Liv Trail Squad 2018 Cape Epic | Episode 4

With the longest and the hardest days of the 8-day Absa Cape Epic behind them in Episode Three, it seemed that the worst was behind the Trail Squad racers who remained at the start of Stage 5. But they wouldn’t be fooled by the shorter distances; what Stages 5-7 lacked in kilometers, they more than made up for in brutal climbs. On top of that, the forecast called for the highest temperatures of the week, spiking while the amateurs were on course at nearly 40 degrees Celsius. As Kate put it, “Nothing is going to be easy at this point in the race.”

Though Sandra would not start on Stage 5, Anna soldiered on for the two of them after not finishing Stage 4. Olivia and Madeleine started the time trial as a team, but by the first water point, Olivia had no stored energy to combat the abrasive heat. With Kate and Lisa crossing the finish line, the question remained – would Madeleine be able to battle the heat alone? The time ticked down – 20 minutes to cut off… 15 minutes to cutoff… 10 minutes… and there she was. Only 9 minutes to spare.

After Kaysee and Serena battled to another blistering performance on Stage 5’s time trial to move into 9th overall, what they had gained quickly withered away when Kaysee woke up on the morning of Stage 6 desperately ill. She hadn’t slept much of the night, but emboldened by the strength of her partner they started the stage. Somewhere on course, Serena became sick as well. Would they finish after all they had been through?

Learn more at Liv Trail Squad.