Stage 5: The Queen Stays Queen Every Cape Epic has a “Queen Stage”—the day that defines the race, usually featuring the most vertical gain and the most technical terrain. In 2026, Stage 5 was a brutal odyssey that promised to either cement the lead or invite a late-race coup. Instead of playing it safe and…
By the time the race hits its halfway mark at the Absa Cape Epic, the mood has shifted. What began with nervous excitement and fresh legs has hardened into something far more raw, far more honest. This is where the race stops pretending. The Race Finds Its Truth The first few days are always a…
In 2026, the Elite Women’s race at the Absa Cape Epic will feature parity in duration with the Elite Men’s, rather than parity in distance. The Absa Cape Epic’s meticulous research and comprehensive stakeholder engagement suggest that this will produce faster and more competitive racing, while allowing for increased visibility for the athletes and teams…
The Absa Cape Epic has never been afraid of evolution. Often described as the “Tour de France of mountain biking”, the eight-day stage race has long been a benchmark of endurance, resilience, and prestige. For 2026, however, the organisers have announced one of the most significant changes in the event’s history a redesigned women’s race…