The 8th. 658 km. A climb of 15,775 meters. These are his Absa Cape Epic-only stats for 2023. But as history has proven over the past 18 editions of The Untamed African Mountain Bike Race, statistics and what’s happening on African trails are never the same.

The 2023 edition of the Absa Cape Epic finds charm and challenge at the tip of the knife as you navigate through pristine fimbo and free-roaming nature reserves. Circle the lion sanctuary and travel between vineyards, orchards and wheat fields. Climb the highest and most demanding peaks in the Western Cape and seek out unbeatable trails in eight days.

In 2023, luxury is just steps away from the rugged trails. The famed winery overlooks singletrack and offers fans of his bikes the opportunity to watch the races in comfort, witnessing the hardships unfolding at the top of the Epic series.

The 19th edition route is an adventure into hitherto untouched lands and the return of old favorites, including Greenlandberg, revered by those who worked on it and shrouded in rumors by those who haven’t yet joined the Queen Stage. Defined by

The race begins with a threshold test prologue where seconds and start batches are contested on the trails of Mierendal Wine Estate and the larger Tigerberg Mountain Bike Club network. These trails are loved by remote mountain bike enthusiasts for their fast, flowing nature and breathtaking views of iconic Table Mountain and Robben Island.

Stages 1 and 2 begin in the seaside whale-watching town of Hermanus, then cross the Hemel-en-Aalde Valley across Stamford to the limestone trails, steep pitches, and wind-swept mountains of Akkadisberg and Padenberg, taking in the spectacular sights of the region. I will introduce you to riding. rampant.

Stage 3, the first transitional stage of the 2023 Absa Cape Epic, will see teams move inland from Hermanus to Elgin’s Oak Valley estate. The stage begins on a trail familiar to the returning team, but quickly enters an area completely different from the event. The final kilometers of the stage allude to a singletrack-filled race on Stage 4.

Entering Oak Valley Estate gives you some leeway in terms of distance as a mid-week time trial is included. Although the distances are short, the climbs per kilometer are high, and Elgin’s punchy terrain is sure to test your strength, mental strength and partnerships. Stage 4 could prove to be extremely important in a general classification standings race.

Stage 5, the Queen Stage, departs from Oak Valley Estate and heads towards Lawrenceford Wine Estate to challenge the teams to the climb of Tierkop to Vullanberg, an infamous 1,181-metre-high mountain above sea level. .

Stage 5 will be remembered for years to come thanks to the famous uphill and perilous downhill portages of the Gantau Pass, where the scars on the bull’s wagon wheels recall the means of transportation of yesteryear.

The penultimate stage of the 2023 race will be a historic day for the Absa Cape Epic. The entire 82-kilometer route takes place on his single estate at Lawrence Ford Wines, one of South Africa’s largest and most singletracked estates.

The final stage from Lawrenceford to Val de Vie Estate is tough. With two blistering climbs and some of South Africa’s most iconic singles his tracks, his The Trail to Val de Vie is both challenging and exhilarating. The final day will be stressful for the team as they enter Stage 7 wearing the leader’s jersey. Speed ​​Company Racing has proven that the grand finale is not his 2022 procession, and the 2023 conclusion offers far more opportunities to make up time. Or lose it.

The Absa Cape Epic takes place March 19-23, 2023. We don’t yet know what the trail will bring, but what is guaranteed is timeless racing. Learn more about the Absa Cape Epic Route here.