A Somerset West resident is one of six riders preparing to take on the gruelling 2026 Absa Cape Epic for worthy causes.
Rentia Retief, an artist and amputee athlete, is saddling and teaming up with Travis Warwick-Oliver from Durban for the 692-km race from Sunday 15 to Sunday 22 March. The duo are part of Össur South Africa’s “What’s Your Epic?” campaign, which features six amputee riders teaming up for the eight-day mountain-biking challenge.
Since launching late last year, the “What’s Your Epic?” campaign has gained strong traction, with the six amputee athletes now deep into training for the stage race. As preparations intensify, the campaign continues to rally South Africans around a powerful belief: that access to mobility is fundamental to dignity, independence and opportunity.
The three amputee teams will lineup at one of the world’s most demanding mountain biking events, not only to test their physical limits, but to raise awareness and funds for three South African NPOs restoring mobility and independence to people living with limb loss or disability.
Over the past few weeks, the riders have been balancing rigourous training schedules with advocacy, fundraising and community engagement, using the build-up to the Cape Epic to shine a spotlight on the everyday barriers faced by thousands of South Africans who lack access to basic mobility solutions.
“Since launching ‘What’s Your Epic?’, the response has been incredibly encouraging,” says Blignaut Knoetze, managing director of Össur South Africa.
“What’s been most powerful is seeing how this campaign has resonated. It’s sparked conversations about access, inclusion and what mobility truly means in people’s lives.”
For the six riders, the road to the Epic is as much mental as it is physical. Long training rides, strength work and recovery sessions are all undertaken with a deeper purpose in mind.
“Training for the Cape Epic is intense, but every ride reminds me why this matters,” says Retief, who rebuilt her independence after a cycling accident. “With the right prosthetic and support, I’ve been able to reclaim the life I knew before losing my leg. Through this campaign, we’re trying to help make that same freedom possible for others.”
Mhlengi Gwala, international para-triathlete and African champion, adds: “This race is about more than endurance. It’s about representation and showing what’s possible when people are given the tools and support to move forward.”
Representing the third team, Brian Style, a passionate cyclist who rebuilt his life through mountain biking, says: “Preparing for the Cape Epic is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Being part of this campaign gives real meaning to the training, knowing that every kilometre ridden helps create opportunities for others to regain their independence and confidence.”
The funds raised through the campaign will support Jumping Kids, which provides prosthetic limbs, education access and sport opportunities to children with limb loss; Rejuvenate SA, which supplies mobility aids to adults who cannot afford them, restoring dignity and independence; and Zimele, which supports adults with physical disabilities to regain independence, reintegrate into society, and build economic self-sufficiency.
Together, these organisations are changing lives every day, from helping a child take their first steps to enabling adults to return to work and participate fully in their communities.
“The riders may be the face of the campaign, but the real heroes are the organisations working on the ground,” says Knoetze. “Our role is to amplify their impact and encourage South Africans to get involved in any way they can.”
As race day draws closer, Össur South Africa is calling on individuals, corporates and communities to support the campaign through donations, fundraising initiatives, partnerships or simply by sharing the message.
“‘What’s Your Epic?’ asks a simple but powerful question,” says Knoetze. “How can each of us help remove barriers and create access? When we support mobility, we support inclusion, opportunity, and futures.”
- For more information, contact Amelda Potgieter via email on apotgieter@ossur.com.
