The Fixers
But not for the technical support teams in the Support Village; as the dusty, dirty and potentially damaged mountain bikes start to pile up, their day is just about to begin.
A defining aspect of the Absa Cape Epic is the event's 'full-service' offering. Essentially, you can arrive at registration with your bike, kit and partner, and not worry about another thing - outside of the eight days of extreme mountain biking - until you cross the line at the Grand Finale.
There's a shuttle service for your luggage. Your meals are prepared for you. There's a laundry to wash dirty kit. For the duration of the event, you have a tiny home to call your own, complete with al fresco shower service. The water points are packed with nutritious food and drinks. There's a bike wash. The race village now boasts Wi-Fi. You even get a free T-shirt when you finish the race!
On top of the abundant services included at the Cape Epic, you can also 'top up' with extras to help ensure your event experience culminates in success. One of the most popular top-up services is the technical support package – an add-on offered by various companies at the event.
While there are tech zones at water points along the route for each stage, a technical support package means your bike will be given the pro treatment after every stage: washed, serviced, cuddled and caressed before you take it out again the next day. These packages are not compulsory; but due to the rugged terrain of the Cape Epic route, many riders view them as essential.
“The Cape Epic, in particular, is very challenging - hard on the body and on the bike. A service package is almost essential,” says Justin Tuck, a Cape Epic finisher, co-owner of the GearChange bike shop, and renowned bike whisperer. “A lot of riders look at a support package as a type of insurance policy for all the training and hard work they've put in ahead of the race.”
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Dit verhaal komt uit de Absa Cape Epic 2025 Race Guide editie van Bicycling South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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PAINT YOUR BIKE
A DIY GUIDE TO CUSTOM- PAINTING YOUR BIKE AT HOME
THE CASE AGAINST STRAVA
I'LL BEGIN BY SINGING SOME PRAISES. Without Strava, I'm not sure I'd have re-engaged with cycling at the level I did. Coming from just occasionally messing around on mountain bikes as a teenager to trying my best to race at an elite level, Strava has played a role in pushing me to ride faster, harder and longer than I'd ever done before.
OVERBERG MEANDER
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE IN THE ROLLING HILLS OF THE SOUTHERN CAPE.
THE RIGHT TO RIDE
THEY LED A CYCLING REVOLUTION IN AFGHANISTAN, WHERE WOMEN WERE FORBIDDEN TO RIDE. WHEN THE TALIBAN RETURNED TO POWER, THEIR ONLY HOPE WAS A HARROWING ESCAPE TO AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE.
ONE MAN'S CRUSADE TO TAKE DOWN ZWIFT CHEATS
INDOOR CYCLING AND VIRTUAL RACING ARE BOOMING - AND SO ARE THE RANKS OF DIGITAL DOPERS ABUSING THE PLATFORMS.
Gale Force
IN 2025, THE ABSA CAPE EPIC WILL ROLL OUT FOR THE 21ST TIME. ONLY TWO RIDERS HAVE FINISHED ALL 20 PREVIOUS EVENTS.
The Contenders
Matt Beers is undoubtedly the most popular cyclist in South Africa.
The Czech Mates
THIS YEAR, BLIND ATHLETE ONDŘEJ ZMEŠKAL and his tracker Marek Peterka will tackle the Absa Cape Epic riding a tandem. And far from being daunted, the duo are excited about the challenge ahead.
Beyond The Trails
Over the past two decades, the Absa Cape Epic's impact on South African cycling tourism has been nothing short of phenomenal. The race not only attracts professional and dedicated amateur riders from across the globe, but also plays a pivotal role in boosting local economies and showcasing South Africa as a premier destination for adventure seekers. Let's delve into how the race achieves these feats:
