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<\/a><\/p>\nComments Ryk Neethling, Marketing Director and Shareholder at Val de Vie Estate: \u201cIt is an honour for Val de Vie Estate to be chosen to partner with the Absa Cape Epic, which attracts ambitious amateur and professional mountain bikers from around the world. Val de Vie is renowned for hosting top events, and the partnership between these two great brands further adds to the prestigiousness of the Absa Cape Epic. This race is a prime example of the active lifestyle that we promote at Val de Vie, therefore we didn\u2019t hesitate when we were offered the opportunity to be host to the finish line.\u201d<\/p>\n
This announcement comes after Val de Vie\u2019s recent acquisition of Pearl Valley, and thus the expansion of its borders. The estate, which now measures 1 000 ha, includes 42 km of trails where residents can enjoy the likes of mountain biking, trail running and horse riding.<\/p>\n
Neethling adds: \u201cSimilar to the Absa Cape Epic\u2019s \u2018unmatched splendour\u2019, Val de Vie carries the same essence, surrounded by scenic beauty \u2013 making it an awe-inspiring ending to a gruelling race.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 2017 route will take riders on an eight-day, 691 km journey along some of the Western Cape\u2019s most untamed, yet breath-taking, countryside regions and up numerous hills, with the accumulated vertical gain amounting to 15 400 m.<\/p>\n As host of the Grand Finale, the estate offers spectators the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the Val de Vie lifestyle whilst eagerly waiting for participants to cross the finish line of one of the Cape\u2019s most key races.<\/p>\n Having dedicated over 50% of the estate to \u201cgreen areas\u201d and surrounded by natural beauty, Val de Vie offers outdoor enthusiasts a wealth of activities, including fishing at the eight lakes that form part of the estate, or picnicking on the banks of the Berg River, which meanders along 7 km of Val de Vie\u2019s border. In addition, access to two outstanding fitness centres, tennis courts, full equestrian facilities and riding arena, two polo fields and an indoor swimming pool ensures that a healthy way of life can be maintained at the estate.<\/p>\n Neethling continues: \u201cThe estate is the ideal home for outdoor enthusiasts as well as families as it sports several play parks and an on-site preschool for little ones. The Paarl-Franschhoek Valley is additionally dotted with excellent schools, superb medical facilities and is in close proximity to the University of Stellenbosch.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n