The second stage of the "Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek" in South Africa, which was shortened from 92 to 85 kilometers due to a river overflowing its banks, is all about the high prize money. One team has set its sights on this stage in particular. After 40 kilometers, the Looser/Stewart duo attacked on a technically demanding climb. Only the team with the Belgian Jens Schuermans and the South African James Reid are able to follow the leading team.

On reaching the Swartberg Pass, the battle between the two teams begins. As the path becomes steeper, Reid launches his attack. Of the opposing duo, it is first Stewart and then Looser who have to let go. Cross-country specialist Schuermans is plagued by cramps and can only just keep up the pace of his team partner. The tactic worked and the Belgian-South African duo crossed the finish line on the Swartberg Pass in first place. "When James asked me two months ago if I wanted to be his partner for this race, he added that the main goal would be the second stage," says Schuermans with a grin.

Just under two minutes behind the overall leaders Looser and Stewart, Nico Bell (RSA) and Grawie Combrinck (RSA) finished third. The South African-Swiss duo can extend their lead over South Africans Waylon Woolcock and Erik Kleinhans to over five minutes in the overall standings.

Annika Langvad (DEN) and Ariane Kleinhans (SUI) meanwhile continue their dominance in the women's teams. After their impressive twelfth place overall in the first stage, the two rode back into the top twenty teams. The duos Nüssli/Süss and de Groot/Stopforth again took second and third place. All three teams are also in the same positions in the overall standings.

In the mixed category, Michelle Hediger and Remigi Maissen rode to 14th place. The duo Daniela and Rainer Hartmann are no longer in the race for unknown reasons. In the overall standings, the Swiss duo Hediger/Maissen are in twelfth place.

The 107-kilometer third stage is also the longest stage. The route from Prince Albert to De Rust is relatively moderate with its 1,543 meters of elevation gain.

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