries for 2016 sold out in just nine seconds, while the lottery, which is open until May 30th, is always oversubscribed), and the event is open to everyone, from full-time pros to your average weekend warrior. Whatever their background though, nobody underestimates it.
The top step of the final podium was a clean sweep for Specialized riders, with the men’s GC being won by the pairing of Christoph Sauser (SUI) and Jaroslav Kulhavy (CZE), and the women’s by Ariane Kleinhans (SUI) and Annika Langvad (DEN), while the pairing of Peter Vesel (SLO) and Yvonne Kraft (GER) took first in the mixed category. You can get the full results here, and feast your eyes on spectacular scenery (and Lycra) in this gallery of the event’s press photos.
All images thanks to Sportpics and ABSA Cape Epic.