WindlineAbout the race
The Absa Cape Epic is an eight-day mountain bike stage race in South Africa's Western Cape. Riders enter as two-person teams, and the organiser calls it a rite of passage for mountain bikers worldwide. It is classed hors catégorie by the Union Cycliste Internationale.
History
Kevin Vermaak founded the race in 2004, after conceiving it while riding the La Ruta de los Conquistadores in Costa Rica. It began as a point-to-point event starting in Knysna and ending in the Winelands, but from 2009 the format changed so riders spend several days in each stage location. The Ironman Group acquired the race in 2016. Wikipedia counts 20 editions to date.
The course
The route is redesigned every year but always stays within the Western Cape, mixing rocky climbs with technical descents. The organiser has released the 2027 route and describes it as eight days, 701 km and 17,150 m of climbing, built from a prologue and seven stages. Earlier editions have ranged from about 647 km at the shortest to roughly 966 km at the longest.
Team rules
Both riders on a team must stay within two minutes of each other throughout the race, with a one-hour penalty for breaking the rule and disqualification after a third offence. Teams must also beat each stage's maximum time to stay in the race, and categories run from Elite to Great Grand Master.
Entry basics
Amateurs historically entered through a lottery, while the professional race is by invitation. For the 2027 edition, which runs 21 to 28 March 2027, the organiser's page shows the waiting list open, and notes that a limited batch of reserved entries was released on 1 October to mark the route reveal. The Epic Series site has resources on qualification and rider rules.
Where to watch
The race moves between host towns each year, so spectator points change with the route. The organiser maintains a spectator guide for fans, which should be checked once the daily stage details for the year are published.
Weather
March falls in late summer in the Western Cape. Days are typically warm and dry. This is a general seasonal description rather than a forecast.