The extreme heat forces a change in the schedule of the Cape Epic

The organization of the Absa Cape Epic 2026 has announced an important change in the start times for stage 1, which will take place in Montagu, in response to the extremely harsh heat conditions recorded during the prologue day. The decision comes after consulting with the race medical team and in anticipation of high temperatures affecting the race again.

The Cape Epic moves the start of stage 1 due to extreme heat

The prologue, held over 20 kilometers and 650 meters of elevation gain in Meerendal, was run under extremely harsh conditions, with temperatures reaching 40 °C in some areas of the course, making the day a true challenge even for the most experienced riders. 

However, after analyzing the situation with the race doctor and considering the heat forecasts for stage 1, the organization has communicated several changes for the first stage:

• New start time: 05:30 (Spain mainland time)
• Intervals between groups: every 2 minutes and 30 seconds (previously every 5 minutes)
• Adds an additional hydration point at kilometer 70

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The goal is that the bulk of the peloton faces most of the stage during the cooler hours of the day and reinforces hydration at the most critical moments of the course.

The first stage of this Cape Epic will take place with a start and finish in Montagu, covering a distance of 90 kilometers and about 2,150 meters of positive elevation gain, very different from the explosive prologue. It will undoubtedly be a demanding day from the first half of the course.

If the heat becomes as intense as in the prologue, the combination of distance, elevation, and high temperatures could turn this first stage into one of the first major filters of the race.