The Orbea Oiz of Ibon Zugasti for the Cape Epic: metallic pink and handle to stand out in South Africa

The popular content creator and cyclist Ibon Zugasti will be back for another year at the Absa Cape Epic, one of the most demanding and media-covered stage races in the international mountain bike calendar. Over the years, Zugasti has become a highly recognizable figure within the South African race, not only for his athletic participation but also for the enormous following he generates among fans.

Ibon Zugasti returns to the Cape Epic with a unique Orbea Oiz inspired by the colors of South Africa

The Cape Epic organization itself has highlighted on several occasions the impact that Zugasti has during the race. His presence generates a lot of activity on social media and in the comments of the live broadcast, where many followers eagerly follow his progress each day. This connection with the audience has allowed him to carve out a unique space within the event, something unusual for a rider who participates primarily in his role as a communicator.

A personalized Orbea Oiz for the Cape Epic

As is tradition, Zugasti will tackle the race with a bike specifically designed for the occasion. The member of the Orbea Factory Racing team, in his role as a content creator, will debut a personalized Orbea Oiz that once again features a very eye-catching design.

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In this edition, the visual concept is inspired by South African colors. The frame features a very intense metallic pink as the predominant color, combined with a mango tone that appears on the stays, the linkage, and a section of the seat tube. The result is a very striking combination that, in addition to its aesthetic component, will make it easier to recognize the bike on the trails of the Cape Epic.

A kit created from a watercolor

The bike will not be the only element with its own identity. Zugasti will also compete with a special kit designed for this edition, which follows the same African inspiration.

The design is based on a hand-painted watercolor graphic, later digitized to perfect all the details. The result is an abstract composition that mixes textures reminiscent of skins, scales, and earth, in an artistic interpretation of African nature.

The color palette, also inspired by the light and sunsets of South Africa, adds personality to the set while also aiming to improve visibility during the race, something especially useful in an event with long days of competition and changing terrain.

Assembly of Ibon Zugasti's Orbea Oiz

As we have already mentioned, Zugasti is effectively a member of the Orbea Factory Team, the same team that competes in the World Cup. Therefore, his assembly adheres to the technical partners with whom the structure competes in the best races on the planet.

• Frame: Orbea Oiz 25 OMX Factory Team
• Integrated handlebar: OC MP10 Carbon Cockpit
• Fork: Fox 34, 120 mm
• Shock: Fox Float SL, 120 mm
• Wheels: Oquo MP30LTD
• Group: Shimano XTR Di2
• Brakes: Shimano XTR
• Discs: Shimano XTR 160 mm
• Tires: Maxxis
• Pedals: Shimano XTR
• Dropper post: Fox Transfer 100 mm

The Absa Cape Epic has become one of the most special events for Zugasti within the season. His participation combines athletic experience with communication work, showcasing from the inside what it is like to live one of the toughest stage races in MTB.