The Absa Cape Epic is an annual event which takes place around the end of March/beginnng of April.  It's held over 8 days and includes a pre-race time trial. 

Route changes every year

But the style and ethos of the race stays the same: to challenge both seasoned and amateur mountain bikers from all corners of the world to a gruelling 800 kilometre journey through the most unspoilt natural beauty of the Western Cape ... with some 16 000 metres of climbing over some of the most magnificent mountain passes in South Africa. The route is characterised by dusty and demanding gravel paths, strenuous rocky uphills, thrilling technical downhills, magnificent river crossings and stunning forested single tracks

2-man rider teams
All riders must enter as a two-rider team. Four categories are available: Men, Ladies, Mixed and Masters (for which both riders must be 40 years or older). The minimum age of participation is 18. 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 athletes' satisfaction, well-being and enjoyment of the race are the organisers' primary focus.  Their aim is to provide an unsurpassed and unforgettable mountain bike and African travel-experience. 24-hour full service facilities are available during the race, including tented accommodation in race villages, carbo-loaded breakfasts and dinners, race nutrition, bike servicing, masseurs and some form of entertainment every evening.  There is a maximum of 1200 riders (600 teams).

Full Service Race
It's the largest full-service mountain bike stage race in the world. 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.

Companion Programmes
If you want to experience the Absa Cape Epic without actually racing it. You can join our Volunteer Programme or our companion programme Epic Trippers. Our companion programme is designed for those who love the idea of mountain biking through the Western Cape but who don't want to race 800 kilometres; whose partners are riding the Absa Cape Epic and who would like to share the experience without actually cycling the whole way; who prefer staying in a hotel and enjoying a few picnic lunch-stops along the route.

Upgrade Options
Riders who prefer more luxurious accommodation than our tented race village can opt for one of our premium upgrades or our mobile home packages. Premium package riders stay in hotels and guest houses and get their own dedicated masseur and host.

Visit Cape Epic website for more info.