Absa Cape Epic - Tulbagh - Stage 3

Stage 3 meant that the riders headed to Worcester. The day was overcast with the threat of rain.

I walked to the top of the water fall at the Cape Natures station Waterval. To this point it was very easy riding and promised to be a cool day, so there were great smiles.

When this rider said that he was last, I was left with an empty feeling. After the build up to the event and the activity when the Absa Cape Epic was in Tulagh.

Last rider

Absa Cape Epic - Tulbagh - Stage 2

This was a tough day. The riders had a ± 640 metre climb over the Witzenberg Mountain into the valley behind.

I left home early and walked up the track and waited for them at the end of a steep section. This was about half way up. Most of the riders were pushing their bikes at this section. But the views were great looking across the valley.

Even though this was a touch section, it was amazing how many people simile for the camera.

Joel Stransky

Various decorations were placed on some bikes.

The ride up was slow, but down the top riders rode like a bat out of hell.

Absa Cape Epic - Tulbagh - Stage 1

This was the real start on the Cape Epic.

The race started at 7 am just as the sun touched the peak of Saronsberg Mountain.

It is amazing how much dust bicycles kick up. But then the speed these cyclist ride at, especially down hill. You can seed the sun catching the ridge.

The race passed orchards, on farm tracks and through small forests.

Some school children came to the finish with flags from various countries.

Face of a rider after a days racing.

Setting up of the race village

The two man tents were set up to day (Friday, 25^th March).  The two man tents were setup by the learners of Waveren High School. They setup 1 900 tents. The catering marquees and the Absa marquee were setup earlier in the week.

View of the Race Village today

The Race Village operates independently. Electricity is brought in via generators. Telecoms are brought via towers, Telkom base station, satellite for TV broadcasts, and MTN cell booster.

Even the showers are brought in on trucks. Pictured below are 28 showers and a second truck will arrive on Sunday afternoon.

More photos are available on Flickr (www.flickr.com/photos/norman_collins)