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Why Volunteer?
The successful delivery of an event the size of the Absa Cape Epic would not be possible without the willing and able volunteers who give of their time to ensure the race runs smoothly and that the participants are able to experience all that the Untamed African Mountain Bike Race has to offer.
You might not be able to ride the Absa Cape Epic, but you can still be a part of this memorable experience by signing up for the Absa Cape Epic Volunteer programme. Not only does this provide an excellent platform for meeting new people and gaining a better understanding of what goes on behind the scenes, it is also the only way to get to stay in the race village with the Absa Cape Epic riders.
Whether you are an avid mountain biking fan, supporting riders taking part, an enthusiastic community contributor, a student looking to gain experience or wanting to be part of the race before taking it on “in the saddle” then our unique volunteer programme is exactly what you’re looking for.
Create your own Absa Cape Epic adventure and experience the race alongside the riders by joining the Absa Cape Epic Volunteer programme.
Supporting Riders?
Volunteering is the only way for supporters to be able to eat and sleep in the race village along with the riders.
Want a Guaranteed Entry?
Successfully completing the Volunteer programme guarantees each Volunteer an entry into the following year’s race. Volunteers do not have to use this entry for themselves, they can pass the entry on. However, local Volunteers must nominate local riders and international Volunteers must nominate international riders. Volunteers will have one week to send in their nominations after the event. This is a reserved entry not a free entry, and must be used for the following year's race.
What is the Volunteer Fee?
The Volunteer fee is R3800 for new volunteers, and R1000 for returning volunteers. This assists us cover your expenses for the week like food and accommodation.
Volunteer candidates are required to apply using an online application form.
How the application process works
Step 1: Candidates complete the online volunteer application form.
Step 2: Wait to hear from the organisers as to whether your application has been successful or if you have been added to the Volunteer waiting list. First round confirmation emails will be sent out to successful Volunteers before the end of the year.
Step 3 Let the Volunteer Coordinator know whether you are accepting your entry to join the volunteer programme by responding to your confirmation email within 2 weeks of receiving your invitation.
Step 4: Pay your Volunteer programme joining fee within the period communicated in your volunteer acceptance email invite. Please note that your place on the programme is only guaranteed once payment is received.
Volunteer Fees (non-refundable):
First Time Volunteers: R 3800
Return Volunteers: R 1000
Requirements:
- Be between 18-60 years old. (18 years of age on the day the race starts)
- Must have a good command of the English language
- South African citizens require a valid identity document
- Foreign citizens must be in possession of a valid passport
Each volunteer receives, among other:
- Tented accommodation in the Absa Cape Epic rider village
- Breakfast and dinner in the race village with the riders
- Daily Woolworths lunch pack (except Prologue and Grand Finale)
- Volunteer T-shirt
- Complimentary Grand Finale Picnic Lunch Voucher
- Transport between stages (if required)
- Ticket to the Around the World Party (Friday before Rider Registration)
- Reserved entry for the following year's race
A day in the life of a Volunteer
Below you can find a basic schedule of what a day in the life of a volunteer involves. Please note that you might need to assist at other Water Points when you finish early or in the event of team members dropping out due to illness or unforeseen circumstances. This is a basic schedule and is subject to change.
| Start Time | Action |
|---|---|
| 04:00 | Wake up |
| 04:30 | Breakfast in the rider dining marquee |
| 05:00 | Meet at designated Water Point (WP) truck |
| 05:15 | Convoy leave the race village to depart for WP |
| 05:45 - 06:15 | WP teams arrive at WP and start with set up |
| 07:30 - 08:30 | All WPs set up and ready for riders |
| 08:00 - 10:30 | First riders expected to arrive at WPs |
| 11:30 - 16:00 | WPs expected closing time |
| 11:00 - 17:30 | Riders arriving at the finish line |
| 12:00 - 18:00 | Upon arrival at the Race Village, Volunteers will: |
| 1. Send truck to dump rubbish and refill JoJo tank | |
| 2. Enjoy +- 1 or 2 hours to shower, refresh and relax | |
| 3. Do a stock take of drinks and cups | |
| 4. Do the Woolworths collection and packing of truck | |
| 18:30 - 19:30 |
Dinner in the rider dining marquee |
Volunteer Workshops
Successful Volunteer applicants, that are Cape Town based, will be required to attend the Volunteer Info Session.
During the info session volunteers will be introduced to various elements of the race and meet the organisers, whilst finding out what lies ahead of them in the upcoming months.
A final orientation session is held for all volunteers on the morning of Rider Registration, at which point the volunteers will get their first real interaction with the event.
