The 2026 Cape Epic
Africa’s toughest and most epic mountain bike race is about to start. The 2026 absa epic promises to be more gruelling and untamed than last year. The Cape Epic also known as the Tour de France of mountain biking. It takes riders through some of the most beautiful parts of the Western Cap. The total distance this year is 692km with a 15900m of climbing.
The event is 8 days long and starts on the 15th of March and finishes on the 22nd of March. About 1400 riders from 50 different countries will take part in the race. In 2026 the Cape Epic route makes a return to Montagu for the first time in 19 years. World MTB is also pushing equal racing conditions for men and women. So Elite Men and Women riders will do the same route this year.
The absa epic makes up part of the Epic Series. The Series consists of five different races taking place across the globe. Two of the races are in South Africa. The other race being the Wines2Wales that takes place in the Overberg. The rest of races within the Epic Series takes place in Switzerland, Andorra and Croatia.
The Route of the 2026 Cape Epic
Stage 1 (Prologue)
The first day of the absa cape epic riding takes place at Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville. It is the Prologue to the race. It is a short route of 20km with 650m of climbing that starts and ends at the wine estate. The short distance does not mean that is not tough. Riders will face the stairway to heaven climb into the unforgiving Dortsberg descent.
Stage 2
The second day of the absa race takes riders on a route around Montagu. The route has a distance of 102km with 2250m of climbing. This route is uphill from the get-go which will test every rider’s capability. Riders will ascend up the Ouberg Pass which leads into the tough Slagkloof descent. Riders have faced the hardest part of the route at the 80km mark. A few small climbs leads them to the finish line.
Stage 3
The third of the cape epic cycle tour is enough to make any well versed cyclist rethink their life choices. Stage 3 is the hardest day of the race insofar as distance goes. The route is 134km with 1750m of climbing which starts in Montagu and finishes in Greyton. Riders will head out of Montagu and start on the Cogmanskloof Pass. The route goes through Bonnievale and cross the Breerivier into the scary Drecaso descent. Riders will then climb a bit more and descend into Stromsvlei reaching the halfway mark at the bottom. A slow steady climb then pushes the riders through Riviersonderend continuing a gradual climb leading into Greyton.
Stage 4
Riders will have to dig deep to take on their next challenge in the Cape Epic 2026 race. Stage 4 is also a loop which starts and ends in Greyton. It is much shorter than the previous day’s ride with a distance of 84km but has more climbing of 1950m. The day starts off flat before heading into a few climbs. This should be enough to get their legs ready for the UFO climb which leads downwards into the Middelplaas. Which also signals the end of the stage.
Stage 5
Stage 5 is also called the Last Queen and for a reason. The route is the toughest day of the Epic and is 128km with 2700m of climbing. It begins in Greyton and finishes in Stellenbosch. Furthermore, it starts with a climb which descends down to ground level that leads upwards into Kat Pass. From there it leads down Gantouw Pass into Lourensford Nek climb of 600m.
Stage 6
This 76km loop around Stellenbosch features 2450m of climbing. It will surely test the muster of every rider and separate teams in the cape epic race. The Gun Run as well as Banhoek berms provide the perfect conditions for cross country riders.
Stage 7
The last day of cape epic does not let the riders take it easy. It is a 58km route with 2000m of climbing that slowly descends into the finish line. Ready for that ice cold drink at the finish!
Riders to watch in the epic race
Three time winner Matthew Beers hailing from South Africa is seen on of the riders to watch. Unfortunately his team mate pulled out due to a knee injury and this opens up the field for the rest of the riders. Italians Luca Braidot & Simone Avondetto also makes a strong team and could capitalise on this. Kate Courtney and Melissa Rollins from America are strong contenders as well in the women’s division. Rosa van Doorn (Netherland) Vera Looser (Namibia) have enough race experience between the two to lift the title. The Cape Epic is about more than winning. It is a test of what humans can achieve and the new route is sure to test every rider’s capabilities.
Best Cape Epic Betting Sites in South Africa
Here we list some of the best Cycling betting Sites in South Africa, from SuperSportBET to Betway SA as well as bet.co.za. Have a look at the promotions on offer, welcome or bonus offers if you are a new player or even an existing one. For all other major sport events happening in March, also have a look at our March 2026 Sport Preview.
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