In the second week of September, 12 Absa Cape Epic crew members departed from Cape Town to test ride the new route for next year’s race. Most of our crew members are avid mountain bikers and this is their only chance to experience the route - during the event they are far too busy.

Our crew’s annual trial ride is much more than just a chance to ride the route – a lot of crucial ‘behind the scenes’ planning takes place. Marshal positions, traffic control points, medical vehicle positions and water points are identified and pin-pointed with GPS co-ordinates. Various helicopter landing zones are mapped and radio and cell-phone shadows are mapped for communications planning. By the time the race starts, everything will be organized to the last detail, offering participants and spectators the very best in mountain biking! For a sneak preview of the stages, read the trial ride stage reports on our site.

Join us at the 2009 Route Launch Charity Gala Dinner

Kevin Evans and Christoph Sauser at the 2007 Route Launch Charity Gala.
The 2007 Big Tree Challenge was supported by Brian McMillan, Robbie Kempson and Robbie Fleck, amongst others.

The 2009 Absa Cape Epic Route Launch Charity Gala, to be held at Montecasino in Johannesburg, is sure to be a highlight on the annual cycling calendar. Last year 350 guests attended this prestigious evening, and by all accounts the launch of the new 2009 route will be an even more glamorous affair. The exciting changes to the route format will be revealed, and we will announce the participants of the Celebrity Challenge in aid of our official charities. The evening will include a live performance by well known South African jazz musicians, as well as the traditional charity auction.

Date: Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Time: 19H00
Venue: Montecasino, Fourways
Dress: Black Tie
Price: R10 000 per table

For further information or to book a table, please contact Gillian Farmer at gillian@cape-epic.com or 021 426 4373.

Official energy bar of the Absa Cape Epic announced

The race has secured an association with the international brand, Mulebar. The energy bar company, which will be launched in South Africa on the back of it’s sponsorship of the Absa Cape Epic, is a 1% For The Planet Company, dedicated to donating 1% of annual sales to environmental groups protecting our natural world. Mulebar will join as the official energy bar, ensuring that participants have the necessary nutrition along the way, and will be provided at the various water points. Made with 100% natural ingredients, these energy bars will provide fuel for adventure.

Join the Absa Cape Epic team

We are looking for a Digital Marketer to manage the online presence of the Absa Cape Epic. The ideal candidate needs to have knowledge and awareness of web technologies, be familiar with web best marketing practices and have a sound understanding of the basic principles of marketing writing. For more information on this position, or to submit your CV, contact Tanya Odendaal at tanya@cape-epic.com.