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Hi peeps! I'm currently in the market for a new or used bike and doing a bit of research. I have a question that I think would be quick and easy to answer for most hubbers If I understand correctly it's better to get a bike that has a tapered head tube as it provides better stability/stiffness or whatever. I see that the cheaper 29ers aren;t tapered. Now I saw a 2011 Momsen AL329 that I might buy and on the spec sheet where the frame is described it does not state tapered, hoever the fork that's on the bike is a RS recon silver air, taper crown. Does this now suggest that the head tube on the frame is also tapered? Here's a link to the specific bike I'm speaking of http://www.momsenbikes.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=134&Itemid=663 If I also understand the following correctly, it's better to get a bike with a tapered head tube as it's easier to upgrade the fork in the future as there are more high end forks like the Reba available to replace the RS sivler recon etc? Please give a noob some clarity on this matter. Much appreciated

I am looking to buy a new mountain bike. My options are: Giant Talon 29er V2 Merida Big Nine TFS 100 Merida Big Nine Team TFS 300 Momsen AL229 Momsen AL329 Which one should I get and why? I aim to do normal mountain biking, as well as downhill, and then get into freeriding.

So I have been saving up to upgrade to a set of ZTR Crests, primarily for the weight saving on my 29er HT. It's an aluminum Momsen weighing in at 13kg. I have weighed my current wheelset and it comes in at 4.5-4.6kg all in including rotors, cassette, tyres, slime, etc. From information I have read the Crests wouldn't be much lighter perhaps even the same. Leaves me wondering is it worth the R5000 to upgrade as my current set has given me no issues at all. Current setup is Sun Ringle inferno 23 rims, SRAM hubs, WTB Bronson front, WTB Nano rear, 10 speed SRAM cassette, AVID 160mm rotors and Stan's slime.

Mate of mine's brand new Momsen SL 729 was stolen last night at 02h30 from his place at Craighall Park on Delta Park (he stays in between Fratelli's and Delta on the riverside). Look S-Trac pedals, XT gruppo & Arch EX rims on SRAM X9 hubs, Schwalbe Racing Ralphs tyres, Rock Shox REBA RL, Fi:zik Nisense saddle Got it yesterday afternoon only to get it stolen last night. Please keep an eye out.. EDIT: specs & pic

Hi guys , I know this topic has been discussed a few times and I have found some valueble information with regards to tyres, nutrition and not trying anything different on race day .. Thing is I dont do road riding , all the training with my bike will be off road. I mostly cycle in gauteng at Groonkloof, Northern farms, Modderfontein ., cycle trails. Is this okay or do I have to prepare on the road? I started going for a few spinning sessions also. I have a Momsen 21" AL 126, which I am pretty comfortable with but I have not ridden it for more than 3 hours. Shoud I take it for a proper bike fit? How will this help me? My thinking is, if I can ride my bike for 4/5 hours I will be able to atleast get close to finishing the race. My concerns are not completeing the event or cramping. Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

Yep, after 8 years of being off a bike, I bought a Momsen 729R today. Did the Warrior Race in Midrand a few weeks ago, and for some strange reason it made me want add some biking back into my training/fitness. Sweet bike...man, tech sure does change after 8 years. Anyway, first post here. Thanks to all of you who post here frequently and help 2nd time noobs out.

Against the backdrop of the iconic and majestic Table Mountain and sunshine in Cape Town, millions of MTBers the world over were envious of the 1200 competitors who took to the start of the 2013 ABSA Cape Epic. Click here to view the article

MOMSEN BIKES is set to release the new VIPA Full Suspension bike at the 2013 Cycle Tour Expo which starts on the 7th March 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa. Click here to view the article

Hi, I am very new at cycling and heard that the 29er are the way to go!! I am currently looking at 2 bikes: GT karakoram 2.0 Momsen AL329 Which one would you recommend?

I know its not the best spec or anything but its coming together slowly and loving it. Just thought I would share and maybe get a few suggestions as I am a Noob .... Momsen 729 ltd 29er frame DT Swiss Xmm 100mm fork Ritchey handlebars and seatpost The following goes on the bike on Sat: DT Swiss 450 SL wheelset(Need to convert from thru hub to std) SLX Rear derailer SLX Shifters At a later stage: Decent Crank prob SLX or XT Upgrade Brakes

Hi Guys Looking at buying my 8 year old daughter the Momsen Jr 100. She is currently riding a 26 inch schwinn meca XS ladies bike with a 15 inch frame and handles the bike ok for her age, she rides most of the single track at Tokai. My problem with the bike is the weight it is heavy. Any thoughts and comments would be appreciated. Thanks Andrew

Hi Guys Am a newie to the Hub, and really impressed at all the advice given to other members! So I hope you are you ready for all my ??????? Have done some MTB races this yr (Karkloof Classic & Lion Man etc.), using a friend's 29er Lynskey Hardtail and his Trek Carbon Softail. I am now looking to buy my own bike, budget R10K, but boy am I confused with all that's out there! So far, my preferences on the 29er's are: Cannondale Trail SL29 Trek Corbia 2013 Titan Elite 2013 Momsen AL129 or is it AL329? I will use the bike for training at Northern, and around Kyalami, etc. and then various events throughout the year. I have also started road cycling a few months back which helped with my first 94.7 and next, my first Argus, which I use my Raleigh for. Am really missing being offroad, so am keen to get back to some MTB riding. Look forward to any advice or suggestions. Many thanks Michele

Venue: ADA Training and Outdoor centre, Leeuwenfontein Farm www.adasa.co.za >> Click here for directions Time: 9am to 3pm Cost: R50 (Kids under 12 free) Bring: Helmets, shoes and pedals (NB) Food:There will be boerie rolls, prego rolls and drinks on sale Early confirmations for the JHB event are: Specialized | Merida | Raleigh | Diamond Back | Lapierre | Momsen | Cube | BMC | Morewood Cadence Nutrition | Pyga | Giant | Pinarello

Hi Guys, Anyone see the advert for the Momsen Mudscoop in bicycling last months eddition ?? I am very keen on getting 3 of these for my bikes - but guess what ??? the internet adress is for the wholesale site only. I did send a request as to where I can find a dealer in cape Town but no reply ! Any of my fellow hubbers know where I can purchase the Mudscoop ?

So that was an interesting lunch hour. Following on from this thread, I decided to go to Cyclefactory to try out a Silverback, spoke to helpful guy by the name of Chris whom I had a conversation on the phone before. While Chris was showing me alternatives, Pieter quite rudely imho steps in and advises Chris to help another customer while he continues with me. Pieter then funnily enough shows me a momsen(thanx @tombeej). At this point I can appreciate the help he gave as he explained the bike to me and actually convinced me that this is the bike for me. However, after brief phone call and the situation basically in mid air, Pieter turns his attention to another customer. Now i don't know if there was a misunderstanding but I was certainly not done, especially since this bike needs to be ordered and still built. After standing around for a while I start getting that same feeling I got in a few other Lbs's, not good. Eventually Chris helps finalizes what we will do next. Now like I said, it could be as simple as a misunderstanding but I definitely left with a bad taste in my mouth, so much so that I will be phoning other Lbs's for the same bike.

I see in the December issue of ride mag they are selling 2012 Momsen sl 729 for R17999 Any one knows if this is for real as thats really a good price! Come with full XT. Ztr crest wheelset and Conti tyres. Not sure which variant though!

Budget is R30k Options on new: Cannondale Flash Carbon 3 Build: This sounds dounting and not sure if its worth while? Second Hand: There was a Momsen SL929 fully spec beaut that was worth R47 500 5 months old that went for R30k So my question is which is the best option, do you go brand spanking new? Build a bike up from scratch to your own desired spec? Or look for a good deal in the classifieds as MTB's hold no good resale value and you could pick up a R50k excellent condition bike for 30? Advise please.... Thanks guys

MacDonald (35), who has raced for Team RE:CM for the past two years, will race marathons for FedGroup ITEC Connect and will partner with team captain and owner, Brandon Stewart, in stages races in South Africa and abroad. Team RE:CM's Neil MacDonald (left) and FedGroup ITEC Connect's Brandon Stewart, wearing the red jerseys of race leaders, were all smiles after winning the overall title at the 2012 FedGroup Berg & Bush three-day mountain bike stage race at the weekend. The pair will team up officially from 1 January 2013 when MacDonald’s two-year contract begins. Photo credit: Full Stop Communications “This was the first full year for the team and we’ve now built a solid foundation with respectable results. The goal is to up the ante somewhat in 2013 and I believe that with Neil on board we’ll be able to move to a new level,” said Stewart, who is the only South African to have won stages at three of the world’s premier mountain bike stages races – ABSA Cape Epic (Africa), Transalp (Europe) and BC Bike Race (North America). “Neil has only been racing mountain bikes for less than two years and already has some impressive results. As a bike racer, he is extremely dependable and consistent and I believe he will still improve further as a mountain bike racer. I look forward to what he’s going to bring to the team,” added Stewart. MacDonald comes from a professional road cycling background, having turned professional in 1997. His road career highlights include victory at the 2000 Tour of South China Seas, three stage wins at the 2002 Qinghai Tour of China, a stage win and second overall at the 2007 Tour of Morocco, winner of the Points Jersey at the 2008 Tour of Gabon and two wins at the South African Amashova Classic (2000 and 2003). In his first professional mountain bike race, MacDonald and Team RE:CM teammate Waylon Woolcock won six stages and the overall title at the 2011 Old Mutual joBerg2c. The pair finished 14th overall at their first ABSA Cape Epic earlier this year. “It was a tough decision to make to leave Team RE:CM. Piet Viljoen of RE:CM and Lange Sports gave me the opportunity to move from road cycling into mountain biking with no experience and it worked out very well. Waylon has been a great teammate too. But I need to focus on my future and the opportunity with FedGroup ITEC Connect has given me new motivation,” said MacDonald. “I’m fully committed to RE:CM until the end of the year and am looking forward to learning a lot from Brandon, who is one of the most experienced stage racers in the world. He’ll be doing his 10th Cape Epic next year and who better to learn from and grow than a teammate that’s done every single edition?” The increased backing of the team by Kia Motors South Africa and Kathea Communication Solutions, combined with the recent commitment of title sponsors FedGroup and ITEC Connect for another three years, has enabled team expansion. MacDonald’s signing follows soon after that of Brad Stroberg, a rising Under-23 racer who joined the team in August. Stewart and MacDonald teamed up this past weekend to compete in the FedGroup Berg & Bush, one of South Africa’s premier three-day stage races, which they won. “Team RE:CM didn’t have this race on our schedule, but I was invited to join Brandon as a collaborative effort with FedGroup ITEC Connect. It turned out to be an ideal test of our compatibility. I think our victory confirmed that we passed the test. It wasn’t the smoothest of races and it challenged us on many levels. Brandon is very relaxed in his approach, never letting small things stress him out. I need to become more like that in races,” smiled MacDonald. The pair plan to race predominantly in South Africa, but have identified the Transalp as a European stage on the team’s radar for 2013. Stroberg will race marathons and will join the team’s female member, Bridgette Stewart, for stage races where they will compete in the mixed category. “Momsen Bikes will continue to be our bike partner. It’s quite something to be part of the success of this progressive South African brand, which will be doing some big things with stage-race and marathon bikes in 2013,” added Stewart. Click here to view the article

Nico Bell and Gawie Combrinck (Westvaal Columbia) and Melt Swanepoel and Matthys Beukes (Cango MTB.com) finished the final stage, an 84-kilometre haul from George to Oudtshoorn in second and fifth places respectively, earning them second and third spots in the final General Classification, following a week of exciting racing over challenging, but scenic terrain that covered a total distance of 534km with 11 516 metres of climbing. Steady rain made conditions difficult from the outset with the temperature at the summit of the Montagu Pass dropping to 4 degrees Celsius. But George and Evans were determined to complete their tour with a stage win and set a fast pace from the start. Evans soon began to struggle though, leaving George to nurse him through a bad patch before he recovered somewhat for the final 15km. The pair clocked a winning time of 03 hours 07 minutes 06 seconds, with Combrinck and Bell following them home just less than two minutes later. “I began to feel weak. I think the fatigue from the hectic last two weeks caught up with me. Dave had to do all the work and was on the receiving end of some harsh words from me,” grinned Evans. “He was great though. He even offered to carry my bottle to save me some watts! After he’d worked for 65km, with Nico and Gawie not that far behind, I got angry and decided I had to help. We managed to get here first, but it wasn’t easy. Great to end with a stage win though.” Despite his physical condition and the difficult weather conditions throughout the last couple of stages, Evans was quick to pay compliments. “The Cape Pioneer Trek is really so much more enjoyable this year. It’s still challenging for everyone, but more manageable for all the participants. The trails were fun too – technical at times but rewarding. Just incredible riding, organisation, scenery and hospitality,” added Evans. In the women’s race, overnight leaders Yolande Speedy and Yolande de Villiers (Klein Karoo International Ostrich Chicks) were never threatened by defending champions Ischen Stopforth and Catherine Williamson (Bridge bizhub Ladies) as they charged to victory and extended their overall winning margin from 57 seconds to 15 minutes. Stopforth had become ill on Stage 5 and soldiered through the remaining stage bravely. But in the end she and Williamson had to settle for the runners-up spot after the most exciting contest in the women’s category in the race’s four-year history. Dutch teammates Micha de Vries and Willem van Heerdt (Cube Nutswerk 1) raced to the stage win the Veteran men’s category, with overall leaders Nico Pfitzenmaier and Robert Sim (Robert Daniel Momsen) content to finish a safe second and secure the overall victory. It was some compensation following their forced exit from the 2012 ABSA Cape Epic, where they were clear leaders before Pfitzenmaier crashed out with an injured knee. The final stage saw a big turnaround in the Mixed category as South African Craig Gerber and his Swedish teammate, Jennie Stenerhag, claimed their first stage win ahead of category leaders, Kathrin Stirnemann and Sandro Soncin (BH – Halbike – Tigers) of Switzerland. The Swiss pair claimed the overall victory though with Germans Max Fridrich and Nadine Rieder (Ergon 24H Racing Team) finishing second with Gerber and Stenerhag an overall third. The Swiss team of Barti Bucher and Ernst Engeli (Bix-Sherpa Tensing Pedalerie) completed their absolute dominance of the Master’s category by capturing their seventh consecutive stage win and finishing the tour in an impressive ninth place overall. In the Solo men’s race, overnight leader, Timo Cooper, finished third behind Austrian Heinz Zoerweb and Petrus Malherbe respectively, but won the overall title fairly comfortably in the end. The Solo women’s race saw a spirited fight back from Desiree Loubser who won the stage by a big enough margin to reclaim the overall lead over race-long rival, Diana Carolin. The 2012 event saw the start of a five-year sponsorship by Bridge, a financial solutions company. The corporate backing from Bridge, along with a R100 000 (US $12 000) contribution from headline sponsor, Wilde Juices, helped enable the organisers to increase the prizemoney across all categories, with a total prize purse of R300 000 (US $37000). Follow @BridgeCPT on twitter for reaction and post-event updates. On Facebook, visit Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek 2012. See a full gallery of event images and more insight here: http://blog.capepioneer.co.za/ For additional event information, visit www.capepioneer.co.za Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek 2012 Stage 6 – George – Oudtshoorn 84km; 1 584 metres ascent Leading results Open Men: 1 Kevin Evans – RSA / David George – RSA (Nedbank 360Life) 03:07:06 2 Nico Bell – RSA / Gawie Combrinck – RSA (Westvaal Columbia) 03:08:53 3 Chris Wolhuter – RSA / Oliver Munnik – RSA (Asrin Cycling) 03:19:29 4 Wynand Mulder – RSA / Kobus Barnard – RSA (Klein Karoo Express) 03:27:21 5 Matthys Beukes – RSA / Melt Swanepoel – RSA (Cango MTB.com) 03:27:42 Women: 1 Yolande de Villiers – RSA / Yolande Speedy – RSA (Klein Karoo International Ostrich Chicks) 03:36:21 2 Ischen Stopforth – RSA / Catherine Williamson – GBR (Bridge bizhub Ladies) 03:50:47 3 Sarah van Heerden – RSA / Jackie Church – RSA (Wilde 2) 04:14:08 Mixed: 1 Craig Gerber – RSA / Jennie Stenerhag – SWE (Newlinesport) 03:35:54 2 Kathrin Stirnemann – SUI / Sandro Soncin – SUI (BH – Halbike – Tigers) 03:37:14 3 Max Fridrich – GER / Nadine Rieder – GER (Ergon 24H Racing Team) 03:49:36 Veteran: 1 Micha de Vries – NED /Willem van Heerdt – NED (Cube Nutswerk 1) 03:23:15 2 Robert Sim – RSA / Nico Pfitzenmaier – GER (Robert Daniel Momsen) 03:23:22 3 Rex Benson – RSA / Mark Langman – RSA (Bridge USN) 04:03:25 Masters: 1 Barti Bucher – SUI / Ernst Engeli – SUI (Bix-Sherpa Tensing Pedalerie) 03:27:27 2 Tony Conlon – RSA / Peter Stopforth – RSA (Marsilio Projects Masters) 03:50:51 3 Neville Ackermann – RSA / Charles Nienaber – RSA (Bridge Masters) 03:52:26 Solo Men: 1 Heinz Zoerweb – AUT 03:19:29 2 Petrus Malherbe – RSA 03:23:23 3 Timo Cooper – RSA 03:23:30 Solo Women: 1 Desiree Loubser – RSA 04:12:50 2 Dianna Ineman – SUI 04:25:33 3 Diana Carolin – RSA 04:33:24 General Classification after Stage 5 Open Men: 1 Kevin Evans – RSA / David George – RSA (Nedbank 360Life) 20:56:56 2 Nico Bell – RSA / Gawie Combrinck – RSA (Westvaal Columbia) 21:21:41 3 Matthys Beukes – RSA / Melt Swanepoel – RSA (Cango MTB.com) 21:51:00 4 Chris Wolhuter – RSA / Oliver Munnik – RSA (Asrin Cycling) 22:43:18 5 Mattijs Eversdijk – NED / Liwald Doornbos – NED (Cube Nutswerk 2) 23:20:29 Women: 1 Yolande de Villiers – RSA / Yolande Speedy – RSA (Klein Karoo International Ostrich Chicks) 25:22:30 2 Ischen Stopforth – RSA / Catherine Williamson – GBR (Bridge bizhub Ladies) 25:37:52 3 Sarah van Heerden – RSA / Jackie Church – RSA (Wilde 2) 28:09:38 Mixed: 1 Kathrin Stirnemann – SUI / Sandro Soncin – SUI (BH – Halbike – Tigers) 24:10:26 2 Max Fridrich – GER / Nadine Rieder – GER (Ergon 24H Racing Team) 24:36:40 3 Craig Gerber – RSA / Jennie Stenerhag – SWE (Newlinesport 25:02:19 Veteran: 1 Robert Sim – RSA / Nico Pfitzenmaier – GER (Robert Daniel Momsen) 23:01:13 2 Micha de Vries - NED /Willem van Heerdt – NED (Cube Nutswerk 1) 23:30:40 3 Rex Benson – RSA / Mark Langman – RSA (Bridge USN) 26:34:18 Masters: 1 Barti Bucher – SUI / Ernst Engeli – SUI (Bix-Sherpa Tensing Pedalerie) 20:09:17 2 Neville Ackermann – RSA / Charles Nienaber – RSA (Bridge Masters) 21:56:19 3 Tony Conlon – RSA / Peter Stopforth – RSA (Marsilio Projects Masters) 23:09:53 Solo Men: 1 Timo Cooper – RSA 22:54:22 2 Heinz Zoerweb – AUT 22:42:11 3 Petrus Malherbe – RSA 23:09:30 Solo Women: 1 Desiree Loubser – RSA 29:06:47 2 Diana Carolin – RSA 29:19:10 3 Dianna Ineman – SUI 30:22:01 For full results, visit www.capepioneer.co.za David George (front) and Kevin Evans (Nedbank 360Life) settle into an early lead on their way to winning Stage 6 of the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race on Saturday. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media Nico Bell (front) and Gawie Combrinck (Westvaal Columbia) on their way to second place on the final stage and second on the overall standings at the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media Catherine Williamson (front) and Ischen Stopforth (Bridge bizhub Ladies) on their way to second place on the final stage and second overall in the women's category at the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media David George (left) and Kevin Evans (Nedbank 360Life) roll over the rain-soaked finish line to win the final stage and the overall title at the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media Yolande Speedy (left) and Yolande de Villiers (Klein Karoo International Ostrich Chicks) smile with relief as they win the final stage and the overall women's title at the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media A rider ascends Montagu Pass in cold, wet conditions on Stage 6 of the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media Neville Cragg makes his way across a bridge during Stage 6 of the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media Solo men's category rider, Neil Gerryts, negotiates a muddy forest singletrack trail during Stage 6 of the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media Click here to view the article

Although shortened and rerouted due to rain damage on the original 75km route, the penultimate stage of the seven-day race saw continued high levels of tension among the General Classification podium contenders. Bell and Combrinck won the stage overall, just ahead of overall leaders, Kevin Evans and David George (Nedbank 360Life), who confirmed they’re riding defensively and cautiously and minimising any need to take risks. The big losers on the day were Melt Swanepoel and Matthys Beukes (Cango MTB.com), who finished 11 minutes back and lost second place on General Classification to Bell and Combrinck. The women’s race was equally dynamic, with Stage 4 winners Speedy and De Villiers finishing six minutes ahead of Stopforth and Williamson (Bridge bizhub Ladies) to take the lead for the first time. Stopforth has been ill for two days and was on the brink of withdrawing overnight, but decided to start the stage on Friday, managing to get the finish with a shot a finishing the tour and, depending on her recovery, the overall title. “There was a big climb early on today, so our strategy was to start hard and try and get away from Melt and Matthys,” said Bell. “David George actually pushed the pace hard up there and we followed. Matthys was able stay with us, but had to drop back to Melt after a while. “We really gave it our all today. We wanted second place on GC and we wanted another stage win. We also wanted a big enough cushion for the last day so that we can take fewer risks and hopefully challenge for another stage win. We have a 10-minute margin, but that’s not much in mountain biking. We lost more than that on Stage 2 when my derailleur hanger broke,” added Bell. For Speedy and De Villiers, claiming the race lead was a significant motivation while the stage win was a bonus. “We went into a lead from the first climb and then just focussed on keeping out of trouble while going as hard as we could. Our lead is less than a minute over Ischen and Catherine, which makes the women’s race exciting right until the end. It’s good for women’s racing and for the Cape Pioneer Trek. It’s been more of a race than a survival test.” With two stages of mechanical nightmares behind them, the top Veteran pairing of Nico Pfitzenmaier and Robert Sim (Robert Daniel Momsen) were once again racing at the front of the race, finishing the stage third overall and extending the lead in their category. “On Stage 1 we cut a tyre and had to tube it. Then we hit thorns and eventually ran out of spare tubes and inflator bombs. It was soul destroying. Then on Stage 3, Robert dented his rim, which again forced us to tube and again we had to deal with punctures. Riding without problems for the last two days has been a huge relief,” explained Pfitzenmaier, a German who lives in Cape Town. “I’ve done a lot of stage races around the world and this year’s Cape Pioneer Trek is by far the best. It sets a new standard. The route has been challenging, but fun and the organisers really care about every single rider. Nothing is left to chance. Everything is just so well executed. Everything,” added Pfitzenmaier. The Swiss team of Barti Bucher and Ernst Engeli (Bix-Sherpa Tensing Pedalerie), put in another impressive performance to finish the stage in eighth place overall, extending their Masters category lead further, while Mixed category leaders, Kathrin Stirnemann and Sandro Soncin (BH – Halbike – Tigers) of Switzerland won a third consecutive stage and tightened their grip on the lead in that division. Timo Cooper secured another stage win in the Solo men’s race, while Diana Carolin’s stage win saw her move into the lead in the Solo women’s race after gradually closing the gap each day on previous leader, Desiree Loubser. Saturday’s final stage was originally planned to be an 84km leg from George to Oudtshoorn, but may be shortened and rerouted to avoid areas affected by heavy overnight rain. No matter what the final route, it’s unlikely to be regarded as a procession with a number of podium places still up for finalisation. Follow @BridgeCPT on twitter for regular updates. On Facebook, visit Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek 2012. See a full gallery of event images and more insight here: http://blog.capepioneer.co.za/ For additional event information, visit www.capepioneer.co.za Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek 2012 Stage 5 – Herold to George 75km; 1 693 metres ascent (shortened) Leading results Open Men: 1 Nico Bell – RSA / Gawie Combrinck – RSA (Westvaal Columbia) 02:13:22 2 Kevin Evans – RSA / David George – RSA (Nedbank 360Life) 02:13:25 3 Matthys Beukes – RSA / Melt Swanepoel – RSA (Cango MTB.com) 02:24:21 4 Mattijs Eversdijk – NED / Liwald Doornbos – NED (Cube Nutswerk 2) 02:26:16 5 Chris Wolhuter – RSA / Oliver Munnik – RSA (Asrin Cycling) 02:28:42 Women: 1 Yolande de Villiers – RSA / Yolande Speedy – RSA (Klein Karoo International Ostrich Chicks) 02:44:26 2 Ischen Stopforth – RSA / Catherine Williamson – GBR (Bridge bizhub Ladies) 02:50:25 3 Sarah van Heerden – RSA / Jackie Church – RSA (Wilde 2) 03:10:53 Mixed: 1 Kathrin Stirnemann – SUI / Sandro Soncin – SUI (BH – Halbike – Tigers) 02:38:11 2 Max Fridrich – GER / Nadine Rieder – GER (Ergon 24H Racing Team) 02:41:20 3 Craig Gerber – RSA / Jennie Stenerhag – SWE (Newlinesport) 02:47:00 Veteran: 1 Robert Sim – RSA / Nico Pfitzenmaier – GER (Robert Daniel Momsen) 02:22:03 2 Micha de Vries – NED /Willem van Heerdt – NED (Cube Nutswerk 1) 02:31:56 3 Gus Klohn – RSA / Marc Wiederkehr – RSA (Ansaldo STS Dunkeld Cycles) 02:51:51 Masters: 1 Barti Bucher – SUI / Ernst Engeli – SUI (Bix-Sherpa Tensing Pedalerie) 02:32:00 2 Neville Ackermann – RSA / Charles Nienaber – RSA (Bridge Masters) 02:45:38 3 Tony Conlon – RSA / Peter Stopforth – RSA (Marsilio Projects Masters) 02:50:26 Solo Men: 1 Timo Cooper – RSA 02:21:46 2 Heinz Zoerweb – AUT 02:22:03 3 Petrus Malherbe – RSA 02:31:58 Solo Women: 1 Diana Carolin – RSA 03:09:10 2 Desiree Loubser – RSA 03:20:44 3 Dianna Ineman – SUI 03:24:35 General Classification after Stage 5 Open Men: 1 Kevin Evans – RSA / David George – RSA (Nedbank 360Life) 17hr 49min 50sec 2 Nico Bell – RSA / Gawie Combrinck – RSA (Westvaal Columbia) 18:12:48 3 Matthys Beukes – RSA / Melt Swanepoel – RSA (Cango MTB.com) 18:23:18 4 Chris Wolhuter – RSA / Oliver Munnik – RSA (Asrin Cycling) 19:23:49 5 Mattijs Eversdijk – NED / Liwald Doornbos – NED (Cube Nutswerk 2) 19:46:47 Women: 1 Yolande de Villiers – RSA / Yolande Speedy – RSA (Klein Karoo International Ostrich Chicks) 21:46:09 2 Ischen Stopforth – RSA / Catherine Williamson – GBR (Bridge bizhub Ladies) 21:47:05 3 Sarah van Heerden – RSA / Jackie Church – RSA (Wilde 2) 23:55:30 Mixed: 1 Kathrin Stirnemann – SUI / Sandro Soncin – SUI (BH – Halbike – Tigers) 20:33:12 2 Max Fridrich – GER / Nadine Rieder – GER (Ergon 24H Racing Team) 20:47:04 3 Craig Gerber – RSA / Jennie Stenerhag – SWE (Newlinesport) 21:26:25 Veteran: 1 Robert Sim – RSA / Nico Pfitzenmaier – GER (Robert Daniel Momsen) 19:37:51 2 Micha de Vries - NED /Willem van Heerdt – NED (Cube Nutswerk 1) 20:07:25 3 Rex Benson – RSA / Mark Langman – RSA (Bridge USN) 22:30:53 Masters: 1 Barti Bucher – SUI / Ernst Engeli – SUI (Bix-Sherpa Tensing Pedalerie) 20:09:17 2 Neville Ackermann – RSA / Charles Nienaber – RSA (Bridge Masters) 21:56:19 3 Tony Conlon – RSA / Peter Stopforth – RSA (Marsilio Projects Masters) 23:09:53 Solo Men: 1 Timo Cooper – RSA 19:01:22 2 Heinz Zoerweb – AUT 19:22:42 3 Petrus Malherbe – RSA 19:46:07 Solo Women: 1 Diana Carolin – RSA 24:45:46 2 Desiree Loubser – RSA 24:53:57 3 Dianna Ineman – SUI 25:56:28 For full results, visit www.capepioneer.co.za Riders skirt the edge of a dam during Stage 5 from Herold to George of the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media Kevin Evans (Nedbank 360Life) leads the front group up a steep climb during Stage 5 of the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race on Friday. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media Overall leaders, David George (left) and Kevin Evans (Nedbank 360Life) were content with second place on Stage 5 of the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race on Friday. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media Click here to view the article

At 63km, Stage 4 was short on distance, but high on difficulty, taking the riders up and down very steep, rocky terrain through the Kamanassie Mountains between the Karoo towns of De Rust and Herold, with a total of 1894 metres of vertical ascent. The battle for the women’s title intensified as Yolande Speedy and Yolande de Villiers (Klein Karoo Chicks) claimed their second successive stage victory and narrowed the lead held by Ischen Stopforth and Catherine Williamson (Bridge bizhub Ladies) from 12 minutes to just over five minutes with two stages remaining. “Nico and I have wanted to win a stage in a major race for a while now. It’s a good feeling to finally get it,” grinned Combrinck. “We had some mechanical issues earlier in the tour and yesterday we had more hassles and really spent a lot of pennies to reduce the time gap from around four minutes to 30 seconds by the finish line.” Stage 3 winners; Melt Swanepoel and Matthys Beukes finished third on Thursday, losing time and almost second place overall to Bell and Combrinck, who are now just 29 seconds back. Evans and George still hold a solid 13-minute lead. “It was a beautiful, but very tough route today. We were spinning out on many of the steep climbs and had to get off and walk. And the downhills were damn steep and scary in places! We came into this tour aiming for at least second place overall and now that’s looking possible,” added Combrinck. Swiss pair Kathrin Stirnemann and Sandro Soncin (BH – Halbike – Tigers) won the stage and extended their lead in the Mixed category over early leaders Max Fridrich and Nadine Rieder (Ergon 24H Racing Team) from Germany, while Barti Bucher and Ernst Engeli (Bix-Sherpa Tensing Pedalerie) secured a fifth consecutive stage win to increase their grip on the Master’s division lead. The Veteran’s category saw Germany’s Nico Pfitzenmaier and his South African teammate, Robert Sim (Robert Daniel Momsen) capture stage honours and open up their lead from less than a minute to a slightly more comfortable 19 minutes over the Dutch pair of Micha de Vries and Willem van Heerdt (Cube Nutswerk 1). Pfitzenmaier and Sim have had to deal with mechanical challenges almost daily, but on Thursday were unhindered and secured an impressive third overall on the stage and moved into fifth in the overall rankings. In the Solo men’s race, Austrian Heinz Zoerweb had a storming stage to claim the victory well ahead of category leader, Timo Cooper, who still holds a substantial overall lead, while Diana Carolin captured another stage win and closed the gap to Solo women’s category leader Desiree Loubser to just over three minutes. Friday’s Stage 5 is the penultimate leg of the race and takes the riders from Herold to George over a distance of 75km over the Outeniqua Mountains with a total of 1693 metres of ascent. Follow @BridgeCPT on twitter for regular updates. On Facebook, visit Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek 2012. See a full gallery of event images and more insight here: http://blog.capepioneer.co.za/ For additional event information, visit www.capepioneer.co.za Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek 2012 Stage 4 – De Rust to Herold 63km; 1 894 metres ascent Leading results Open Men: 1 Nico Bell – RSA / Gawie Combrinck – RSA (Westvaal Columbia) 03:07:07 2 Kevin Evans – RSA / David George – RSA (Nedbank 360Life) 03:07:21 3 Matthys Beukes – RSA / Melt Swanepoel – RSA (Cango MTB.com) 03:19:01 4 Mattijs Eversdijk – NED / Liwald Doornbos – NED (Cube Nutswerk 2) 03:31:43 5 Chris Wolhuter – RSA / Oliver Munnik – RSA (Asrin Cycling) 03:33:04 Women: 1 Yolande de Villiers – RSA / Yolande Speedy – RSA (Klein Karoo Chicks) 03:56:37 2 Ischen Stopforth – RSA / Catherine Williamson – GBR (Bridge bizhub Ladies) 04:03:59 3 Sarah van Heerden – RSA / Jackie Church – RSA (Wilde 2) 04:21:12 Mixed: 1 Kathrin Stirnemann – SUI / Sandro Soncin – SUI (BH – Halbike – Tigers) 03:42:09 2 Max Fridrich – GER / Nadine Rieder – GER (Ergon 24H Racing Team) 03:51:45 3 Craig Gerber – RSA / Jennie Stenerhag – SWE (Newlinesport) 04:02:13 Veteran: 1 Robert Sim – RSA / Nico Pfitzenmaier – GER (Robert Daniel Momsen) 03:17:54 2 Micha de Vries – NED /Willem van Heerdt – NED (Cube Nutswerk 1) 03:36:26 3 Stephan Kuhnel - SUI / Marcel Frel – SUI (Fahrrad–Schmidt Bike-Tigers) 04:03:02 Masters: 1 Barti Bucher – SUI / Ernst Engeli – SUI (Bix-Sherpa Tensing Pedalerie) 03:51:01 2 Neville Ackermann – RSA / Charles Nienaber – RSA (Bridge Masters) 03:56:20 3 Tony Conlon – RSA / Peter Stopforth – RSA (Marsilio Projects Masters) 04:14:38 Solo Men: 1 Heinz Zoerweb – AUT 03:17:54 2 Timo Cooper – RSA 03:36:09 3 Petrus Malherbe – RSA 03:41:58 Solo Women: 1 Diana Carolin – RSA 04:26:07 2 Desiree Loubser – RSA 04:32:56 3 Dianna Ineman – SUI 04:42:25 General Classification after Stage 3 Open Men: 1 Kevin Evans – RSA / David George – RSA (Nedbank 360Life) 15hr 37min 55sec 2 Matthys Beukes – RSA / Melt Swanepoel – RSA (Cango MTB.com) 16:00:27 3 Nico Bell – RSA / Gawie Combrinck – RSA (Westvaal Columbia) 16:00:56 4 Chris Wolhuter – RSA / Oliver Munnik – RSA (Asrin Cycling) 16:59:03 5 Mattijs Eversdijk – NED / Liwald Doornbos – NED (Cube Nutswerk 2) 17:19:35 Women: 1 Ischen Stopforth – RSA / Catherine Williamson – GBR (Bridge bizhub Ladies) 18:58:10 2 Yolande de Villiers – RSA / Yolande Speedy – RSA (Klein Karoo Chicks) 19:03:13 3 Sarah van Heerden – RSA / Jackie Church – RSA (Wilde 2) 20:46:37 Mixed: 1 Kathrin Stirnemann – SUI / Sandro Soncin – SUI (BH – Halbike – Tigers) 17:57:01 2 Max Fridrich – GER / Nadine Rieder – GER (Ergon 24H Racing Team) 18:07:44 3 Craig Gerber – RSA / Jennie Stenerhag – SWE (Newlinesport) 18:40:55 Veteran: 1 Robert Sim – RSA / Nico Pfitzenmaier – GER (Robert Daniel Momsen) 17:17:18 2 Micha de Vries - NED /Willem van Heerdt – NED (Cube Nutswerk 1) 17:36:59 3 Stephan Kuhnel - SUI / Marcel Frel – SUI (Fahrrad–Schmidt Bike-Tigers) 18:49:42 Masters: 1 Barti Bucher – SUI / Ernst Engeli – SUI (Bix-Sherpa Tensing Pedalerie) 17:39:17 2 Neville Ackermann – RSA / Charles Nienaber – RSA (Bridge Masters) 19:12:41 3 Tony Conlon – RSA / Peter Stopforth – RSA (Marsilio Projects Masters) 20:21:27 Solo Men: 1 Timo Cooper – RSA 16:39:36 2 Heinz Zoerweb – AUT 17:00:39 3 Petrus Malherbe – RSA 17:14:09 Solo Women: 1 Desiree Loubser – RSA 21:33:13 2 Diana Carolin – RSA 21:36:36 3 Dianna Ineman – SUI 22:30:01 For full results, visit www.capepioneer.co.za A group of riders wind their way along a gravel road early on during Stage 4 of the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race on Thursday. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media Stage winners, Nico Bell (front) and Gawie Combinck (Westvaal Columbia) tackle a descent on Stage 4 of the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race on Thursday. Photo credit: Oakpics The leading riders approach the start of the climb over the Kamanassie Mountains during Stage 4 of the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race on Thursday. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media A rider negotiates a section of singletrack on Stage 4 of the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race on Thursday. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media Yolande Speedy (front) and Yolande de Villiers captured their second successive stage win the women's category on Stage 4 of the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race on Thursday. Photo credit: Oakpics Gawie Combrinck (front) and Nico Bell (Westvaal Columbia) push up a steep climb through the Kamanassie Mountains on their way to winning Stage 4 of the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race on Thursday. Photo credit: Oakpics One rider pedals while another carries his bike up a stoney climb through the Kamanassie Mountains on Stage 4 of the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race on Thursday. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media Click here to view the article

It was a stage of turnarounds as driving rain during the latter half of the stage made for treacherous conditions as the riders made their way over 109km across the Great Karoo region from Prince Albert to De Rust with the fast, twisty singletrack descent into Meiringspoort a dominant feature. Swanepoel and Beukes clocked a winning time of 04 hours 06 minutes 07 seconds pushing overall leaders, Kevin Evans and David George (Nedbank 360Life) into a rare second place, following three consecutive stage wins. Third place went to the Westvaal Columbia team of Nico Bell and Gawie Combrinck. Evans and George still have a firm grasp on their race leaders’ Bridge Yellow Jerseys. “It felt great to win a stage. It’s especially great for Matthys as he’s been the stronger rider most of the time and this is essentially his back yard we are racing in. He pushed the pace hard through Meiringspoort near the end today and I was just hoping I could have enough left for a sprint to the line. Luckily I did,” said Swanepoel. “Kevin and David are in superb form and have a good lead, but mountain bike racing is so unpredictable. We won’t take any unnecessary risks but will keep the pressure high for the rest of the tour,” added Swanepoel. Between Swanepoel and Beukes, they won five of the six stages at the 2012 Breck Epic, one of the USA’s most prestigious mountain bike stage races. Yolande Speedy and Yolande de Villiers (Klein Karoo Chicks) upstaged overall women’s leaders Ischen Stopforth and Catherine Williamson (Bridge bizhub Ladies) to grab their first stage win of the tour. Stopforth and Williamson, the 2011 champions, still hold a 12-minute overall lead, but showed a vulnerability that has inspired their main rivals. “It was great to win today,” said Speedy, a Beijing Olympian and multiple South African women’s marathon champion. “Yolande and I have never raced together before so the first few days we were discovering each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We seem to be getting stronger as the race goes on and are now around 12 minutes behind Ischen and Catherine, which is encouraging. We’re excited for the rest of the race. “This race is amazing – it’s real mountain biking. The trails are tough at times, but always enjoyable. You’re not just charging through the bush to make up distance like some other races,” added Speedy. The biggest shift of the day was in the Mixed division, where Swiss riders Kathrin Stirnemann and Sandro Soncin (BH – Halbike – Tigers) raced to their first stage win. Second placed finishers were South African Craig Gerber and his Swedish teammate Jennie Stenerhag (Newlinesport), with German overnight leaders, Max Fridrich and Nadine Rieder (Ergon 24H Racing Team) struggling home in third after having to deal with tyre problems. Stirnemann and Soncin now lead the category into Stage 4. And in the Veteran men’s race, Nico Pfitzenmaier and Robert Sim (Robert Daniel Momsen) fell victim to more mechanical problems, which allowed the Dutch pairing of Micha de Vries and Willem van Heerdt (Cube Nutswerk 1) to win the stage and move to just over a minute behind Pfitzenmaier and Sim in the General Classification. The Swiss team of Barti Bucher and Ernst Engeli (Bix-Sherpa Tensing Pedalerie) continued their domination of the Master’s category (50-years plus), winning a fourth stage in succession and extending their overall lead. They finished an impressive sixth overall on the stage and are in sixth overall on the General Classification. At just 63km, Thursday’s Stage 4 is relatively short, but expected to be considerably tough with a total of 1 894 metres of vertical ascent. It takes the riders from De Rust to Herold over the rugged Kamanassie Mountains. Follow @BridgeCPT on twitter for regular updates. On Facebook, visit Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek 2012. See a full gallery of event images and more insight here: http://blog.capepioneer.co.za/ For additional event information, visit www.capepioneer.co.za Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek 2012 Stage 3 – Prince Albert to De Rust 109km; 1 555 metres ascent Leading results Open Men: 1 Matthys Beukes – RSA / Melt Swanepoel – RSA (Cango MTB.com) 04:06:07 2 Kevin Evans – RSA / David George – RSA (Nedbank 360Life) 04:06:14 3 Nico Bell – RSA / Gawie Combrinck – RSA (Westvaal Columbia) 04:06:41 4 Mattijs Eversdijk – NED / Liwald Doornbos – NED (Cube Nutswerk 2) 04:15:59 5 Chris Wolhuter – RSA / Oliver Munnik – RSA (Asrin Cycling) 04:16:15 Women: 1 Yolande de Villiers – RSA / Yolande Speedy – RSA (Klein Karoo Chicks) 04:35:24 2 Ischen Stopforth – RSA / Catherine Williamson – GBR (Bridge bizhub Ladies) 04:42:27 3 Sarah van Heerden – RSA / Jackie Church – RSA (Wilde 2) 05:15:16 Mixed: 1 Kathrin Stirnemann – SUI / Sandro Soncin – SUI (BH – Halbike – Tigers) 04:24:29 2 Craig Gerber – RSA / Jennie Stenerhag – SWE (Newlinesport) 04:35:25 3 Max Fridrich – GER / Nadine Rieder – GER (Ergon 24H Racing Team) 04:38:53 Veteran: 1 Micha de Vries – NED /Willem van Heerdt – NED (Cube Nutswerk 1) 04:17:42 2 Robert Sim – RSA / Nico Pfitzenmaier – GER (Robert Daniel Momsen) 04:23:42 3 Stephan Kuhnel - SUI / Marcel Frel – SUI (Fahrrad–Schmidt Bike-Tigers) 04:35:21 Masters: 1 Barti Bucher – SUI / Ernst Engeli – SUI (Bix-Sherpa Tensing Pedalerie) 04:16:46 2 Tony Conlon – RSA / Peter Stopforth – RSA (Marsilio Projects Masters) 04:49:58 3 Neville Ackermann – RSA / Charles Nienaber – RSA (Bridge Masters) 04:54:45 Solo Men: 1 Timo Cooper – RSA 04:05:36 2 Heinz Zoerweb – AUT 04:05:42 3 Petrus Malherbe – RSA 04:15:10 Solo Women: 1 Diana Carolin – RSA 05:16:21 2 Desiree Loubser – RSA 05:20:26 3 Dianna Ineman – SUI 05:34:49 General Classification after Stage 3 Open Men: 1 Kevin Evans – RSA / David George – RSA (Nedbank 360Life) 12hr 30min 34sec 2 Matthys Beukes – RSA / Melt Swanepoel – RSA (Cango MTB.com) 12:41:26 3 Nico Bell – RSA / Gawie Combrinck – RSA (Westvaal Columbia) 12:53:49 4 Chris Wolhuter – RSA / Oliver Munnik – RSA (Asrin Cycling) 13:25:59 5 Mattijs Eversdijk – NED / Liwald Doornbos – NED (Cube Nutswerk 2) 13:47:52 Women: 1 Ischen Stopforth – RSA / Catherine Williamson – GBR (Bridge bizhub Ladies) 14:54:11 2 Yolande de Villiers – RSA / Yolande Speedy – RSA (Klein Karoo Chicks) 15:06:36 3 Sarah van Heerden – RSA / Jackie Church – RSA (Wilde 2) 16:25:25 Mixed: 1 Kathrin Stirnemann – SUI / Sandro Soncin – SUI (BH – Halbike – Tigers) 14:14:52 2 Max Fridrich – GER / Nadine Rieder – GER (Ergon 24H Racing Team) 14:15:59 3 Craig Gerber – RSA / Jennie Stenerhag – SWE (Newlinesport) 14:38:42 Veteran: 1 Robert Sim – RSA / Nico Pfitzenmaier – GER (Robert Daniel Momsen) 13:59:24 2 Micha de Vries - NED /Willem van Heerdt – NED (Cube Nutswerk 1) 14:00:33 3 Stephan Kuhnel - SUI / Marcel Frel – SUI (Fahrrad–Schmidt Bike-Tigers) 14:46:40 Masters: 1 Barti Bucher – SUI / Ernst Engeli – SUI (Bix-Sherpa Tensing Pedalerie) 13:48:16 2 Neville Ackermann – RSA / Charles Nienaber – RSA (Bridge Masters) 15:16:21 3 Tony Conlon – RSA / Peter Stopforth – RSA (Marsilio Projects Masters) 16:06:49 Solo Men: 1 Timo Cooper – RSA 13:03:27 2 Petrus Malherbe – RSA 13:32:11 3 Heinz Zoerweb – AUT 13:42:45 Solo Women: 1 Desiree Loubser – RSA 17:00:17 2 Diana Carolin – RSA 17:10:29 3 Dianna Ineman – SUI 17:47:36 For full results, visit www.capepioneer.co.za Ominous weather awaited the riders from the start of Stage 3 of the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race on Wednesday. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media Heavy rain fell towards the latter half of Stage 3 of the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international stage race on Wednesday. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media Stage 3 of the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage took the riders through some picturesque areas. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media Click here to view the article

The top South African duo earned R100 000 (US$ 12 000) for reaching the finish line of the gruelling stage first, recording a time of 03 hours 54 minutes 15 seconds. Second place went to Melt Swanepoel and Matthys Beukes (Cango MTB.com) with Gawie Combrinck and Nico Bell (Westvaal Columbia) rounding out the top three places overall after having to deal with a broken rear derailleur hanger. The scenario on the cool, partly cloudy day was similar in the women’s category with 2011 winners and overnight leaders, Ischen Stopforth and Catherine Williamson (Bridge bizhub Ladies) finishing first ahead of – and extending their overall lead over – Yolande Speedy and Yolande de Villiers (Klein Karoo Chicks). Timo Cooper stormed to a dominant victory in the Solo men's category and extended his lead overall after Stage 2 of the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media The riders, who hail from Europe, Great Britain, Australia and Southern Africa, tackled the event’s queen stage with a sense of caution. Just 85km in distance, the third day of racing required they climb a total of 2 760 vertical metres, mostly over the rough terrain characteristic of the semi-arid Karoo region. The final climb to the mountain top finish took in the 12km long Swartberg Pass, a dramatic twisty gravel road that climbs at a relentless gradient for a total of 1 100 metres. The early part of Stage 2 saw the leading riders stick together before the major climbs splintered the field on Day 3 of the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media “Obviously the prizemoney was a good motivator today, but we’re always going to give our best in every stage we race. Frustratingly, what we earned today was a fraction of what professional golfers earn but kudos to the organisers and sponsors for upping the ante in mountain bike stage racing,” said George. George and Evans must finish the event and score a minimum number of points (awarded to the top five teams on each stage) in order to qualify for the handover of the generous stage prizemoney put up by title sponsor Bridge, a financial solutions company, when the event ends on Saturday. Dutch riders Mattijs Eversdijk (front) and Liwald Doornbos (Cube Nutswerk 2) finished fourth overall on the stage and moved up to fifth position in the General Classification of the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media A lead group of 15 riders developed early on but at 30km into the 85km stage, Evans and George began to increase the pressure and moved into the lead on their own. They extended their lead by the finish to almost nine minutes and will go into the remainder of the seven-day tour with a margin of 10:39 over Swanepoel and Beukes. “We wanted a buffer just in case of mishaps so pushed from far out for the win. It was a challenging stage for sure with some technical ascents and descents and a lot of climbing. We are one of the few top teams in the race on full-suspension bikes which really has been to our advantage,” added George. Germans Max Fridrich and Nadine Rieder (Ergon 24H Racing Team) claimed victory in the Mixed category, while the Swiss team of Barti Bucher and Ernst Engeli (Bix-Sherpa Tensing Pedalerie) won the stage and extended their lead in the Masters division. David George and Kevin Evans (Nedbank 360Life) negotiate one of the many turns on the Swartberg Pass during Stage 2 of the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race. They won the stage and collected a generous prize purse of R100 000 (US$ 12 000). They took at total of 44 minutes to ascend the formidable 12km/1100m climb. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media The South African-German pairing of Robert Sim and Nico Pfitzenmaier made up for time lost on Stage 1 with an impressive fifth place overall on Tuesday to reclaim their lead in the very competitive Veteran category. Timo Cooper and Desiree Loubser claimed the stage honours in the Solo men and women’s categories respectively and lead those divisions overall. Wednesday’s Stage 3 takes in a 109km route from Prince Albert, through the Karoo to De Rust, climbing a total of 1 555 metres and ending with the famous 8km singletrack descent into Meiringspoort. Cheered by local school children, race leaders Kevin Evans (nearest camera) and David George (Nedbank 360Life) lead the field off the start line for Stage 2 of the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media Regular race updates are posted on twitter @BridgeCPT as well as daily photo galleries on Facebook – Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek 2012. There's a daily race summary and information on the event website – www.capepioneer.co.za as well as find fresh, insightful updates on the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek blog: http://blog.capepioneer.co.za/ Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek 2012 Stage 2 – Calitzdorp to Swartberg Pass 85km; 2 760 metres ascent Leading results Open Men: 1 Kevin Evans – RSA / David George – RSA (Nedbank 360Life) 03hr 54min 15sec 2 Matthys Beukes – RSA / Melt Swanepoel – RSA (Cango MTB.com) 04:03:07 3 Nico Bell – RSA / Gawie Combrinck – RSA (Westvaal Columbia) 04:14:41 4 Mattijs Eversdijk – NED / Liwald Doornbos – NED (Cube Nutswerk 2) 04:24:25 5 Chris Wolhuter – RSA / Oliver Munnik – RSA (Asrin Cycling) 04:25:28 Women: 1 Ischen Stopforth – RSA / Catherine Williamson – GBR (Bridge bizhub Ladies) 04:51:34 2 Yolande de Villiers – RSA / Yolande Speedy – RSA (Klein Karoo Chicks) 05:02:32 3 Sarah van Heerden – RSA / Jackie Church – RSA (Wilde 2) 05:23:13 Mixed: 1 Max Fridrich – GER / Nadine Rieder – GER (Ergon 24H Racing Team) 04:37:45 2 Kathrin Stirnemann – SUI / Sandro Soncin – SUI (BH – Halbike – Tigers) 04:45:14 3 Craig Gerber – RSA / Jennie Stenerhag – SWE (Newlinesport) 04:51:32 Veteran: 1 Robert Sim – RSA / Nico Pfitzenmaier – GER (Robert Daniel Momsen) 04:25:02 2 Micha de Vries – NED /Willem van Heerdt – NED (Cube Nutswerk 1) 04:49:05 3 Rex Benson – RSA / Mark Langman – RSA (Bridge USN) 04:54:59 Masters: 1 Barti Bucher – SUI / Ernst Engeli – SUI (Bix-Sherpa Tensing Pedalerie) 04:29:57 2 Neville Ackermann – RSA / Charles Nienaber – RSA (Bridge Masters) 05:13:26 3 Tony Conlon – RSA / Peter Stopforth – RSA (Marsilio Projects Masters) 05:29:41 Solo Men: 1 Timo Cooper – RSA 04:13:58 2 Heinz Zoerweb – AUT 04:15:46 3 Petrus Malherbe – RSA 04:24:50 Solo Women: 1 Desiree Loubser – RSA 05:42:34 2 Diana Carolin – RSA 05:46:14 3 Dianna Ineman – SUI 06:07:29 General Classification after Stage 2 Open Men: 1 Kevin Evans – RSA / David George – RSA (Nedbank 360Life) 08hr 24min 20sec 2 Matthys Beukes – RSA / Melt Swanepoel – RSA (Cango MTB.com) 08:35:19 3 Nico Bell – RSA / Gawie Combrinck – RSA (Westvaal Columbia) 08:47:08 4 Chris Wolhuter – RSA / Oliver Munnik – RSA (Asrin Cycling) 09:09:44 5 Mattijs Eversdijk – NED / Liwald Doornbos – NED (Cube Nutswerk 2) 09:31:53 Women: 1 Ischen Stopforth – RSA / Catherine Williamson – GBR (Bridge bizhub Ladies) 10:11:44 2 Yolande de Villiers – RSA / Yolande Speedy – RSA (Klein Karoo Chicks) 10:31:12 3 Sarah van Heerden – RSA / Jackie Church – RSA (Wilde 2) 11:10:09 Mixed: 1 Max Fridrich – GER / Nadine Rieder – GER (Ergon 24H Racing Team) 09:37:06 2 Kathrin Stirnemann – SUI / Sandro Soncin – SUI (BH – Halbike – Tigers) 09:50:23 3 Craig Gerber – RSA / Jennie Stenerhag – SWE (Newlinesport) 10:03:17 Veteran: 1 Robert Sim – RSA / Nico Pfitzenmaier – GER (Robert Daniel Momsen) 09:35:42 2 Micha de Vries - NED /Willem van Heerdt – NED (Cube Nutswerk 1) 09:42:51 3 Rex Benson – RSA / Mark Langman – RSA (Bridge USN) 10:08:51 Masters: 1 Barti Bucher – SUI / Ernst Engeli – SUI (Bix-Sherpa Tensing Pedalerie) 09:31:30 2 Neville Ackermann – RSA / Charles Nienaber – RSA (Bridge Masters) 10:21:36 3 Tony Conlon – RSA / Peter Stopforth – RSA (Marsilio Projects Masters) 11:16:51 Solo Men: 1 Timo Cooper – RSA 04:43:3 2 Petrus Malherbe – RSA 04:52:11 3 Jonathan Wallace – RSA 05:06:10 Solo Women: 1 Desiree Loubser – RSA 11:39:31 2 Diana Carolin – RSA 11:54:08 3 Dianna Ineman – SUI 12:12:47 For full results, visit www.capepioneer.co.za Click here to view the article

The leading pack tackles stoney jeep track during Stage 1 on the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media Wearing their Bridge Yellow Jerseys after their victory in Sunday’s opening prologue time trial stage, George and Evans were content to let their rivals set the pace for the first 80km before increasing the pressure towards the end, riding the final 15km out front to clock a winning time of 03 hours 52 minutes 27 seconds. David George (front) and Kevin Evans of Nedbank 360Life push the pace up a climb as they break clear of their rivals on their way to winning Stage 1 of the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media Nico Bell and Gawie Combrinck (Westvaal Columbia) finished in second place, 36 seconds later with Melt Swanepoel and Matthys Beukes (Cango MTB.com) taking third spot in 03:54:40. In the General Classification, Evans and George hold a 02min 07sec lead over Swanepoel and Beukes. Overnight women’s category leaders, Ischen Stopforth and Catherine Williamson (Bridge bizhub Ladies) overcame early mechanical problems to win the stage and extend their lead substantially over Yolande Speedy and Yolande de Villiers (Klein Karoo Chicks). Despite mechanical difficulties early on, Ischen Stopforth (front) and Catherine Williamson (Bridge biz hub Ladies) won the stage and extended their lead in the women's race. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media The German team of Max Friedrich and Nadine Rieder (Ergon 24H Racing Team) secured victory in the Mixed category and extended their overnight lead, while the Dutch Cube Nutswerk 1 pairing of Micha de Vries and Willem van Heerdt secured the Veteran men’s stage win and took the category lead. The Master’s division saw a dominant win by the Swiss team of Barti Bucher and Ernst Engeli (Bix-Sherpa Tensing Pedalerie), while Timo Cooper and Deisree Loubser secured stage wins in the Solo men and women’s categories respectively, all assuming leadership of their respective categories in the process. The leading men cross a river during Stage 1 of the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media “We rode within ourselves until the steep climb at 80 kilometres in and then pushed the pace hard up there. From there, with a fairly good lead, we kept it steady for the final 15km to the finish. The others must have ridden those last 15 keys hard because the gaps definitely closed to us by the finish,” said Evans. “The route for today’s stage was really enjoyable, but Catherine experienced problems with her rear derailleur from early on, which put us under pressure. We were lying well down the field in the first 30km, but recovered and caught Yolande and Yolande at 50km. We rode with them for a while before making a break and getting a decent lead to take the win,” explained Stopforth. Germans Max Fridrich and Nadine Rieder (Ergon 24H Racing Team) pass the Red Stone formations on their way to winning the Mixed category on Stage 1 of the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media Tuesday’s Stage 2 has become the most talked about stage in mountain bike stage racing. The relatively short 85km leg from Calitzdorp to the summit of the Swartberg Pass climbs a formidable 2 760 vertical metres, with 1 100 of those metres coming in the final 12km ascent to the finish line. Sure to ensure an extraordinary battle for the stage win is the R100 000 (US$ 12000) prize for the first team to cross the finish line. “Apparently the first three climbs are really hard – rough and rocky – which means a long day despite the short distance. The 12km mountain climb at the end though is made for us, so we’ll be riding with some caution to avoid any mishaps before the last climb,” said Evans. Evans and George are both noted climbers and only bad luck is likely to foil their ability to win the dramatic stage. For Stopforth and Williamson, the event’s Queen stage is key in their strategy for overall victory. “After being hampered by a mechanical today, we really want to build up a solid lead if we can tomorrow. We’ll be starting hard and trying to get a lead early on. We really want to be the first women to the top of the Swartberg,” said Stopforth. Regular race updates are posted on twitter @BridgeCPT as well as daily photo galleries on Facebook – Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek 2012. There's a daily race summary and information on the event website – www.capepioneer.co.za as well as find fresh, insightful updates on the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek blog: http://blog.capepioneer.co.za/ Dutch racer Siegrid van Benver acknowledges the support of local school children during Stage 1 of the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek 2012 Stage 1 – Oudtshoorn to Calitzdorp: 103km; 1 720 metres ascent Leading results Open Men: 1 Kevin Evans – RSA / David George – RSA (Nedbank 360Life) 03hr 52min 57sec 2 Nico Bell – RSA / Gawie Combrinck – RSA (Westvaal Columbia) 03:53:33 3 Matthys Beukes – RSA / Melt Swanepoel – RSA (Cango MTB.com) 03:54:40 4 Chris Wolhuter – RSA / Oliver Munnik – RSA (Asrin Cycling) 04:04:25 5 Wynand Mulder – RSA / Kobus Barnard – RSA (Klein Karoo Express) 4:17:28 Women: 1 Ischen Stopforth – RSA / Catherine Williamson – GBR (Bridge bizhub Ladies) 04:32:09 2 Yolande de Villiers – RSA / Yolande Speedy – RSA (Klein Karoo Chicks) 04:40:36 3 Sarah van Heerden – RSA / Jackie Church – RSA (Wilde 2) 04:57:08 Mixed: 1 Max Fridrich – GER / Nadine Rieder – GER (Ergon 24H Racing Team) 04:16:24 2 Kathrin Stirnemann – SUI / Sandro Soncin – SUI (BH – Halbike – Tigers) 04:21:32 3 Craig Gerber – RSA / Jennie Stenerhag – SWE (Newlinesport) 04:26:04 Veteran: 1 Micha de Vries – NED /Willem van Heerdt – NED (Cube Nutswerk 1) 04:11:43 2 Stephan Kuhnel – SUI / Marcel Frel – SUI (Fahrrad–Schmidt Bike-Tigers) 04:26:35 3 Rex Benson – RSA / Mark Langman – RSA (Bridge USN) 04:28:34 Masters: 1 Barti Bucher – SUI / Ernst Engeli – SUI (Bix-Sherpa Tensing Pedalerie) 04:18:35 2 Neville Ackermann – RSA / Charles Nienaber – RSA (Bridge Masters) 04:23:10 3 Tony Conlon – RSA / Peter Stopforth – RSA (Marsilio Projects Masters) 05:00:06 Solo Men: 1 Timo Cooper – RSA 04:03:16 2 Petrus Malherbe – RSA 04:12:02 3 Jonathan Wallace – RSA 04:21:18 Solo Women: 1 Desiree Loubser – RSA 05:00:07 2 Dianna Ineman – SUI 05:08:58 3 Diana Carolin – RSA 05:17:51 General Classification after Stage 1 Open Men: 1 Kevin Evans – RSA / David George – RSA (Nedbank 360Life) 04hr 30min 05sec 2 Matthys Beukes – RSA / Melt Swanepoel – RSA (Cango MTB.com) 04:32:12 2 Nico Bell – RSA / Gawie Combrinck – RSA (Westvaal Columbia) 04:32:27 4 Chris Wolhuter – RSA / Oliver Munnik – RSA (Asrin Cycling) 04:44:16 5 Wynand Mulder – RSA / Kobus Barnard – RSA (Klein Karoo Express) 05:00:26 Women: 1 Ischen Stopforth – RSA / Catherine Williamson – GBR (Bridge bizhub Ladies) 05:20:10 2 Yolande de Villiers – RSA / Yolande Speedy – RSA (Klein Karoo Chicks) 05:28:40 3 Sarah van Heerden – RSA / Jackie Church – RSA (Wilde 2) 05:46:56 Mixed: 1 Max Fridrich – GER / Nadine Rieder – GER (Ergon 24H Racing Team) 04:59:21 2 Kathrin Stirnemann – SUI / Sandro Soncin – SUI (BH – Halbike – Tigers) 05:05:09 3 Craig Gerber – RSA / Jennie Stenerhag – SWE (Newlinesport) 05:11:45 Veteran: 1 Micha de Vries - NED /Willem van Heerdt – NED (Cube Nutswerk 1) 04:53:46 2 Robert Sim – RSA / Nico Pfitzenmaier – GER (Robert Daniel Momsen) 05:10:40 3 Stephan Kuhnel – SUI / Marcel Frel – SUI (Fahrrad–Schmidt Bike-Tigers) 05:13:1 Masters: 1 Barti Bucher – SUI / Ernst Engeli – SUI (Bix-Sherpa Tensing Pedalerie) 05:01:33 2 Neville Ackermann – RSA / Charles Nienaber – RSA (Bridge Masters) 05:08:10 3 Tony Conlon – RSA / Peter Stopforth – RSA (Marsilio Projects Masters) 05:47:10 Solo Men: 1 Timo Cooper – RSA 04:43:3 2 Petrus Malherbe – RSA 04:52:11 3 Jonathan Wallace – RSA 05:06:10 Solo Women: 1 Desiree Loubser – RSA 05:57:17 2 Dianna Ineman – SUI 06:05:18 3 Diana Carolin – RSA 06:07:54 For full results, visit www.capepioneer.co.za Click here to view the article

Starting last as defending champions George and Evans blitzed their way around the 15km course through the Buffelspoort Game Reserve to clock a time of 37 minutes 08 seconds. It was 24 seconds faster than the 37:32 set earlier by Matthys Beukes and Melt Swanepoel of Team Cango MTB.com. Third place went to Louis Knipe and Craig Boys (Contego 28E) with a time of 38:43. Kevin Evans (front) and David George of Nedbank 360Life won the prologue time trial stage through Buffelsdrift Game Reserve at the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media In the women’s race, 2011 winners, South African Ischen Stopforth and her British teammate, Catherine Williamson (Bridge bizhub Ladies), secured first place by just three seconds over the Klein Karoo Chicks pairing of Yolande de Villiers and Yolande Speedy. The German team of Max Fridrich and Nadine Rieder (Ergon 24H Racing Team) claimed the opening stage win in the Mixed category; Robert Sim and Nico Pfitzenmaier (Robert Daniel Momsen) claimed fifth overall and first place in the Veteran division; and Swiss teammates, Barti Bucher and Ernst Engeli (Bixs-Sherpa Tensing Pedelarie) took the early lead in the Master category. The solo men’s division was won by Petrus Malherbe in 40:09 with 1 Diana Carolin (50:03) taking the solo women’s race lead into Stage 1 on Monday. A rider negotiates a rocky descent during the prologue time trial stage at the start of the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race on Sunday. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media “It was a challenging, but fun route. Rocky and loose with off-camber stuff, but a well thought out lap that wasn’t too hard. Well done to Matthys for his handy work,” said George, referring to stage runner-up Matthys Beukes who designed the prologue route, which runs through his family’s property. Starting last, most racers would ask for time splits on their rivals to give them an idea of how they’re doing and whether they need to push harder, but George and Evans opted for the alternative. “We just wanted to ride without taking too many chances, choosing smooth lines and being careful on the tricky stuff and then using as much power as possible to make up the difference where we could. Turns out it was a good tactic,” smiled George. Matthys Beukes gets a rare opportunity to race on the trails he built on his family's land on his way to second place with Cango MTB.com teammate Melt Swanepoel in the prologue time trial stage of the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media George and Evans secured a maximum 10 points for the stage win. Points will be accumulated during the event by the top daily finishers. These will be used to award the R100 000 ($US 12 000) prize up for grabs on the event’s signature Stage 2. This is to discourage teams from only focussing on Stage 2 success. “It’s great that the race was so close in the women’s category today. Three seconds is a very slim lead and we’re not going to get too caught up in defending it tomorrow. Stage racing is best taken one day at a time. Catherine and I will give it our best shot though and we look forward to an interesting race this week,” said Stopforth. Stage 1 on Monday takes the riders from Buffelspoort Game Lodge, Oudtshoorn over a distance of 103km with an elevation gain of 1 720 metres to the Calitzdorp High School in Calitzdorp. It promises to be a challenging route to set the tone for the remainder of the week. Melt Swanepoel of Team Cango MTB.com crosses a wooden section of trail during the opening prologue time trial stage of the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media Regular race updates will be posted on twitter @BridgeCPT and as well as daily photo galleries on Facebook – Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek 2012; and a daily race summary and information the event website – www.capepioneer.co.za. Also expect fresh, insightful updates on the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek blog: http://blog.capepioneer.co.za/ Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek 2012 Leading results Open Men: 1 Kevin Evans – RSA / David George – RSA (Nedbank 360Life) 37min 08sec 2 Matthys Beukes – RSA / Melt Swanepoel – RSA (Cango MTB.com) 37:32 3 Louis Knipe – RSA / Craig Boyes – RSA (Contego 28E) 38:43 4 Nico Bell – RSA / Gawie Combrinck – RSA (Westvaal Columbia) 38:54 5 Chris Wolhuter – RSA / Oliver Munnik – RSA (Asrin Cycling) 39:51 Women: 1 Ischen Stopforth – RSA / Catherine Williamson – GBR (Bridge bizhub Ladies) 47:31 2 Yolande de Villiers – RSA / Yolande Speedy – RSA (Klein Karoo Chicks) 47:34 3 Sarah van Heerden – RSA / Jackie Church – RSA (Wilde 2) 49:18 Mixed: 1 Max Fridrich – GER / Nadine Rieder – GER (Ergon 24H Racing Team) 42:27 2 Kathrin Stirnemann – SUI / Sandro Soncin – SUI (BH – Halbike – Tigers) 43:07 3 Craig Gerber – RSA / Jennie Stenerhag – SWE (Newlinesport) 45:41 Veteran: 1 Robert Sim – RSA / Nico Pfitzemaier – GER (Robert Daniel Momsen) 38:57 2 Rex Benson – RSA /Mark Langman – RSA (Bridge USN) 44:48 3 Stehan Khunel – SUI / Marcel Frel – SUI (Farrad–Schmidt Bike-Tigers) 46:06 Master: 1 Barti Bucher SUI / Ernst Engeli SUI (Bixs-Sherpa Tensing Pedelarie) 42:28 2 Neville Ackermann – RSA / Charles Nienaber – RSA (Bridge Masters) 44:30 3 Tony Conlon – RSA / Peter Stopforth – RSA (Marsilio Projects Masters) 46:34 Solo Men: 1 Petrus Malherbe – RSA 40:09 2 Timo Cooper – RSA 40:37 3 Heinz Zoerweg – AUT 40:51 Solo Women: 1 Diana Carolin – RSA 50:03 2 Claudia Gmuer – SUI 54:04 3 Elsie Bezuidenhout – RSA 55:38 David George (left) and Kevin Evans were a little nervous during their morning route recce when they rode past some of the resident elephants at the Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, venue of the opening prologue time trial stage of the 2012 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race. Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker/Slingshot Media For full results and more race information on the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek, visit www.capepioneer.co.za Click here to view the article