There are numerous viewing points where MTB fans can get up close and personal with the riders this year – and sample a wine or a coffee while they’re at it.

CAPE TOWN, 16 March 2023 – The 2023 edition of the Absa Cape Epic, taking place from 19-26 March, promises to be a mouthwatering affair as the world’s best riders battle it out for the honour of being crowned winners of the world’s most famous mountain bike stage race.

Those living in or visiting the Western Cape for the 19-26 March race will be able to follow the action from various race villages and spectator points. These include:

PROLOGUE – 19 March

Meerendal Wine Estate

Fans are encouraged to visit the Prologue race village to cheer on teams. There will be food and drinks on offer as well as various activations from the Absa Cape Epic sponsor family.
Google pin: https://goo.gl/maps/CgK724YT5XyTjoNk7

STAGE 1 – 20 March
Spectator Point A: Hasher Family Wines

Hasher Family Wines provides breath-taking views of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley as the teams race through the estate’s grounds. Wine tasting can be booked ahead of time.
Google pin: https://goo.gl/maps/3tLXb8xVJwmw3j6x7

Spectator Point B: Creation Wines
Creation Wines offers wine tasting and/or coffee.
Google pin: https://goo.gl/maps/uPZGdQjiXDxHSxZRA

Spectator Point C: The One
The ONE offers opportunities to cheer on teams as they approach the halfway mark of Stage 1.
Google pin: https://goo.gl/maps/ULawUeHbTDKtxkFs9

Spectator Point D: Spookfontein
Wine tasting and lunch can be enjoyed at the Spookfontein restaurant.
Google pin: https://goo.gl/maps/vsrwcYANZu12mc4F7

STAGE 2 – 21 March
Spectator Point A: Stanford Market Square
Stanford Market Square is another opportunity to catch a glimpse of teams as they refuel at the USN Hydro station.
Google pin: https://goo.gl/maps/TDMLVcAzA5LTByD69

Spectator Point B: Beloftebos
The farm hosts a full water point and spectator point 3. Spectators can access MTB trails and book self-catering cottages.
Google pin: https://goo.gl/maps/rngDHxqak5kEprYt9

Spectator Point C: Stanford Valley Country Lodge
The lodge boasts sweeping mountain views and fans will love the restaurant.
Google pin: https://goo.gl/maps/dNnsA2L66jqMGLAj9

Spectator Point D: Sir Robert Stanford
Sir Robert Stanford Winery is where teams will refuel to tackle the last of the day’s demands. Restaurant available for lunch and coffee.
Google pin: https://goo.gl/maps/ajpYeKH58Gg9jZ437

STAGE 3 – 22 March
Spectator Point A: Wildekrans
Fans will have a good opportunity to catch a glimpse of the teams as they ride from Hermanus to the new race village in Oak Valley Estate. Wine tasting at Wilde Krans Wine Estate or book a picnic ahead of time at the Tasting Room.
Google pin: https://goo.gl/maps/6HauXDKbK3dfA6FE7

Spectator Point B: Houw Hoek
Voted as one of the best Farm Stalls in the Cape for 2022, Houw Hoek will have a relaxed feeling where young and old can enjoy great bytes to eat, beverages and have a good view of some riders as well.
Google pin: https://goo.gl/maps/YV9cu87yxiXV7sE16

Spectator Point C: Paul Clüver Amphitheatre
The final spot to see the riders finish their first moving day. This is also the first spectator point for the next stage, which is a time trial.
Google pin: https://maps.google.com/?q=-34.166889,19.091797

STAGE 4 – 23 March
Spectator Point: Paul Clüver Amphitheatre
Cheer on the leaders and watch friends and family as they enter the second half of race week.
Google pin: https://maps.google.com/?q=-34.166889,19.091797

STAGE 5 – 24 March
Spectator Point A: Elgin Grabow Country Club
Elgin’s most popular country club is the location for the first spectator point of Stage 5. Pick up a Peregrine pie on your way.
Google pin: https://maps.google.com/?q=-34.128216,19.023155

Spectator Point B: Idiom Wines
The perfect place to watch teams race into the final demands of Stage 5, the Queen Stage. Wine tasting and restaurant with amazing views available.
Google pin: https://goo.gl/maps/uuSiqDvkK3vMwhmW7

STAGE 6 – 25 March
Spectator Point: Lourensford Wine Estate
There are several spectator points from which fans can enjoy the racing, but no private vehicles will be allowed to enter the farm roads. Guided MTB tours to water and spectator points.
Google pin: https://goo.gl/maps/EHKw52XVk1NrcBWi7

STAGE 7 – 26 March
Spectator Point A: Waterford Wine Estate
The first opportunity for fans to see the teams race towards their finisher medals during Stage 7. Wine drive safaris, wine tasting and restaurant available.
Google pin: https://goo.gl/maps/ZVbMw8ZyWqai162p6

Spectator Point B: Dornier Wines
Dornier Wines offers the last chance to watch the teams refuel at the final water point. Dornier Wines activation on site.
Google Pin: https://goo.gl/maps/ZVbMw8ZyWqai162p6

Grand Finale: Val de Vie Estate
Join in the celebrations at the final finish line from 10:30am.
Google Pin: https://goo.gl/maps/im9KRxqty9Rf3FX7A

About Absa Cape Epic:

The Absa Cape Epic is the world’s premier mountain bike stage race. The route changes every year, leading aspiring amateur and professional mountain bikers from around the world through roughly 700km of unspoilt scenery and 15 000m of accumulated climbing, over some of the most magnificent mountain passes in Western Cape in South Africa.

The race attracts professional and serious amateur riders from across the planet that participate in two-person teams. It’s a test of skill, fitness, partnership, equipment and mettle and provides a rider experience that is a benchmark for world mountain biking.

The Absa Cape Epic is a full-service race, meaning that everything is taken care of from the start – all riders need to think about is riding. It is the pinnacle event of the Epic Series which is a global portfolio of best-in-class mountain bike stage races.

About Epic Series:

The Epic Series is a global portfolio of the most exhilarating, rewarding, and spectacular 2-person team MTB stage races on the planet. Riders challenge themselves on world-famous trails, discover hidden gems and share a premium riding experience with some of the biggest names in the sport, all while surrounded by iconic landscapes.

Selected races function as qualifier events and grant access to the ultimate proving ground of man and machine: Africa, and the pinnacle event of the Epic Series, The Absa Cape Epic.

The Epic Series Races include:
The Absa Cape Epic (RSA); The SPAR Swiss Epic (SUI); The 4Islands MTB Croatia (CRO); Andorra Epic (Andorra), Port to Port and Cape to Cape (AUS); and FNB Wines2Whales (RSA).