Cape Epic: Stage 1

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Looks like David and his partner, Brett Burton, had another great day today during stage 1 of the Epic. Dave and Brett are racing under the Olympic Cycles banner, the shop Brett works at in New Zealand. I'm having a hard time finding photos, but it looks like the organizers sent the one above of Dave, albeit tiny. Tomorrow's stage looks tough, and HOT. I'll be really curious to hear how the racers are staying hydrated out there. Seems to be a couple feed zones at least per stage. Also wondering what sort of chain lube is working in all that dust! From the looks of it the 29ers are the hot ticket out there. Dave must be loving his pimped Niner double bouncer, seems ideal. Here's the spiel from the organizers today:

Stage 1's distance was a shade under 90km (with 2050m of climbing), which may sound short but it was not to be underestimated! The flat roads out of town left few clues as to what was to come. Very soon the short(ish) but incredibly steep, rough and loose climbs appeared, and on the treacherous descents, volley-balled sized rocks and sand patches pocked the little-used dual tracks. While the pros made short work of it, the first 50km took some backmarkers over five hours. The stage's last climb on some rough roads brought riders to the top of one of the most precariously difficult downhills they've seen at the Absa Cape Epic. With large rocks, deep ruts and a sheer drop on the left, riders were wise to take it slow.

David Stachon achieved the following results:

Stage Time	:	5:18.35,1
Stage Position	:	19. in Masters category and 90. in general classification
Overall Time	:	6:41.36, 1
Overall Position	:	19. in Masters category and in 90. general classification

Dave is presently the top placing Canadian in the race! Way to represent buddy!

Goooo Dave and Brett!!!