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<\/a><\/p>\nFounded in 2004, the Cape Epic is the only eight-day mountain bike (MTB) stage race classed as hors cat\u00e9gorie (beyond categorisation) by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). Having recently completed its 13th edition, the race is unique in that it attracts world champions, Olympic champions, and other top professional riders, as well as a large field of international amateur participants.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Cape Epic is an iconic, world-class event that many consider the most prestigious mountain bike race in the world. This acquisition shows the commitment of IRONMAN and Wanda Sports to growing mass participation events worldwide,\u201d said Andrew Messick, Chief Executive Officer of IRONMAN who also oversees the active lifestyle segment for Wanda Sports. \u201cWe see great potential in the mountain biking market, and the Cape Epic will anchor a portfolio of exciting and extraordinary off road and dirt-based races.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cape Epic founder Kevin Vermaak will spearhead this expansion for IRONMAN, and will be responsible for developing a worldwide series of mountain bike races.<\/p>\n
Known as the \u201cuntamed African mountain bike race,\u201d this eight-day event includes a prologue and seven stages, and is held in the Western Cape of South Africa in March. The route changes every year, and the accumulated distance of approximately 700km usually includes about 15,000m of altitude gain. Over the years the Cape Epic has grown into the most televised mountain-bike stage race in the world \u2013 it is a highlight on the professional racing calendar and attracts amateur riders wanting to challenge themselves in the same environment as the professional riders.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are very excited about the future of the Cape Epic and have been looking for an opportunity to take a significant step forward,\u201d said Vermaak. \u201cThe event has changed the face of mountain biking and the opportunity to tap into the expertise of a global event business like IRONMAN will take it to the next level. I am honored to be afforded the opportunity to lead IRONMAN\u2019s mountain biking business and look forward to being part of the global strategy.\u201d<\/p>\n Vermaak said that Lynn Naud\u00e9 would remain to lead the existing Cape Epic management and staff who will continue to deliver the race at the highest level. He also confirmed that the Absa Cape Epic would continue to operate from Cape Town.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Cape Epic has come a long way since 2004 and is reaching a point where its expansion depends on the growth of the mountain bike endurance category across the world,\u201d continued Vermaak. \u201cWith IRONMAN we\u2019ve found a partner who is aligned with where we want to go in terms of building that category.\u201d<\/p>\n The 2017 edition of Absa Cape Epic will take place from March 19-26 with the route being announced in October 2016. For more information on the Absa Cape Epic, visit www.cape-epic.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Kevin Vermaak.<\/span><\/p>\n