Nankervis and Sheppard win Cape to Cape
The final stage of the Cape to Cape was a cracker! A solo break away took the win, and the racing was sharp to defend leads.
The Cape to Cape MTB Stage race is a huge event. Taking 1300 riders from Cape Leeuwin to Dunsborough by way of about 200km of trails is an immense experience. And while looking at it through the eyes of epic stage races that run over a week, it might not seem that impressive. But given the racing is at close to full cross-country race pace at the front, the final day is a real test for all riders.
Coming into today, the race leads weren't completely secure. While Tasman Nankervis did have about a 2 minute lead in the men's race, it's not really something you can bank on when Trek Racing Australia have a van full of red power rangers to throw at you. And Samara Sheppard had about a 14 second lead over Peta Mullens, but despite Peta claiming she was tired – she also very competitive so this race was never secure.
Starting in the warm sun at Colonial Brewing, we rolled out in a neutral start to the road before the hammer went down. But it was a select break that went up the road.
Kyle Ward was in the thick of the action today, starting in 4th place, but needing to keep an eye on those coming from behind like Craig Cooke and Michael Potter.
"I knew that it was going to be a day to not really make up much time. It was going to be hard to break down Chris (Hamilton). The Torq boys went to the front to keep the pace solid, enough to deter any attacks but keep it moving."
The break however, was allowed to get away as the riders in there didn't pose a big threat to any key general classification positions.
"Reece had the company of Paul and also Tristan early on, but he lost them after Middle Earth." Paul van der Ploeg had a mechanical and couldn't finish the stage, and Tristan Ward was put under too much pressure by the pace. "He probably had a lonely day out the front but no one really wanted to bring that back."
Tucknott took the stage, and Tasman Nankervis was 2nd, keeping his overall lead safe.
In the women's race, Peta Mullens was tight with Samara Sheppard all day, but it was clear Samara was in control, riding with the strength of the leader's jersey on her shoulders. With about 10km to go, Peta couldn't maintain the pace of the group and dropped off. Samara was triumphant with the stage win, and the overall. Mullens was 2nd and Briony Mattocks secured her 3rd overall with a 3rd on the stage.
