As in all sports, having the right equipment for the task at hand can be, and often is, the difference between success and failure; a fact that is especially true when tackling the world’s most iconic trails during any Epic Series event.

Northwave, as a brand, dates to 1991 and has been driven by innovation since its first pair of snowboard boots (launched in 1991) and its first MTB shoe, the bi-colour Integral shoe, which disrupted the market thanks to its bold contrasting colours when launched in 1993. Since then, Northwave has forged its own path in the world of mountain bike specific shoes and has been worn by World Champions and Olympians, like Andreas Seewald and Gunn-Rita Dahle, and many other top international riders.

Northwave will be represented at the 2022 Absa Cape Epic by the recently announced Canyon Northwave team of Andreas Seewald and Martin Stošek, and 2014 Absa Cape Epic winner Kristian Hynek and his new partner, Petr Vakoč.

“Northwave and the Epic Series are a natural fit,” said Matt Wikstrom, Chief Partnership Officer, The IRONMAN Group. “The brands share a dedication to detail, innovation, performance, a refined aesthetic, and a commitment to sustainability. Having Northwave, an industry leader in mountain biking shoes, as Official Mountain Bike Shoe of the Epic Series is incredibly exciting, and we are proud to welcome them on board.”

“We at Northwave are super enthusiastic of the three-year partnership with Epic Series,” said Davide Rossetti, Northwave General Manager. “Being a partner to the Epic Series, and more specifically to the Absa Cape Epic, is a total match with our DNA in mountain bike. Since Northwave’s foundation, our brand and product development can’t take place unless we immerse ourselves in what riders are doing and experiencing at races like the Absa Cape Epic; it’s the perfect proving ground and we are eager to combine passion and our products with the best mountain bike races in the world. This is what we love. This is what do. Daily.”

“Looking after key contact points with the bike, like hands and feet, is incredibly important during any ride, but it is essential during a stage race,” explained Kati Csak, Senior Director of Global Mountain Biking for the Epic Series. “Northwave’s range of world-class cycling shoes have been designed with the rider in mind and we look forward to seeing the products put to the test during the Epic Series events which take in a wide variety of conditions and terrains, from rugged trails in Africa to ancient paths carved by goats in Croatia, to majestic Alpine trails in Switzerland and the tropical forests of Queensland. We are excited to work with the Northwave team in the years ahead to keep elevating the rider experience.”

A special project between the Epic Series and Northwave is currently underway, and riders can expect the announcement later in 2022.

To view Northwave’s range of mountain bike specific shoes, please visit: https://www.northwave.com/en/bike/shoes