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The Towns

2024 Host Towns

Lourensford Wine Estate

2024 stage locations: 
Prologue,

Years visited: 
10 previous visits 

Race Village GPS Coordinates: 
34°04'18.3"S 18°53'21.6"E

Official Website:
http://www.lourensford.co.za

Tourism Info: 
info@lourensford.co.za or 021 851 6800

In the hills of Somerset West, Lourensford Wine Estate, established in the year 1700 is arguably one of the most beautiful wine estates in the world. Steeped in history and heritage, the estate also boasts an ultra-modern winery utilising technology unique in the Southern Hemisphere. The magnificent soils and diverse microclimates create the ideal terrain for awarding winning wines. Lourensford Wine Estate is fast becoming one of the biggest wine estates in South Africa, with over 300 hectares of vines already planted.

Lourensford Wine Estate's scenic splendour has made it a popular location for many local and international film shoots, starring some of Hollywood's top actors. The estate hosts annual sporting and cultural events with thousands of participants and spectators, it is also a sought after venue for wedding receptions and corporate functions. There's a sizeable equestrian establishment on the estate, with stabling as well as one of the only two polo fields in Cape Town, it is here that the sport of kings is practised and enjoyed.

Tulbagh

2024 stage locations: 
Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3

Years visited: 
5 previous visits

Race Village GPS Coordinates: 
33°14'41.43"S 19° 6'54.59"E

Official Website:
http://www.tulbaghtourism.co.za/

Tourism Info: 
tulbaghtourism@lando.co.za or +27 (0)23 230 1375

Situated in South Africa’s fourth oldest town, Tulbagh, Saronsberg Wine Estate is a farm which reaped its first modern harvest at the same time as the inaugural Absa Cape Epic was starting in Knysna. In 2024, Saronsberg hosts the first Race Village,  riders will be rejoicing when they roll across the finish line for two epic days of riding in the Tulbagh Valley.

The Witzenberg town is famed for its natural beauty as well as its country living and hospitality. With high mountains surrounding the town on three sides, Tulbagh has become a mountain biker's dream getaway, provided said mountain biker has the legs to master the climbs and the nerves to conquer the descents that follow. 

For those travelling to support friends and family at the 2024 Absa Cape Epic, Tulbagh offers incredible activities and luxurious accommodation. For riders looking to acquire insight into what's to come during the 2024 Absa Cape Epic, the town's trails, which are run by Tulbagh MTB Club, are open for riding. 

Permits for the Tulbagh MTB club can be bought at the following establishments:
- Shell Garage (In Tulbagh Town)
- Cape Dutch Quarters (On Tulbagh Main Road)
- Tulbagh Tourism Office (on Church Street)
- Saronsberg Wine Cellars

Wellington

2024 stage locations: 
Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5

Years visited: 
6 previous visits

Race Village GPS Coordinates: 
33°37'59.19"S 19° 0'37.29"E

Official Website:
http://www.wellington.co.za/

Tourism Info: 
info@wellington.co.za or 021 873 4604

This winelands town is known for its vine rootstocks, brandy and whisky, and of course its unforgiving trail networks that have humbled many riders since their introduction. Nestled at the foot of the Hawequa mountains is CPUT Wellington - where the 2024 race village calls home for two nights. Over the course of the three Wellington-based Stages, riders are tasked with exploring the vast networks of purpose trails in the surrounding farms, vineyards and mountains.

Wellington is an attractive option for tourists at any time of the year thanks to its beautiful Cape Dutch homesteads, picturesque environment, gardens and wineries. The historic Bainskloof Pass, with unsurpassed vistas, indigenous flora and fauna and crystal-clear streams and rivers, is the perfect spot for hikers and fly-fishermen

While trail knowledge is beneficial in every location through which the Absa Cape Epic passes, Wellington is where it is truly tested. Thankfully, the Wild Boar Trails are open year-round, allowing for base miles and/or fine-tuning. For more information on where to ride, please visit www.wildboartrails.co.za

Stellenbosch

2024 stage locations: 
Stage 6, Stage 7

Years visited: 
8 previous visits

Race Village GPS Coordinates: 
33°56'22.7"S 18°52'11.6"E

Official Website:
http://www.visitstellenbosch.org

Tourism Info: 
info@visitstellenbosch.org or 021 886 4310

Known worldwide for its quality wines and the spectacular beauty of the surroundings, Stellenbosch is home to one of the most prestigious Wine Regions in the world. Visitors will be mesmerized by breathtaking scenery and warm South African hospitality. Here one can enjoy the juice of the vine in an awe inspiring historic setting.

Stellenbosch is without a doubt one of the prettiest towns in South Africa. Situated at the head of the Eerste river valley, it was one of the first valleys to be settled in. Today Stellenbosch still pays homage to culture and heritage, as the town has done since its humble Dutch origins. It is also home the one of the big South African universities, the University of Stellenbosch, which means most of the year the little town is buzzing with student life.

The surrounding mountains and wine farms makes Stellenbosch paradise to any mountain biker and can be enjoyed throughout the year.