“For Daniel [Tenner] and myself, the journey began with the 2023 Absa Cape Epic, and the thrill of finishing it was utterly addictive,” Bekker explained. “It left us yearning for more! We entered the 2024 Absa Cape Epic the day after finishing 2023’s brutal race. Even that years’ Stage 6, which made history when singletracks became rivers, didn’t put us off entering again. We had to assert ourselves that we have conquered the toughest MTB stage race in the world.”

“Our 4Islands Epic Croatia adventure was born in 2023 as a birthday gift from Daniel,” she elaborated. “Then, at the 2024 Absa Cape Epic we have decided to do Andorra Epic Pyrenees and the SPAR Swiss Epic in the same year too. It just made sense to continue with the Epic Series as we had already completed the Absa Cape Epic and had an entry for 4Islands Epic Croatia...”

“Each Epic Series race carries its own unique challenges, yet there’s an unmistakable commonality; the unrelenting routes that push riders to their limits,” Bekker reflected on the golden thread which runs throughout the series. “From Croatia’s rugged rocks to the slippery forest trails of Switzerland, each race presents its own flavour which requires technical mastery. We’ve often joked that the Epic Series specializes in routes that seem impossible – daunting climbs, punishing cut-off times, and those final 5 kilometres of each stage which test every ounce of grit you possess. But it’s also in these moments of adversity that lifelong friendships are forged.”

“This year was a rollercoaster of resilience,” ChemChamp’s Operations Director grimaced. “Daniel battled with the altitude and was totally flat, as if he got onto his bike for the very first time in his life, in Andorra. Then I was hit hard by altitude sickness during the SPAR Swiss Epic from Stage 2 onwards. Keeping breakfast down became a daily victory, let alone finishing stages within the cut-off. On Stage 4, exhaustion and a bad fall nearly broke me, but Daniel’s unwavering support – quite literally pulling me to the finish line with minutes to spare – got me through. Collapsing at the finish line was the rawest moment of both defeat and triumph.”

The Epic Series was not just a suffer fest for Bekker and Tenner in 2024 however. “There are countless highlights, but one stands out above the rest was crossing the finish line on Stage 5 of the SPAR Swiss Epic. We were the last team finish the race, yet the welcome we received was nothing short of euphoric – the announcers, the supporters, the crowd, our friends, and fellow riders cheered as if we had won the race! And then came the ultimate recognition at FNB Wines2Whales was very special too. Being acknowledged for completing all the Epic Series events and receiving personalized race boards and custom jackets was a moment that felt like a dream come true.”

Despite completing every Epic Series event in 2024 the buzz of receiving each finishers’ medal has only intensified. “It’s that indescribable sense of accomplishment,” Bekker smiled. “Every Epic hurts, but crossing the finish line leaves you transformed. Barriers are shattered, limits are redefined, and you come away with a profound realization of your own strength. It’s an addiction to conquering the untamed, and it’s one we’re not ready to let go of anytime soon.”

“2025 will be a very special Absa Cape Epic for us,” she cast ahead in conclusion. “Not only will Daniel and I be going back for our Amabubesi medals, but we will do this in aid of Cancer Awareness, cycling for CANSA, a charity which is very near and dear to my heart.”