Cape Epic 2019 #Prolog

Nino Schurter and Lars Forster of SCOTT SRAM win the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Nick Muzik/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE - Nick Muzik/Cape Epic

Die Erfahrung der "tschechischen Dampflok" Kulhavy könnte den beiden in den kommenden Tagen noch den erhofften Sprung nach vorne bringen - Sam Clark/Cape Epic

Brendan Johnston (front) and Cameron Ivory (rear) during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Sam Clark/Cape Epic PLEASE - Sam Clark/Cape Epic

Riders during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Sam Clark/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIATE CREDIT IS GIVEN TO - Sam Clark/Cape Epic

Matthew Beers (front) and Alan Hatherly (rear) during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Sam Clark/Cape Epic PLEASE EN - Sam Clark/Cape Epic

Nadine Rieder (R) and Sabine Spitz (L) during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Sam Clark/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE - Sam Clark/Cape Epic

Van der Breggen und Langvad haben bereits jetzt einen beträchtlichen Vorsprung - doch eine Vorentscheidung ist dies bei weitem noch nicht. Sieben harte Tage warten noch auf die FahrerInnen - Sam Clark/Cape Epic

Die Südafrikanerin Mariske Strauss und die Schwedin Jennie Stenerhag landeten mit vier Minuten Rückstand auf dem fünften Rang - Sam Clark/Cape Epic

Amy Mcdougall (R) and Samantha Sanders (Middle) during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Sam Clark/Cape Epic PLEASE E - Sam Clark/Cape Epic

Maha Wloszczowska (L) and Ariane Luthi (R) during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Sam Clark/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE - Sam Clark/Cape Epic

Sebastian Stark (R) and Laura Stark (L) during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Sam Clark/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE TH - Sam Clark/Cape Epic

Patrick Rengane (L) andKagiso Tlou (R) during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Sam Clark/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE - Sam Clark/Cape Epic

Sean Baloyi (front) and Anele Mtalana (rear) during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Sam Clark/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSU - Sam Clark/Cape Epic

Riders during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Sam Clark/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIATE CREDIT IS GIVEN TO - Sam Clark/Cape Epic

Morgen geht es die TeilnehmerInnen bereits auf die längste Etappe des Cape Epics 2019: 112 Kilometer erwartet die FahrerInnen rund um Hermanus. - Sam Clark/Cape Epic

Riders during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Sam Clark/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIATE CREDIT IS GIVEN TO - Sam Clark/Cape Epic

Annika Langvad and Anna van der Breggen of Investec-Songo-Specialized win the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Nick Muzik/C - Nick Muzik/Cape Epic

Sam Gaze und Jaroslav Kulhavy gelten als große Favoriten auf den Gesamtsieg. Heute landete sie "nur" auf dem achten Rang und haben bereits 1:50 Minuten Rückstand auf die Spitze - Nick Muzik/Cape Epic

Manuel Fumi und Henrique Avancini lagen im ersten Renndrittel noch dicht bei Schurter und Forster. Erst in der letzten Hälfte des Prologs verloren sie stetig an Boden. Unter anderem auch weil sie bergab nicht volles Risiko eingingen. - Nick Muzik/Cape Epic

Nino Schurter and Lars Forster of Scott Sram during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Nick Muzik/Cape Epic PLEASE ENS - Nick Muzik/Cape Epic

Daniel Geismayr und Jochen Käß vom Team Centurion-Vaude landeten heute auf dem 10. Rang. Für die beiden Langstreckenspezialisten geht das Cape Epic aber erst morgen so richtig los - Nick Muzik/Cape Epic

Simon Andreassen and Christoph Sauser of Investec Songo Specialized 2 during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Nick Muzi - Nick Muzik/Cape Epic

Johnny Cattaneo of 7C CBZ WILIER during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Nick Muzik/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPR - Nick Muzik/Cape Epic

Joaquim Rodriguez and Jose Hermida of Merida Factory Racing during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Nick Muzik/Cape Epi - Nick Muzik/Cape Epic

Riders wait for the start during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Nick Muzik/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIATE - Nick Muzik/Cape Epic

The Start chute of the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Nick Muzik/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIATE CREDIT IS GIV - Nick Muzik/Cape Epic

A supporter rings a bell during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Nick Muzik/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIATE - Nick Muzik/Cape Epic

Sam Gaze from Investec-Songa-Specialized during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Xavier Briel/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSUR - Xavier Briel/Cape Epic

jaroslav kulhavy from Investec-Songa-Specialized during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Xavier Briel/Cape Epic PLEA - Xavier Briel/Cape Epic

Nino Schurter drückt den Gashahn durch! Gelingt dem amtierenden Weltmeister im Cross-Country wie 2017 der große Coup? - Xavier Briel/Cape Epic

Andri Frischknecht from Scott-SRAM MTB-Racing during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Xavier Briel/Cape Epic PLEASE - Xavier Briel/Cape Epic

Mattys Beukes from Team Pyga Euro Steel during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Xavier Briel/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE - Xavier Briel/Cape Epic

A reflection on a riders lens that fell off on the decent of Plum Pudding during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Xavie - Xavier Briel/Cape Epic

Die amtierende Straßenweltmeisterin Anna van der Breggen hat schon beim Cyprus Sunshine Cup bewiesen, dass sie mit den fahrtechnischen Herausforderung auf dem Mountainbike gut zurecht kommt - Xavier Briel/Cape Epic

Annika Langvad from Team Investec-Songa-Secialized decending Plum Pudding during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Xavie - Xavier Briel/Cape Epic

Ariane Luthi from Kross-Spur Racing during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Xavier Briel/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE - Xavier Briel/Cape Epic

Spectators during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Xavier Briel/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIATE CREDIT IS GI - Xavier Briel/Cape Epic

Markus Gisler from Meerendal decending Plum Pudding during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Xavier Briel/Cape Epic P - Xavier Briel/Cape Epic

Riders take the first techinal turn before decending Plum Pudding during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Xavier Briel/ - Xavier Briel/Cape Epic

Diyer Rincon decending Plum Pudding during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Xavier Briel/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE - Xavier Briel/Cape Epic

A Rider climbing hard during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Xavier Briel/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIATE C - Xavier Briel/Cape Epic

A Rider working hard up a climb during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Xavier Briel/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APP - Xavier Briel/Cape Epic

A group of riders winding their way through the wet jeep tracks during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Xavier Briel/Ca - Xavier Briel/Cape Epic

Rider helping his team mate up a climb during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Xavier Briel/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE - Xavier Briel/Cape Epic

Riders in the mist during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Xavier Briel/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIATE CRED - Xavier Briel/Cape Epic

Das Wetter in Kapstadt zeigte sich heute nicht von seiner gewöhnlichen Seite: Regen und Temperaturen unter 20°C waren angesagt, statt der sonst üblichen Hitze und Trockenheit - Xavier Briel/Cape Epic

Riders in the mist during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Xavier Briel/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIATE CRED - Xavier Briel/Cape Epic

Sam Gaze leads Jaroslav Kulhavy of InvestecsongoSpecialized during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Shaun Roy/Cape Epic - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Das Teams Bulls erwischte keinen perfekten Prologtag. Karl Platt und Alban Lakata (im Bild) verloren 3:20 Minuten auf die Tagessieger und auch Simon Stiebjahn und Urs Huber haben mit 2:20 Rückstand ein Päckchen zu tragen in den kommenden Tagen - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Manuel Fumic and Henrique Avancini of Cannondale Factory Racing during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Shaun Roy/Cape - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Andri Frischknecht and Nino Schurter of Scott-SRAM MTB-Racing during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Shaun Roy/Cape Ep - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Lars Forster und Nino Schurter unterwegsin Richtung Gelb! 40 Sekunden Vorsprung nehmen die beiden Eidgenossen auf die sieben noch anstehenden Etappen - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Riders work their way along the route during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Shaun Roy/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Maarten Tjallingii and Erik Dekker of IBS Capital Allies during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Shaun Roy/Cape Epic - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

A group of riders work their way along the route during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Shaun Roy/Cape Epic PLEASE - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Randy Egues and Robert McCarty during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Shaun Roy/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPR - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Anna van der Breggen follows partner Annika Langvad of Investec-Songo-Specialized during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Annika Langvad und Anna van der Breggen waren heute ein Klasse für sich. Das Investec-Songo-Specialized-Duo konnte sogar die beiden vor ihnen gestarteten Teams einholen - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Sabine Spitz and Nadine Rieder of Meerendal WIAWIS Rotwild during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Shaun Roy/Cape Epic - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Auf Position zwei konnten sich bei den Damen Maja Wloszczowska und Ariane Lüthi platzieren. Das Kross-Spur-Duo überzeugte vor allem als schnellstes Duett in den Downhills. - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Andrew Coetzee and Edwin Hurlow during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Shaun Roy/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROP - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Shayna Powless and David Miller lead a group up the climb during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Shaun Roy/Cape Epic - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Warwick Van Breda and Wayne Keet lead Martijn Mellaart and William Wertheim Aymes up the climb during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 20 - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Johan Heyns and Wilhelm Arp during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Shaun Roy/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIAT - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Bram Lambert and Bruno Vanhecke work their way along the trail during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Shaun Roy/Cape E - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Eusebi Vazquez and Toni Lopez work their way along the trail during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Shaun Roy/Cape Epi - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Laura González and Jose Isita pass Jameson Memorial Hall at UCT during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Shaun Roy/Cape - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Magdalena Mihura and Elisa Gali pass Jameson Memorial Hall at UCT during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Shaun Roy/Cap - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Riders line up to entre the start chute during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Shaun Roy/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE TH - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Riders warm up before the start during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Shaun Roy/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROP - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Jaco Brand and Charl Fouche fist bump before starting during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Shaun Roy/Cape Epic PL - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Supporters cheer the riders on at the start during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Shaun Roy/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSUR - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Steve Knabl and Thibaud Grizard of the BarBarians embrace before setting off during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Sh - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Steve Knabl and Thibaud Grizard of the BarBarians wish each other before setting off during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Pho - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Commentator Owen Honey during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Shaun Roy/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIATE CRE - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Riders warm up during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Shaun Roy/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIATE CREDIT IS G - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Die ersten Fahrer rollten bereits um 5:40 Uhr von der Startrampe des 16. Absa Cape Epic - Shaun Roy/Cape Epic

Rider explaing part of trail during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Justin Coomber/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPR - Justin Coomber/Cape Epic

Team Lucky Early Birds during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Justin Coomber/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIAT - Justin Coomber/Cape Epic

Riders on jeep track during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Justin Coomber/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIATE - Justin Coomber/Cape Epic

Rider going down plum pudding during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Justin Coomber/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APP - Justin Coomber/Cape Epic

A rider works their way along the route during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Justin Coomber/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSU - Justin Coomber/Cape Epic

Riders work their way along the route during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Justin Coomber/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE - Justin Coomber/Cape Epic

Team IMPULSA TU FÍSICO in UCT during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Justin Coomber/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE AP - Justin Coomber/Cape Epic

Felix González Romero during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Justin Coomber/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIATE - Justin Coomber/Cape Epic

Marius Pratz leaving start during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Justin Coomber/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROP - Justin Coomber/Cape Epic

Manuel FUMIC (DEU) and Henrique AVANCINI (BRA) of team Cannondale Factory Racing during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo b - Greg Beadle/Cape Epic

Nino SCHURTER (SUI) and Lars FORSTER (SUI) of team Scott-SRAM MTB-Racing during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Greg B - Greg Beadle/Cape Epic

Nicola ROHRBACH (SUI) and Konny LOOSER (SUI) of team Silverback SBC during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Greg Beadle - Greg Beadle/Cape Epic

Gert HEYNS (RSA) and Andri FRISCHKNECHT (SUI) of team DSV-SCOTT-SRAM during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Greg Beadl - Greg Beadle/Cape Epic

Andri Frischknecht und sein südafrikanischer Partner Gert Heyns landeten auf dem 12. Rang - Greg Beadle/Cape Epic

Matthew Beers und Alan Hatherly aus Südafrika waren die Überraschung des Tages. Lange hielt das einheimische Duo mit mit den Spitzenzeiten von Schurter und Forster mit. Ein Plattfuß am Ende des Prologs zerstörte alle Hoffnung auf ein Podiumsplatz - Greg Beadle/Cape Epic

Die beiden Südafrikaner Matthew Beers (vorne) und Alan Hatherly (hinten) waren auf dem besten Weg ein Podestplatz einzufahren. Trotz eines Reifendefekts landeten sie auf dem fünften Rang - Greg Beadle/Cape Epic

Cape Epic-Rekordsieger Christoph Sauser ist in diesem Jahr mit Nachwuchstalent Simon Andreassen am Start des Cape Epic. Heute belegte das Duo den 22. Rang - Greg Beadle/Cape Epic

Jose HERMIDA (ESP) and Joaquim RODRIGUEZ (ESP) of team Merida Factory Racing during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Gr - Greg Beadle/Cape Epic

Früh im Rennen machten das dänisch-niederländische Duo viel Druck und konnte bereits nach etwas mehr als der Hälfte die vor ihr gestarteten Nadine Rieder und Sabine Spitz überholen - Greg Beadle/Cape Epic

Rieder und Spitz ließen sich aber nicht aus dem Konzept bringen und landeten nur 37 Sekunden hinter den Drittplatzierten auf dem vierten Rang - Greg Beadle/Cape Epic

Jennie STENERHAG (SWE) and Mariske STRAUSS (RSA)of Team Silverback - Fairtree during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by G - Greg Beadle/Cape Epic

Hannele STEYN and Katja STEENKAMP during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Greg Beadle/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE AP - Greg Beadle/Cape Epic

Riders during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Greg Beadle/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIATE CREDIT IS GIVEN T - Greg Beadle/Cape Epic

Sebastian STARK and Laura STARK of team TBR-Werner during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic of Team Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Greg Beadle/Cape Epi - Greg Beadle/Cape Epic

Martin and Jeannie Dreyer during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Greg Beadle/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIAT - Greg Beadle/Cape Epic

Riders during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Greg Beadle/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIATE CREDIT IS GIVEN T - Greg Beadle/Cape Epic

Manuel Fumic & Henrique Avancini - Cannondale Factory Racing during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Dwayne Senior/Cape - Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic

Manuel Fumic und Henrique Avancini vor ihrem Start des Prologs. Gelingt dem Cannondale-Duo in diesem Jahr der große Coup? - Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic

Nino Schurter & Andri Frischknecht of Scott-SRAM MTB-Racing during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Dwayne Senior/Cape - Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic

Riders leave the start line at the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIAT - Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic

David Van De Vyver finishes with a puncture during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic PLEASE E - Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic

Ian Kent & Lloyd Barker during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIA - Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic

The son of Hermanus Francois Joubert with his dad's bike before the start of Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Dwayne Senior - Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic

Das erste Podium der Herren beim Cape Epic 2019. Wie bereits im Jahr zuvor landete Manuel Fumic und Henrique Avancini auf dem zweiten Rang. Auf Platz eins und drei gab es jedoch neue Gesichter zu sehen - Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic

Das Podium der Damen nach dem Prolog des Cape Epic 2019: Mit Adelheid Morath (erste von rechts) stand auch eine deutsche Fahrerin auf dem Podest - Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic

Jaroslav Kulhavy & Sam Gaze - Investec songo Specialized during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Dwayne Senior/Cape Epi - Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic

Manuel Fumic & Henrique Avancini - Cannondale Factory Racing during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Dwayne Senior/Cape - Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic

Nino Schurter steht die Freude schon ins Gesicht geschrieben. Der Eidgenosse weiß vermutlich schon, dass ihm und seinem Partner Lars Forster eine beeindruckende Fahrt rund um Kapstadt gelungen ist - Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic

Alan Hatherly & Matthew Beers of Specialized Foundation NAD cross the line (Beers with a flat rear tyre) of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Pho - Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic

Ob Lars Forster (links) und Nino Schurter (rechts) da schon wussten, dass sie rund 45 Minuten später das gelbe Leadertrikot überstreifen dürfen? - Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic

Annika Langvad & Anna van der Breggen of Investec-Songo-Specialized cross the finish line during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. - Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic

Spectators during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIATE CREDIT IS G - Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic

Annika Langvad und Anna van der Breggen voller Zuversicht vor ihrem ersten gemeinsamen Auftritt beim Cape Epic - Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic

The last lioness Hannele Steyn & Katja Steenkamp during the Prologue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa on the 17th March 2019. Photo by Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic PLE - Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic

Nicht jeder Teilnehmer blieb vom Defektteufel verschont! - Dwayne Senior/Cape Epic

Bildergalerie: Cape Epic 2019 #Prolog Mehr Bildergalerien