Last-minute change at the Cape Epic: Courtney finds a new partner in Greta Seiwald, and together they become the top favorites

The women's starting grid for the Absa Cape Epic 2026 has undergone a significant change just hours before the start. Italian XCO champion Greta Seiwald (Decathlon Ford Racing Team) will finally team up with world XCM champion Kate Courtney (She Sends Foundation) after the American was left without a partner following the accident suffered by Melisa Rollins, which will prevent her from starting.

Greta Seiwald will be Kate Courtney's new partner in the Absa Cape Epic 2026 after Melisa Rollins' accident

The announcement comes just a day after Rollins' withdrawal was confirmed. The American was supposed to compete in the South African event alongside Courtney, but the incident forced a last-minute reshuffle of the partnership. Ultimately, Courtney has found a top-level solution with the addition of Seiwald, one of the fittest riders at the moment.

Courtney and Seiwald know each other well from the international XCO World Cup circuit, where they regularly compete as rivals. However, this time they will join forces to tackle one of the most demanding stage races on the MTB calendar.

The Italian reportedly accepted Courtney's invitation practically at the last moment, which adds an element of uncertainty about how the partnership will perform in the race. The Cape Epic requires total synergy between partners over eight days of competition, something that is usually built with weeks or months of joint preparation.

Seiwald arrives in top form after winning the Tankwa Trek

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If there is one factor that reinforces optimism around this new duo, it is Greta Seiwald's form. The Italian champion arrives at the Cape Epic after winning the Tankwa Trek just a few weeks ago, where she triumphed alongside her compatriot Sara Cortinovis.

The Tankwa Trek is one of the most important stage races in South Africa, and many teams use it as direct preparation for the Cape Epic, so Seiwald's victory strengthens her candidacy.

While it remains to be seen how they adapt together in the race, the combination of Kate Courtney's power and marathon experience with Greta Seiwald's excellent form makes this new partnership one of the strongest in the women's peloton.

In fact, on paper, the duo formed by Courtney–Seiwald can already be considered the top favorite for the overall victory in the Cape Epic 2026, a race that this year appears particularly open in the women's category.