Video with the highlights of the spectacular stage 1 of the Cape Epic 2026
The first stage of the Cape Epic 2026 delivered a thrilling day in Montagu, with long-range attacks, punctures that changed the race script, and an extremely tight finish among the favorites. Here’s a video with the highlights of the stage.
The best of a grueling stage where the favorites attacked relentlessly
Stage 1 of the Absa Cape Epic 2026, with 90 kilometers and 2,150 meters of positive elevation gain, offered the first great spectacle of this edition. The race broke apart in the central climbs with several changes of pace among the favorites, while leaders Matthew Beers and Tristan Nortje staged a spectacular comeback after a puncture that cost them several minutes. Ultimately, the victory was decided in a very tight finish in Montagu, where Wout Alleman and Martin Stosek managed to win by just a few tenths. In the women's race, Candice Lill and Alessandra Keller once again demonstrated their strength after dominating the prologue and also claimed the stage to consolidate their lead in the overall classification.
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With just two days of competition completed, the Cape Epic 2026 has already made it clear that this edition will be extremely competitive, with several teams capable of fighting for victory in each stage and the overall standings still very open in both the men's and women's races.