The riders have spoken, and Hermanus has been named the 2023 Absa Cape Epic’s Best Stage Location.
Hermanus hosted the first three stages of this year’s event, with two stages starting and finishing in Hermanus and the third ending at Oak Valley Estate in Grabouw.
Stakeholders – including Hermanus Primary and High School, Hermanus Cricket Club, the municipality and local landowners – pulled out all the stops to deliver an unforgettable experience for this year’s riders and Cape Epic supporters.
At a function held on 5 July the Race Director, Karen Clements, handed the award over to Overstrand Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie. “It wouldn’t have happened if everyone hadn’t worked so hard behind the scenes to make it an awesome experience for our riders,” Clements said. “We had some challenging times while we were here, from windy conditions to protests, but with the help of the Overstrand Municipality everything went as planned and without any hiccups.”
According to Rabie, the Overstrand Municipality was very excited about hosting the event. “As always we were honoured to host this epic event. We want to thank you for choosing Hermanus. The effect of such an event cannot be overlooked. People will return to the Overstrand. We obviously want to have you back and I can show you Baardskeerdersbos and Wolwegat.”
It was the fifth time Hermanus hosted stages of the Cape Epic, the previous being in 2006, 2008, 2017 and 2019. Hermanus also won the best stage in 2008.Economic booster
A prestigious event such as the Cape Epic is an economic booster for the area. According to statistics the Absa Cape Epic booked 163 rooms per night over the three days, amounting to R1,76 million in accommodation costs. This figure excludes race participants, 60% of whom booked their own accommodation outside of the race village.
The town’s restaurants also did a roaring trade as riders and fans tucked into the local fare, while in a further act typifying the character of residents, members of the Hermanus Round Table collected and distributed food left over by Absa Cape Epic crew and riders from the race village to beneficiaries in the area.
Hermanus rider Almarie Hugo, who partnered her son Neil in the race, felt so proud her home town had won the Best Stage Location.
“All the people came out in support,” she said. “People often don’t realise what the Epic is until they see all the effort and preparation that go into it. I can see why Hermanus won the award. You get your food and massages and bike mechanics, and everything is close by. Even with the wind nothing stopped.”
