INTERNATIONAL: Sina Frei and Laura Stigger have won a decisive fifth consecutive stage at the Cape Epic in South Africa on Thursday. The 91-Songo-Specialized riders extended their overall lead to 17 minutes in the fourth stage, which took the riders on a 73km trek from Tulbagh to Slanghoek in the Western Cape.

After a crash for Salusmed's Ariane Luthi, Faces CST's Candice Lill and Mariske Strauss snuck into second place, moving into third overall. Luthi went straight to the medics at the finish but she and her teammate Robyn de Groot still came third in the stage despite the crash, maintaining their second position overall.

In the men's race, Hans Becking and Jose Dias of Buff Scott MTB won the stage, with overall leaders Matt Beers and Jordan Sarrou of 91-Songo-Specialized taking second. Beers and Sarrou have extended their overall lead, helped by the fact that their nearest rivals, Canyon Northwave MTB's Martin Stosek did not race due to as tummy bug. Team Bull's Simon Schneller was also ill overnight. He still started the race but, together with team-mate Urs Huber lost 20 minutes on the day's stage to finish in 6th place.

Friday’s fifth stage is an 84-kilometer race through the stunning scenery of Wellington. This 17th edition of the Cape Epic ends on Sunday.