Cycle Nation Enza Construction remain on course for a Cape Pioneer podium. Rachel Seaman and Bianca Botha kept third overall in the UCI Women’s competition after a difficult stage 4.

The pair faced early mechanical problems on Friday’s 96-kilometre stage around Oudtshoorn. The route included 1 100 metres of climbing at the 2026 Momentum Medical Scheme Cape Pioneer, presented by Biogen.

Efficient Infiniti Insure’s Samantha Sanders and Sarah Maré stayed unbeaten at the front of the race. They took a fourth straight stage win in 3:37:31.

Hollard Summerplace Racing’s Chloé Hopf and Lilian Baber placed second on the day in 3:54:14. Seaman and Botha finished third in the UCI Women’s category for a third consecutive day.

Cape Pioneer podium bid survives early setbacks

Cycle Nation Enza Construction quickly moved into damage-limitation mode. Botha dropped her chain as the riders left the neutral zone, forcing an immediate stop.

Seaman said the delay lasted only seconds, but it came at a costly point. The field streamed toward the dual tracks, and the pair lost positions before the racing opened fully.

The narrow terrain then limited their chances to regain ground. Seaman and Botha became trapped behind slower riders while their rivals opened time ahead.

The situation worsened soon after when Botha punctured. Seaman said the repair took long enough to change the team’s approach for the rest of the day.

“After that we were riding to finish the day, not to race,” Seaman said.

From that point, the pair focused on reaching the finish safely. They completed the stage in 4:30:36 and protected their place on the overall podium.

King praises response before final stage

Cycle Nation Team Manager Lincoln King said Seaman and Botha have repeatedly handled pressure during the week. He pointed to their composure after an opening day that already tested them.

King said the dropped chain and puncture could have caused greater damage to their race. Instead, the pair stayed calm and worked through the problems.

“What stands out for me is their resolve,” King said.

He added that the team’s focus now turns to the final stage. Seaman and Botha remain third overall with one day left to race.

For Cycle Nation Enza Construction, the objective is clear. The pair need to manage risk, avoid further mechanical setbacks and complete a demanding week with a UCI Women’s podium finish.

UCI Women’s standings after stage 4

Sanders and Maré lead the UCI Women’s general classification with a total time of 14:50:54. Hopf and Baber remain second overall on 15:26:56, 36:02 behind the leaders.

Seaman and Botha hold third overall in 17:21:26. Their deficit to Sanders and Maré stands at 2:30:32 heading into the final stage.

UCI Women’s stage 4 results

• 1. Efficient Infiniti Insure: Samantha Sanders and Sarah Maré, 3:37:31
• 2. Hollard Summerplace Racing: Chloé Hopf and Lilian Baber, 3:54:14
• 3. Cycle Nation Enza Construction: Rachel Seaman and Bianca Botha, 4:30:36

UCI Women’s general classification after stage 4

• 1. Efficient Infiniti Insure: Samantha Sanders and Sarah Maré, 14:50:54
• 2. Hollard Summerplace Racing: Chloé Hopf and Lilian Baber, 15:26:56, at 36:02
• 3. Cycle Nation Enza Construction: Rachel Seaman and Bianca Botha, 17:21:26, at 2:30:32

Final stage heads to Chandelier Game Reserve

Saturday’s final stage takes riders into the Chandelier Game Reserve. The route covers 65 kilometres and includes 1 350 metres of climbing.

The rocky dual tracks will again demand concentration and careful bike handling. Mechanical problems could still influence the final outcome on the last day.

Seaman and Botha have already shown resilience across four demanding stages. One more controlled ride would secure their place on the UCI Women’s podium.

Related Cycle Nation stories

• Seaman and Botha climb to Cape Pioneer podium spot after Stage 3
• Seaman and Botha rebound for Cape Pioneer Stage 2 podium
• Cape Pioneer Stage 1: Pritzen and Stehli seize yellow
• Rachel Seaman battles crash and mechanical at Ford Trailseeker finale
• Lisa Bone wins Race to the Sea after final-climb duel with Hayley Preen