692 km of pure MTB: the Absa Cape Epic 2026 reveals its most demanding route

The Absa Cape Epic 2026 already has its official route, and once again demonstrates why it is considered the most prestigious stage race on the planet. From March 15 to 22, pairs will face 692 kilometers and 15,900 meters of accumulated elevation gain through some of the most spectacular landscapes in South Africa.

The Absa Cape Epic 2026 reveals route: 692 km and 15,900 meters of elevation gain through the wild heart of South Africa

From the dusty trails of Meerendal Wine Estate to the final finish line in Stellenbosch, passing through Montagu and Greyton, the route combines beauty and brutality in equal measure. As a perfect summary, the organization defines it as: “Every climb is a test, every descent a reward. This is where legends are born and limits are broken.”

The Cape Epic is synonymous with epic and endurance. Only those who manage to complete the 2026 edition will write their name in the famous Book of Legend. The race, which brings together professional and amateur teams from more than 50 countries, will demand every ounce of strength, strategy, and camaraderie over eight days of pure MTB.

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Stages of the Absa Cape Epic 2026

Prologue - “Familiar Ground”

• Location: Meerendal Wine Estate, Durbanville
• Distance: 20 km | Elevation: 650 m | Difficulty: 2 and a half stars
• Date: March 15

The prologue will open the race among the vineyards of Meerendal. A short but explosive day, where nerves and effort management will be key. No team wins the Epic in the prologue, but they can lose it.

Stage 1 - “Reignition of Tradition”

• Location: Montagu
• Distance: 90 km | Elevation: 2,150 m | Difficulty: 4 and a half stars
• Date: March 16

After almost two decades, the race returns to Montagu. Dust, heat, and rugged terrain will test the riders from the start. The feared Dead Man's Descent could mark the first differences among the favorites.

Stage 2 - “Out of Sight, Out of Mind”

• Location: Montagu
• Distance: 102 km | Elevation: 2,250 m | Difficulty: 4 stars
• Date: March 17

A long and relentless day through the Karoo desert. The ascent to Ouberg Pass will open a day where wind and heat will play a decisive role. Mental resilience will be as important as physical.

Stage 3 - “A Friend Indeed”

• Location: Montagu → Greyton
• Distance: 134 km | Elevation: 1,750 m | Difficulty: 4 and a half stars
• Date: March 18

The longest stage of the year - a true odyssey of 134 km - will evoke the origins of the race. The passage through Cogmanskloof Pass and the crossing of Bonnievale will test the collaboration between teams.

Stage 4 - “A Country Favourite”

• Location: Greyton
• Distance: 84 km | Elevation: 1,950 m | Difficulty: 3 and a half stars
• Date: March 19

Short but devastating. The classic trails of Greyton and Genadendal will offer a constant up and down with iconic sections like the UFO Climb and the technical Toyota Tough on the final descent.

Stage 5 - “The Real Queen”

• Location: Greyton → Stellenbosch
• Distance: 128 km | Elevation: 2,700 m | Difficulty: 5 stars
• Date: March 20

The queen stage of the 2026 edition. A colossal day with legendary passages like KatPas, Gantouw Pass, and the feared Lourensford Nek. A survival stage that will separate heroes from mortals.

Stage 6 - “The Home of Mountain Biking”

• Location: Stellenbosch
• Distance: 76 km | Elevation: 2,450 m | Difficulty: 4 and a half stars
• Date: March 21

The epicenter of South African MTB offers a technical and playful route, ideal for XCO specialists. Tough climbs and legendary descents through Banhoek Berms, Porcupine, and Idas Valley.

Stage 7 - “The Grand Finale”

• Location: Stellenbosch
• Distance: 58 km | Elevation: 2,000 m | Difficulty: 3 stars
• Date: March 22

The perfect closure to an unforgettable week. The trails of Jonkershoek will be the stage for a vibrant finish among thousands of fans. No victory is assured until crossing the finish line.

With over 15,000 meters of ascent, the Absa Cape Epic 2026 promises to be one of the toughest and most spectacular editions ever seen. Montagu, Greyton, and Stellenbosch will once again be sacred names on the map of the global MTB.