Specialized introduce the 2018 Epic
Our history with cross country mountain bikes is steadfast. From Ned Overend winning the first Worlds in 1990 to Jaroslav Kulhavý riding his way to Olympic Gold to Annika Langvad and Sam Gaze most recently taking the Rainbow Stripes in Nové Mesto, our goal has always been to make the fastest, best-handling, podium-topping XC bikes […]
Cape Epic Grand Finale Preview: Elgin – Val de Vie
This year the Absa Cape Epic finishes for the first time at Val de Vie and its renowned polo fields – the fourth host for the Grand Finale in the race’s 14 editions. After leaving Oak Valley the finish is just 85km away and the riders have the least climbing to do on any day […]
Absa Cape Epic Preview: Stage 6 (Elgin – Elgin)
When veterans of the Absa Cape Epic were asked about the toughest climb ever in the event, their response was unanimous: Groenlandberg. In 2017 the route returns to the rugged track which rises more than 600m along nine kilometres of rocky, sandy climbing – the average gradient is seven percent but one or two sections […]
Absa Cape Epic Preview: Stage 5 (Elgin – Elgin)
There’s always a fun day at the Absa Cape Epic, and barring bad weather this should be it. First there are a few climbs to negotiate, including a particularly nasty one that has concrete strips for traction and then the legendary Nuweberg from the east side. A couple more climbs – watch out for some […]
Cape Epic Stage 4 Preview: Greyton – Elgin
The transition between two of the Western Cape’s most sought-after holiday getaways takes riders on many ups and downs, and a burst of singletrack. It is rolling hills from the moment you leave Greyton and riders will approach one particular climb with apprehension: it’s called Pumping Legs for good reason, and as you approach it […]
Sauser and Kulhavy lay down the law
Christoph Sauser and Jaroslav Kulhavy (Investec-Songo-Specialized) claimed a second consecutive stage win at the 2017 Absa Cape Epic, and at the same time managed to eat into the time gap of the overall leaders, Manuel Fumic and Henrique Avancini (Cannondale Factory Racing XC). Christoph Sauser of Investec-Songo-Specialized beats Matthias Stirnemann of SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing to […]
Epic Photo Competition: Stage 2
On each day of the Absa Cape Epic, the team of skilled photographers create spectacular images for us to enjoy. Bike Hub will be holding a competition to recognise their hard work and give you the chance to win a signed copy of your favourite photograph. Take a look at the selection of photographs from […]
Absa Cape Epic Preview: Stage 3 (Greyton – Greyton)
After two rugged days riders will get to enjoy a shorter stage and the mountain biking delights of Greyton. After a country meander that takes riders through nearby Bereaville and Genadendal, it is straight into a series of climbs including Mad Dog Bite, Zig Zag and the UFO – the latter so named because of […]
Epic Photo Competition: Stage 1
On each day of the Absa Cape Epic, the team of skilled photographers create spectacular images for us to enjoy. Bike Hub will be holding a competition to recognise their hard work and give you the chance to win a signed copy of your favourite photograph. Take a look at the selection of photographs from […]
Cape Epic Stage 2 Preview: Hermanus – Greyton
Stage 2 takes riders north to a new race village in quaint Greyton, with some fierce climbs along the way. Before long riders will get acquainted with the day’s biggest challenge: Shaw’s Pass. It is only four kilometres but gains more than 220m in altitude and on one section the gradient kicks up more than […]
A tough day in the saddle for Evans, Hincapie … and everybody else
“I totally underestimated the energy requirements for today and I bonked with about an hour to go. Tonight I am going to eat as if it is Paris Roubaix tomorrow.” Those were the words of Tour de France veteran and former road rider George Hincapie of the USA after Monday’s brutal Stage 1 of the […]
PYGA Euro Steel grab Absa African Jersey
Rocky roads and sandy singletrack made Stage 1 of the Absa Cape Epic both technical and tiring. The tough conditions made it difficult for riders to avoid crashes and mechanical mishaps, yet Philip Buys and Matthys Beukes (PYGA Euro Steel) enjoyed a solid day and crossed the finish line (4:38.14) fractionally ahead of HB Kruger […]