New Zealand
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Jeffreysbay, eastern cape, South Africa (as you prob figured out by now).
G
That is a bit unkind. The original comment, not your post.
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Agreed! Totally lame comment from that Pinkbike OP. Nate deserves a lot of kudos for introducing Sofia to Cape Epic. I’m absolutely loving watching this race and cheering for Sofia and Haley, who in all likelihood would not be there were it not for Nate’s enthusiasm for his company and team, and for his spirit of generosity.
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What a great race today for Haley and Sofia. The Faces Rola duo of Candice Lill and Mariske Strauss have been super solid all week, but have had a few mechanicals set them back. Today they were firing on all cylinders and gave it their all, but Haley and Sofia not only brought the fire power, but brilliant team work and tactics for the win.
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Credit to Sofia today. Seemed she was on the front an awful lot and then snapped the rubber band on the last kicker for the win. Commentary has not been doing a good job in near constant strong rider weak rider comparisons despite what’s happening in staying in the leaders jersey day after day. Well done for a great thrilling race!
Sofia did a great job.
I think in fairness to the commentators, they don’t see much more than us, and it definitely looks like Haley is the stronger rider. I feel the least qualified person to do so, but I wish someone could correct Gerald’s pronunciation of her last name.
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All of these riders are just so incredibly strong. For sure, the talk of weaker and stronger can rankle, in part because the differences are marginal and don’t capture the whole picture of the athlete.
I think there’s also been a growing recognition by the commentators, Annika in particular, of Sofia’s strength and caliber. Towards the end of today’s stage there was genuine praise for Sofia as a complete rider. Annika is clearly impressed with how extraordinarily well Haley and Sofia are working together on so many levels—from how they ride together, to their tactical awareness, and how they employ their strengths to maximize each other’s. In contrast, in today’s installment of the pendulum performances of Team BMC, it seems that yesterday’s PFP Express seems to have blown up her team mate and perhaps even their place on the podium.
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Completely agree. Sofia and Haley look like they are working incredibly well together. I get the impression that PFP is quite a selfish rider, only in terms of her actions during World Cups and from her apparent difficulty to work with her teammate.
There’s been some great teamwork on the men’s side. SCR have worked very well together and Spesh and Canyon have been very clever with how they’ve utilised their different skills, strengths and tactics. Shame Beers had that off day, it’d be tight racing if not. It doesn’t seem like they’ll have the strength to steal time tomorrow, but I hope they try.
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So it turns out Matt Beers shares his ride data on Strava. Holy Smokes is he a motor. FTP mid 400’s and average for 114km of 346W!!
Also, for those interested it looks like Chris Blevins posts his too. Sorry if this is old info, I only follow Keegan.
Blevins’ FTP looks like it’s low 400’s too. Impressive stuff.
Makes me even more curious about some of the stats of the top flight World Cup racers. Obviously Blevins is entering that chat well and truly, but wow.
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And, Liam, I will respectfully disagree as your previous comments makes clear you can not get beyond your preconceived notions.
I don’t know that that’s the definition of respectfully disagreeing but that’s ok, we’re on an internet forum sharing opinions.
I think it’s not disparaging to note the difference between two teammates. Sofia is amazing and definitely pulling her weight, but Haley has looked the stronger of the two over the first four stages. Obviously in Stage Five Sofia was the strongest.
Either way, you’re welcome to your opinion as much as I am. Let’s just enjoy the incredible racing 
.
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On another note, has anyone seen any sort of report on how Lars is? Looked sore picking himself up, looks like they finished the stage though.
Nothing on IG from him or the team when I looked.
Who else wants to see Matt Beers and coach Chad team up 
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It was definitely Sauser as I think that was his last year trying to win it (pro cat) and the Specialized team were hit with a lot of punctures.
So happy and excited for Sofia that it’s going so well this year. Winning the stage and still leading the GC for the ladies. Even managed to catch Haley and Sofia in action this morning close to the finish!
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That’s awesome! Are you a Stellenbosch local?
Agree, I’m absolutely stoked that this has gone well for Sofia. I know she’s got a good thing going with the Specialized Off Road team for Lifetime etc, but I really hope this gives her a look in for the Factory Racing team in the future.
Great launching pad for her season.
It’s going to be interesting tomorrow. SCR look really good. It seemed like Canyon might lose time but really did well to regather themselves. I get the impression Specialized is running on fumes? Blevins looks to be enjoying the trails, and Beers looks strong on the flat, but they’ve not been able to push on the way I thought they were going to.
Crazy to think of the amount of accumulated fatigue, and the power they are still able to ride at. Also, what about the amateurs, there must be 50hr riding plus for many riders when the very fastest are out there for 4hrs everyday.
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Beers with Chad 
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Indeed I am! Pity I can’t go and watch them today as well. Work… 
Going to be an exciting day, though. SCR can still win this it seems: less than 3 minutes between them and Canyon Northwave. Anything can happen!
Really impressed with Beers - with his illness and all I thought he might have to withdraw, but he’s still going strong!
Very impressed with Beers. He’s looking stronger every stage. XCM background paying off I guess.
He’s a massive motor, I didn’t give him credit enough for the amount of Watts he’s putting out.
Agree, it should be great racing. Short, but punchy stage. If Canyon aren’t on form SCR has a chance.
I hope for aggressive racing, but I am worried that it’s all going to be sort of neutralised.
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