WLT Welcomes the ’25 Absa Cape Epic

The legendary ABSA Cape Epic returns from 16 to 23 March 2025, promising eight exhilarating days of intense competition, unforgettable scenery, and thrilling mountain bike action. This iconic race, renowned as the “Untamed African Mountain Bike Race,” introduces over 300 kilometres of previously unridden trails and an innovative time trial format.

Here’s your essential guide to the 2025 race stages:

🏁 Prologue – Meerendal Magic

• Sunday, 16 March
• 📍 Meerendal Wine Estate
• Distance: 26 km | Elevation: 750 m
  A punchy start to set the tone, featuring challenging climbs and sweeping vineyard trails.

🌄 Stage 1 – Durbanville Circuit

• Monday, 17 March
• 📍 Meerendal Wine Estate
• Distance: 92 km | Elevation: 2750 m
  A demanding loop through Durbanville’s rugged trails, testing both stamina and technical skills.

🚴‍♂️ Stage 2 – Destination Paarl

• Tuesday, 18 March
• 📍 Meerendal to Fairview, Paarl
• Distance: 66 km | Elevation: 950 m
  A swift yet strategic transition to the heart of the Winelands.

🌿 Stage 3 – Granite Challenge

• Wednesday, 19 March
• 📍 Fairview, Paarl (circuit)
• Distance: 90 km | Elevation: 2600 m
  Riders will battle Paarl’s granite trails in an intense, physically demanding stage.

⛰️ Stage 4 – Vineyard Valleys

• Thursday, 20 March
• 📍 Fairview, Paarl
• Distance: 80 km | Elevation: 1950 m
  Testing endurance through challenging terrain, this stage continues to push riders’ limits.

👑 Stage 5 – Queen Stage: Paarl to Lourensford

• Friday, 21 March
• 📍 Fairview to Lourensford Wine Estate
• Distance: 103 km | Elevation: 3050 m
  The most demanding day of the Epic, taking riders from Paarl into the mountains surrounding Somerset West.

🌳 Stage 6 – Lourensford’s Trails

• Saturday, 22 March
• 📍 Lourensford Wine Estate
• Distance: 87 km | Elevation: 2550 m
  The ultimate test of stamina as riders tackle rugged mountain terrain and beautiful scenery.

🎉 Stage 7 – Grand Finale

• Sunday, 23 March
• 📍 Lourensford Wine Estate
• Distance: 64 km | Elevation: 2100 m
  An intense final day promising an emotional finish amid cheering crowds and spectacular trails.

Wine Lands Trails is proud to be part of the incredible journey of the ABSA Cape Epic 2025. Whether you’re racing, supporting, or simply spectating, join us in celebrating mountain biking at its best!

For full route details, visit the official ABSA Cape Epic 2025 Route Page.

See you trailside! 🍇🚴‍♀️