Team Songo’s Christoph Sauser and Burry Stander gained more time in the general classifcation after placing second in todays Stage 2 of the 2008 Absa Cape Epic behind Team Cannondale Vredestein. Despite a puncture on Burry Stander’s bike two thirds through the stage, creating a chase for the yellow jerseys, Team Songo are now 3min19 ahead of Cannondale and 9:36 ahead of Team Alb Gold Mountain Bike in third.

(Christoph Sauser and Burry Stander winning Day 1)

Burry Stander reflected on the past two days with grimace saying he had never hurt as much in his career. “I thought the Giro del Capo was tough, but this has been a nother level.” Stander, still under 23, cant but be positive about his tough introduction into his maiden Cape Epic. 4th at the opening Prologue, winning stage1, and today a second place finish to retain yellow.

Christoph has been incredible in how relaxed and composed he remains. On the bike he’s allowing Burry to find his feet, letting him set the pace at his tempo, and if Burry suffers, he’ll take over and keep the tempo going. Christpoh is really looking superb and showing exciting form for the season ahead. 

Songo.info is having the strongest presence at the Epic, and creating a lot of hype and attention. We can but only hope this translates into donotions to build a bmx track within a sustainable project for the children of Kayamandi. At times there are 11 of us sitting together in the dining tent at the evening awards all in Songo buy kilometres build bmx track  shirts. With support team, mechanics, masseus, and the Specialized girls.

Its been great dynamics in the team. Also between Christpoh and Burry, who hardly knew each other before the start of the Epic. They are really connecting and are united for building the BMX track in a special way.

 If biking has meant something to you, help us create an opportunity for cycling to mean something to the kids of Kayamandi. Donate now.  

Stage 2: George - Calitzdorp
Start: Saasveld Campus Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Finish: Calitzdorp Spa
Distance: 137km
Climbing: 2518m

“Stage 2 is arguably the hardest stage in the history of the Absa Cape Epic. The first big challenge of today is the Montague pass, 10km long with an altitude gain of almost 600metres. The next 65 km are relatively flat and fast flowing, with some loose tracks through Chandelier Game Reserve. The big challenge awaits at 102km – the assault of Gamkaberg, one of the many Cape Nature properties, but better described as ‘Break-Back Mountain’! Cut-off time at water point 3 is 15h00 and riders who don’t make this cut-off will be swept! What awaits is an extremely tough, 10km rocky climb, ascending 650 metres with 2 false peaks at the end. Take a moment to enjoy the majestic scenery. At speed it’s a 90min climb up to 1100m, midfielders and backenders need to prepare themselves for 2 hours plus. The high-stakes descent on the other side is scarier than the uphill and riders need to take caution! The last 15km to the Calitzdorp Spa are flat and fast and backenders will be racing to make the cut-off which will be extended to 18h00 on today’s stage!” - www.cape-epic.com

For ful results, click here.

P.S. - Internet in the middle of nowhere is a nightmare. I will upload new photo’s and all the video clips as soon as I can. Please keep checking the songo.info site.

This entry was posted on Sunday, March 30th, 2008 at 4:32 pm and is filed under categories: ABSA Cape Epic 2008, ABSA Cape Epic Stage 2 results, Burry Stander, Cape Epic 2008 News and results, Cape Epic Results, Christoph Sauser and tags: , , Burry Stander, Cannondale Vredestein win stage 2, Cape Epic News, Cape Epic Results, Christoph Sauser, Stage 2 ABSA Cape Epic 2008. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.