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Stransky completes Epic stage

Tulbagh - Stage 1 of the 2011 Absa Cape Epic, which took place in Saronsberg, Tulbagh, saw Absa celebrity riders Joel Stransky and Pierre Loubser of team Absa Ghost Riders successfully cross the finish line in a time of six hours and ten minutes.

They are raising funds for the JAG Foundation.

Stransky, famous for his winning drop kick in the 1995 rugby World Cup, admits that the day’s race took its toll on him. “All I can say is that I am truly knackered. The heat was a concern and to top it all, I had some bike problems which delayed me as well.”

The 89 km route for stage one took cyclists up steep areas, with 2050m of rough climbs and loose ground. Large rocks, deep ruts and sharp descents forced even the most seasoned cyclists to take it slow.

To this Loubser added: “Today was really tough, one of the toughest I’ve had. But Joel is a great partner and despite having problems with his bike, we did really well. The heat had an effect, especially on this route, which is one of the most difficult on this year’s race.”

Tuesday will see the Absa Ghost Riders take on a further 104 km in Saronsberg.

“I guess it will be an early night for me. Tomorrow will be a highly technical route with lots of climbs. The plan is to get some rest - this is nothing that a doctor or physio cannot fix,” Stransky concluded.

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