The Absa Cape Epic mountain bike stage race will take place from March 25 to April 1, 2012. Expected to be as challenging as in previous years, both local and international mountain bike enthusiasts will take on the demanding, eight-day adventure over 781km and with 16300m of climbing from Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanvilla to Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West, South Africa.
The route, which changes significantly each year, will lead 1200 cyclists through vast distances of virgin territory, previously untouched by the race. With its challenging and exhilarating landscapes, the stage locations of Meerendal, Robertson, Caledon and Oak Valley (Elgin Valley) await the most prestigious mountain bike stage race in the world, before riders again finish at the Lourensford Wine Estate as has been tradition for the past six years.
Many of the top World Cup racers are expected to stay in South Africa after the first World Cup and participate in the Cape Epic as they continue their training for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Racers will compete in teams of two in the following categories: Men, Women, Mixed, Masters.
2011 Cape Epic | 2010 Cape Epic | Cape Epic race history | Start list
Stage 1 - Stander and Sauser win stage 1 | Robertson - Robertson2012-03-26 115km
