Langvad ends ‘adventure’ on top, along with De Bod

STEFAN DE BOD finished second on the final stage to win the overall title at the Tour of Good Hope at the Taal Monument above Paarl yesterday.

The 19-year-old star took the yellow jersey after the individual time-trial on stage two and never looked in trouble as he went about his business of defending it over the final three days, which included two mountain top finishes.

His Dimension Data teammate Keagan Girdlestone won the final stage in scorching conditions to consolidate his second position overall, with former national road champion Darren Lill completing the podium for USN-Purefit.

“Going into this race we had a three-point plan,” said De Bod. “Our first objective was to win the general classification, the second to win two stages, and lastly, to take either the king of the mountains or points classifications as well.”

De Bod said his personal objective was to win at least one stage, but especially the time- trial. “I tried to win another, but got the GC and was happy to help set Keagan up for the win today.”

Meanwhile, Denmark’s Annika Langvad won four of the five stages, including the final one, to secure the yellow jersey in the women’s race. Former British road champion Sharon Laws, who rode aggressively in the mountains, and Swiss Ariane Kleinhans completed the overall podium.

“This race was a nice adventure,” said Langvad, who will be targeting another Cape Epic title later this month. – Full Stop Communications