Cape Epic - Introduction

The Absa Cape Epic is known as the toughest mountain bike stage race in the world. Wild and open, sometimes inhospitable and other times staggeringly beautiful, the Western Cape region of South Africa both tests and surprises all who tackle its ungroomed trails. When the sounds of the cicadas are harsher than the heat they proclaim, when icy mornings lead to driving rain, you can be certain that both equipment and spirit will be pushed to the limit. In this place, where roads hardened year-round by the sun can turn to quicksand overnight, teams will be challenged mentally, physically and emotionally.

SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing will kick-off its 2017 season at the Cape Epic and take part with three teams. Olympic Champion Nino Schurter will race together with new team member Matthias Stirnemann, Michiel van der Heijden teams up with Andri Frischknecht. Finally Olympic Champion Jenny Rissveds will challenge her team manager Thomas Frischknecht in the Mixed Category at the eight day lasting race “We are looking forward to a great team adventure racing the Cape Epic. This race is one of the most brutal things mountain bikers can experience.”