The ABSA Cape Epic 2010

The Absa Cape Epic presented by adidas takes place 20 to 27 March 2010 through approximately 800 kilometres of the unspoilt nature of the Western Cape and up approximately 16 000m of climbing over some of the most magnificent passes in South Africa. The race is held over 8 days and includes a time-trial prologue. The route changes every year.

Ride in Teams of Two

All riders must enter as a two-rider team. Teams register in one of four different categories that include Men, Ladies, Mixed and Masters (both riders must be 40 years or older). The minimum age of participation is 18. The riders in a team must remain together at all times during the race and are expected to reach the finish line by 17h00 daily. At each stage, the winners of the day receive prizes and the leaders in the overall classification are awarded their leader jerseys.

Focus on Rider Satisfaction

The Absa Cape Epic is organised and presented with all participating athletes at the focal point. The athletes' satisfaction, well-being and enjoyment of the race are the organisers' primary goals. We aim to deliver an unsurpassed and unforgettable mountain bike and African travel-experience. Therefore, we offer 24-hour full service facilities during the race, including tented accommodation in race villages, carbo-loaded breakfasts and dinners, race nutrition, bike servicing, masseurs, and stage location specific entertainment every evening.

Full Service Race

The Absa Cape Epic is the largest full-service mountain bike stage race in the world. Race nutrition, water, and isotonic carbohydrate drinks are available at the feed zones to revive tired riders during the race. At night, all riders and race crew sleep in the tented race villages that are set up prior to arrival and taken down immediately after the start each morning by the race crew.

New Route Every Year

The route of the Absa Cape Epic changes every year and riders will see wide open African plains, majestic mountains, deep ravines, indigenous forests, spectacular coastlines and flourishing vineyards. The route is characterised by dusty and demanding gravel paths, strenuous rocky uphills, thrilling technical downhills, magnificent river crossings and stunning forested single tracks.

Companion Programmes

You can also experience the Absa Cape Epic without actually racing it. You can join the Volunteer Programme or the companion programme Epic Trippers. The companion programme is designed for those who love the idea of mountain biking through the Western Cape but who don't want to race 800 kilometres; whose partners are riding the Absa Cape Epic and who would like to share the experience without actually cycling the whole way; who prefer staying in a hotel and enjoying a few picnic lunch-stops along the route.

2010 Rider Info

Race Registration

SATURDAY 20 MARCH 2010: 08:00-15:00
Race registration takes place at the V&A Waterfront, South Africa's most visited tourist attraction. The start of stage 1 will be outside the city boundaries, within an hours drive from town.

Riders must report to registration as a team and each rider must present some form of photo ID. All teams must have registered by 15:00 on Saturday. No late registrations will be accepted. Teams that have not registered by this time will lose their entry and they will not be permitted to start the race. No refunds will be given.

Race Briefing

SATURDAY 20 MARCH 2009: 16:30-17:30
Race briefing takes place at the V&A Waterfront.

Bike Park

SATURDAY 20 MARCH 2010: 08:00-20:00
A bike park is available at the V&A Waterfront and we encourage you to come to registration on your bikes! There is NO overnight bike park and all bikes must be collected by 20:00 on Saturday. Bikes left in the bike park will NOT be transported to the start of stage 1.

Coach Transfers to Start of Stage 1

SUNDAY 21 MARCH 2010: 06:30
The coach transfer to the start of stage 1 is included in the traveller's package and departs from the official race hotel. All bikes must be checked in the previous night.
Coach transfers cannot be booked separately.

Luggage

LOURENSFORD BAG CHECK-IN
SATURDAY 20 MARCH 2010: 08:00 – 20:00
Any bags that you wish us to transport straight to the finish venue at Lourensford (e.g. your bike bag/box) have to be checked in on Saturday at the V&A Waterfront. You will have no access to these bags until the finish on the following Sunday (even if you drop out of the race at an earlier stage). There are no restrictions on the size or the the number of bags you check-in to the Lourensford truck. There will be no Lourensford Bag check-in on Sunday at the start of stage 1.

RIDER BAG CHECK-IN
SUNDAY 21 MARCH 2010: 07:30 - 08:30
At registration you will receive a personalised Absa Cape Epic rider bag. This is the only item we transport for you between stages, starting with stage 1. Your Absa Cape Epic rider bag must be handed in prior to race start at the start line, and can be collected in the next race village. DO NOT pack any breakable items in this bag. To ensure the safety of your belongings we advise that you lock your bag.

The Route

The route for the 2010 Absa Cape Epic route will be revealed on 28 October 2009 at the annual Route Launch. Information on the new route will be released after this date.