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Cape Epic Gets Thrilling New Route
Dramatic new route to go through areas previously untouched by the adventure race
The 7th Absa Cape Epic route will definitely live up to it’s legendary reputation of the adventure race. The dramatic new route of the seventh edition of the Absa Cape Epic presented by Adidas, which takes place from 21 to 28 March 2010, will be as challenging as previous years, with both local and international mountain biking enthusiasts taking on the demanding eight day mountain bike race of 722km.
The route - which changes significantly each year - will lead 1 200 cyclists through vast distances of new territory that was previously untouched by the race. With its challenging and exhilarating landscapes, the stage locations of Diemersfontein, Ceres and Worcester awaits the most prestigious mountain bike stage race in the world, before the race returns to the well-known orchards and vineyards of Oak Valley and its traditional finish at the Lourensford Wine Estate.
The Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront will host the opening celebrations and registration for this pioneering, tough and breathtaking mountain bike race and Stage 1 will start in Diemersfontein in the heart of wine country.
Says Kevin Vermaak, Director and Founder of the Absa Cape Epic: “In the pursuit of the ultimate mountain biking experience, the Absa Cape Epic has selected some of the best terrain that the Western Cape has to offer. As in 2009, riders will be staying 2 to 3 nights in each stage location. Our route designer, Leon Evans or as he is best known amongst riders, Dr Evil, has found the perfect balance between exciting trails, challenging terrain and wider vistas.”
The race consists of 8 stages:
Stage 1 - Diemersfontein to Ceres - 117km with 2 190m of climbing
Stage 2 - Ceres to Ceres - 90km with 1 625m of climbing
Stage 3 - Ceres to Ceres - 115km with 2 280m of climbing
Stage 4 - Ceres to Worcester - 86km with 1 640m of climbing
Stage 5 - Worcester to Worcester - Time trial; 27km with 860m of climbing
Stage 6 - Worcester to Oak Valley - 123km with 2 240m of climbing
Stage 7 - Oak Valley to Oak Valley - 99km with 2 160m of climbing
Stage 8 – Final Stage Oak Valley to Lourensford - 65km with 1 640m of climbing
Kevin Vermaak, Director and Founder of the Absa Cape Epic had this to say about the race: “The Absa Cape Epic has grown in popularity amongst cyclists around the world and is increasingly becoming an iconic endurance event well known beyond just the cycling community. Finishing the Absa Cape Epic is and will always be an enormous physical and mental challenge, and riders will need as much dedicated training and preparation to earn the title ‘Absa Cape Epic Finisher’.”
The Absa Cape Epic, the largest full-service mountain bike stage race in the world, is organised and presented with the participating riders at the focal point.
For more information about the race visit cape-epic.com.
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Ride the city’s original mountain biking trail at Origin Of Trails.
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