Description
March 17, 2026
22nd MTB Cape Epic 2026 🇿🇦 – Stage 2 – Montagu – Montagu : Distance 102km | Climbing 2250m
The Absa Cape Epic, founded by Kevin Vermaak and also known as the Cape Epic,
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March 17, 2026
22nd MTB Cape Epic 2026 🇿🇦 – Stage 2 – Montagu – Montagu : Distance 102km | Climbing 2250m
The Absa Cape Epic, founded by Kevin Vermaak and also known as the Cape Epic, is an annual mountain bike stage race held in the Western Cape, South Africa. First staged in 2004, it has been accredited as hors catégorie (beyond categorization) by the Union Cycliste Internationale. The eight day race consists of a prologue and seven stages, and typically covers more than 680 km (420 mi) with some 16,900 m (55,400 ft) of climbing. Professional mountain bikers from around the world encompassing up to 650 teams compete teams of two. To qualify for a finish, teams have to stay together for the duration of the race. The race is also open to amateurs, who enter a lottery in order to gain a slot. The times taken to finish each stage are aggregated to determine the overall winning team in each category at the end of the race. The course changes every year, but the race has always taken place in the Western Cape.
Long an unrelenting, Stage 2 asks questions that build on those asked in Stage 1. The climbing begins immediately, and cold legs will ache all the way to the summit of Ouberg Pass.
At the top, a long ridgeline stretches out as far as the eye can see, though if the wheel ahead is dropped, the teams ahead may disappear out of sight, out of mind, and out of reach.
The descent of Slagkloof is tough but leads to the welcome respite of African Game Lodge. But still, the Karoo is unforgiving, unpredictable and a moment too long spent enjoying the views could prove race ending.
The final third of the stage offers little relief, especially if the sun blazes and the winds rip. Stage 2 is a test of patience, endurance, and resolve.
Results :
 by the Union Cycliste Internationale. The eight day race consists of a prologue and seven stages, and typically covers more than 680 km (420 mi) with some 16,900 m (55,400 ft) of climbing. Professional mountain bikers from around the world encompassing up to 650 teams compete teams of two. To qualify for a finish, teams have to stay together for the duration of the race. The race is also open to amateurs, who enter a lottery in order to gain a slot. The times taken to finish each stage are aggregated to determine the overall winning team in each category at the end of the race. The course changes every year, but the race has always taken place in the Western Cape.
Long an unrelenting, Stage 2 asks questions that build on those asked in Stage 1. The climbing begins immediately, and cold legs will ache all the way to the summit of Ouberg Pass.
At the top, a long ridgeline stretches out as far as the eye can see, though if the wheel ahead is dropped, the teams ahead may disappear out of sight, out of mind, and out of reach.
The descent of Slagkloof is tough but leads to the welcome respite of African Game Lodge. But still, the Karoo is unforgiving, unpredictable and a moment too long spent enjoying the views could prove race ending.
The final third of the stage offers little relief, especially if the sun blazes and the winds rip. Stage 2 is a test of patience, endurance, and resolve.
<strong>Results : </strong>
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