Get ready for an epic showdown at the Absa Cape Epic 2026! This grueling mountain bike stage race, spanning eight days and covering an astonishing 700 kilometers with a massive 16,000 meters of elevation gain, is a true test of human endurance. The Western Cape's rugged terrain will push these athletes to their limits, and with the pairs format, the pressure is on for both riders to perform consistently.
The race promises to be an exciting battle, with a mix of experienced veterans, mountain bike stars, and gravel pros taking on the challenge. Last year, it was the seasoned pros who dominated, with Annika Langvad and Sofia Gómez Villafañe claiming the women's title, and Nino Schurter and Filippo Colombo taking the men's victory. But with Schurter and Colombo absent this year, the field is wide open, and several teams are poised to challenge for the top spot.
One such team is Luca Braidot and Simone Avondetto, who finished as runners-up last year. Despite their lack of Cape Epic experience, they proved their mettle by winning three stages and finishing just seconds behind the winners. With more knowledge and experience under their belts this year, and one major rival team out of the picture, they are the favorites to claim the title in 2026.
However, Kate Courtney and Greta Seiwald are not to be underestimated. Courtney, the reigning Marathon World Champion and a former Cape Epic winner, was set to race with Melisa Rollins, but an unfortunate injury forced Rollins to withdraw. Seiwald, a strong replacement, has already proven her mettle in South Africa, winning the Tankwa Trek stage race. While the loss of Rollins may have been a setback, Courtney and Seiwald still have the strength and experience to fight for the win.
Matt Beers and Tristan Nortje, three-time winners, have had their fair share of challenges leading up to the race. Beers' intended partner, Keegan Swenson, suffered a fractured pelvis, but Nortje stepped up to the plate, bringing his experience and form to the team. Nortje's recent performances, including a win at the Tankwa Trek and a second-place finish at the Big 5 MTB Challenge, make him a formidable addition to the team.
In the women's race, Rosa van Doorn and Vera Looser are the ones to watch. With Looser's impressive track record, having never finished outside the top six in five Epics, and van Doorn's win in the Marathon World Cup series last year, they form a formidable duo. Their combined strength and experience make them a superteam, and they are certainly a force to be reckoned with.
Then there's the intriguing partnership of Luca Schwarzbauer and Sam Gaze, two short-track specialists taking on the longer-distance challenge. While Schwarzbauer has limited long-distance MTB experience, Gaze brings a wealth of knowledge, having started once before and winning three MTB world titles. Their explosive short-track efforts could translate well into the longer format, and they are certainly contenders for at least a stage win.
The Thömus Maxon Sabi Sabi duo of Candice Lill and Alessandra Keller is another fascinating combination. Lill, a South African veteran with nine Cape Epic participations and five podium finishes, teams up with Keller, a World Cup star making her Epic debut. Lill's experience and Keller's talent make them a formidable pair, and they are aiming for the podium, with stage wins and the overall title within their sights.
Marco Joubert and Travis Stedman, a new pairing, should not be overlooked. Stedman, a strong substitute for Nortje, has shown impressive form this season, winning stages and finishing third overall at the Tankwa Trek. Joubert, a national gravel champion, brings his own strengths to the team, and together, they could be a dark horse in the race.
Hayley Preen and Haley Smith, both experienced players, have formed a new partnership. Preen, the African road and gravel champion, has made the overall podium in previous years, and Smith, a Canadian rider, finished seventh overall last year. Their familiarity and comfort across disciplines make them a solid team, and they are heading into the race with strong form.
Other riders to keep an eye on include the experienced Andreas Seewald and Jakob Hartmann from the Singer KTM Racing team, David Valero and Marc Stutzmann from Klimatiza Orbea, Monica Calderon and Tessa Kortekaas from Massi ISB Sport, and Wout Alleman and Martin Stošek from Buff BH. Each team brings a unique dynamic and a wealth of experience to the race.
The Absa Cape Epic 2026 is shaping up to be an incredible battle, with a diverse field of riders, each bringing their own strengths and stories. From the favorites to the dark horses, every team will need to navigate the challenges of mechanicals, illness, and crashes to emerge victorious. It's an unpredictable race, and that's what makes it so captivating. Personally, I can't wait to see how these athletes perform and who will ultimately claim the title. It's going to be an epic ride!
