Every climb is a test, every descent a reward. This is where legends are born and boundaries are broken. Unpredictable, unwritten, untamed - that is the route of the Absa Cape Epic 2026.

In the Book of Legends

The Book of Legends bears the names of those who have proven their strength. In the 2026 edition, the places in it are earned step by step, day by day. From the dusty start on the single trails of the Meerendal Wine Estate, across the endless expanses of Montagu, through the rugged trails of Greyton and down into the heart of Stellenbosch, teams of two battle side by side - until they are greeted with thunderous applause in the shadow of the Stellenbosch Mountains.

The 2026 route confronts the teams with 692 kilometers of track and 15,900 meters of elevation gain. This challenge is not for the faint-hearted. It demands everything - from the teams chasing the ciovita to those being chased by the so-called hyenas. Only those who master these stages can call themselves Absa Cape Epic finishers.

Stage overview

Prologue - "Familiar Ground"

• Location: Meerendal Wine Estate, Durbanville
• Distance: 20 kilometers
• Elevation gain: 650 meters
• Rating: Two stars and a half
• Date: 15. March 2026

The biggest hurdle of the prologue is usually not the course, but the nervousness. In Meerendal, however, the pace will pick up quickly after a calm start sets the rhythm. The climb up the Stairway to Heaven leads to the merciless ramps of the Dorstberg, where fans and supporters line the paths and their cheers echo across the fields.

It's easy to get carried away on this first day. But no team has ever won the Cape Epic on the prologue. If you ride smart, these twenty kilometers will lay the foundation for the necessary momentum - for a race that will go down in history.

Stage 1 - "Reignition of Tradition"

• Location: Montagu
• Distance: 90 kilometers
• Elevation gain: 2,150 meters
• Rating: Four stars and a half
• Date: March 16, 2026

Almost two decades have passed since the Cape Epic last led to the dry plains of Montagu. Inhospitable but beautiful - Montagu revives old traditions and evokes memories of past triumphs.

Stage 1 is a rollercoaster ride through the Klein Karoo, with constant ups and downs. The main contenders will mostly stick together until the infamous descent of Dead Man's Descent, before the brave break away from the field. After that, more challenging climbs and descents await, which will sap your strength under the burning African sun.

Those who start in Montagu without form will reach their limits early on - and face a long, tough week.

Stage 2 - "Out of Sight, Out of Mind"

• Location: Montagu
• Distance: 102 kilometers
• Elevation gain: 2,250 meters
• Rating: Four stars
• Date: March 17, 2026

Stage 2 is merciless and builds on the toughness of the previous day. The first climb begins immediately - cold legs will ache all the way to the summit of the Ouberg Pass. At the top, an endless ridge opens up as far as the eye can see. If you lose the bike in front of you, you risk losing sight and mind of the top.

The descent of the Slagkloof is technically challenging, but rides to the welcome oasis of the African Game Lodge. However, the Karoo remains unpredictable and those who enjoy the view for too long could lose the race.

The last third of the stage offers little respite, especially when the sun and wind are merciless. Patience, endurance and willpower are crucial here.

Stage 3 - "A Friend Indeed"

• Location: Montagu to Greyton
• Distance: 134 kilometers
• Altitude: 1,750 meters
• Rating: Four stars and a half
• Date: 18. March 2026

Stage 3 is a tribute to times gone by - a long ride over open roads that makes the hearts of Amabubesi members beat faster. The start is fast, the entourage bids farewell to Montagu and rolls through the legendary Cogmanskloof Pass. Partnerships are key here - between teammates and between teams that together embody the spirit of this race.

In Bonnievale, the riders are welcomed after crossing the Breërivier before the Drecaso climb tests their strength once again. Concentration and determination are required, as more than half of the day still lies ahead of them.

The roads open up to breathtaking views over vineyards and orchards with the Langeberg mountains in the background. A short passage through Riviersonderend is a reminder of how long this day really is before the road finally rides to Greyton.

Stage 4 - "A Country Favourite"

• Location: Greyton
• Distance: 84 kilometres
• Altitude: 1,950 metres
• Rating: Three stars and a half
• Date: 19. March 2026

Shorter, but by no means easier: The trails around Greyton and Genadendal are notorious for their energy-sapping climbs and rolling descents that offer hardly any respite.

After a flat start, the action begins. Every bend is a decision: Risk and reward or safety and control. A cocky moment can have immediate consequences.

In the final quarter, the legendary UFO climb awaits with its infamous ramps - a piece of mountain bike history. Those who overcome the burning lungs and legs will hardly have time to catch their breath, as the Toyota Tough section immediately follows on the descent to Middelplaas. With the finish in sight, the crucial question arises: ride or wait? The choice needs to be carefully considered.

Stage 5 - "The Real Queen"

• Location: Greyton to Stellenbosch
• Distance: 128 kilometers
• Altitude: 2,700 meters
• Rating: Five stars
• Date: 20 March 2026

Stage 5 is the queen of the stages - and she rules with an iron fist. One of the longest, toughest and most challenging distances in the recent history of the Cape Epic. The numbers alone speak for themselves: extreme length, enormous elevation gain, relentless tests from Greyton to Stellenbosch.

From Greyton, the route rides towards Botrivier, where the Katpas guards the entrance to the Cape Floral Kingdom at Grabouw. A network of trails begins here before the historic Gantouw Pass has to be conquered on foot - a mental and physical challenge. The following descent seems to promise recovery, but a view over the Helderberg basin reminds you of what lies ahead: the steep climb over the Lourensford Nek.

Those who reach the summit get a taste of the last two stages and earn a well-earned night's rest - provided they reach the new stage village in one piece.

Stage 6 - "The Home of Mountain Biking"

• Location: Stellenbosch
• Distance: 76 kilometers
• Altitude: 2,450 meters
• Rating: Four stars and a half
• Date: 21 March 2026

For many, the penultimate stage feels like the start is long in the past and the finish is finally within reach. Mentally, this is often the most difficult day.

Stellenbosch, the home of mountain biking in South Africa, offers a course that particularly suits cross-country specialists. They can make up lost time here - or extend their lead.

Strong legs are required right from the start. The first climb rides up the Botmaskop, followed by passages through Banhoek Berms, Nick Naks, Klipwerf and Old Rocky. After a short breather at the halfway point, the route climbs steeply again over well-known trails such as Porcupine and Inferno and through the Idas Valley, before a short section called The Doctor and a rapid descent back to Coetzenburg. A stage for racers and trail lovers alike.

Stage 7 - "The Grand Finale"

• Location: Stellenbosch
• Distance: 58 kilometers
• Elevation gain: 2,000 meters
• Rating: Three stars
• Date: March 22, 2026

At this point, the teams want nothing more than an easy day. But there are no easy days at the Cape Epic. The grand finale demands everything once again - from tired bodies and exhausted minds.

At the same time, it provides unforgettable moments on the legendary Jonkershoek trails, where the course builders wear the dust on their shirts like a badge of honor. Hundreds of spectators line the trails, cheering on the teams - from the front of the field to the last pair.

It will be difficult for the leaders to pull away on this trail-heavy course. If the leader's ribbon has not yet been decided, anything is possible. However, if the wearers of the jersey have a comfortable lead, the title is in their hands.

One way or another, a spectacular finale awaits the fifty-plus nations taking part.

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