Cycling News and Race Results

The legendary mountain bike stage race saw 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, amongst others take on 707 km’s of mountain biking terrain with14 550m of climbing.Stransky’s comments after crossing the finish line: “What can you say about the world's toughest mountain bike race? It was tough and challenging and after day one you have thoughts of giving up altogether. But this team has stuck together and in the back of each of our minds was the charity aspect. We did this for the JAG foundation, so all the pain and suffering was not in vain. For now I’m sore and tired, and hopefully will not get on a bicycle soon!" 

Loubser, team mate for Stransky, admits that he had the perfect partner. “He kept me going throughout the race. The eight stages were tough at times. I think the climbing took a lot out of Joel and I, but we hung on. Overall I’m delighted by what we achieved as a team and I’ll definitely be back next year. I'm looking forward to what Dr Evil has prepared for us for the coming year.”

Team Absa aBreast, who were third overall in the Ladies category, were satisfied with their results. “I had a much better ride and I'm so happy about finishing. Yesterday was a different story as I struggled from the start. To end on a high here at Lourensford is extremely satisfying. The Absa Cape Epic has some great memories for me and will always be a special race. Yes, times were tough through certain stages, but I'd definitely do it again." Booyens says.Booyens’ partner Ischen Stopforth, was overjoyed to complete the race in such a good time and in such high spirits. “Another great day of riding today. I'm delighted with myself and Hanlie. You can’t buy experience and it showed as we went through some of the stages. The heat in Tulbagh sometimes took its toll and more than once you think that this is the end, but when you see the finish line, it all just comes together.”

The first female Gripen pilot in South Africa, Catherine Labuschagne, will always remember this race. “The 2011 Absa Cape Epic will stay with me for a long time. It was a challenge mentally and physically - something I’ll never forget. Also being a pilot I love the speed and  the adrenalin, so Ernst had to keep an eye on me, especially on the downhills! My body is sore, but it was all worth it. I'd definitely consider doing the Absa Cape Epic again,” Labuschagne says.

To this Labuschagne’s partner, Ernst Viljoen, adds: “I was incredibly honoured to manage Team Absa. The guys stuck to their task for the entire eight days, especially Catherine, who did the Absa Cape Epic for the very first time. Some days were really tough and it took a lot out of us, but in the end, I’m incredible proud of all my teammates.”