I've won the last two years, so maybe it's someone else's turn to win. We're here to enjoy the race and will see what happens. The spectators on the course were also really nice and added to my enjoyment of the race. We did a test ride yesterday, and I was unsure whether I liked the course, but really enjoyed it today. It wasn't as hot as last year and a nice temperature. At least I know where I stand.'īigham said, 'Today was really good. 'Jane and I work well together and hopefully we'll recover for tomorrow. 'This was my first race of the season and I'm really happy with how it went,' said Süss. South African/British duo Yolande Speedy and Catherine Williamson (Energas) finished third in 1:11:56, with South Africans Hanlie Booyens and Ischen Stopforth (Pragma Volcan Ladies) in fourth place in 1:15:23. Of course we'd like to finish on the podium, so we can't lose too much time in any of the stages.'Įsther Süss and Jane Nuessli of BMC Wheeler won the ladies' category in a time of 1:08:22, ahead of Sally Bigham and Milena Landtwing (Topeak Ergon) in 1:10:19.

Now we still have a goal for the week - to try and get the leaders' jerseys. Rudi van Houts said, 'Our focus was to finish on the podium and we made it. We have a white shadow following us - Burry will be with us for the whole race.' It was a great tribute to Burry (Stander) that the Specialized team of Sauser and Kulhavy took the jersey. We had fun and our aim is to finish on the podium overall. I enjoy riding fast and taking corners, followed by some singletrack. Multivan Merida's Hermida said, 'I really liks this country and also liked the route today. I enjoyed the prologue and feel excited about the next week.' Kulhavy said, 'It was amazing, and I enjoyed it.

It was very emotional for me and when the spectators shouted Burry's name, I had goodsebumps.' 'Our bikes were amazing as we could sit and just ride. We have similar riding styles and take it slow in the corners and fast on the flats.' 'We had perfect team harmony and did a good job. 'I knew Jaroslav was going to be strong, but he was a powerhouse,' said Sauser. In fourth place were Alban Lakata and Robert Mennen of Topeak Ergon Racing in 57:04 with four-times winner Karl Platt and Urs Huber of the Bulls in fifth place in 57:19. They were followed by Multivan Merida's José Hermida and Rudi van Houts in 56:17, with Italian/German combo Marco Fontana and Manuel Fumic (Cannondale Factory Racing) in third place (in 56:34).

This year, he won with new Burry Stander-Songo teammate, Olympic gold medalist Jaroslav Kulhavy, in a time of 55:10. For the third year in a row, the men's category for the prologue was won by Christoph Sauser.

Monster walter dean myers prologue