Tented Accommodation

The standard team entry includes tented accommodation in each Absa Cape Epic race village for seven nights (i.e. Sunday to Saturday night, inclusive). Each rider will have access to:

• One two-person tent per rider (this will comfortably fit the rider and his/her rider bag)
• One comfortable mattress, covered in plastic NB: please keep the plastic on the mattress
• One mattress cover
• Note: accommodation is NOT included before the first day of racing (Prologue), nor after the Grand Finale, however pre and post race accommodation packages can be purchased.

Sponsor provided gifts

Each rider will receive:

• Absa Cape Epic garment
• SCICON® rider bag

Each official finisher will also receive:

• Absa Cape Epic finisher's medal
• Absa Cape Epic finisher's t-shirt (only given to official finishers)
• Woolworths picnic lunch to enjoy at the Grand Finale day

Luggage Transport

Each rider’s Absa Cape Epic rider bag is transported between Race Villages. Riders need to make arrangements for transportation from the location of the first day’s riding to the first Race Village, unless they have purchased an Accommodation package, Avis Upgrade package or Coach Transfer through the Optional Extras store, that cover this transport.

Riders can check in a bike box or bag at registration in Cape Town before 13:00. These bike boxes and bags will be securely stored for the duration of the event and available at the Grand Finale.

All luggage must be collected at the Grand Finale by 16:00, including the luggage checked in for storage before the race.

Note: Riders who haven't purchased one of the above Optional Extras before the event need to make their own transport arrangements to get from the Prologue to the first Race Village.

Bike Wash and Security

At the finish line of each stage bikes are taken from riders by the Bike Wash crew. Bikes are washed and transferred to the secure bike park. Bio-degradable cleaning agents keep the bikes clean and shining throughout the race.

The Bike Wash crew are specially trained to operate the high pressure hoses used for bike cleaning and do not spray directly into the bike's bearings or seals.

Once cleaned the bikes are stored in a 24-hour manned security bike park in rider number sequence. Only riders are allowed access to the bike park and will be responsible for collecting their own bikes should they require maintenance or repair. While the bike parks are extremely secure, they are generally uncovered, so bikes are not protected from rain.

Note: Only riders are allowed access to the bike park. No other person will be allowed to retrieve a rider's bike, even if a bike service package has been purchased.

Bike Services

Over the course of the week, the Absa Cape Epic offers a fully equipped bike service support team both on route and in the Race Village. Their teams will ensure that your bike is professionally maintained from the Prologue right through to the Grand Finale.

Technical support will be available to all riders on route at the water points each day. Please ensure that you carry your credit card with you to pay for any services or parts required on route.

Please note: Limited booking space may be available within the Race Village Tech Zone, so we would suggest you book your spot in advance if you plan to make use of any of their services.

Route Tech Support: Olympic Cycles

Race Village Tech Zone: Manic Cycles 

• Contact person: Francois Esterhuizen 
• Contact number: 0824138935
• Email: francois@maniccycles.co.za

The Strip Stop and Woolworths Chute Bag

The Absa Cape Epic and Woolworths offer a handy service for riders. This service is simple: riders can discard any unwanted kit (leg warmers, arm warmers, gloves, riding jackets etc.) at the start chute and at Water Point 1 of each stage, so that they don’t have to carry it for the remainder of the stage. Ideal for cold mornings that turn into baking middays. Each rider will receive a Woolworths Chute Bag at registration day to use during the event.

How it works:

• Riders can hand in any unwanted kit at the chute and at the Strip Stop situated at Water Point 1 of each stage.
• Riders must deposit the items in their WW Chute Bag in the container at the side of the chute and in the bag that will be provided to them at Water Point 1. Riders must seal it and clearly mark it with their team’s race number.
• One bag per team is permitted at the Water Point 1 Strip Stop per stage.
• WW Chute Bags and Strip Stop bags will be transported back to the Race Village and can be collected in the Woolworths Recovery Zone once you finish that day. 

Medical Service

Mediclinic, a leading provider of professional medical support at major sporting events, has been involved with the Absa Cape Epic since the race's inception.

Services provided:

• An emergency medicine specialist heads a team of seven medical doctors, seven registered nurses, 12 medics and 34 marshals.
• A fully-equipped field hospital, situated in the race village, is operational before and after each day's riding for wound treatment, injuries, etc. Emergency services are available round the clock.
• Mobile medical support, comprising several 4x4 ambulances each manned by a doctor and a registered nurse, is positioned near refreshment stations en route.
• Rapid evacuation to nearby medical facilities in emergencies that are beyond the scope of the field hospital. Please carry a credit card with you to facilitate swift admission procedures.
• All riders' detailed medical information is available to doctors, nurses and medics instantly, allowing medics to make informed clinical decisions.(It is critical that you take the time to complete your Medical Questionnaire through your online profile.)

Food and Nutrition

The Rider Dining Marquee in the Race Village provides breakfasts and dinners for each and every rider, starting with dinner on Sunday night after the Prologue and ending with breakfast on Sunday before the Grand Finale. A wide selection of food is served buffet-style at each meal.

The Absa Cape Epic caterers are certified Halaal, and vegetarian options will be provided for riders who have indicated this preference before the race.

Water is provided in the race village as well as during dinner in the dining marquee. All other beverages (alcoholic and soft) can be purchased from the bars in the Chill Zone, as well as outside the dining marquee.

Water Points

Full-service water points will have a range of Woolworths snacks on offer to keep your energy levels up where they need to be.

These include sweets, protein/cereal bars, fresh fruit, marmite or cheese sandwiches, fresh fruit or mini muffins, fruit cake or dates, baby potatoes and savoury snacks e.g. rice crackers, pretzels.

Full-service water points will also be stocked with USN energy bars, USN endurance drinks, Coca Cola and water. 

Hydro water points along the route will include:Limited Woolworths non-perishables, USN energy bars, USN endurance drinks, Coca Cola and water

Post Race Nutrition 

After each day’s ride, Woolworths greets every rider on the finish line with a complimentary chilled towel. Riders can then head for the Woolworths Recovery tent where they can choose from a wide selection of Woolies’ sandwiches, protein snacks, fresh fruit, drinks and other snacks as well as a ready-to-heat meal (also complimentary) to start the recovery process. There are also food stalls in the finish area where riders and supporters alike can buy a range of take-away food. Riders are responsible for their own nutrition between race finish and the evening meal provided in the Race Village. 

An example of what is included in a recovery meal courtesy of Woolworths:

• Sandwich/Wrap/Pasta Salad
• Dairy drink
• Fruit
• Protein snack
• Additional snack e.g. sea salt & black pepper beetroot crisps or power grains wholegrain brown rice crackers