Changing lives, for the better, is no small goal for an organisation to set. Yet it is one which both the Gap Infrastructure Corporation, or GIC for short, and the Absa Cape Epic have a multi-decade history in achieving. For GIC this means creating and managing the infrastructure required for a safe, comfortable, and healthy life. While for the Absa Cape Epic the journey begins with inspiration and leads towards self-actualisation

“We’re no stranger to the world of sports, having sponsored several cycling and running events and teams in the past. Our in-house team has even participated in the Absa Cape Epic, and the event has become a favourite for its unmatched landscapes and spirit of adventure,” says Roelof van den Berg, CEO of GIC. 

“But we understand that the race is easily the largest and most challenging mountain biking event in the world, making it a highly complex venture to organise and execute. As a partner, we’re confident that our expertise will significantly benefit its infrastructure for a flawless execution.” 

As an added benefit, GIC’s association with the prestigious Blaauwklippen Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, where GIC is developing the Blaauwklip-aan-Rivier luxury estate, has seen the lifestyle estate likewise come onboard as an event sponsor. Founded in 1682, Blaauwklippen is the oldest wine estate in the Stellenbosch viticultural region and has forged a strong bond with mountain biking enthusiasts who enjoy the scenic ride through its vineyards. 

Speaking to the partnerships with GIC and Blaauwklippen, Jonathan Meintjes, Head of Mountain Biking EMEA at The IRONMAN Group, the organisers and owners of the Absa Cape Epic race, says: “Working with and alongside such passionate, capable, and innovative partners has allowed us to draw inspiration and harness a diverse array of skills to improve the rider’s experience in the build-up to and during the Absa Cape Epic.

“GIC’s project management and digital information modelling expertise in particular will help us streamline operations and anticipate where resources will be best deployed. Plus, beyond the logistics, we are very excited by the potential of the partnership with Blaauwklippen Lifestyle Estate.”

GIC is a leading infrastructure developer dedicated to bridging the gap between existing infrastructure and the needs of communities across Africa. Specialising in the design, build, and financing of projects, it focuses on creating sustainable value for communities through innovative solutions. Its expertise spans various sectors, including town planning, civil services, structural development, health infrastructure, property management, mining, and roadworks, ensuring comprehensive and impactful development initiatives.

“As a company, GIC has always focused on changing lives through innovative infrastructure development. Partnering with the Absa Cape Epic will allow us to extend that impact into the world of mountain biking. Ultimately, both GIC and the Absa Cape Epic share a commitment to creating lasting, positive change – whether it’s through building essential infrastructure or inspiring people to push their limits on the world’s toughest trails,” notes van den Berg.

This year’s Absa Cape Epic will see reigning champions of the newly crowned GIC Grand Masters jersey, Hanlie Booyens and Michelle Lombardi from Stellenbosch defend their titles in the women’s category, along with Oliver Imfeld and Thomas Jauner from Switzerland in the men’s category. Early indications further suggest that Olympic Gold Medallist Bart Brentjens may return in 2025, potentially adding another GIC Grand Masters jersey to his haul of four purple jerseys and nine category victories. GIC will also provide a direct sponsorship to racing duos Craig Uria and Charlie McFall, Adrienne Moolman and Lesleigh Beukes, John Smith and Butch James (Cape Epic) as well as Rayno Van Vuuren and Morné Steyn (Cape Epic). 

For more information on GIC, visit www.gic.co.za. To learn more about the Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, click through to www.blaauwklippen.com or browse the luxurious homes of Blaauwklip-aan-Rivier at www.blaauwklip.co.za. Further details for the 2025 Absa Cape can be found at www.epic-series.com/capeepic.