Route Information
The eagerly awaited new route of the eleventh edition of the Absa Cape Epic, which takes place from 23 to 30 March 2014, will be as challenging as previous years. Both local and international mountain biking enthusiasts will be taking on the demanding eight day mountain bike adventure of 718km with 14 850m of climbing from Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville to Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West.
The route, which changes significantly each year, will lead 1 200 cyclists through vast distances of virgin territory, previously untouched by the race. With its challenging and exhilarating landscapes, the stage locations of Meerendal Wine Estate, Arabella Wines in Robertson, The Oaks in Greyton and Oak Valley Wine Estate in Elgin await the most prestigious mountain bike stage race in the world; before riders again finish at the Lourensford Wine Estate as has been tradition for the past 7 years.
The Race | About the Race
The Absa Cape Epic takes place every year around the last week of March and the first week of April. The race is held over 8 days and includes a time-trial prologue. The route changes every year, and leads aspiring amateur and professional mountain bikers from around the world through approximately 800 kilometres of the unspoilt nature of the Western Cape and up approximately 15 000m of climbing over some of the most magnificent passes in South Africa. Learn more about the race in the Absa Cape Epic Intro video.
Ride in Teams of Two
All riders must enter as a two-rider team. Teams register in one of five different categories that include Men, Ladies, Mixed, Masters (both riders must be 40 years or older on 31 December of the year in which the race takes place) and Grand Masters (both riders must be 50 years or older on the 31 December of the year in which the race takes place). The minimum age of participation is 19 years on 31 December of the year in which the race takes place. The riders in a team must remain together at all times during the race and are expected to reach the finish line by 17h00 daily. At each stage, the winners of the day receive prizes and the leaders in the overall classification are awarded their leader jerseys.
Focus on Rider Satisfaction
The Absa Cape Epic is organised and presented with all participating athletes at the focal point. The athletes' satisfaction, well-being and enjoyment of the race are the organisers' primary goals. We aim to deliver an unsurpassed and unforgettable mountain bike and African travel-experience. Therefore, we offer 24-hour full service facilities during the race, including tented accommodation in race villages, carbo-loaded breakfasts and dinners, race nutrition, bike servicing, masseurs, and stage location specific entertainment every evening.
New Route Every Year
The route of the Absa Cape Epic changes every year and riders will see wide open African plains, majestic mountains, deep ravines, indigenous forests, spectacular coastlines and flourishing vineyards.
The route is characterised by dusty and demanding gravel paths, strenuous rocky uphills, thrilling technical downhills, magnificent river crossings and stunning forested single tracks.
Full Service Race
The Absa Cape Epic is the largest full-service mountain bike stage race in the world. Race nutrition, water, and isotonic carbohydrate drinks are available at the feed zones to revive tired riders during the race. At night, all riders and race crew sleep in the tented race villages that are set up prior to arrival and taken down immediately after the start each morning by the race crew.
