Lourensford written into Absa Cape Epic history

For the first time in Absa Cape Epic history, outside a time trial, an entire stage will be hosted by a single landowner.

Where the Prologue and Stage 1 of the 2022 race hinted at the spectacular mountain biking within Somerset West’s magnificent Lourensford Wine Estate, this year delves into the details.

For spectators, Stage 6 of the 2023 edition, taking place from Sunday 19 to Sunday 26 March, promises to be a mouth-watering affair, in every sense.

Taking on sculpted icons like the Lourensford Ultimate and rugged remains of one of South Africa’s first forays into trail building, the Blue Gum Dam single-track, all 82 km and 2 300 m of climbing take place within the boundaries of the estate.

Despite never crossing a fence, there is no compromising on the route.

Riders will start with a short and sharp prologue (Sunday 19 March) on the trails of Meerendal Wine Estate, before heading south-east to Hermanus, where the town hosts the race for two stages (Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 March). From Hermanus the first transition stage of 2023 (Wednesday 22 March) pits teams against a traverse inland to Oak Valley Estate, where a midweek time trial awaits on the trails of Oak Valley and Paul Cluver (Thursday 23 March).

Once completed, Stage 5, the Queen Stage (Friday 24 March), guards passage to Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West, where Stage 6 (Saturday 25 March) awaits. From there all that lies between teams and their spot in The Book of Legend is The Trail (Sunday 26 March) to Val de Vie.

The magnificent peaks of the Helderberg, Jonkershoek and Hottentots Holland Mountains are recognisable in the background for those in the know. But fortunately for the mountain bikers taking on the Cape Epic, none of those peaks are scalable by bicycle.

The race enters the Helderberg Basin via the historic Gantouw Pass portage. It then descends the Hottentots Holland Mountains, from the Elgin plateau, along a track initially trod out by antelope herds before the Khoi people used it as a trail between grazing grounds.

Later the early European settlers dragged ox wagons along it on their way into the African hinterland. It passes through a lower neck in the mountain ridgeline, as does the route out of Lourensford on Stage 7.

That route ascends out of Lourensford on the eastern slopes of the Helderberg seeking the easiest crossing into the Stellenbosch winelands to the west.

Those who rode the 2022 race may have flashbacks from the summit, inflicted by the suffering they endured climbing from the west, but fortunately the eastern approach to the Lourensford Nek is far easier. It also provides panoramic views over the farm.

From the nek, thanks to the felled former pine forests, the vistas are uninterrupted. To the south False Bay’s azure waters stretch out towards Cape Point while to the east the neighbouring farm, Vergelegen, and the trails which led the teams to Lourensford are visible to the eagle-eyed.

The riding is superb throughout and exceptionally spectator friendly.

The course crosses over itself as it skirts on the estate dams, creating a unique opportunity for fans to watch the live broadcast in the chill zone, then cheer on their favourites as they pass close by the race village before going back to the televisions for the second half of the stage and eventually welcoming the teams across the finish line.

There are several spectator points from which fans can enjoy the racing, though no private vehicles will be allowed to enter the farm roads.

Spectators should bring their mountain bikes and kit as there will be guided tours to each viewing point to watch the racing unfold on the penultimate stage of the Cape Epic.

Mountain biking is but a small part of what makes the farm so successful – fine wines, immaculate fruit and hand-picked proteas all emanate from the property.

Alongside the winery, Lourensford hosts a coffee roastery and several restaurants, an art gallery and a market. Its location effectively within Somerset West means accommodation options abound beyond the race village.

Off the bike Lourensford also boasts ample charms.

For those who enjoy loud bangs Clay Pigeon Adventures offers one of the world’s best views from a clay pigeon shooting range, while peddle enthusiasts can knock a ball about while the mountain bikers are out taking on the trails.