Mercury rising on the ABSA Cape EPIC Stage 3 in Paarl
A fun day out on the Paarl trails network as the EPIC is now at Fairview. The ABSA Cape Epic arrived in Paarl after the TTTT from Meerendal yesterday. And today’s stage was shortened because of the heat. The news came in as follows: STAGE 3 SHORTENED: 90km → 78km, 2600m → 2450m. Updates on Water Points, Cut-offs & Start Times will be in the Stage 3 Route Briefing. With close on 40 degrees Celsius expected in Paarl. And we all know that that massive Paarl Rock retains the heat and adds another few degrees. Fortunately, the riders are going up and down the stellar https://paarltrails.com/ network.
*And that would make our bicycle collections in Paarl a tad more cumbersome in traffic today. Because it coincides with the ABSA Cape EPIC Stage 3 in Paarl. BUT – enjoy the heat and embrace the heat. Because rain is predicted later in the week. And we all know what that may cause ou the trails in Lourensford. I will most certainly be packing my gum boots for the finish on Sunday, just in case.
Brand new trails on the ABSA Cape EPIC Stage 3
And let’s see how our riders are doing. The riders we follow are neatly divided into those fighting for to spots and those having the best time possible on the bicycle. And this is how it went on the ABSA Cape EPIC Stage 3 in Paarl.
The pro’s on Stage 3
Nino Schurter and fellow countryman Fillippo Colombo finished the ABSA Cape EPIC Stage 3 in second position but hang on to the yellow jersey and stay in 1st position on GC. their time was 3 hours and 22 minutes. Our favourite Germans Lucas and Georg had a disappointing day on the bike and crossed the line in 20th position to drop from the podium down the 8th sport overall. Matt Beers and mate had a similar experience and finished in 17th position, dropping 6 places from 5th to 11th on the GC. And the man and his team who stays at the venue that we are not allowed to mention, Epic Bulls Legend Karl Platt came in just over 4 hours for the day (compared to 3:22 for Nino) and now rank in 3rd position on the podium for the GC in the Masters Men category.
Our pro’s on Stage 3
Shortly before this update there was news doing the rounds on social media that some recorded temps of 53 degrees (not verified!) and that the remainder of the stage was cancelled. Not sure how this would impact/pardon some of the times.
Chris was an individual finisher (IF) according to the app and we are awaiting news from Sean. Tough day out, and heart-wrenching to witness. And three teams for Michael & Mark Oliver & Jen & Luke have not yet recorded finish times according to the app. Holding thumbs.
Jacques and Riaan had a tremendous day on the trails and jumped almost 25 spots from 130th to 104th in the Masters Man category – well done chaps! Note this might change as other results roll in for the day. Or an alarming number of people didn’t make it through the day, as local Paarl trails route builder mentioned the mercury rose to 44 and beyond out on the course.
What happens tomorrow?
More of the same really. Another 80pm and just under 2000m of climbing to and from Fairview in Paarl for Stage 4 of the ABSA Cape EPIC. Keep some energy in the legs because the Queen stage (five stars for stage 5) is still looming later in this week…
As always, send your bicycle with #bicyclecouriers, to and from anywhere in South Africa!
