Keller and Lill dominate in the rain, leaving the 2026 Cape Epic virtually decided

The 5th stage of the 2026 Absa Cape Epic women's race, marked by rain, mud, and particularly demanding conditions, has represented a definitive turning point in the overall standings. Candice Lill and Alessandra Keller have regained their most dominant form to secure a convincing victory that practically seals the race.

Keller and Lill dominate the Cape Epic in stage 5 under the rain and are on the verge of final victory

After a fourth stage in which they lost ground for the first time, the Thömus Maxon Sabi Sabi pair completely changed the script and opted for an aggressive strategy from the first kilometer.

The day began with rain from the start, transforming the course into heavy, technical, and very selective terrain. Reduced visibility and mud further complicated a stage that already accumulated 90 kilometers and more than 2,000 meters of elevation gain.

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Rather than speculating with their lead in the overall standings, Lill and Keller set out determined to break the race from the start. Their attack was early, and in the first moments, they were already riding solo.

Behind them, Kate Courtney and Greta Seiwald tried to organize the chase along with Hayley Pree and Haley Smith, but the conditions played against them. Seiwald had mechanical issues, and the muddy terrain made it difficult to maintain a steady pace, causing the gaps to grow quickly.

With 50 kilometers to go, the gap had already exceeded eight minutes, practically sealing the stage in favor of the leaders.

In one of the decisive areas of the course, one of the hardest climbs of the day, further hardened by the mud, Courtney and Seiwald managed to drop Pree and Smith, consolidating their second position in the race.

However, the move did not help to close the gaps. On the contrary, Keller and Lill maintained a steady and relentless pace, extending their lead in every sector.

Without giving their rivals a chance, Candice Lill and Alessandra Keller crossed the finish line in less than four and a half hours after a display of control and power. After several more conservative days, their offensive strategy proved decisive.

Courtney and Seiwald finished second again, but this time conceding a very significant amount of time on a particularly tough day. The podium was completed by Pree and Smith, who were also clearly distanced.

With this result, the overall standings are practically decided with two stages remaining. The lead of Lill and Keller now exceeds 14 minutes, a difference that, barring any incidents, seems definitive.

Stage 5 Results – Elite Women

1. Candice Lill / Alessandra Keller (Thömus Maxon Sabi Sabi) – 4:29:08.7
2. Kate Courtney / Greta Seiwald (She Sends Foundation) +9:28.7
3. Hayley Pree / Haley Smith (ChemChamp Honeycomb) +11:32.1

Overall Standings after Stage 5

1. Candice Lill / Alessandra Keller (Thömus Maxon Sabi Sabi) – 18:48:02.7
2. Kate Courtney / Greta Seiwald (She Sends Foundation) +14:18.9
3. Hayley Pree / Haley Smith (ChemChamp Honeycomb) +43:24.4