MTB cycling: Only four weeks before the first big highlight of the season, Cape Epic, Team Bulls celebrates overall victory with Karl Platt and Urs Huber in the three-day Dutoit Tankwa Trek. The German-Swiss duo relegated Christoph Sauser/Sam Gaze (Investec-Songo-Specialized) to second place in the overall standings with a lead of more than six minutes.
Many well-known teams used the three-day stage race in South Africa last weekend as ideal preparation for the Cape Epic. In addition to the demanding track conditions, the weather was also supposed to play a major role - the drivers had to assert themselves against strong winds on the third and last stage. Team Bulls with Karl Platt and Urs Huber, who finished on the podium in all stages, coped best with the prevailing conditions.
On the first stage, over 89 kilometers and 1900 meters in altitude, Bulls was able to celebrate a double victory: alongside the winning duo Platt and Huber, Stiebjahn and Böhme finished second. Christoph Sauser and Sam Gaze from Team Investec-Songo-Specialized finished their first race with third place. The cards were reshuffled on the second stage, especially since Stiebjahn and Böhme were unable to compete due to Böhme suffering from a severe gastrointestinal virus.
The previous day's winners, Platt and Huber, continued their hunt for success on the second day. On the ascent to the "Merino Monster", the German-Swiss duo left no doubt about their physical and mental strength and, after a tough 20 kilometers, had a lead of a good two minutes over Sauser/Gaze. However, Karl Platt had bad luck on the rough descent. After a defect, Team Bulls ultimately had to settle for second place behind Sauser/Gaze.
The third and last stage was characterized by very hectic battles for position due to the wind conditions. Despite the strong wind, Platt and Huber were able to pull away from the field and claim victory. Only solo starter Markus Bauer was able to keep up with the high speed of the Bulls drivers. Karl Platt was very happy after the overall victory and praised the harmonious interaction with Urs Haber. The two riders have definitely fueled their self-confidence for the Cape Epic with their success on the Dutoit Tankwa Trek.