Stage 2 is the 100th Cape Epic Stage! Epic 100!
The 100th stage in the 13-year existence of the Absa Cape Epic on Tuesday is shaping up to be a special one for more than just its place in history.
An old wagon trail over the Witzenberg mountain range from the 2010 and 2013 Absa Cape Epics will have riders will traverse it twice – going up the steep side with portage sections on the way into the Witzenberg Valley and then on the way back as they descend back into Tulbagh towards the finish. Both the ascent and descent provide opportunities for a team to break away and might prove critical to the overall standings.
In-between those testing bits of trail they will experience the unique geology of the Witzenberg Valley as they loop through its distinctive sandstone formations on trails carved out by local farmers and mountain bikers. There’s a couple of testing climbs in there too – they will ascend a total of 2 200m during the day – and it is going to be hot: all of which suggests another tough day.
