Cape Pioneer Perfection for Pritzen, Stehli, Maré, and Sanders

Felix Stehli in action on Stage 5. Photo by Oakpics.

Muddy trails and steady drizzle added final-day drama to Stage 5 of the 2026 Momentum Medical Scheme Cape Pioneer, presented by Biogen. Yet clearing skies buoyed spirits as Marc Pritzen and Felix Stehli (Honeycomb 226ers) alongside Sarah Maré and Samantha Sanders (Efficient Infiniti Insure) wrapped up overall titles with stage victories.

Drama in Chandelier Game Reserve

The 66-kilometre final stage took riders into Chandelier Game Reserve near Oudtshoorn. While rain made the leading gravel roads slippery, moisture settled the dust on the rocky park trails. Early drama struck when Thabiso Zindela slid into Arno du Toit, causing both to crash before the climbing began. Du Toit, recovering from a broken wrist, protected his arm during the fall and chased back to the leaders, though the subsequent high pace saw his group dropped.

Lilian Baber (leading) and Chloé Hopf were the revaluations of the event as they forged an entertaining and well-matched stage racing partnership. Photo by Oakpics.com.

Pritzen and Stehli Control the Men’s Race

Pritzen and Stehli controlled the opening half before accelerating on the return loop. Mechanical issues sidelined Wessel Botha and Jan Withaar within 10 kilometres of the finish, leaving a tight battle between Honeycomb 226ers, Pump for Peace Abashovi, and Cape Vulture Nature Reserve. A late crash occurred when Keegan Tullis’s rear wheel hooked hidden wire in the mud. With Tullis and partner Herman Fourie delayed, Pritzen and Stehli coasted onto the Oudtshoorn High School Fields to celebrate their fourth stage win and the overall title by 9 minutes and 28 seconds over Insect Science Safari Essence.

Flawless Dominance for Maré and Sanders

In the women’s race, Maré and Sanders delivered a flawless campaign. Entering Stage 5 with a 36-minute advantage, Sanders set an unrelenting tempo through Chandelier Game Reserve, breaking away from Hollard Summerplace Racing’s Chloé Hopf and Lilian Baber. Efficient Infiniti Insure powered to their fifth consecutive stage win, sealing a dominant general classification victory.

The 2026 edition of the Race with Soul wrapped up with remarkable stories of resilience across all categories, as riders pushed through mud, technical setbacks, and harsh conditions to reach the final line in Oudtshoorn. Fans can catch highlight videos, photos, and full race coverage on Dryland Event Management’s official social channels and website.

Pritzen and Stehli Roll into Yellow on 32-Inch Wheels at Cape Pioneer

Key Race Results

UCI Men’s Stage 5

  1. Honeycomb 226ers: Marc Pritzen & Felix Stehli (2:43:19)
  2. CVNR: Herman Fourie & Keegan Tullis (2:43:49 | +30)
  3. Pump for Peace Abashovi: Unathi Nxumalo & Thabiso Zindela (2:44:27 | +1:08)

UCI Women’s Stage 5

  1. Efficient Infiniti Insure: Samantha Sanders & Sarah Maré (3:20:57)
  2. Hollard Summerplace Racing: Chloé Hopf & Lilian Baber (3:32:27 | +12:30)
  3. Cycle Nation Enza Construction: Rachel Seaman & Bianca Botha (3:49:46 | +29:49)

UCI Men’s General Classification

  1. Honeycomb 226ers: Marc Pritzen & Felix Stehli (14:43:58)
  2. Insect Science Safari Essence: Jan Withaar & Wessel Botha (14:53:28 | +9:28)
  3. Toyota Specialized Imbuko: Ignatius du Preez & Lood Goosen (14:58:03 | +14:04)

UCI Women’s General Classification

  1. Efficient Infiniti Insure: Samantha Sanders & Sarah Maré (18:11:51)
  2. Hollard Summerplace Racing: Chloé Hopf & Lilian Baber (18:59:24 | +47:33)
  3. Cycle Nation Enza Construction: Rachel Seaman & Bianca Botha (21:11:13 | +2:59:22)