Darren Lill and Waylon Woolcock (USN Purefit) comfortably claimed the red Absa African special jersey at the 2016 Absa Cape Epic after today’s colourful Grand Finale finish. With a sixth place finish on Stage 7 and sixth overall at the 2016 event, the Lill and Woolcock combo were consistent throughout the 13th edition of the Cape Epic.
Introduced in 2013, the Absa African special jersey is awarded to the best-performing all-African team at the Cape Epic. For three years, Scott Factory Racing has held onto the prize, but this year no South African or African riders could match the efforts of USN Purefit.
Crossing the Stage 7 line in a time of 3:16.40,4, Lill and Woolcock celebrated quietly and calmly amongst themselves. That’s been their way at the 2016 Cape Epic, going about their business with minimum fuss and fanfare. With madness going on around the in the winners lounge as overall race champions Karl Platt and Urs Huber sprayed the crowd with champagne, Lill and Woolcock remained as composed as ever.
Photo by Ewald Sadie/Cape Epic/SPORTZPICS
“I’m relieved,” said Woolcock. “It’s a relief to be done. We’re very happy to take the Absa African special jersey. That was our goal all week long and we’ve been able to come here and achieve that.”
Both riders confirmed that there was no let-up in the pace of the racing in the final stage, with a number teams aiming for a highly sought-after Stage 7 victory. “The racing was fast from the start,” said Woolcock. “We weren’t quite with the first group, but once we were on the open farm roads we used our roadie skills to close the gap. Our aim, though, was to protect the jersey and we did that.”
Last year Lill and Woolcock raced hard for the red jersey, but a few mechanicals ended their ambitions. This year, they came into the event with back-up and more behind-the-scenes support. “We’ve never raced with a sponsor and staff contingent like we have at this year’s Cape Epic,” said Woolcock. “It really makes the difference. Cannondale, USN, everyone involved with the team has been great. It’s a huge help having a team you can rely on.”
Looking ahead, Lill says the pair has ambitions locally and internationally. But first, he’ll soak up an impressive performance away from his bike, “I’m going to enjoy the rest now and get in some fishing.”
2016 Stage 7 Absa African
Stage Results
1. USN Purefit 7-1 Darren Lill (South Africa) 7-2 Waylon Woolcock (South Africa) 3:16.40,4
2. NAD Pro MTB 8-1 Gawie Combrinck (South Africa) 8-2 Nico Bell (South Africa) 3:18.31,5 +1.51,1
3. Kargo Pro 23-1 Andrew Warr (South Africa) 23-2 Marco Joubert (South Africa) 3:21.32,4 +4.52,0
Overall Results
1. USN Purefit 7-1 Darren Lill (South Africa) 7-2 Waylon Woolcock (South Africa) 29:03.22,9
2. NAD Pro MTB 8-1 Gawie Combrinck (South Africa) 8-2 Nico Bell (South Africa) 29:28.26,8 +25.03,9
3. Rwanda 21-1 Nathan Byukusenge (Rwanda) 21-2 Thinus Redelinghuys (South Africa) 31:15.00,0 +2:11.37,1
4. Imbuko-Freewheel Cycology 25-1 Christopher Wolhuter (South Africa) 25-2 Craig Boyes (South Africa) 31:26.00,5 +2:22.37,6
5. GoPro 30-1 Oliver Munnik (South Africa) 30-2 Matthew Beers (South Africa) 31:31.47,6 +2:28.24,7
6. Kargo Pro 23-1 Andrew Warr (South Africa) 23-2 Marco Joubert (South Africa) 31:40.31,3 +2:37.08,4
7. William Simpson A 33-1 Michael Posthumus (South Africa) 33-2 Derrin Smith (South Africa) 31:56.37,4 +2:53.14,5
8. Britehouse Biogen 24-1 Carl Pasio (South Africa) 24-2 Charles Keey (South Africa) 32:01.35,7 +2:58.12,8
9. White Inc 61-1 Adrian Enthoven (South Africa) 61-2 Nic White (South Africa) 32:20.31,1 +3:17.08,2
10. NFB – Spine & Sport 32-1 Craig Uria (South Africa) 32-2 Andrew Duvenage (South Africa) 32:30.54,8 +3:27.31,9
Source: Cape Epic Media
