South Africa’s Western Cape province is to mountain biking what Hawaii is to surfing. It is the host of many magnificent events, among them the Absa Cape Epic. Since 2004 the Untamed African Mountain Bike Race has brought tens of thousands of visitors to our beautiful region to race their bikes and to experience the hospitality of cities like Cape Town and towns such as Hermanus, Ceres, and Greyton.

2024 marks a significant milestone in the event’s history: the twentieth edition. Staging twenty mountain bike races, at the scale of the Absa Cape Epic, is a serious achievement. It is one which the Absa Cape Epic team should be exceptionally proud of. Kevin Vermaak’s vision for the race was clear, from that first edition two decades ago, and the way in which he and his teams have worked to make that vision a reality – creating the world’s best mountain bike stage race – is remarkable.

Through its highly acclaimed status, the Absa Cape Epic not only brings cyclists from around the world to the Western Cape, but also takes the Western Cape to the world.

The route is particularly demanding this year and is sure to produce an exhilarating race. For fans of the sport, like myself, watching the world’s best mountain bikers taking on our local trails is truly thrilling. I hope that you will be making the time to watch the action unfold, via the live broadcasts or by spectating along the route.

For those riders, who are taking part to tick the race from their bucket lists: good luck! You will face stern tests. Heat, dust, arduous ascents, and limit-testing descents all lie between you and a finisher medal. That said, I know the hard work you are putting in now to prepare for the challenges ahead. I hope that your preparation pays off and that you exceed your goals.

But do not forget to take in the scenery of the Western Cape while you are here. Soak it all in and bookmark places to return to outside of the bike race.

Enjoy the Absa Cape Epic and your visit to the Western Cape.