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14–18 Apr, 2026See Race Details4Islands Epic
The Epic Series is the world’s premier collection of mountain bike stage races a global adventure that challenges riders through breathtaking routes and technical terrain. From the rugged trails of South Africa to the alpine landscapes of Switzerland, every race is a test of endurance, skill, and teamwork.
The 2026 season promises thrilling routes, unforgettable scenery, and the chance for athletes to earn their place among the Epic Legends.
2026 Epic Series Race Calendar
Below is the full Epic Series 2026 calendar, featuring confirmed race dates, host countries, and registration details.
Registration Details & Deadlines
Each 2026 event in the Epic Series has its own registration process and limited entry slots. Here’s what you should know:
- Absa Cape Epic – Already Sold Out
- 4Islands Epic – Entries Open here. Hotel or Boat Accommodation; Price Increase 14 December
- Andorra Epic – Entries Open here. Ride Only and Hotel Package. New Race Village soon.
- SPAR Swiss Epic – Entries are flying; All-Inclusive Package available here.
- FNB Wines2Whales - Entries open on the 29th of January. The race with GEES!
📌 Tip: Subscribe to the Epic Series newsletter for early notifications.
Absa Cape Epic
Dates: 15-22 March 2026
Status: Sold Out
Website: www.epic-series.com/races/capeepic
Instagram: @capeepic
Facebook: Cape Epic
The Absa Cape Epic, the flagship event of the Epic Series and the first race on the global mountain bike calendar, is where the sport of team mountain bike stage racing was born. This legendary South African race defined the spirit of ultra-endurance mountain biking and continues to attract elite riders and passionate amateurs from around the world.
Renowned for its challenging routes which change every year the Cape Epic is a true bucket-list race for anyone serious about off-road cycling. The 2026 Absa Cape Epic covers 700 kilometers with a gruelling 16,000 metres of climbing, testing riders’ strength, skill, and teamwork across South Africa’s stunning terrain.
Although entries for the 2026 event are sold out, fans can still experience the excitement and follow the world’s best mountain bikers in action live on the Epic Series YouTube channel.
4Islands Epic
Dates: 14-18 April 2026
Status: Entries Open - Hotel Package, Standard Boat and Premium Boat
Website: www.epic-series.com/races/4islands
Instagram: @4islandsmtb
Facebook: 4Islands MTB
Race across the stunning Kvarner Islands in Croatia in one of the most unique events in mountain biking the 4Islands Epic, part of the global Epic Series. Over five unforgettable days, teams take on a mountain bike stage race that traverses four breathtaking Croatian islands, blending rugged trails, ancient landscapes, and crystal-clear Adriatic views.
The 2026 4Islands Epic offers deceptively tough riding, featuring steep climbs from sea level and technical rocky trails that test every rider’s endurance, skill, and teamwork. Off the bike, participants enjoy a truly special experience ferry transfers between islands, boat or seaside hotel accommodation, and a vibrant, travelling race village that captures the spirit of adventure and camaraderie.
To make the most of it, teams must race hard and relax harder the perfect balance that defines this extraordinary Croatia mountain biking experience.
Andorra Epic Pyrenees
Dates: 2-5 July 2026
Status: Entries Open - Ride Only and Hotel Package
Website: www.epic-series.com/races/andorra
Instagram: @andorra_epic
Facebook: Andorra Epic
The Andorra Epic Pyrenees brings the heart of the Epic Series to one of Europe’s most iconic mountain biking destinations, the Pyrenean Principality of Andorra. Known worldwide for its UCI Mountain Bike World Cup and World Championship heritage, Andorra offers a playground of bike parks, high-altitude climbs, and world-class singletrack trails that crisscross this small but mighty mountain nation.
Despite its fame, the Epic Series route team continues to uncover hidden gems in Andorra’s rugged terrain. Even seasoned professionals like José Antonio Hermida have been surprised by new, undiscovered trails featured in the Andorra Epic.
Each stage may be relatively short, but with climbs exceeding 2,000 meters above sea level, riders face a true test of endurance and skill. With teams based in La Massana for the duration of the race, the 2026 Andorra Epic offers the most logistically convenient and rider-friendly format in the entire Epic Series combining world-class racing with spectacular Pyrenean scenery.
SPAR Swiss Epic
Dates: 19-23 August 2026
Status: Status: Entries Open - All-Inclusive Package available | 2-Day Explore Entries Open
Website: www.epic-series.com/races/swissepic
Instagram: @swiss_epic
Facebook: Swiss Epic
Few destinations can rival Graubünden, Switzerland, as a true mountain biking paradise. Home to the world-renowned SPAR Swiss Epic, part of the global Epic Series, this alpine region offers unmatched trail diversity, breathtaking scenery, and an infrastructure built around riders’ needs.
Thanks to Graubünden’s unique Trail Tolerance policy, mountain bikers enjoy access to an extensive network of shared hiking and biking trails, complemented by some of the best purpose-built singletracks and natural alpine routes in the world many shaped by the footsteps of Swiss mountain cattle over centuries.
On the bike, teams can expect some of the longest, most rewarding climbs imaginable, followed by spectacular high-speed descents through the Swiss Alps. The 2026 SPAR Swiss Epic isn’t just a race it’s an experience that must be lived to be truly understood. Its vast scale, scenic grandeur, and technical challenges make it one of the most unforgettable mountain bike stage races on Earth.
FNB Wines2Whales
Dates: 6-15 November 2026
Status: Entries open on the 29th of January.
Website: www.epic-series.com/races/wines2whales
Instagram: @wines_2_whales
Facebook: Wines2Whales
The FNB Wines2Whales is a true series within the Epic Series with three unforgettable three-day mountain bike stage races spread across ten days of spectacular South African riding. Each event offers its own unique atmosphere, challenges, and celebrations, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Overberg, Elgin Valley, and Helderberg Basin.
The 2026 edition kicks off with Chardonnay, featuring the Elite and Age Group Women’s teams. Midweek, the spotlight shifts to Pinotage, a vibrant E-Bike and analogue rider festival celebrating the growing E-powered mountain biking community. Finally, the series culminates with Shiraz, where the Elite and Age Group Men’s teams, the Exxaro Jersey competition, and the fiercely contested Mixed category battle it out for glory.
Renowned for its flowing singletracks, iconic bridges, and hand-built trails, Wines2Whales delivers the perfect blend of competition and camaraderie. In 2026, the race follows the original format, starting among the vineyards of Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West and finishing by the whales of the Overberg coast near Hermanus.
Entries open 29 January 2026. Don’t miss the serious gees and electric energy of the final Epic Series event of the year!
Where legends are made
World-class experiences — professional support, logistics, safety and racing.
Iconic landscapes — from the vineyards of South Africa to the Swiss Alps.
Global community — thousands of riders from over 60 nations.
Epic Legend pathway — challenge yourself, collect achievements, and build a legacy.
“It’s not just a race, it’s an adventure that defines your limits.”
Epic Series Rider, 2025 -
The Epic Series 2026 calendar brings riders a season of unforgettable mountain biking across four continents. Whether you dream of conquering the Cape Epic, exploring the Croatian islands, climbing through the Pyrenees, riding through winelands, or flowing down Swiss alpine trails 2026 is your year to ride Epic.
Mark your calendar, prep your gear, and start training. The Legend awaits.
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