This past week Christoph Sauser and Burry Stander took part in the 4 day Giro del Capo road stage race in and around their training base in Stellenbosch in preparation for next weeks ABSA Cape Epic.

Day 1 was known for it's crosswind section that would eventually split up the peloton as it had done in years before. Burry was up front and managed to make the front group of 18 riders. Going into the final climb 15km from the finish he tried to shake things up but was not able to and managed3rd in the sprint.

Day 2 was the stage that he had his sights on for a victory before the event had started. It was a 3 lap circuit with a short but viscious 2km climb just before the finish. On lap 1 a split of 15 riders went clear with Burry And Christoph up front. Coming into the final ascent Christoph dispalyed some fine teamwork by attacking and dragging all the favourites with him,Burry then launched his race winning move by only taking 2 riders with him and winning the sprint as well as taking the leaders pink jersey.

The queen stage of the race was a long onewith 2 climbs that would break things up. An early break had gone up the road and at one stage Burry was outof the virtual lead. With some hard work by Specialized riders Craig Paul and Ben-Melt Swanepoel and a little help from the other teams the gap was closed just as the final climb began. Once again Christoph showed some fine form in closing down any attacks and putting in a couple of strong efforts himself. Cresting the climb mostof the lead group were together and would have to fightit out on the sprint. Burry went on to place second, missing the win by about 3 millimetres!

With a 14 second lead over 3 time Giro del Capo winner David George we knew the 5.5km uphill ITT was going to be a challenge, but Burry was confident that he was in with a chance. With no radio feedback on opposition Burry gave it his all to managea well fought 3rd place in the stage and 3rd overall for the tour.