ABSA Cape Epic 2023 | A Rider’s Perspective

The ABSA Cape Epic is the most televised mountain bike race in the world and is considered the “Tour de France” of MTB’ing. It attracts the very best riding professionals from around the globe, as well as aspiring amateur riders wanting to test themselves against the best of the best.

The race must be completed by a team of two riders, who, depending on the route each year, need to complete a distance of around 700km, and around 16,000 meters of vertical ascent, over an 8-day period.

The 2023 edition of the race took place in and around Bellville, Hermanus, Grabouw, Somerset West, Stellenbosch and Paarl, in the Western Cape of South Africa.

Join us for a stage-by-stage look into what this mountain bike race is all about, and why it is considered ‘EPIC’.

Special thanks to Ronald Tweedie, my riding partner for this race (and general adventure buddy), and of course Karen Cumming, my greatest fan.

All footage shot on a handheld, GoPro Hero 8 Black.