Exciting news – our family has grown! From the Alps to the Western Cape: the 2018 PERSKINDOL SWISS EPIC six-day mountain bike stage race will offer athletes a chance to qualify for the Absa Cape Epic, alongside The Pioneer, held in New Zealand. This follows today’s announcement that the Ironman group will acquire the iconic Swiss event.
The Pioneer was the first qualifier to be announced, in 2016 – the six-day stage race held on New Zealand’s South Island. The PERSKINDOL SWISS EPIC, staged annually in the picturesque Swiss Alps, will become the European leg of a global series. The event has built a reputation for providing spectacular flow trails and stunning snowcapped mountain vistas to amateur and professional riders alike.
“The PERSKINDOL SWISS EPIC has established itself over the last four years, attracting riders from 30 nations. Now it’s time to reach the next level – it was only logical that we looked for an opportunity to elevate the race, not only to be the most iconic mountain bike event in Europe, but also to become part of an international series,” says co-founder Joko Vogel.
Participating in the 2017 event, Olympic medalist, multiple world champion and five-time Absa Cape Epic winner Christoph Sauser described the trails as “special – some of most beautiful and iconic in the world.”
Absa Cape Epic founder Kevin Vermaak says, “Since the IRONMAN group’s announcement in 2016 of the Absa Cape Epic’s acquisition, our team has been working on a vision to build a series of premium off-road endurance events in which athletes may qualify for the Absa Cape Epic. It’s very exciting to have the premier event in the Alps on board, as part of our growing stable.”
Ensuring a continued premium rider experience, the PERSKINDOL SWISS EPIC event team will be collaborating closely with the organisers of the Absa Cape Epic.
Karl Platt and Christoph Sauser win NTT Masters category in fine style
