Rachel Seaman and Bianca Botha delivered a sharp Cape Pioneer Stage 2 response for Cycle Nation Enza Construction, finishing third in the UCI Women’s category after a difficult opening day.

The 73-kilometre stage began and ended at Louvain Guest Farm in the Langkloof. Riders faced 1 500 metres of climbing, with about 1 000 metres packed into the first 25 kilometres.

Wet ground and heavy conditions then kept the pressure high, even after the route profile became less severe.

Cape Pioneer Stage 2 brings a Cycle Nation turnaround

Efficient Infiniti Insure’s Samantha Sanders and Sarah Maré remained the benchmark in the women’s race. They claimed their second straight stage win in 3:37:01.

Hollard Summerplace Racing’s Chloé Hopf and Lilian Baber placed second, 8 minutes and 21 seconds behind the winners.

Behind those two teams, Seaman and Botha produced one of the day’s strongest recoveries.

Botha had struggled with nausea during the opening stage, but recovered in time to start Stage 2. She and Seaman then paced their effort carefully through the early climbing.

As the terrain opened, the Cycle Nation Enza Construction pair increased their speed and moved through the women’s field.

They caught Safari Essence Titan Racing’s Danielle du Toit and Roxanne Kemp, then pressed their advantage on faster, more open roads.

Seaman said she was “really proud of Bianca” after Botha recovered from a difficult first day. She added that Botha had been cleared to race by the doctor on Monday afternoon.

Botha’s improvement changed the way the team could approach the stage. The pair raced more aggressively than they could during the opener.

Once they reached flatter and faster ground, Seaman used the sections that best matched her strengths.

She said the route then suited her descending and power on open terrain, allowing the pair to gain time.

Seaman and Botha finished in 3:49:38, placing third on the stage. They ended 12 minutes and 37 seconds behind Sanders and Maré.

More importantly for their general classification ambitions, they gained 9 minutes and 8 seconds on Du Toit and Kemp.

General classification picture after Stage 2

Sanders and Maré continue to lead the UCI Women’s general classification after two stages. Their combined time stands at 7:26:15.

Hopf and Baber remain second overall at 24 minutes and 54 seconds. Du Toit and Kemp hold third at 59 minutes and 2 seconds.

Seaman and Botha sit fourth on 8:57:46, 1 hour, 31 minutes and 31 seconds behind the leaders.

Their Stage 2 ride cut into the gap to the final podium place and restored momentum before the race leaves Louvain.

Stage 3 route heads to Oudtshoorn

Stage 3 takes riders from Louvain to Langenhoven Gimnasium in Oudtshoorn. The route covers 92 kilometres and includes about 1 400 metres of climbing.

The main climb arrives early and tops out just 11 kilometres into the stage.

After that, riders face rocky dual tracks and multiple river crossings. Punctures and mechanical problems could shape the stage result.

Cycle Nation Enza Construction will look to build on the progress shown during Cape Pioneer Stage 2. Seaman and Botha continue their campaign with renewed confidence.

UCI Women’s Stage 2 results

• 1. Efficient Infiniti Insure: Samantha Sanders and Sarah Maré – 3:37:01
• 2. Hollard Summerplace Racing: Chloé Hopf and Lilian Baber – 3:45:22, +8:21
• 3. Cycle Nation Enza Construction: Rachel Seaman and Bianca Botha – 3:49:38, +12:37
• 4. Safari Essence Titan Racing: Danielle du Toit and Roxanne Kemp – 3:58:46, +21:45

UCI Women’s general classification after Stage 2

• 1. Efficient Infiniti Insure: Samantha Sanders and Sarah Maré – 7:26:15
• 2. Hollard Summerplace Racing: Chloé Hopf and Lilian Baber – 7:51:09, +24:54
• 3. Safari Essence Titan Racing: Danielle du Toit and Roxanne Kemp – 8:25:17, +59:02
• 4. Cycle Nation Enza Construction: Rachel Seaman and Bianca Botha – 8:57:46, +1:31:31

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