Opportunities await as the 2024 Absa Cape Epic begins its journey into the untamed on the manicured trails of Lourensford Wine Estate. The Prologue time trial pits teams against the clock on the steep climbs through vineyards and orchards, as well as on the superb singletracks along slopes where plantations are being repopulated by pristine fynbos. Short, sharp and punchy the opening day will provide seedings for Stage 1’s start batches; so, teams are advised to push hard on the climbs and enjoy the flow trails. Do not overdo it though, flow can prove technical at high speeds. An untimely crash could shatter epic dreams before they truly begin. Opportunity is a double-edged sword, in life and mountain biking. Seize it with both hands.

ADVICE FOR THE TEAMS:

Pre-ride the Prologue course on Registration day, Saturday 16 March, and familiarise yourself with the route. The old adage that the race cannot be won on the Prologue holds true for the Lourensford course, but though it is not unduly technical and while it lacks the stand-out dangerous features, like Plum Pudding on the old Table Mountain Prologue route, it can still trip you up. Unless you are racing for a jersey, rather exercise caution on the opening day..

Don’t think you’ve done it all in Hermanus. We made the stage a little shorter but that’s so we could add more of the good stuff in the Hemel en Aarde valley – some superb singletrack awaits the riders. Some familiar, some fresh. They’re linked with some ‘Absa Cape Epic-specific’ trails that are unrideable outside of the event. Take note… steep climbs and long, technical descents.