Former winner of the Absa Cape Epic in the women’s section, Sharon Laws, withdrew from the 10th edition of the race yesterday following her fall in the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour on Sunday.
Her partner, Hanlie Booyens, will now be riding with Ischen Stopforth as team Pragma Volcan Ladies.
“Yesterday was a very challenging day for us all,” said Booyens. “To see a great friend in agony and heartbroken is never easy.
“Sharon had a horrible crash nearing the finish line of the Argus. She was out there having a brilliant ride, breaking away on Suikerbossie.
“She was in front, riding aggressively and unfortunately this meant she was the first in line when one of the guys went down, sending her rocketing over him and crashing badly.
“She was left with a broken collarbone, cracked ribs and a compressed fracture in her back. A great setback at the start of her European season and the end of our Cape Epic dream.
“With regards to the Cape Epic, I discussed it with Sharon and we agreed that the best suitable replacement would be top South African rider Ischen Stopforth.
“I’m so grateful to her for agreeing on very short notice to step in! We’ll make the best of the race – it’s the only way,” said Booyens.
In the wake of Laws’s crash, Port Elizabeth’s Anriette Schoeman sprinted to her seventh Cape Argus victory.
