Epic Champions |Cape Epic - Stage 7

SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing swept the podium on the final race day of the 2017 Absa Cape. Both Nino Schurter and Matthias Stirnemann as well as Jenny Rissveds and Thomas Frischknecht today have won their respective categories, the Men's Elite and the Mixed Category. SCOTT-SRAM Young Guns Andri Frischknecht and Michiel van der Heijden secured their second stage win today at the 7th stage from Oak Valley to Val de Vie. "This is one of the best weeks I experienced throughout my 30 years lasting cycling career", Thomas Frischknecht says. "I am incredibly proud of the achievements of this entire team this past week, not only of the racers but also of the entire support crew. What these guys did for us is what money can't buy. We've experienced a week of passionate and authentic Scott spirit. Our lead team managed to ride eight tough race days without a single mechanical- that is almost unbelievable. What makes me almost more happy than our overall win is the great performance of our so-called 'Back-Up-Team'. Our Young Guns not only proved that they are capable of racing at the highest level. With two stage wins and their relentless efforts in supporting Nino and Matthias, their overall performance can't be rated high enough."

The current Olympic and world champion admitted that the strategy was always to come and win the Absa Cape Epic, but only in 2018: “The plan was to come here in 2018 and win, but we are a year early!” said Schurter. “This is very special. To win the Olympics and then come to South Africa and win the Absa Cape Epic, that is great. After Rio it was always my intention to come and win the race, but this has taken us by surprise. I thought next year would be our year. We are ahead of schedule.” Nino`s first overall win comes in his fourth Cape Epic - his previous best had been a fifth place in 2014.