After a transfer to Stellenbosch allows for two full days of singletrack racing. Though teams should be warned, they will need to be steadfast in their resolve if they are to conquer the untamed. Stage 6 is no play day on the Simonsberg, it presents climbs aplenty across Rustenberg, Quoin Rock, Muratie, Uitkyk, Knorrhoek and Morgenhof. It does however also boast singletracks, both uphill and down, on most of those famous estates. Passing through Muratie twice the bulk of the trails come back-to-back in a feast of Dirtopia’s best riding, before heading for Stellenbosch along Morgenhof’s new singletracks. The Ida’s Valley trails provide a penultimate treat, followed by the stick of climbing Botmaskop and the carrot of The Doctor descent towards home. A final test of riders’ steadfast resolve, on the Berg Pad, ensures that Stage 6 is no easy day.

ADVICE FOR THE TEAMS:

The penultimate day of the race is one that struggling teams will have to ride summit to summit. Ticking off the kilometres and the metres of elevation gain metronomically as they go. If you or your partner are in trouble going into Stage 6 focus on small, achievable goals. Biting off big chunks on this day will leave you despairing at your ability to ever reach the finish line. For mountain biking fans it is a day which will almost certainly inspire drama. Come watch the action unfold at Muratie and Morgenhof.

This stage is the culmination of all the investments that the Absa Cape Epic and of course the sponsors have made into mountain biking. Past and present. Also, this is the first time that a full stage has been hosted by one landowner. The spectator value makes it special, and riders will need the support with over 2000m of climbing in 80km!