Stage 3 of the Cape Odyssey presented by Salomon ensured a hat trick for the Mr Price team as they crossed the finish line first for the third day in a row. Brothers Jacques and Mauritz Jansen van Rensburg won in a time of 3 hours, 40 minutes and 53 seconds.

They were followed exactly one minute later by the Salomon Pro team, Ryno Griesel and Arrie de Swardt (03:41:53), who again finished in second position. Last year’s winners, the Montrail/Capestorm Men team William Robinson and Dion Middelkoop (03:59:23) maintained their position by finishing third.
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The leaders in the Ladies’ division, Linda Doke and Karoline Hanks running for Salomon Pro Ladies, successfully secured their position by again finishing first in a time of 4 hours, 37 minutes and 26 seconds (second day in a row). The Whippets, Ellie Courts and Tanya Templeton, followed in second place (04:38:00), with Amawele team Vivienne Fenton and Nicola Lockhart third (04:47:09).

In the Mixed category, The Perfect Storm Dirk Cloete and Heleen Joubert, repeated their Stage 1 win by finishing in a time of 4 hours, 11 minutes and thirteen seconds. Yesterday’s winners, the Tuks Cousins Jac Steenekamp and Winia Janse van Rensburg, came in second (04:17:40) followed by development team Big Tree/Capestorm 1 Carlo Jacobs and Martha Pretorius (04:19:28).

Ian Little and Vivienne Williams of Montrail/Capestorm 1 repeated their victory of yesterday, finishing first in the Masters in a time of 4 hours, 35 minutes and 43 seconds. The West Cruisers Dave Johnston and Willie Coetzee finished second (04:48:39) with Inspiring Brands team Colin Hepburn and Clive Mitchell third (05:01:32).

The accumulated times after the third stage placed the Mr Price team first overall as well as in the Men’s category (10:22:01), the Salomon Pro team in second position overall and in the Men’s category (10:32:47), with the Montrail/Capestorm Men in third overall and in the Men’s category (10:58:05). The Perfect Storm is in the lead in the Mixed division (11:32:01), with Salomon Pro Ladies in the lead in the women’s category (12:58:02). In the Masters, Montreal/Cape Storm 1 remains in first place (12:26:54).

According to the race leaders, brothers Jacques and Mauritz Jansen van Rensburg, today was an excellent day for them. “The pace was very fast, but after the first 20km we fell into a comfortable rhythm. The competition is really stiff with the other two teams so close on our heels. Also, Ryno and Arrie are phenomenal on the downhills, of which there were quite a few.  About 8km before the end, they were 2 minutes ahead of us.”

Jacques added: “Mauritz was stronger than me on the downhills. My quads were a bit tight and it just shows how important your partner is in a race like this – he helped me a lot today. There was this one hill that never seemed to stop, I have to admit today’s finish line was a beautiful sight.”

Arrie de Swardt of the Salomon Pro team says that both he and his running partner Ryno Griesel are technical runners, and were therefore looking forward to Stage 3 as it offered them ideal challenges. “As soon as we got to Groenlandberg, we knew that a very technical downhill was awaiting us and we were therefore able to catch up with the Mr Price team, who was leading at that stage. We were able to pass them and stay in front for a majority of the race, but it was 400 meters before the finish line that they managed to take the lead again and receive top honours of the day.”

De Swardt says that they would have loved to cross the finish line first during this technical stage, but they are still thrilled with their second place. “In fact, we had a great stage and I felt stronger than ever. I only struggled towards the end, but Ryno kept me motivated. All in all, a great challenge.”

Griesel says that their strategy for the remaining two stages is to finish each day as best they can. “We’ve known each other for a long time as we’ve both participated in adventure racing for three years. We know that we can work well together, and at the end of the day, the strongest team is the one that can help each other get across that finish line. Anything can still happen, however, and the 2008 Cape Odyssey is far from over.” He adds with a chuckle: “Also, it’s Jacques’ partner, Elana’s (Meyer) birthday today, so we finished first as a birthday present to her.”

Overall leaders in the Mixed category, The Perfect Storm Dirk Cloete and Heleen Joubert, said today’s route of 42km suited them perfectly. Cloete says: We’re strong on the uphills and have the technique for the downhills. We’re fortunate in that we’ve had no injuries and are both still feeling good.” Joubert adds: “We ticked over on the hills. The downhills were tough, but we kept our effort even and finished strong. We’re fortunate to be able to run this race –the surroundings are absolutely beautiful.”