2019 Absa Cape Epic set for 17-24 March

2018-03-24

The success of having the Epic World Cup, Cape Town Cycle Tour and Absa Cape Epic taking place in the Western Cape in the last two weeks, has seen South Africa become the epicentre of world cycling in March. To capitalise on what has been shown to be a winning recipe the Absa Cape Epic will be held on 17-24 March next year.

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“Initially the race was scheduled to take place a week later but due to the Epic World Cup kicking off a day before the Cape Town Cycle Tour, and seven days before the Absa Cape Epic we decided to stick to this successful formula,” said Sarah Harrop, head of marketing and communications at the Absa Cape Epic

Limited Early Bird entries for next year’s Absa Cape Epic will be available on Monday, one day after the race at 15:00 GMT+2 (26 March 2018). There are 100 entries up for grabs and only those with the quickest reactions will be able to secure their spot on the start line at the Prologue in 2019.

Those who miss out on the Early Bird process can enter the lottery, ride for a charity or even reserve a spot by participating in one of the Epic Series qualifier events.

The route is ever changing – leading aspiring amateur and professional mountain bikers the world over through roughly 700 untamed kilometres of unspoilt scenery and 15 000m of vertical ascent around the Western Cape, South Africa. The 2019 route will be announced on 26 September.

The Absa Cape Epic is the most televised mountain bike race in the world and the only eight-day mountain bike stage race classed as hors catégorie by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). This official UCI status makes it a highlight on the professional racer's calendar. The Absa Cape Epic also attracts aspiring amateur riders wanting to test themselves against the best. It is a full-service race, meaning everything is taken care of from the start – all riders need to think about is riding.