The route

Prologue, Meerendal Wine Estate 26 kilometers, 750 vertical meters

The prologue includes spectacular views of some world-famous landmarks, such as across Table Bay to Table Mountain or Robben Island, nestled in the glittering sea in the foreground. But riders won't have much opportunity to enjoy the view: The best vantage point is followed by a lung-busting climb, Meerendal's infamous Stairway to Heaven, up to Dorstberg. All the hard work is done on the first section of the prologue. This is followed by a steady up and down on Hoogekraal's popular trails before riders ride over the steep vineyards, pastures and some singletrack back to Meerendal.

Stage 1, Hermanus - Hermanus 101 kilometers, 2300 vertical meters

The opening stage of the 2017 Absa Cape Epic gives riders a taste of what the beautiful seaside town and its surroundings have to offer. Soon after the start, the riders ride up and along the ridge before diving down into the Hemel-en-Aarde valley. Then it's the Nine-One-One climb and then a steady up and down along the valley's stunning vineyards. Once riders reach Tesselaarsdal, they are faced with the rough climb and descent known as Haarkappers Roete. The route is named after the barber who regularly crossed the Klein River Mountains to cut hair in Stanford in the 1950s. At the foot of the difficult descent, the route takes a fun ride back to Hermanus.

Stage 2, Hermanus - Greyton 102 kilometers, 2350 vertical meters

The second stage takes the riders north to the new Race Village in Quaint Greyton, with some steep climbs along the way. The biggest challenge of the day is Shaw's Pass: although only four kilometers long, it rises by over 220 meters over this short distance. One section even has a gradient of over 20 percent. Later on, the participants are tested again by tough climbs, whether on both sides of Caledon Kloof or in the mountains that tower above Greyton. Despite the tough climbs, riders are rewarded with beautiful singletrack in between. Finally, the last ridge of the day is crossed and then ridden down to the Race Village in Elandskloof.

Stage 3, Greyton - Greyton 78 kilometers, 1650 vertical meters

After two rough days, the slightly shorter and easier third stage offers a welcome change with some of Greyton's mountain bike delights. After riding through a country meander, the riders can look forward to the "Mad Dog Bite", "Zig Zag" and "UFO" climbs near Bereaville and Genadendal. But what goes up must come down, and so exciting descents await. But beware - the trails are rough and there are lots of sharp rocks along the way.

Stage 4, Greyton - Elgin 112 kilometers, 2150 vertical meters

The transition between two of the Western Cape's most sought-after destinations sends riders over singletrack and plenty of ups and downs. From the moment the riders leave Greyton, the route resembles corrugated iron until the main climb - dubbed 'Pumping Legs'. This has its name for good reason, as the road seems to ride upwards into the sky. Later, the Klipheuwel-Dassiefontein wind energy plant near Caledon is passed through, where there are 100-metre-high wind turbines with 58-metre rotor blades to admire. On the way to the finish area in Oak Valley, the Epic riders still have to ride up the old Houw Hoek Pass.

Stage 5, Elgin - Elgin Distance 84 kilometers, 2100 vertical meters

There is always a fun day at the Absa Cape Epic, provided there is no bad weather. After the start phase, there are a few climbs to tackle first, including the legendary Nuweberg from the east side. A few more climbs and tricky descents nestle in the course along the hills above Grabouw - the riders think they are in singletrail heaven. Participants ride most of the A-to-Z trail network above the Elgin-Grabouw Country Club and around the Eikenhof Dam. Then they enjoy the famous trails of the Paul Cluver Estate and Oak Valley before riding back to the Race Village.

Stage 6, Elgin - Elgin 103 kilometers, 2750 vertical meters

If you ask the Cape Epic veterans about the toughest climb of the race, the answer is unanimously "Groenlandberg". On the 2017 route, the rough ascent over nine kilometers and 600 vertical meters on stony, sandy ground will therefore be part of the race again. Its average gradient is seven percent. However, the athletes will face two sections with over 20 percent - just 20 kilometers after the start of the queen stage. This is followed by an even rockier trail along the ridge of the Groenlandberg, another tough climb and the odd bump before passing under the N2. The route now leads through the Kogelberg Nature Reserve - one of 400 unique biosphere reserves in the world - and through private farmland before riding back to the finish via Lebanon's flowy singletrack.

Stage 7, Elgin - Val de Vie 85 kilometers, 1350 vertical meters

This is the first time that the Absa Cape Epic finishes in Val de Vie. After the participants leave Oak Valley, the finish is only 85 kilometers away and there are still the last meters of altitude to climb. It is advisable to keep some energy for the final stage, as the climb up to the Franschhoek Pass comes after around 40 kilometers. The seven-kilometre climb includes almost 400 meters of elevation gain and is therefore the last main climb of the 14th Cape Epic edition. After the final feat of strength, the route winds its way along the trails around Franschhoek and finally reaches the long-awaited finish line, where participants can have their finisher's shirts put on.

www.cape-epic.com