The Cape Epic rides over 692 kilometers and almost 16,000 vertical meters from Montagu to Stellenbosch and is considered the most prestigious stage race in mountain biking. This will be Alessandra Keller's first time taking part, but the race is nevertheless a key fixture in her 2026 season planning. It is one of her earliest sporting highlights of the year.

Despite her lack of Cape Epic experience, the Swiss rider is heading to the start with a clear objective: "I'm really looking forward to the Cape Epic. I've been following this race for many years, but the dates have never worked out for me so far. This year the time has finally come. It's one of the three big highlights of the season for me and a race that I consciously devote a lot of attention to."

Keller attaches great importance to the race and focuses a significant part of her preparation for the season on it. In Candice Lill, she has an athlete at her side who knows the race inside out: in eight participations, Lill has finished second on the podium five times.

Experience meets world class

The collaboration between the two riders is not least due to the shared material: Candice Lill will also be riding Thömus bikes in her own team structure from the 2026 season. The combination of Keller's international class in the World Cup disciplines and Lill's extensive Cape Epic experience promises a duo that combines sporting ambition with tactical maturity.

Targeted preparation and mutual exchange

Keller is currently preparing for the season in South Africa and is taking the opportunity to get to know her future team partner better outside of competition: "I know Candice from the World Cup. Now that I'm in South Africa to prepare, we can exchange ideas more intensively. With her experience as a regular podium rider at the Cape Epic, she can give me valuable input for this special race."

Candice Lill is also looking forward to the collaboration with great motivation: "After eight participations and five second places, winning the Cape Epic is right at the top of my list. I am convinced that Alessandra and I have the best prerequisites together. At the same time, we know how demanding this week is."

With a clear focus on the adventure

With Alessandra Keller's first-time participation and Candice Lill's experience, one of the most promising duos is forming for the Cape Epic 2026. The ambitions are clearly formulated, the respect for the challenge is great - and the preparation is accordingly targeted.