ABSA CAPE EPIC
The Absa Cape Epic covers approximately 700 kilometers over eight days, including a prologue and seven stages. With a cumulative elevation gain exceeding 15,000 meters, this competition is an extreme test of endurance and technical skills. Each year, the route changes, traversing mountains, valleys, rivers, and technical trails.
Known for its physical and mental demands, the Absa Cape Epic is a true adventure. Cyclists face variable weather conditions, from scorching heat to strong winds and torrential rain. The technical sections, steep climbs, and vertiginous descents require exhaustive preparation and excellent physical condition.
The Absa Cape Epic route showcases an impressive variety of landscapes. The race often begins in the Cape Town region, moving through the famous Stellenbosch wine region, crossing nature reserves and national parks, and offering spectacular views of South Africa’s fauna and flora. The stages include crossings of iconic mountain ranges like the Cederberg and arid areas of the Karoo.
Since its first edition in 2004, it has gained a worldwide reputation, being considered the "Tour de France of Mountain Biking." It is part of the Epic Series and holds the hors catégorie status from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), attracting the best professional teams and prominent figures in mountain biking.
Professional Teams: The Absa Cape Epic hosts teams from around the world, including world champions, Olympic medalists, and cycling legends. Teams such as Specialized Factory Racing, Scott-SRAM MTB Racing, and Cannondale Factory Racing are regular participants at the start line.
The Absa Cape Epic is renowned for its excellent organization and its camp infrastructure. Each day, at the end of the stage, cyclists arrive at a fully equipped base camp with tents, rest areas, massage zones, mechanical services, and bike washing facilities. These camps provide all the necessary amenities for recovery and preparation for the next stage.
Registration for the Absa Cape Epic includes a range of benefits, such as participation in all stages, accommodation in base camps, full meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), medical assistance, mechanical support, and access to all camp facilities. Additionally, cyclists receive a welcome kit with sponsor products and the opportunity to participate in social and networking events within the camp.
In summary, the Absa Cape Epic is more than a mountain bike race; it is an epic experience that tests the limits of cyclists’ endurance and skills while immersing them in some of South Africa's most spectacular and challenging landscapes!!!
