ABSA Cape Epic Stage 3:

Stage 3 of the Cape Epic 2018 took the riders from Robertson to Worcester. The transition day marked the longest distance of the 2018 Cape Epic and athletes had to face challenges like the Porcupine Trap, a flat-out section through sandy fynbos trails toward the Saggy Stone Brewery.

The first 20km included three climbs, but it was Penn Hill that was the first big climb of the day, a 3.5km brutal ascent that came after 12km of uphill graft. The technical terrain was a twisting section of Fynbos surrounded trail and one of the most demanding sections today.

Alban Lakata (AUT) and Kristian Hynek (CZE) took home their first stage victory this year. Jarolslav Kulhavy (CZE) and Howard Grotts (USA) finished in second due to suffering their third puncture in the last two days. Manuel Fumic (GER) and Henrique Avancini (BRA) who won the last two stages crossed the finish line in third today, which means the loss of the yellow jersey to Kulhavy and Grotts. In the women’s category Annika Langvad (DEN) and Kate Courtney (USA) seem unstoppable this year and took home their fourth win in four days.

Stage Results

Men

1. Canyon Topeak 7-1 Alban Lakata (AUT) 7-2 Kristian Hynek (CZE) 4:17.14,1
2. InvestecSongoSpecialized 2-1 Jaroslav Kulhavy (CZE) 2-2 Howard Grotts (USA) 4:18.25,4 +1.11,3
3. Cannondale Factory Racing 6-1 Manuel Fumic (GER) 6-2 Henrique Avancini (BRA) 4:23.01,4 +5.47,3

Women

1. Investec Songo Specialized 54-1 Annika Langvad (DEN) 54-2 Kate Courtney (USA) 5:04.32,7
2. Spur 53-1 Ariane Lüthi (SUI) 53-2 Githa Michiels (BEL) 5:10.11,8 +5.39,1
3. Ascendis Health 52-1 Sabine Spitz (GER) 52-2 Robyn De Groot (RSA) 5:10.15,0 +5.42,3