The RH77-Factory team took a bold approach to the Old Mutual Wealth Double Century on Saturday, going hard to each checkpoint with the aim of completing each leg with just six riders. Though this left them exposed to time loses if anyone punctured it did enable them to blitz the course and win the 2024 title in commanding fashion: https://diverge.info/2024/11/24/double-century-rh77-factory-wins-fiercely-contested-2024-race/

#DoubleCentury #RoadCycling


"Seamus"


Seamus

Bikes, hikes, dogs, waves and podcasts. Writing about some of them here: www.diverge.info.


"Bikes, hikes, dogs, waves and podcasts. Writing about some of them here: www.diverge.info."


Episode 6 of the rebooted #DivergePodcast is live, featuring a chat - in #DieHel - with #ToHellAndBack #MTB's Zane Schmahl. Listen or watch on Spotify and read all the other News on diverge.info.
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/seamus-allardice3/episodes/6-Zane-Schmahl---Die-Hel-Chats-in-Gamkaskloof-e2raghp

#Podcast
https://nostrcheck.me/media/466b0c05cc7bf32bea59bc1844fc3e9b2880c0518395da7fb2b309e1824243f0/8c58a0d6c2f73f4aa8727bf44082e7dd39e621685b4d8cf2c7f238e50e119347.mp4


After a highly successful 2024 edition Abbott World Marathon Majors have announced that the Sanlam #CapeTownMarathon has passed Stage 1 of the selection process which should see the race become #AfricasFirstMajor in 2026. https://diverge.info/2024/11/21/cape-town-marathon-passes-stage-1-of-awmm-candidacy/

#RoadRunning #RoadMarathon #Marathon


The 2026 #GardenRouteGiro course might still be underwraps until March 2025, but the key points it will visit have been revealed, including 5 iconic passes & poorts built by South Africa's most famous road builder, Thomas Bain. https://diverge.info/2024/11/21/garden-route-giro-exploring-the-passes-and-poorts-bain-built/

#Gravel #GravelBike #GravelRace


There are fierce battles throughout the 300 team strong Old Mutual Wealth #DoubleCentury field. Here's a look at some of the teams to watch for Saturday's 32nd edition of the famous team time trial.
https://diverge.info/2024/11/20/double-century-battles-expected-for-titles-bragging-rights/

#Cycling


The #DreamBike Raffle raised over R160 000 for the #PedalProject's 2025 #TrailTherapy programme and saw Gant Parkes ride away with a unique Outer Cycles Link E-Bike as the lucky winner. https://diverge.info/2024/11/20/pedal-project-grant-parkes-wins-outer-cycles-dream-bike-raffle/

#MTB #Charity


This week, in the #DivergePodcast, Seamus Allardice looks back at the FNB #Wines2Whales Shiraz & the #GardenRouteGiro Media Recce, before looking ahead to this weekend's #ToHellAndBack stage race. Listen on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/seamus-allardice3/episodes/5-Beers-for-Toyota-Specialized-at-Wines2Whales-e2qvtj0

#MTB #MountainBiking #GravelCycling #Podcast


The all-conquering Toyota Specialized team completed their clean sweep of FNB #Wines2Whales stage victories on the final day of the 2024 Shiraz race, from Oak Valley to Benguela Cove, today. Matt Beers and Alex Miller’s margin of victory was 7 minutes and 42 seconds. Imbuko’s Marco Joubert and Wessel Botha held Honeycomb Pro Cycling at bay on Stage 3 to secure second, ahead of Tristan Nortje and Marc Pritzen. https://diverge.info/2024/11/10/wines2whales-total-domination-by-toyota-specialized/

#MTB #MountainBiking


Alex Miller endured a bad looking crash, with just a few scraps and bruises, en route to victory on Stage 2 of the FNB #Wines2Whales Shiraz race. For the second day running the Toyota Specialized team were joined on the podium by Imbuko and Honeycomb Pro Cycling. Read the story of how the day unfolded here: https://diverge.info/2024/11/09/wines2whales-miller-survives-stage-2-crash-to-win-with-beers/

#MTB #MountainBiking


Toyota Specialized's Matt Beers and Alex Miller engaged power mode to surge to victory on Stage 1 of the FNB #Wines2Whales Shiraz today. Behind them Imuko's Marco Joubert and Wessel Botha were second, ahead of Tristan Nortje - who dislocated his shoulder on Gantouw Pass - and Marc Pritzen - who suffered two poorly timed dropped chains. Read about what happened on the course from Lourensford to Oak Valley here:
https://diverge.info/2024/11/08/wines2whales-toyota-specialized-engage-power-mode-on-day-1/

#MTB #MountainBiking


While the men's & mixed category leaders, at the FNB #Wines2Whales Pinotage race, are familiar faces, the women's leaders are unexpected heroines. Meet Heather Collen and Kerry Ould to discover their E-Bike adventure: https://diverge.info/2024/11/05/wines2whales-meet-the-unexpected-leaders-of-the-pinotage/

#MTB #MountainBike


The 2024 #DrylandTraverse wowed locals and internationals alike as it took in a section of the Cango Caves and lots of fantastic mountain trail running in the Swartberg. Read the full story from the race here: https://diverge.info/2024/11/05/dryland-traverse-internationals-excel-in-iconic-klein-karoo-run/

#TrailRunning #TrailRun


After a weekend of sunshine, rain blew in from the north west for the Pinotage race at FNB Wines2Whales. It was thus a wet, windy, and cold affair on the opening day, but that didn't diminish the fun the fun the riders had out on the trails: https://diverge.info/2024/11/04/wines2whales-dirty-delight-on-day-1-of-the-pinotage/


Candice Lill and Tyler Jacobs wrapped up their second FNB #Wines2Whales title in perfect fashion on Sunday as they completed their third stage win of the 2024 Chardonnay race. Read about how the day unfolded here: https://diverge.info/2024/11/03/wines2whales-pure-perfection-for-lill-and-jacobs/

#MTB #MountainBiking


Candice Lill and Tyler Jacobs continued their FNB #Wines2Whales dominance on Stage 2, adding a further 5 minutes to their GC lead with another commanding stage victory: https://diverge.info/2024/11/02/wines2whales-lill-jacobs-notch-up-second-stage-win/

#MTB #MountainBiking


Candice Lill and Tyler Jacobs powered to victory on the opening stage of the FNB #Wines2Whales. The defending Chardonnay champions won their fourth successive Wine2Whales stage in the process: https://diverge.info/2024/11/01/wines2whales-lill-and-jacobs-seize-chardonnay-race-lead/

#MountainBiking #MTB


FNB #Wines2Whales gets underway on Friday with the women's Chardonnay race. Here's a look at what to expect and who to watch in the 1st of 3, 3-day, races. https://diverge.info/2024/10/30/wines2whales-chardonnay-field-shines-promises-fierce-racing/

#MountainBiking #MTB


The #TankwaTrek is more than just a tough but rewarding UCI S1 grade stage race. While mountain bikers come to the Koue Bokkeveld for the riding, they return for the warm hospitality of Dryland and Kaleo Guest Farm. Find out what to expect in 2025 here: https://diverge.info/2024/10/29/tankwa-trek-expect-the-best-at-the-2025-race/


Sho Watanabe and Michelle Wheeler added international flare to the African extravaganza by winning the #WheelchairInvitational at the 2024 Sanlam #CapeTownMarathon: https://diverge.info/2024/10/20/wheelchair-invitational-watanabe-and-wheeler-win/


Glenrose Xaba shattered the Sanlam #CapeTownMarathon and South African national records on her marathon debut. While in the men's race Abdisa Tola broke the course record on his way to victory over Adane Kebede Gebre: https://diverge.info/2024/10/20/cape-town-marathon-xaba-shatters-course-sa-record/

#Marathon #CapeTown


The #CapeTownTrailMarathon saw Collin Kanyimo and Catherine Williamson racing to victory and earning a cool R50 000 each for their efforts. In the 22km Siboniso Soldaka won his 3rd successive title and Mila Geldenhuys dominated the women's race: https://diverge.info/2024/10/19/cape-town-trail-marathon-williamson-kanyimo-win-2024-titles/

#CapeTownMarathon #TrailRunning


The #PeaceRun 10km got the Sanlam #CapeTownMarathon weekend off to a fast start as Deon-Lee Hendricks and Tayla Kavanagh blitzed the course, despite windy conditions, on their way to victories. Read the story here: https://diverge.info/2024/10/19/peace-run-hendricks-and-kavanagh-power-to-victories/

#RoadRunning #10km


The Sanlam #CapeTownMarathon's growth towards #AbbottWorldMarathonMajor status takes another step on Sunday when the best ever elite field, for an African marathon, lines up in the Mother City: https://diverge.info/2024/10/18/cape-town-marathon-excitement-builds-towards-2024-race/

#Marathon #RoadRunning


#ToHellAndBack is the OG South African #MTB stage race. For 30 years it has remained boutique without the bourgeoisie implications. Read on to find out why experienced mountain bikers return to Die Hel to ride into Gamkaskloof and back out: https://diverge.info/2024/10/16/to-hell-and-back-as-jy-weet-weet-jy/

#MountainBiking #EcoBound


There's a Comotion in the Klein Karoo this December and mountain bikers, their friends and families, are invited. Check out the reboot of this festive Festive Season event here: https://diverge.info/2024/10/14/comotion-in-the-klein-karoo-a-kuier-in-leeuwenboschfontein/

#MTB #MountainBiking


Gravel has been growing in South Africa for the best part of a decade, but it seems to have reached a maturity where world class stage races are now possible. Cape Epic founder, Kevin Vermaak will be using his MTB stage race organising experience to launch #GravelBurn a 7-day, 850km, gravel race through the magnificent Eastern Cape. Read about it here: https://diverge.info/2024/10/12/gravel-burn-7-day-gravel-stage-race-launched-in-the-eastern-cape/

#Gravel #GravelBike


Defending champions, Robbie Simpson and Bianca Tarboton overcame searing heat and fierce competition to win a challenging edition of the Otter TERREX Trail; on Saturday, 5 October 2024. Read the race report here: https://diverge.info/2024/10/08/otter-terrex-trail-simpson-tarboton-defend-their-titles/


Insect Science overturned a 53 second deficit to win the 2024 #CapePioneer on the final stage in Oudtshoorn, on Saturday, 5 October. By contrast, Efficient Infiniti's march to victory, in the women's race, was entirely serene. Read the full story of Stage 5 here: https://diverge.info/2024/10/05/cape-pioneer-final-day-drama-earns-insect-science-2024-title/

#MTB #MountainBiking


A dramatic 66km break and a sprint finish atop the Swartberg Pass ensured for a captivating day of racing at the #CapePioneer on the Queen Stage. Yet the status quo remains heading into the final day. PYGA Euro Steel lead by 53 seconds. And Efficient Infiniti have all but won the women's race. Read the full report here: https://diverge.info/2024/10/04/cape-pioneer-insect-science-efficient-infiniti-win-queen-stage/

#MTB #MountainBiking


Stage 3 of the #CapePioneer ended in a chaotic seven team sprint finish with Insect Science outfoxing their rivals to take line honours. In the women's race Efficient Infiniti Insure continued their dominance of the #RaceWithSoul. Read the full story here: https://diverge.info/2024/10/03/cape-pioneer-sprint-win-on-stage-3-for-insect-science/


Stage 2 of the 2024 #CapePioneer featured a challenging 73.5km routh which provided a mix of surfaces, from smooth to rugged and rough. Two long climbs hardly split the men's field with PYGA Euro Steel only distancing Insect Science on the final descent. Efficient Infiniti cantered to victory in the women's race. Read the full report here: https://diverge.info/2024/10/02/cape-pioneer-pyga-euro-steel-and-efficient-infiniti-double-up/

#MTB #MountainBiking


PYGA Euro Steel and Efficient Infiniti earn the first, First Ascent, leaders' jerseys of the 2024 Momentum Medical Scheme #CapePioneer, presented by Biogen with wins on Stage 1: https://diverge.info/2024/10/01/cape-pioneer-pyga-euro-steel-efficient-infiniti-win-stage-1/


The 2025 Absa #CapeEpic is going to be a suburban affair with stages hosted on the trails around Durbanville, Paarl and Somerset West. Read all about next year's route here: https://diverge.info/2024/09/26/cape-epic-winelands-welcomes-fan-friendly-2025-race/

#MountainBiking #MTB


With the Absa #CapeEpic spending two days in Paarl in 2025 there's no better time to launch a big bike shop in the Winelands town. #CycleLab will be servicing that growing cycling community there from their new store, which opens on the 25th of October 2024. Read about the new #bikeshop here: https://diverge.info/2024/09/26/cycle-lab-expands-into-the-winelands-with-paarl-store/

#Cycling #BicycleShop


The rejuvenated, 5-day, #CapePioneer is set to provide thrilling racing next week. Read the stage race preview here: https://diverge.info/2024/09/25/cape-pioneer-5-thrilling-days-of-racing-await-from-1-october/

#MTB #MountainBiking


Tristan Nortje soloed to victory and a new course record at the 2024 Lions #Karoo2Coast. In the women's race Catherine Colyn completed a childhood goal by winning the title. Read the race report here: https://diverge.info/2024/09/23/karoo-to-coast-nortje-and-colyn-go-solo-to-win-2024-titles/


Two days of mud and rain didn't prevent the #DrEvilExperience riders from loving the riding, and a stunning final day in bright sunshine capped a spectacular event in #PlettenbergBay in style. Read the full story here: https://diverge.info/2024/09/21/dr-evil-experience-delivers-smiles-come-rain-or-shine/


Michael Larter established the Aimee Howard Foundation to help young people access #mentalhealth support, now he and Meagan Rioux are running to Namibia to raise funds for the charity. Read the story here: https://diverge.info/2024/09/17/aimee-howard-foundation-running-to-namibia-for-charity/


The 2024 Lions #KarooToCoast features a stellar elite field for the first time in nearly a decade, which in turn - along with cool weather conditions - bodes well for an attempt at Charles Keey and Ariane Luthi's 12-year-old course records. https://diverge.info/2024/09/17/karoo-to-coast-cool-temperatures-but-red-hot-racing-predicted/


Tuesday marked 40 days to the 2024 #CapeTownMarathon. This year's event is set to feature the best elite field ever assembled for a marathon on the African continent. Read about the race here:
https://diverge.info/2024/09/12/cape-town-marathon-strongest-elite-field-ever-assembled/
#Marathon #RoadRace


Once you've forgotten the pain of riding up MAC, you're ready to ride #TransBaviaans 24HR MTB Race again. After my post-race humbling at JBay I've forgot the hardship of scaling the Mother of All Climbs. Read about my #Baviaanskloof and #JeffreysBay misadventures here: https://diverge.info/2024/09/09/trans-baviaans-kook-slams-the-baviaanskloof-forgetting-mac/

#MTB #MountainBiking


#DrylandEventManagement are launching a 6-day #gravelbike stage race through the #GardenRoute and the #KleinKaroo in the summer of 2026. What do you think about the #GardenRouteGiro concept?
https://diverge.info/2024/09/06/garden-route-giro-dryland-introduce-6-stage-gravel-race/


Support the #PedalProject and their #TrailTherapy programme by joining the SA Dream Bike Raffle. Each R150 ticket gets you a spot in the draw to win a custom Hasie and the Robots etched Outer Cycles Link. Find out more here: https://diverge.info/2024/09/02/pedal-project-support-trail-therapy-with-this-raffle-for-good/

#MTB #MountainBiking #Charity


Stage 5 of the 2024 SPAR #SwissEpic provided a fitting finale to the #EpicSeries race through the magnificent trails of Graubünden. It did however not provide any major upsets as Gian Schmid and Lukas Flückiger defended their yellow CIOVITA jerseys, despite the aggressive racing of the KTM Alchemist Brenta Brakes team. The women in orange, Monica Calderon and Tessa Kortekaas were even more controlled in their victory, adding a fifth stage win to their Swiss success.
https://diverge.info/2024/08/25/swiss-epic-fluckiger-secures-third-title-alongside-schmid/
#MTB #MountainBiking


40-year-old, double SPAR #SwissEpic champion, Lukas Flückiger rolled back the clock, alongside Gian Schmid, to race into the overall lead on the penultimate stage of the 2024 race. https://diverge.info/2024/08/23/swiss-epic-fluckiger-rolls-back-the-clock-on-stage-4/


After 3 floods and a fire, since June 2023, the #ElginValleyTrails have face significant challenges in the last 14 months. Yet they are resolved to build back better, creating a perfect #MTB playground just an hour from Cape Town. https://diverge.info/2024/08/23/elgin-valley-trails-building-back-better-after-floods-and-fires/

#ElginValley #MountainBiking


CANNONDALE ISB SPORT and KTM Alchemist Brenta Brakes added to their overnight leads with victories on Stage 3 of the 2024 SPAR #SwissEpic. The men in yellow, Lorenzo and Nicolas Samparisi claimed their second stage win; while the women in orange, Monica Calderon and Tessa Kortekaas, added a third to their great Graubünden performance.  https://diverge.info/2024/08/22/swiss-epic-victories-in-orange-and-yellow-on-stage-3/

#MTB #MountainBiking #EpicSeries


Wilier Vittoria fought back from tenth on Stage 1 to win Stage 2 at the SPAR #SwissEpic; on Wednesday, 21 August. The Italian team had been distanced by their countrymen and the overall race leaders, KTM Alchemist Brenta Brakes, on the ascent of the Scaletta Pass but Fabian Rabensteiner and Samuele Porro descended into Davos faster. In so doing they were able to catch Lorenzo and Nicolas Samparisi before the line and force a sprint finish, which they then won by a slender margin.

In the UCI Women’s’ race the 15 kilometre long, 1 100 metre, ascent of the Scaletta Pass allowed Cannondale ISB Sport to further extend their overall lead over Efficient Infiniti. Monica Calderon and Tessa Kortekaas now lead the orange jersey battle by 9 minutes and 32 seconds.

https://diverge.info/2024/08/21/swiss-epic-wilier-vittoria-fight-back-to-seize-stage-2-victory/

#MTB #MountainBiking #EpicSeries


Stage 1 of the SPAR #SwissEpic saw dramatic racing with the five-star favourites faltering and underdogs seizing their opportunities. The day came down to a sprint finish which KTM Alchemist Bentra Brakes won, but were only officially awarded the stage honours after a UCI Commissaire’s investigation into a potentially irregular sprint: https://diverge.info/2024/08/20/swiss-epic-ktm-alchemist-brenta-brakes-win-dramatic-stage-1/

#MTB #MountainBiking #EpicSeries


The SPAR #SwissEpic got underway in La Punt, Graubunden, today. Here's a look at who to watch and what to expect from the 5 day #EpicSeries stage race: https://diverge.info/2024/08/20/swiss-epic-epic-series-showdown-looming-in-graubunden/

#MTB #MountainBiking


Insect Science's Arno du Toit & Keagan Bontekoning sealed the 2024 #TransBaviaans title, on Saturday evening, in style smashing the course record by 22 minutes. Jess Wilkinson and Rebecca van Huyssteen won the women's race in commanding style: https://diverge.info/2024/08/12/trans-baviaans-insect-science-smash-the-course-record/

#MTB #MountainBiking


The 2024 Glacier #StormsRiverTraverse boasted the best weather of the race's 14-year history when the riders took to the trails and forest tracks of the Tsitsikamma over the #WomensDay long weekend: https://diverge.info/2024/08/12/storms-river-traverse-two-days-of-sunshine-and-one-of-showers/


The 2024 #TransBaviaans marks the famous single-stage event's 20th edition and could well provide a new course record as a strong elite field coincides with favourable weather and road conditions. We could even see the first gravel bike champions too...
https://diverge.info/2024/08/07/trans-baviaans-excitement-at-potential-record-breaking-2024-race/

#MTB #GravelBike #Baviaanskloof


Epic adventures await in Croatia and Andorra in 2025 with the #EpicSeries's #4IslandsEpic and #AndorraEpic. Find out what to expect and why you should consider entering here: https://diverge.info/2024/07/29/epic-adventures-island-paradise-or-high-altitude-trails-await/
#MTB #StageRace


Matt Beers rode to a dominant victory in the 2024 B-well #AroundThePot 100 Miler on Saturday. The Toyota Specialized rider was joined atop the podium by Catherine Colyn, while Joshua Scherer and Nicola Freitas. Read the full story here: https://diverge.info/2024/07/28/around-the-pot-beers-dominates-2024-race/

#gravel #cycling


On 8 July we took a group of kids for a #SnowDay mission up Mont Rochelle, above Franschhoek. Aged 4 to 8 their physically capabilities were obviously diverse. Here's a look at how we managed it, what we learnt, & how you can help create adventure memories for your kids too: https://diverge.info/2024/07/10/snow-day-adventures-with-little-adventurers/

#snow #adventurewithkids #hiking


Are you racing the 2024 B-Well #AroundThePot? Here's a look at what to expect from this year's race and how you can still secure entries to the 25-, 60-, 100-, and 200-Miler races: https://diverge.info/2024/07/10/around-the-pot-2024-edition-promises-fierce-gravel-contest/
#gravel #cycling #gravelrace


Cannondale ISB Sport secured their fourth stage victory and wrapped up their #AndorraEpic in style, while Buff Megamo controlled Stage 4 to win the GC title with a 2nd place on the final day. Read about how the race was won here: https://diverge.info/2024/07/07/andorra-epic-buff-megamo-cannondale-isb-secure-titles/
#MTB #Andorra #EpicMTBSeries


Monica Calderon & Tessa Kortekaas effectively secured the #AndorraEpic Pyrenees crown with a dominant Queen Stage performance yesterday. While Hans Becking & Wout Alleman ceded time to Scott Cala-Bandida setting up a nervy final day for Buff Megamo: https://diverge.info/2024/07/06/andorra-epic-calderon-and-kortekaas-all-but-crowned-queens/

#MTB #Cycling #Andorra


Stage 2, of the 2024 Andorra Epic Pyrenees, saw Buff Megamo and Cannondale ISB Sport extend their GC leads with their second stage victories. Here's how the day unfolded and how the race is poised ahead of the Queen Stage on Friday: https://diverge.info/2024/07/04/andorra-epic-independence-day-provides-freedom-for-leaders/


First blood to Buff Megamo and Cannondale ISB Sport in the battle for yellow and orange at the 2024 Andorra Epic, after Stage 1. Read the story here:
https://diverge.info/2024/07/03/andorra-epic-first-blood-to-buff-megamo-cannondale-isb/


Sleeker, faster, with integrated storage, internal cable routing through the headset, a flip-chip dropout, & D-Fuse technology for comfort the new Giant Revolt looks like a do-it-all gravel machine, from racing to exploration. Find out more here: https://diverge.info/2024/07/03/giant-revolt-new-sleeker-and-faster-revolt-gravel-bike-launched/


The Andorra Epic Pyrenees gets underway in La Massana tomorrow. On the start line are 5 previous winners, across 4 teams, including the perennial Epic Series favourites ORBEA Leatt Speed Company, Buff Megamo and Team Bulls. Find out more here: https://diverge.info/2024/07/02/andorra-epic-pyrenees-previous-winners-line-up-to-contest-title/


Make memories at Rooibos MTB by Carmién this winter. Find out what to expect on the bike and off it at De Tol, in Piekenierskloof on 27 July:
https://diverge.info/2024/06/26/rooibos-mtb-by-carmien-never-stop-making-memories/


The 2024 MUT by UTMB saw a record number of runners take to the trails of the Outeniqua Mountains, of George. Among the stand out performances of the weekend were Douglas Pickard and Maria Marincowitz's Miler victories. Read all about the races here: https://diverge.info/2024/05/28/mut-by-utmb-douglas-pickard-wins-2024-title/


It's the MUT by UTMB this weekend. Here's a look at what's happening, when, and who to support from the stacked local and international field. https://diverge.info/2024/05/21/mut-by-utmb-2024-edition-set-to-break-records/

#TrailRunning #MUTbyUTMB


Entries to the 2025 #TankwaTrek open today. The S1 graded UCI MTB stage race is South Africa's premier 4-day event and mixed amazing riding, with competitive racing and superb hospitality. Read more reasons to enter here: https://diverge.info/2024/04/26/tankwa-trek-book-your-spot-in-sas-favourite-4-day-stage-race/


The 2024 edition of #4Islands MTB Croatia wrapped up on Saturday with Metallurgica Veneta and BUFF MEGAMO winning the titles. Though ORBEA Leatt Speed Company did their best to make it a nervy final day for the Italian team in yellow.
https://diverge.info/2024/04/23/4islands-metallurgica-veneta-buff-megamo-win-2024-titles/


Stage 3, of the #4Islands MTB Croatia, saw a short and fast stage reward two of the race's most consistent teams yesterday. Klimatiza Toteemi Cabberty won the men's race in a sprint, while the BUFF MEGAMO Women added another 22 sec to their GC lead. https://diverge.info/2024/04/20/4islands-klimatiza-toteemi-cabberty-take-up-the-gc-battle/


Stage 2 saw more drama at #4Islands MTB Croatia yesterday as Pablo Rodriguez Guede (Buff Megamo) crashed heavily, which allowed Metallurgica Veneta to gain time once again. While in the women's race the Buff Megamo Women enjoyed a trouble free day: https://diverge.info/2024/04/19/4islands-metallurgica-veneta-capitalise-and-extend-lead/


Stage 1 of the #4Islands MTB Croatia saw Italian underdogs Nicola Taffarel and Massimo Rosa, of Metallurgica Veneta, turn the race on its head. They rode to stage victory and seized yellow from Orbea Leatt Speed Company in the process:
https://diverge.info/2024/04/17/4islands-metallurgica-veneta-surprise-to-seize-yellow-on-stage-1/


#4islands MTB Croatia kicked off with a fast and intense Prologue yesterday. The BUFF Megamo Team Women & Orbea Leatt Speed Company earned the first leaders' jerseys by 14 & 6 seconds respectively: https://diverge.info/2024/04/17/4islands-buff-megamo-speed-company-win-the-prologue/


#4Islands Croatia blends exceptional riding and the perfect terrain for racing with a party atmosphere off the bike as it islands hops through Croatia’s Kvarner islands. Here's a look at who to watch in the 2024 edition when the racing gets underway tomorrow: https://diverge.info/2024/04/15/4islands-who-is-lining-up-to-conquer-the-croatian-rocks-in-2024/


#CapeEpic: Ghost Factory Racing made it a perfect 8 from 8 on the Grand Finale while Toyota Specialized Ninety One wrapped up the men's title with a 3rd place finish on the final day. Read the full story here: https://diverge.info/2024/03/24/cape-epic-beers-grotts-and-terpstra-koller-crowned-champs/

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#CapeEpic: Stage 3 saw Sebastian Fini struggle with an ongoing mechanical issue which caused the World Bicycle Relief team to lose over 3 minutes to Buff Megamo and Toyota Specialized Ninety One. Meanwhile Ghost Factory Racing continued their perfect Epic. https://diverge.info/2024/03/20/absa-cape-epic-stage-3-results/

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#CapeEpic: Stage 1 came down to a sprint finish with Buff Megamo edging out World Bicycle Relief in the men's race, while Ghost Factory Racing powered to their second win of the race ahead of Cannondale Factory Racing: https://diverge.info/2024/03/18/cape-epic-buff-megamo-ghost-factory-racing-win-stage-1/

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Hot on the heels of their trail bike launches, #TitanRacing introduced the new Cypher their flagship XCM and XCO full suspension mountain bike. Read all about it here: https://diverge.info/2024/03/18/the-all-new-titan-racing-cypher-speed-redefined/


#CapeEpic Prologue: Yesterday's Prologue saw World Bicycle Relief and Ghost Factory Racing blaze into early General Classification leads in the UCI Men's and Women's competitions. Read about the opening stage here: https://diverge.info/2024/03/17/the-20th-absa-cape-epic-off-to-a-blazing-start/


Epic Insights: Read the pre-race reflections of Matt Beers, Howard Grotts, Nino Schurter, Sebastian Fini, Andreas Seewald, Hans Becking, Lukas Baum, Georg Egger, Vera Looser, Alexis Skarda, Samara Sheppard, Sofia Gomez Villafane, Candice Lill & Mona Mitterwallner: https://diverge.info/2024/03/17/cape-epic-no-free-rides-and-focusing-on-the-process/

#CapeEpic #AbsaCapeEpic #CapeEpic2024


A few weeks back we introduced the #PedalForGood jersey, an unofficial category within the UCI women's race at the 2024
#CapeEpic, now we'd like to introduce the riders who'll be contesting for it in a bit more detail: https://diverge.info/2024/02/27/pedalforgood-meet-the-jersey-contenders-at-the-2024-cape-epic/

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MUT by UTMB has been giving back to the Garden Route #TrailRunning trails through their "For the Trails" runs and the Green Friday entry sales. Read about the good work they've done here: https://diverge.info/2024/02/20/mut-by-utmb-gives-back-to-the-garden-route-trails/

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The #PedalProject, is community-based mental health support programme which utilises mountain biking as a vehicle for empowering children from the historically disadvantaged communities of Maccassar, Strand, and soon Jamestown outside of Stellenbosch. At the 2024 #CapeEpic the charity will be facilitating a race within a race for 5 UCI women's teams as they #PedalForGood: https://diverge.info/2024/02/20/pedal-project-creates-reason-to-race-with-pedalforgood-jersey/


The songo.info Champions Race, is back from a 3-year hiatus, & will be presented by Fibertime live on fibertime.tv. Read all about the event, which takes place on 13 March, between the Cape Town CycleTour & the Cape Epic here:
https://diverge.info/2024/02/05/champions-race-songo-info-fibertime-bring-back-the-urban-race/


Read all about how Alex Miller and Samantha Sanders were crowned King and Queen of the Momentum Medical Scheme Attakwas Extreme, presented by Biogen today: https://diverge.info/2024/01/20/attakwas-extreme-miller-and-sanders-claim-2024-titles/

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One of the world's leading full-service logistics companies, Aramex, is combining with the world's leading MTB stage race, the Cape Epic, as official Logistics Partner and the Women's Category Partner. Find out more here: https://diverge.info/2023/12/20/aramex-sponsors-absa-cape-epic-as-womens-category-partner/

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Dryland, Momentum & Biogen have refreshed the #CapePioneer as a shorter & tougher 5 day stage race. Read all about the 2024 event, including the new routes here: https://diverge.info/2023/12/07/cape-pioneer-shorter-tougher-and-more-exhilarating-in-2024/

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Keen on an adventure? Driverge.info is hosting a bikepacking trip into the Baviaans, from the 2nd to the 6th of January. Check out the details: https://diverge.info/2023/11/23/baviaans-bikepacking-the-january-2024-diverge-trip/

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Avoid #BlackFriday consumerism and celebrate #GreenFriday with #MUTbyUTMB as they give thanks for all the joys and privileges trail running brings this #Thanksgiving. 10% from every entry sold between 23 & 30 November will go to the Garden route Trail Running community for trail building: https://diverge.info/2023/11/22/mut-by-utmb-celebrates-green-friday-by-donating-to-the-trails/

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The wildly cool Torpedo SwimRun took to the roads, trails and icy Atlantic Ocean of Cape Town on Saturday. International elites Sabina Rapelli & Nicolas Remires, were pipped on the line by Troy McWilliam and Antony Clayton. Read the full story: https://diverge.info/2023/11/20/torpedo-swimrun-cape-thrills-with-cold-water-adventures/

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Torpedo SwimRun Cape takes place on Saturday. If you're curious about SwimRun come check it out, or dive into the Cosy race (limited entries still available but close this evening). Though I enjoy bike races and trail runs, I reckon it's my favourite sport to participate in. Read more about SwimRun and the Torpedo Cape events here: https://diverge.info/2023/11/15/swimrun-might-be-my-favourite-sport/

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