skip navigation

UNTAMED AFRICAN MTB RACE

The 2025 race is SOLD OUT

Join the Waiting List

Next Edition:

0
Days
0
Hours
0
Minutes

<Placeholder for Race Features>

The Absa Cape Epic is held in a place where anything can happen: Africa.

Wild and open, sometimes inhospitable and other times staggeringly beautiful, this land both tests and surprises all who tackle its ungroomed trails. When the sounds of the cicadas are harsher than the heat they proclaim, when icy mornings lead to driving rain, you can be certain that both equipment and spirit will be pushed to the limit. In this place, where roads hardened year-round by the sun can turn to quicksand overnight, you and your partner will be challenged mentally, physically and emotionally. 

Yet still, Africa’s Untamed majesty beckons. 

Event Overview

What to expect

Visit South Africa

Learn more

Past Winners

Legends of the sport

Preparation

Properly preparing for your arrival will ensure that you make the most of your experience

Learn more

Rider Experience

You will be faced with different challenges each day

What to expect

The Absa Cape Epic is held in a place where anything can happen: Africa

Learn More

BRAVE THE UNTAMED IN 2025?

4Islands Croatia

Route

LATEST VIDEOS

 

Experience breathtaking destinations. Experience camaraderie on the trails. Experience world class mountain bike stage racing. Explore with the Epic Series.

Absa Cape Epic welcomes GIC as new infrastructure sponsor

By Absa Cape Epic 10/14/2024, 6:00am HST

The road to the 2025 Absa Cape Epic, taking place from 16 to 23 March, has officially begun. Preparations for this iconic mountain bike race are well underway, with partners jumping at the chance to be aligned and affiliated with this eight-day, nearly 700km endurance challenge. One key partner, the Gap Infrastructure Corporation (GIC), has recently committed to a three-year partnership agreement. 

Winelands Welcomes Fan Friendly 2025 Absa Cape Epic Route

By Absa Cape Epic 09/25/2024, 8:15am HST

Brand new stages, a new host venue, and over 300 kilometres of trails never before used by the Absa Cape Epic should be music to the ears of mountain bikers and fans as they prepare for the 2025 Untamed African Mountain Bike Race. That is not where the excitement or new features end in the twenty first edition either. An innovative new time trial and challenging stages deep in the race all contribute to a course designed to produce exciting racing for all. 

Participants in the 2024 Absa Cape Epic were asked to complete a post-race survey, which not only helps the event elevate the rider experience for 2025 but also celebrates the successes of this year. One of the most coveted awards is the Host Town of the year prize. In 2024 it was won by Stellenbosch Municipality. 

2025 Early bird entries SOLD OUT

By Cape Epic 03/25/2024, 4:45am HST

The highly anticipated early bird entries for the 2025 Absa Cape Epic sold out as soon as they became available. Since its inception in 2004, the Absa Cape Epic has consistently sold out, and this Monday was no exception. Many eager participants were poised and counting the seconds until registration opened at 3 pm.

A fitting and fine Grand Finale

By Absa Cape Epic 03/24/2024, 5:15am HST

Coetzenberg Stadium in Stellenbosch played host to a fitting final stage of the 20th Absa Cape Epic. The stage over 67km with 2000m of climbing saw dynamic, aggressive racing in all the categories and featured the coldest conditions of the week. The contrast to the heat of the week was fitting and indicative of what it takes to complete this race. Every rider who crossed the line at the Grand Finale after 603km and nearly 16 050m of climbing has a very special place in The Book of Legend.

After a week of tactical racing, the undisputed powerhouses of 2024 however, was the team of Matthew Beers and Howard Grotts (Toyota-Specialized-NinetyOne) winning two stages to lay claim to the Yellow Leader Jerseys and adding to the Specialized legacy and trophy cabinet.

 

ABSA Cape Epic is waiting

Follow the Absa Cape Epic

Live Broadcast, Rider tracking, Race updates, Spectator information, Results and Key Event information 

Stay up to date! With the official Epic Series App, you won’t miss any news. Get helpful race information, have a look at the event schedule whenever you need and enjoy the live rider tracking and the best spectator hotspots for friends & family.

App

Follow the race

App

Follow the Absa Cape Epic

Live Broadcast, Rider tracking, Race updates, Spectator information, Results and Key Event information 

Stay up to date! With the official Epic Series App, you won’t miss any news. Get helpful race information, have a look at the event schedule whenever you need and enjoy the live rider tracking and the best spectator hotspots for friends & family.

2024 Event Guide | Chapter 2

2024 Event Guide | Chapter 1

Follow the UNTAMED

Jerseys Winners

UCI Men

Toyota-Specialized-NinetyOne
Matthew BEERS
Howard GROTTS

Aramex UCI Women

GHOST Factory Racing
Anne TERPSTRA
Nicole KOLLER

Amateur

Amateur

MEN: Latvian wannabe pro cycling 
Lauris PURNINS 
Oskars MUIZNIEKS

WOMEN: Ar&Co
Paula LOPEZ
Alejandra Cristina TATTENBACH ARIAS

Toyota Mixed

Toyota Gazoo Racing
Riaan WEIDEMAN
Samantha SANDERS

NTT DATA Masters

MEN: Bulls Masters
Karl PLATT
Tomás MISSER VILASECA

WOMEN: Asterix&Cleopatra
Nina BRENN
Barbara SCHWARZ

Grand Masters

Grand Masters

Pedal Project
Oliver IMFELD
Thomas JAUNER

Great Grand Masters

Great Grand Masters

Meerendal
Barti BUCHER
Peter FURRER

Special Jerseys

ABSA Africa Men

Absa Africa Men

PYGA Euro Steel
Philip BUYS
Pieter DU TOIT

ABSA Africa Women

Absa Africa Women

#SheUntamed
Sarah HILL
Hayley SMITH

Exxaro

Exxaro

The Coopetto
Halalisani Njabulo NDEBELE
Siyanda GUMEDE

Keep up to speed on the latest Epic Series event updates.

If the idea of racing your mountain bike all around the world appeals to you, sign up for our newsletter for the latest on Epic Series events, captivating trails and rider updates.

By clicking subscribe, you are agreeing to the Epic Series privacy policy and agree to receive emails from Epic Series.

Title and Headline Sponsors

Epic Series Technical Partners

Keep up to speed on the latest Epic Series event updates.

If the idea of racing your mountain bike all around the world appeals to you, sign up for our newsletter for the latest on Epic Series events, captivating trails and rider updates.

By clicking subscribe, you are agreeing to the Epic Series privacy policy and agree to receive emails from Epic Series.

Visit the Race

  1. 1 of 14
  2. 2 of 14
  3. 3 of 14
  4. 4 of 14
  5. 5 of 14
  6. 6 of 14
  7. 7 of 14
  8. 8 of 14
  9. 9 of 14
  10. 10 of 14
  11. 11 of 14
  12. 12 of 14
  13. 13 of 14
  14. 14 of 14

Route