The course of the Cape Epic is one of life's ever-changing constants. In the 18-year history of the race, no two editions are the same. However, there are sections, routes and destinations that justify a repeat visit. For the 2022 edition, the three host cities have recommended themselves for the world's most important stage race. This also applies to the finish of the grand finale in Val de Vie. Three of the four stage locations have a long history in the South African mountain bike scene in general and the Absa Cape Epic in particular. Val de Vie, the fourth venue, is working towards its own legacy - a legend in the making, so to speak.

In 2022, the race returns to Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West for the first time since 2014. However, the eight years have been put to good use and the course builders have been busy. Teams are in for a treat of epic proportions in the prologue, while the first stage will be a test of fitness and skill, living up to the historical precedent of the race's grueling first marathon stages.From the Lourensford vineyard, the route rides east on stage two. It crosses the Hottentots Holland Mountains and reaches the Overberg. Elandskloof, near Greyton, is the destination for three nights after a 118-kilometer ride into the hinterland. Rugged, unpaved paths await the participants on stages three and four. As well as what the African summer brings with it: Heat and dust. Stage five leads back to the west, with three of the Cape Epic's most notorious climbs to conquer. Once you arrive in Stellenbosch, the trails reward you for every meter of altitude gained. Two action-packed stages with breathtaking trails lie ahead as the race moves towards the grand finale and the final finish line in Val de Vie.

"I believe that the 2022 Absa Cape Epic route offers a good balance," promises route director Hendrico Burger. "Between the memorable singletrack climbs, which vary from immaculately groomed to incredibly rough, the stages offer trails, descents and views that ensure the Absa Cape Epic will live long in the memory. For the elite teams, there will be opportunities to overtake, attack and defend, while the less competitive competitors will leave knowing they have worked hard to earn their finisher's medal."

Lourensford Wine Estate, Greyton and Stellenbosch are synonymous with mountain biking in South Africa, Burger reveals. "Lourensford owes its fame in no small part to the role it has played as host to the final stage of the race for eight editions. Greyton, on the other hand, hosted some of the first proto-stage races in South Africa. Back then, however, the long mountain bike weekends tended to feature multiple disciplines rather than multiple stages. Stellenbosch needs no introduction as a cycling destination, as the town is surrounded by historic routes. In 2022, for example, the Absa Cape Epic will return to the old downhill World Cup course at Botmaskop. Fortunately, the 25-year-old track has recently undergone a major overhaul, so you don't have to be John Tomac to ride it fast."

Brief overview of the track

Prologue, March 20, 2022

• "A New Beginning" 2.5 stars
• Lourensford Wine Estate
• 24 km
• 1,050 hm

Stage 1, March 21, 2022

• "The View from the Throne" 5 stars
• Lourensford Wine Estate to Lourensford Wine Estate
• 92 km
• 2,850 m altitude

Stage 2, March 22, 2022

• "An Untamed Odyssey" 4.5 stars
• Lourensford Wine Estate to Elandskloof, Greyton
• 118 km
• 2,350 hm

Stage 3, March 23, 2022

• "A Trail of Two Halves" 4 stars
• Elandskloof, Greyton to Elandskloof, Greyton
• 96 km
• 2,250 hm

Stage 4, March 24, 2022

• "Vale of Grace" 3 stars
• Elandskloof, Greyton to Elandskloof, Greyton
• 74 km
• 1,650 m altitude

Stage 5, March 25, 2022

• "Three Sisters" 4 stars
• Elandskloof, Greyton to Stellenbosch
• 109 km
• 2,400 m altitude

Stage 6, March 26, 2022

• "By Hoek or by Crook" 4 stars
• Stellenbosch to Stellenbosch
• 76 km
• 2,700 hm

Stage 7, March 27, 2022

• "The Trail to Val de Vie" 3 stars
• Stellenbosch to Val de Vie
• 68 km
• 2,000 m altitude

cape-epic.com