Dream team for the Cape Epic 2025: Annika Langvad returns to competition alongside Sofia Gomez Villafane

Specialized has confirmed news that promises to revolutionize the most important stage race in the mountain bike calendar: Annika Langvad and Sofia Gomez Villafane will team up as Team Toyota-Specialized to compete in the Absa Cape Epic 2025.

Annika Langvad and Sofia Gomez Villafane at the Absa Cape Epic 2025

For Annika Langvad, this race will mark her return to professional competition after retiring in 2020. The Danish rider is a legend in mountain biking with five victories in the Cape Epic, as well as world titles in XCO and XCM. However, her preparation for this edition has taken a different approach, adapting to the unique challenge that this race represents.

On the other hand, Argentine Sofia Gomez Villafane is no stranger to the race, with four previous participations already knowing what it takes to win a Cape Epic.

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According to their team, Annika and Sofia have been talking for years about competing together in the Cape Epic, and finally, that dream will come true in 2025. Both riders will have the support of Specialized and Toyota South Africa, and although it remains to be seen how Langvad adapts in her return to competition, we dare to say that they will be one of the favorite pairs for the podium.

Both will compete with a Specialized Epic 8, equipped with Roval wheels, RockShox Flight Attendant suspension, SRAM transmission, and Specialized tires.

The Absa Cape Epic 2025 will take place from March 13 to 23 and here you can take a look at the route.