Stage 7 Cell C Tour of SA AFTERMATH + Race Review

The Cell C Tour of South Africa - Stage 7 –  Paarl, Western Cape

Rapha Condor-Sharp  Wins Inaugural Cell C Tour of South Africa

Fresh in from Europe, Team Rapha Condor-Sharp added their own sense of heat to the tour in a scorching 40 degree Paarl on Saturday at the seventh and final stage of the Cell C Tour of South Africa when Kristian House was announced overall Tour winner.

The 104km, 10 lap circuit stage which opened with a one lap neutral start.  As the peloton entered Main street, it was all go when Shaun Nick Bester launched an unsuccessful attack shortly after the start, which lasted for a short  500m until he was reeled back in by the peloton.

The third lap saw the first major breakaway of the day take place around a cheerful Paarl when a 9 man group broke clear of the leading pack, holding Sven van den Houte, Kevin Reza. Daniel Teklehaimanot, Waylon Woolcock, Richard Baxter, Nic White, Kevin Evans, Ian McLeod and Peter Seyffert.  

MTN Qhubeka and Team Rapha Condor-Sharp were chasing from the peloton as they had no teammates in the breakaway group.

The gap stayed at about 2min for about 4 laps when the peloton closed the 41 second advantage bringing the race back together preparing the finale inaugural Cell C Tour of South Africa for exciting sprint finish.

Team D’Angelo & Antenucci-Nippo took its third win of the tour, the stage 7 winner being Bernado Riccio followed by Maartijn Verschoor and Yohann Gene in second and third respectively

Competition winners for Stage 7:

KOM – Daryl Impey (MTN Qhubeka)

Best African Rider – Johan Rabie (Team Bonitas)

Samsung Young Rider – Christopher Jennings (Team Verandas Willems-Accent)

Points – Yohann Gene (Team Europcar)

The Cell C Tour of South Africa Overall Competition Winners:

Overall: Kristian House [RAPHA CONDOR SHARP]

KOM – Daryl Impey (MTN Qhubeka)

Best African Rider – Johan Rabie (Team Bonitas)

Samsung Young Rider–Christopher Jennings (Team Verandas Willems-Accent)

Points – Yohann Gene (Team Europcar)

Team Winners – Team Europcar

SHOOT: I heard Kristian saying to Gerald de Kock that today's route was tough. Had many rhythm breakers, bumps, turns, dips, bridges and short drags.  It was also very hot out there. Even so Kristian House and the Rapha boys did not concede a second in this stage, and rolled out of the gate first.  A good race strategically for the squad and congrats to John Herety and his team.