After initially denying rumours of a fatality during this year's race, the Cape Epic organisers confirmed that a cyclist has died after pressing the "SOS button" on his bike during the third stage.
Belgium mountain-biker rider Ronny Raeymakers lost his life after being taken to hospital on Wednesday mid-way through the third stage in the Cape Winelands town of Paarl.
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Riders had to cope with the sweltering conditions in the Cape Winelands in the first couple of days of the popular mountain bike race. On Wednesday, during stage three, riders faced near 40-degree heat, which led to organisers shortening the stage from 90km to 78km.
According to a statement, the 51-year-old Raeymakers pressed his emergency button before being retrieved by a helicopter. He was taken to a hospital in Paarl, but his condition failed improve.
"During Stage 3 of the race, the rider's SOS button was initiated, and the emergency medical team was deployed to initiate medical care, extract the rider from the course, and transport them to the hospital," the statement said.
"Despite best medical efforts over the last few days, the rider's condition worsened.
"We share our greatest sympathies with the family and friends of the rider. We thank our onsite medical personnel who provided the rider with medical support before they were transported to hospital care."
Drakenstein mayor, Stephen Korabie sympathised with Raeymakers' family.
"I want to express my deepest sympathy with the family, friends and the Cape Epic organisers following the passing of Belgian rider, Ronny Raeymakers. He passed on yesterday after battling with the extremely hot conditions during Wednesday's third stage in Paarl," Korabie said.
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"It is always sad to receive such devastating news and when a fit sportsperson loses their life doing something they love, it is even more of a shock. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ronny’s family and friends. May his soul rest in peace."
In 2022, a 47-year-old man has died during stage 1 of the race after the heat also took its toll on the rider.
During the 2010 Cape Epic, former world solo 24-hour champion and Enduro magazine journalist James Williamson died in his sleep between stages. It was later confirmed that he had a pre-existing heart condition.
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