Cycling: The Absa Cape Epic can take place in 2021. Good news, although there are still some restrictions due to the Corona pandemic. Nevertheless, we look at what is perhaps the most spectacular event in mountain biking.
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Cape Epic 2021: No normality thanks to Corona
After the Absa Cape Epic had to be canceled last year due to the corona pandemic, it can be held in 2021. Taking place in March and April, the "Tour de France of mountain biking" but now decide in October who can ultimately prevail in the five categories. As usual, the drivers compete in pairs in one of the five categories (Men, Ladies, Mixed, Masters or Grand Masters). In order to avoid a one-hour time penalty, the two drivers in a team may be no more than two minutes apart. So far, so well known. Because of the corona pandemic, however, participants are not allowed to stay overnight in caravans right at the start. This time the teams will be accommodated in hotels, which involves a considerable amount of additional work. Spectators are not allowed. There will also be cooler weather conditions and the trails will be muddy rather than dusty.
Record winner Karl Platt is also there
Karl Platt is the one who has endured the rigors of the Absa Cape Epic in the past. The German is a record winner together with the Swiss Christoph Sauser thanks to his five successes. Also this year he will start for the BULLS team. Alban Lakata drives alongside him. Urs Huber / Simon Schneller and Martin Frey / Simon Stiebjahn will also pedal for BULLS. Bora – hansgrohe will also be taking part in the Cape Epic for the first time. Lennard Kämna and Ben Zwiehoff are entering completely new territory for the German racing team. The Cape Epic is nothing new for two South Africans who are among the favorites but are not competing together. Alan Hatherly competes with Denmark's Simon Andreassen. Matthew Beers drives alongside Frenchman Jordan Sarrou.
All stages of the Cape Epic 2021
The Absa Cape Epic has never been easy. This year everything is a little more difficult to assess due to the corona pandemic. So it's only going to South Africa in October, which is very unusual for the participants. A total of 619 kilometers must be completed in 8 days. There are 15.250 vertical meters in the way.
Prologue: University of Cape Town
Date: Sunday 17 October
Distance: 20,0 kilometers (600 m ascent)
Stage #1: Ceres
Date: Monday 18 October
Distance: 98,0 kilometers (1.800 m ascent)
Stage #2: Ceres - Saronsberg
Date: Tuesday 19 October
Distance: 94,0 kilometers (2.050 m ascent)
Stage #3: Saronsberg
Date: Wednesday 20 October
Distance: 88,0 kilometers (2.100 m ascent)
Stage #4: Saronsberg – Slanghoek
Date: Thursday 21 October
Distance: 73,0 kilometers (1.650 m ascent)
Stage #5: CPUT
Date: Friday 22 October
Distance: 85,0 kilometers (2.900 m ascent)
Stage #6: CPUT
Date: Saturday 23 October
Distance: 95,0 kilometers (2.300 m ascent)
Stage #7: CPUT – Val de Vie
Date: Sunday 24 October
Distance: 66,0 kilometers (1.850 m ascent)
Website: www.cape-epic.com