Press Release: Speedy grits through broken clavicle and 2 ribs to win the ABSA Cape Epic with partner Catherine Williamson, and Academy members take four wins on Saturday.

ABSA Cape Epic – the tenth edition

On Sunday the ABSA Cape Epic came to an emotional finale, with Christoph Sauser and Jaroslav Kulhavy of team Burry Stander – SONGO winning the race overall in the name of the late Burry Stander.

Then in the ladies Yolande Speedy broke her clavicle and 2 ribs in a crash on stage 5, not only did she painfully finish the stage, in a display of true bravery, strength and determination she raced the final stage despite her injuries. With the support of teammate Catherine Williamson, they pushed through, finishing Fourth in the stage and won the ladies category overall! “It was better than I thought and we played it safe knowing we had the lead. We kept it steady on the climbs and I was very careful on the downhills. We’re very happy that we made it and we had amazing support. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner. It’s amazing to take away this win. It’s such a prestigious event.” Said Speedy.

Speedy and Williamson of team Energas won $ of the 7 stages and despite Speedy’s injuries, the duo won the GC by an hour and a half. Their overall time was 38:58.51,9. Neville Ackerman and Partner Charles Nienaber had an outstanding race, coming 7^th overall in the Grand Masters category, their overall time was 41:24:19:13.

ASG Tyger Valley

At the ASG Tyger Valley MTB race last Saturday, the ASG MTB Academy took three first places. Arno du Toit took the honours in the 70km men’s category, winning in a time of 2:22:39. “I was soon off the front of the group with 3 or four guys on my wheel, no one willing to help with the pace making. After about 40 km of this, I got frustrated and managed to split the group with a tactical move in a section of single track. Andrew McClean regained contact, but I had enough left in the tank to ride him off and take the win.” Amy McDougall won the ladies category in 2:38:25 and young talent, Jacques Pretorius, won the 40km in a time of 1:31:12. Other outstanding performances: Heinich Greve came second in the 40km, Edwill O’Neill came 4^th overall in the 70km and Andrea de Boer came 4^th in the ladies 70km race.

Then at a slightly different discipline Nicholas Popich came second in the Gauteng Duathlon Provincial Champs on Thursday the 21^st of March and then went on to win the SAPPI MTB Challenge in Mankele just two days later!

The ASG Academy has performed outstandingly this past week and Yolande Speedy’s performance will be an inspiration to all! Next on the calendar is round 3 of the USN Cup and the 2^nd round of the Gauteng XCO Provincial series.

Until then, happy cycling!

ASG MTB Academy