Welcome

21 Years of Raising the Bar and Setting the Standard

As we stand at the beginning of the Absa Cape Epic’s third decade the race continues to innovate and lead the MTB stage racing world, but it has matured too, reflects Global Head of Mountain Biking Jonathan Meintjes. Some elements of the race are guaranteed; like challenging climbs, spectacular views, industry leading coverage, and world-class trails…

The 2025 Absa Cape Epic marks not only the twenty first edition of the race but also the beginning of the events’ third decade as a leader in mountain bike stage racing. It is an accolade we take very seriously, because beyond being the pinnacle of the Epic Series we know that much of the sport looks to the Untamed African Mountain Bike Race for inspiration. It is one of the few events on the XCM and Stage Racing calendar which brings riders from XCO and even the road into endurance off-road racing. That prestige brings with it the eyes of the cycling world, which has allowed us to create a platform upon which athletes can develop their careers, and every participant can write their own Untamed Story.

One such athlete is the returning legend and one of only three riders to win five elite titles, Annika Langvad. The great Dane is coming out of retirement to contest the 2025 race, six years after dominating the 2019 edition alongside Anna van der Breggen. Though much has changed in the sport since then I know I speak for all cycling fans when I say that we are looking forward to seeing Langvad’s insatiable desire to win, grit and determination in action once again.

Langvad will form part of one of the largest ever UCI elite women’s fields at the Absa Cape Epic. I hope that the depth of the field translates to competitive racing throughout the eight days. The route is certainly set up to produce just that, and its proximity to urban centres will make it one of the easiest ever editions to follow. I look forward to seeing thousands of fans lining the trails of Durbanville, Paarl, Stellenbosch and Somerset West!

When the going gets tough, and it will, the riders will rely on your support. Your cheers will illuminate the moments of dark suffering. For the riders, remember that’s where the best Untamed Stories come from. They aren’t written when you breeze through an event, but rather when you have needed to dig deep and overcome.

Good luck to each and every one of you taking part or supporting a team. It is a monumental undertaking and one which we, as the race organisers, recognise and respect. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to the Absa Cape Epic! That dedication is of course not limited to the riders, supporters and crew. Our sponsors are a key part of making the race a resounding success. For the last decade USN and NTT Data have played pivotal roles in this. We thank you for your unwavering support and look forward to a stellar 2025 – and beyond – with you at our sides.

This Rider Manual contains all the information that you will need for the 2025 Absa Cape Epic so please make sure to scroll through it and get familiar with the finer details. Should you need any more information, please feel free to send our Race Office a message (WhatsApp +27 79 519 8444) or come and visit the Race Office trailer in each Race Village.