Stage 3 of the Absa Cape Epic 2026 delivered one of the most decisive and dramatic days of racing yet, as the longest stage of the race—140km from Montagu to Greyton—reshaped both the elite men’s and women’s competitions. With rolling farm roads, relentless gravel sectors, and a sting in the tail, the stage was always…
It was a day of relentless climbing, dusty technical descents, and high-stakes tactical maneuvering. While the rugged terrain of the Klein Karoo broke spirits and bikes alike, the Orange Jersey duo of Candice Lill (RSA) and Alessandra Keller (SUI) of Thömus Maxon Sabi Sabi remained unbreakable, securing their third consecutive stage win in a masterclass…
A Historic Women’s Race Format The UCI Women’s race saw an important structural change in 2026. For many years, the elite women raced the exact same distance as the men. This year the organisers introduced a new format designed to balance overall race time and improve broadcast coverage. The elite women started 24 kilometres into…
The 2026 Absa Cape Epic roared into life today at Meerendal Wine Estate. In the Elite Women’s category, the spotlight belonged to Alessandra Keller and Candice Lill (Thömus Maxon Sabi Sabi), who proved exactly why they were the pre-race favorites for a high-intensity opener. The Prologue: A Masterclass in XCO Power The 20km course, packed…
The 2026 Absa Cape Epic starts in Meerendal near Cape Town with both the men’s and women’stitles wide open. Three-time champion Matt Beers teams up with Tristan Nortje after KeeganSwenson’s withdrawal, while several international pairings will challenge for the podium. In thewomen’s race, the absence of the defending champions has created a competitive field, withKate…