Cycling News and Race Results

Stage six, the penultimate stage of the legendary mountain bike stage race saw riders complete 128 km’s of strenuous mountain biking terrain.Amongst the Absa celebrity riders is ex-springbok Joel Stransky, female Gripen pilot Catherine Labuschagne, Pierre Loubser, Ernst Viljoen, and five times Absa Cape Epic finishers Ischen Stopforth and Hanlie Booyens.
Riding as team Absa aBreast, with partner Hanlie Booyens, Ischen Stopforth comments on the race today: “I think Hanlie and I had a very tough day, probably the most difficult of this year’s entire Absa Cape Epic. We had a tough start and I think she wanted to quit about a hundred times during the race.” Stopforth continues: “She wasn’t feeling well, but as a team, we supported each other each step of the way. I guided her through the pain and she showed immense courage to get to the finish. There is only one day to go, so just one more final push.” They finished in 7:27.00,3 (overall time 35:40.20,6).

Ex-Springbok Joel Stransky of the Absa Ghost Riders comments: “Another tough day at the office, but it was a really beautiful stage with lots of climbing. We’re all knackered, but the beauty of the area made up for it all. Just one day to go to Lourensford.  It’s not going to be easy, so I’m delighted that we’re almost done. My body has taken a real pounding, so after this I might just put that mountain bike away for the next 25 years!” His team mate Pierre Loubser adds: “Tough as usual today, but its great riding with a partner like Joel. He makes things easier for me, so to succeed at the Absa Cape Epic, you need to have the right temperament. The last seven days with the team has been awesome. I have seen a number of people struggling and not enjoying being out there, but I can honestly say that the Absa Cape Epic has been the highlight of my year so far.” They completed stage six in a time of 7:29.52,8 (overall time 39:55.08,4).

Says Absa team leader Ernst Viljoen of Absalute Mud Movers:  “The Absa Cape Epic has almost come to an end, but we can’t be complacent. Dr Evil (route planner Leon Evans) still has something in store for us as we head to Lourensford. So I am expecting a nice ride, but it might not be plain sailing. So far things have gone tremendously well from a team perspective. I’m incredibly proud of Catherine. Having her as a team mate has been fantastic. If you don’t look after your team mate, they will not look after you.” Catherine Labuschagne adds: “I’ve enjoyed my first Absa Cape Epic tremendously. It’s been great being part of Team Absa. Make no mistake though, we’ve had some tough days and some days were somewhat easier. But I’ll cherish this for a long time. One final push to Lourensford and the end of Absa Cape Epic 2011, but rest assured, I would like to do another Absa Cape Epic.” Their time was 8:44.12,1 (overall time 47:23.30,7).