There is one month to go to until the Absa Cape Epic in October kicks off, 36 months since the 2019 Absa Cape Epic concluded. There will be 300 teams racing the 2021 event and the organisers have remained committed to doing everything possible to ensure the 2021 Absa Cape Epic takes places safely and successfully from 17-24 October. There aim is that riders, both local and international, are offered the very best mountain bike experience.
Look back: How Covid-19 might impact the Cape Epic
The event team have had to make several necessary changes to ensure compliance with government regulations, including the additional guidelines outlined by CyclingSA and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture for the safe return of sanctioned mass participation cycling events.
The biggest difference is that the Cape Epic will not have spectators and access to race villages, water points and other official areas will be strictly controlled. All participants and event staff must present a negative Covid-19 test before the start of the race and submit to a further antigen test during the event as an added screening measure.
Vaccination isn’t a prerequisite to participate in the Absa Cape Epic, but the event crew do encourage all participants to be vaccinated. Further Covid-19 mitigation plans are in place and will be enforced.
Said Karen Clements, Absa Cape Epic Race Director: “The past 20 months have been incredibly challenging for so many, including the events industry, small businesses and communities that benefit from the vast economic activity generated by events each year. We are truly grateful for the collaboration with, Cycling South Africa, our independent Medical Advisory Group and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture as well as our colleagues at Cape Town Cycle Tour, Ride Joburg and Cape Town Marathon to develop and pave the way for the safe return of more mass participation events in South Africa.”
Bike Check: Nino Schurter’s Scott Spark for the Cape Epic
The Cape Epic has lead the way for live event coverage for endurance mountain bike events, and fans and supporters can expect a full daily Live Broadcast that will be available on the Absa Cape Epic Facebook page and YouTube channel, as well as on SuperSport. There will be daily highlight shows and blow by blow action on social media throughout the eight days of the event.
This is a great step to see the world’s most prominent mountain bike race going again, and we hope it’s a warm up to a full-strength 2022.