Absa Cape Epic unveils revolutionary 2026 Elite Women’s route

WESTERN CAPE – Organisers of the prestigious Absa Cape Epic have announced a groundbreaking route design for the 2026 Elite Women’s race that will see competitors tackle 560 km and conquer
13 350 m of climbing across eight demanding stages from Meerendal to Stellenbosch in March.

In a significant departure from previous years, the route has been specifically engineered to enable elite woman riders to match the daily winning times of their male counterparts – a move that organisers say will elevate competitive racing and showcase the capabilities of women’s mountain biking.

The gruelling endurance stage race, dubbed “Untamed African MTB Race” and widely considered the world’s toughest mountain-biking event, will be held from Sunday 15 to Sunday 22 March.

ALSO READ: WATCH | Cape Epic: The world’s toughest mountain bike race unveils its 2026 route

Strategic modifications

The innovative approach will see the Elite Women’s field racing modified versions of four stages (1, 2, 4, and 6) while competing on the standard Prologue and Stage 7 courses alongside the men.

On Stages 3 and 5, the women will start from different venues – Weltevrede Wine Farm in Bonnievale and Beaumont Wines in Botrivier respectively – to achieve optimal race timing.

The result is a course that averages 23,83 m of climbing per kilometre, actually exceeding the 23,19 m per kilometre that the rest of the 2026 field will face.

Revolutionary approach

The route design represents a significant evolution in professional mountain bike racing, addressing long-standing discussions about competitive parity while maintaining the Epic’s reputation for extreme challenge.

With the 2026 race scheduled for March, the cycling world will be watching closely to see how this innovative approach reshapes one of the sport’s most demanding events.

The modifications ensure that six of the eight days will see time parity between men’s and women’s winners, with the opening and closing stages falling within acceptable time differential criteria established by race organisers.

Stage-by-stage breakdown

PROLOGUE: Familiar Territory (Sunday 15 March)

Meerendal Wine Estate, Durbanville – 20 km and 650 m climbing

The race opens on familiar ground at Meerendal, where early nerves traditionally prove the biggest obstacle. The notorious Stairway to Heaven climb leads to the unforgiving pitches of Dorstberg, with spectators lining the trails. Organisers warn that while the pace will be fierce, no team has ever won the Epic on Prologue day alone.

STAGE 1: Return to Tradition (Monday 16 March)

Montagu – 70 km and 1800m climbing

Nearly two decades since the Epic last visited Montagu’s arid landscape, Stage 1 promises a roller-coaster through the Klein Karoo. The pivotal Dead Man’s descent will separate risk-takers from the cautious, with arduous climbs following under the African sun – a true test of early-season form.

STAGE 2: Endurance Test (Tuesday 17 March)

Montagu – 83 km and 1 850 m climbing

The longest stage begins with an immediate assault on Ouberg Pass, followed by seemingly endless ridgelines. The technical Slagkloof descent leads to African Game Lodge, but the Karoo offers little mercy in the final third, particularly if weather conditions turn hostile.

STAGE 3: Marathon Challenge (Wednesday 18 March)

Weltevrede Wine Estate to Middleplaas, Greyton – 107 km and 1 450 m climbing

Described as “an ode to the past,” this marathon stage crosses open roads with the Bree River crossing and the Drecaso climb threatening to fragment the field. Teams will traverse vineyards and orchards with the Langeberg Mountains providing a spectacular backdrop.

STAGE 4: Technical Demands (Thursday 19 March)

Middleplaas, Greyton – 73 km and 1 450 m climbing

Despite its shorter distance, Stage 4 delivers maximum technical challenge through Greyton and Genadendal’s battle-worn trails. The legendary UFO climb and its infamous ramps feature prominently, immediately followed by the Toyota Tough descent section.

STAGE 5: The Iron Fist (Friday 20 March)

Beaumont Wines, Botrivier to Coetzenburg, Stellenbosch – 89 km and 2 150 m climbing

Organisers describe this as “one of the biggest, meanest stages in years”. Beginning with the Katpas climb guarding the Cape Floral Kingdom, riders face the historic Gantouw Pass before the formidable wall of Lourensford Nek provides a taste of the final challenges ahead.

STAGE 6: Specialist Territory (Saturday 21 March)

Coetzenburg, Stellenbosch – 60 km and 1 850 m climbing

The penultimate stage favours cross-country specialists with its sawtooth profile through Stellenbosch – the home of South African mountain biking. Immediate climbing up Botmaskop leads to technical sections including Banhoek Berms, Nick Naks and Klipwerf.

STAGE 7: Grand Finale (Sunday 22 March)

Coetzenburg, Stellenbosch – 58 km and 2 150 m climbing

The concluding stage through the renowned Jonkershoek trail network promises no easy finish. With hundreds of spectators lining the trails and the technical terrain making breakaways difficult, organisers predict an unpredictable finale that could see titles decided on the final day.