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A chilly morning greeted the ladies as they rolled up to begin the second stage of the 2018 ABSA Cape Epic. The top UCI women’s teams warmed up to try keep the cold at bay before the start. The orange jersey leaders of Langvad and Courtney of Investec Songo looked calm and collected. Not a single eye missed the shocking pink Specialized S-Works of Courtney’s as she rolled up to the line. Looking decidedly determined was Sabine Spitz from Ascendis Health who had battled cramps on yesterday’s stage. There were no signs of any setbacks as she warmed up in the early morning sunshine. The African women’s ladies leaders also had a hard day out on stage 1 with Amy Mcdougall battling stomach problems two days prior. “It’s a nice cool day today and we are looking forward to today’s stage” Candice Lill told us as she loaded the start shoot. “I feel much better and I’ m ready to tackle today. Yesterday was extremely tough for me but I am ready to give today a go.” said Amy. The ever smiling pair of Last and Strauss warmed up in front of a crowd and looked relaxed and laughed amongst themselves as they got ready for today’s stage. They carry an amazing air of positive energy and their strong bond really shows on and off the bike. It looked like a great battle amongst the top teams was on the cards for the stage. The race got underway with the Investec Songo, Team Spur , Ascendis Health, OMX Pro Team staying together. The African jersey leaders team of Dormakaba were following closely at 3 min back through water point 1. The ladies stayed put and worked together as the leading group of 8 rode through to water point 2 at Rifle Range, 59km into the race. It seemed the bunch was anxious to make a move at this point and the ladies stayed together for much of the race. The last waterpoint seemed to be the place where the Investec Songo team made their move. Gaining two minutes and coming across the line in front and extending their lead in the GC. Second and third were a sprint finish with Team Spur and the Silverback/KMC pair racing for the second spot. Team Spur pipped the youngsters with a big effort to take 2nd and the youngsters rounding out the podium in 3rd. Across the line in 4th with some more time lost was the Ascendis Health Team, Sabine Spitz not looking happy. It was a long hard day for the pair and Sabine looks to be battling with illness. Here’s what the riders had to say about the tough day: An Exciting day today. I was worn out after yesterday’s stage and I asked Kate if we could go easier at the beginning. With 30km to go we put in an attack and took to the finish in front. - Annika It’s been a great experience so far. I have learnt a lot, that anything can happen even though we still have some time on overall. It keeps you honest and working hard - Kate It was a Really really hard day. The last 30km I felt I was running on empty and it just kept getting warmer and warmer which took its toll. Everyday is getting harder, I am not used to the distance. Going for the full out for sprint, I gave my everything and I died many times today...- Githa Exciting today as four teams stayed together the whole race- each team attacked but always came back together. This kept us on our toes - it was as exciting to be racing as I’m sure it was to watch. We are getting into a rythym as a team.- Ariane Tough day out there, there is a lot of singletrack and it’s rocky . You have to stay focused. It’s all About relaxing and trying to get the maximum from the ride. Happy with the ride and we go again tomorrow. There is plenty of time still. - Annie
Overall results:
Stage Results- UCI Women:
Your women’s Podium:
