The Ladies category was won by Sally Bigham and Esther Süss of Wheels4Life in an overall time of 38:34.11,8, after securing their seventh stage win in this year’s Absa Cape Epic.

They were followed by the Biogen Britehouse team of Theresa Ralph and Nina Gässler in 39:23.38,6 with  Karien van Jaarsveld and Jane Nüssli of MTN Qhubeka in third place overall in 40:09.15,5.

Both Sally Bigham and Esther Süss won the Absa Cape Epic last year, but in the Ladies and Mixed categories respectively. Says Sally Bigham: “It was great and I had a good time. Riding with Esther was a wonderful experience and we’re a good team. On stage 5, I was worried, so it wasn’t easy all the way.” Esther Süss comments: “I’m so happy that this is the finish because it was a hard week. I had a flat with only 1km to go, so I’m just happy to be here safely. It was a wonderful experience with Sally. We had a good week and we’re a strong combination.”

Says Theresa Ralph of Biogen Britehouse: “It was an amazing experience. We knew right from the start that overall victory was out of reach, but we didn’t even think about finishing second either. It was tough, but riding with Nina was great!” Adds Nina Gässler: “This was an unbelievable experience. I still can’t believe we finished second overall! I’m going to become a regular at the Absa Cape Epic. I had so much fun. The Cape Epic was a dream come true.”

Karien van Jaarsveld and Jane Nüssli of MTN Qhubeka finished in third place overall. Says Jane Nüssli: “I’m relieved to be safely at the finish. I enjoyed it a lot. I’m so proud – we worked hard and achieved our goal.” Karien van Jaarsveld adds that the competition was tough. “I’m very happy to have had a good partner.”