Cape Epic: mountain bike mud bath – in pictures

A group led by South African rider Justin Hornsby makes its way along a fireroad section. The pace is obviously making itself felt by his team-mate Darryl Irvine on the far left Photograph: Kim Ludbrooke/EPA

A nightmare for race commissaires – the mud is not only covering clothing and therefore team kit, but also the riders' race numbers Photograph: Kim Ludbrooke/EPA

A river crossing is a nightmare on a cold day, but a blessing in the mud or heat. In the heat it cools you down; in the mud, the dirt it washes off the bike saves weight Photograph: Kim Ludbrook/EPA

A sign of what's to come, as a rider greets the day with an umbrella Photograph: Kim Ludbrook/EPA

The handlebar-mounted camera was probably dead weight during the day's stage. If it caught any action through the mud covering its lens, it would have been nothing short of a miracle Photograph: Kim Ludbrook/EPA

Former South African rugby union player Joel Stransky, competing in the 2014 edition of the race, is probably no stranger to mud baths. Whether they offered such comprehensive coverage of the body is up for debate, however Photograph: Kim Ludbrook/EPA

Sergio Paz Robaina carries his artificial arm over the finish line after it came off during the stage. The Spaniard had to carry it and ride one-handed through the mire for the rest of the day Photograph: Kim Ludbrook/EPA

A mist fan provides relief from the dried-on mud for one rider at the finish line Photograph: Kim Ludbrook/EPA

German rider Robert Mennen and his Czech team-mate Kristian Hynek from Topeak-Ergon Racing celebrate after winning the stage and taking the overall lead Photograph: Kim Ludbrook/EPA

German rider Karl Platt from the second-placed Bulls Racing team crosses the line after losing nearly 10 minutes to leaders Topeak-Ergon Racing Photograph: Kim Ludbrook/EPA