Description
March 16, 2026
22nd MTB Cape Epic 2026 🇿🇦 – Stage 1 – Montagu – Montagu : Distance 90km | Climbing 2150m
The Absa Cape Epic, founded by Kevin Vermaak and also known as the Cape Epic,
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March 16, 2026
22nd MTB Cape Epic 2026 🇿🇦 – Stage 1 – Montagu – Montagu : Distance 90km | Climbing 2150m
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.
It has been nearly two decades since the Absa Cape Epic last ventured into the dry lands of Montagu. Inhospitable but beautiful, Montagu is set to reignite traditions of yesteryear and spark memories of glories past.
Stage 1 will be a roller coaster through the Klein Karoo that trends upward just as much as it does down. The main protagonists of the race will likely find themselves together until the Dead Man’s descent separates those who are willing to risk short term gain with long term success. An arduous set of climbs and descents follow, driving home the fatigue under the burning African sun.
On an opening stage like this, anyone who arrived sans form will be left wanting and with an extremely long week ahead.
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.
It has been nearly two decades since the Absa Cape Epic last ventured into the dry lands of Montagu. Inhospitable but beautiful, Montagu is set to reignite traditions of yesteryear and spark memories of glories past.
Stage 1 will be a roller coaster through the Klein Karoo that trends upward just as much as it does down. The main protagonists of the race will likely find themselves together until the Dead Man’s descent separates those who are willing to risk short term gain with long term success. An arduous set of climbs and descents follow, driving home the fatigue under the burning African sun.
On an opening stage like this, anyone who arrived sans form will be left wanting and with an extremely long week ahead.
<strong>Results : </strong>
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