Cape Epic MTB Challenge Geared Up for Spectator Enjoyment

What’s sets this MTB race apart from all others

Internationally rated HC, “beyond category”, the highest-ranking possible, the ABSA Cape Epic is Africa’s most challenging mountain bike race. In 2013, the 2014 early bird entries sold out within 34 seconds.

From Sunday, 23 to Sunday 30 March 2014, this year’s professional and competitive amateur riders from all over the world will cover 718km with 14 850 metres of vertical climbing. That’s nearly twice the height of Mount Everest. It’s certainly not a race you scribble on to your bucket list to attempt just for fun.


Full service mountain bike race

As a full service mountain bike race, riders will have their every need catered for. This includes accommodation, meals, water points and a well-equipped race hospital. In addition to it’s ranking, and grueling terrain, teams of two must keep together at all times, within two minutes of each other. Failure to do so means a time penalty or they may face disqualification.

No side-of-the-road pity parties

Regardless of how you, as a good Samaritan spectator might feel compelled to help, you may not provide assistance of any kind: No gulps of water, no gentle shove to keep riders going. You may not even help them up if they fall down. The best thing you can do is cheer them on and have some fun.

Where to watch

The Cape Epic really is a fabulous family spectator event with well-considered, demarcated vantage points along a particularly scenic route. Local country communities come out in full support and along with you, help to create a festive atmosphere.

The race is divided into seven stages with spectator points within each stage. All are thoroughly signposted. While the route changes year on year, certain stages of this year’s race will be passing through three of the eight Cape Country Meander towns. These are Elgin (Grabouw), Greyton and Riviersonderend.

More information

The best part is that there’s no need to waste time and energy packing food or drink according to picky eater family preferences. Have a look at the official downloadable Spectator Guide. Self select wine farms or villages. Maps and directions are included. If you’re not a “for fun” bucket lister and really are interested in signing on to race in 2015, go to Cape-epic.com.