THE Cape to Cape four day mountain bike race through the South West has come to a successful finish.
Cycling through iconic landscapes, the challenging and fun event allowed recreational and competitive entrants to race from Cape Leeuwin to the Dunsborough Country Club with enthralling stops in between.
Thursday October 23 was the inception of the race, with the 40 kilometre first leg from Cape Leeuwin to Hamelin Bay notoriously known as the toughest of all four stages.
Mark Tupalski and Rebecca Henderson each won the leg in their divisions, placing them in a prime position to defend their overall first place status for the rest of the race.
On Friday October 24 competitors raced 60 kilometres from Hamelin Bay to Xanadu Winery.
Paul Van Der Ploeg landed in first place of the second leg, with Henderson conquering the ladies division for this part of the journey.
Tupalski sat in the overall top position for the mens division while Henderson took out first position for the female division.
On Saturday October 25 cyclists travelled 57 kilometres from Xanadu Winery to Colonial Brewery.
In this leg, Brendan Johnston took out top spot in the mens open, with Emily Parkes grabbed first in the ladies.
Tupalski and Henderson still grasped their overall prime positioning.
The final leg on Sunday October 26 saw the lycra army leave Colonial Brewery to descend on the Dunsborough Country Club 64 kilometres away.
This stage saw Dylan Cooper claim the leg title with Rebecca Henderson finishing the race in style with a 17 minute lead.
However, Mark Tupalski was able to just steal the overall title from 2012 and 2013 Cape to Cape winner Andrew Blair, triumphantly taking first place by under a minute.
“This is my first big win, I couldn’t have done it without my team mate Chris Hamilton, he worked so hard out there for me all week,” 2014 Cape to Cape MTB winner Tupalski said.
“It’s been pretty epic.”
London Olympic athlete Rebecca Henderson was the overall victor in the womens division, dominating the pack with a nine minute, 46 second lead.
“I might have gained a lead on the girls on the first day, but when you’re out there it’s hard to know where they are,” Henderson said.
“I didn’t expect to win this race or even make the podium; this event for me was all about having a go.
“But I must admit I’m pretty stoked for the win.”
Photos by Sophia Clements and Amy McKie
