For a rider living in Canada and originally from Spain, preparing for the Cape Epic 2026 meant committing to months of focused training through a Canadian winter before taking on one of mountain biking’s toughest stage races. With limited opportunities to ride in race-like conditions before the event, the focus was on building fitness, trusting the process, and arriving prepared for the challenge ahead. After completing the Cape Epic, we caught up to hear about the preparatio

One rider, one ambitious challenge, a broken hand—and a determination to come back better prepared. Some riders enter the Cape Epic chasing a result. Others simply want to prove something to themselves. For this rider, it all started with someone saying it couldn't be done. What followed was a journey of determination, setbacks, resilience, and unfinished business. - "Someone told me it was impossible for me to be ready for the Epic... and I saw that as a challenge." - 1. Wha

Damon and Xander, racing as Team Double Dutch, are no strangers to endurance sport. From triathlons and marathon running to beach racing, they've spent years pushing their physical and mental limits. But 4Islands Epic presented a completely different challenge—their first multi-day mountain bike stage race together and an important stepping stone towards Cape Epic 2027. They arrived with one clear objective: gain valuable stage-racing experience and learn how to race as a tea

Most riders will tell you the Absa Cape Epic is one of the hardest things they've ever done. Like many on the start line, this rider isn't a professional athlete. He's a husband, father, Kiwi, and balances a demanding full-time career alongside his training. Yet he signed up for exactly that reason: "Doing a challenge few have done." What followed wasn't a smooth journey to the finish. A two-hour mechanical on Stage 1 contributed to dehydration and a medical withdrawal on Sta

Gravel Burn is more than a race — it’s an emotional, physical, and mental adventure like no other. From brutal climbs in the heat to struggling with sickness and logistics, every day tests riders in unexpected ways. In this Q&A, one rider shares their raw, unfiltered experience, from nearly quitting to sobbing with joy on the podium, and the lessons they learned along the way. “I nearly stopped — the heat, sickness, and fatigue were breaking me — but I just kept riding.” From

“The Epic was a wonderful experience. I finished on my birthday, shared it with my brother-in-law, and helped turn an invisible battle into a visible journey.” From the heat of Paarl to the elation of crossing the finish line on his birthday, Jann’s first ABSA Cape Epic was more than a race. .. it was a journey of resilience, purpose, and unforgettable memories. Riding in honour of his late wife and supporting the Landi Prinsloo Foundation to raise mental health awareness, h

“Crossing the finish line, fist-bumping Dad—nothing beats that.” For Luke, taking on the ABSA Cape Epic wasn’t just about crossing the line—it was about transformation. From dropping over 10 kg, sticking to a tough training plan, to sharing the entire experience with his dad, Luke approached the world’s toughest MTB stage race with grit, humility, and purpose. This is Luke’s story—in his own words. About the Rider Luke isn’t just a rider; he and his dad, Tony, are the owners

“Finishing a Cape Epic with my son was special — it will always be at the top of my finishers list.” For many riders, the ABSA Cape Epic is the ultimate test of endurance, preparation, and partnership. For this rider, it became something even more meaningful — a chance to take on a monumental challenge alongside his son. In this Q&A, he reflects on what it took to finish one of the toughest stage races in the world, the lessons learned along the way, and what made this experi

"You can’t do it alone” Finishing the Cape Epic is no small feat; it demands months of preparation, commitment, and grit. For this experienced mountain biker, cyclocross and gravel racer, it was his first attempt at tackling the Cape Epic. Guided by the RIDEANDRACE coaching program, he followed a structured training plan, prepared smart, communicated well and showed up with a whole lot of heart. In this Q&A, he shares the highs, lows, and lessons from the race – in his own wo