The 12th edition of the Absa Cape Epic is ready to welcome its fans from all around the world in March, 2015. Travellers, visiting South Africa during this time would do good to experience this adrenalin pumping event.
Do you have a thing for mountain biking or do you follow this passion ardently and are always open for a challenge? If the answer is yes to both the questions, then get set for the Absa Cape Epic in March. We are talking about riding on the spectacular trails of Western Cape, climbing heights of 16 000m, covering a distance of 739 km, and not to mention, having some of the best moments of your life. Sounds interesting? Read on!
What is it?
Absa Cape Epic is one of the most sought after mountain biking events in the world. It is also among the most telecasted mountain bike stage races and brings together mountain biking enthusiasts from all around the world. Not just the professionals, even a large number of amateur riders end up booking flights to South Africa for the month of March. From food and accommodation, to anything else that comes in between, everything is taken care of. All you have to do is have fun, and of course ride.
This is mountain biking on an ‘epic’ scale indeed! So, in case you haven’t already booked your tickets, better hurry as prices are likely to rise as the event draws closer.
The Action This Year
The eight-day adventure of Absa Cape Epic invites a number of globally renowned mountain bikers – you are sure to see some much celebrated riders here. These die hard bikers will conquer the challenging eight-day adventure, which will unfold across the breathtakingly beautiful Western Cape region in South Africa. The race is all set for a roaring start from the University of Cape Town with a time-trial prologue. And after exploring the amazing trail, it will finish at Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville.
To have a fair idea, here is the schedule:
| Stage | Date | Start Location | Finish Location | Distance | Climbing |
| Prologue | March 15 | UCT | UCT | 20km | 600m |
| 1 | March 16 | Oak Valley Wine Estate | Oak Valley Wine Estate | 113km | 2800m |
| 2 | March 17 | Oak Valley Wine Estate | Oak Valley Wine Estate | 92km | 2300m |
| 3 | March 18 | Oak Valley Wine Estate | HTS Drostdy | 128km | 2300m |
| 4 | March 19 | HTS Drostdy | HTS Drostdy | 111km | 2000m |
| 5 | March 20 | HTS Drostdy | CPUT Wellington Campus | 117km | 2500m |
| 6 | March 21 | CPUT Wellington Campus | CPUT Wellington Campus | 71km | 2000m |
| 7 | March 22 | CPUT Wellington Campus | Meerendal Wine Estate | 87km | 1500m |
Check if you can Ride
Inviting people from all walks of life, and from all across the globe, The Absa Cape Epic is open to all – both professionals and amateurs. However, it is important that participants be at least 19 years old on 31st December of the year of the race. Additionally, each rider is required to get a full medical screening before participating.
