A successful start for Alessandra Keller and Candice Lill at the Absa Cape Epic: the duo from team “Thömus maxon – Sabi Sabi” won the prologue and set an early benchmark at the beginning of this prestigious stage race in South Africa.
This year’s edition kicked off at the Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville. On a roughly 20-kilometre loop with around 650 metres of elevation gain, riders had to face African heat for the first time. Temperatures of around 30 degrees already created demanding conditions on the opening day.
Keller and Lill approached the prologue in a controlled manner and quickly found their rhythm. On the technically demanding trails around the wine estate, the duo played to their strengths and set the fastest time in the elite women’s field.
The men’s race developed into an intense and tactical contest from the very beginning, with a high pace throughout. The three Thömus maxon riders were right in the middle of the action. Lars Forster was particularly active, shaping the race from the front for long stretches.
“We had a clear plan for this prologue and were able to execute it very well,” said Keller. “The win is a great first success, but it’s only the beginning. The race is long – we need to stay focused day by day.”
Start of an intense race week
The prologue traditionally marks the start of the eight-day stage race, which is considered one of the toughest and most renowned events in the international mountain biking calendar.
For Keller and Lill, the focus now shifts to recovery after the successful start and preparation for the upcoming stages. The first stage, taking place tomorrow, covers 66 kilometres with 1,800 metres of elevation gain from Montagu to Montagu.
Other podium finishers in the prologue were Courtney/Seiwald (USA/ITA) and Van Doorn/Looser (NED/NAM).