Final Training Push: Cape Epic Riders Tackle Grueling Karkloof Trails

With the 2025 Absa Cape Epic fast approaching, cyclists geared up for the mountain bike race with a four-day training camp at the Karkloof Country Club in KwaZulu-Natal.

The highly anticipated race will run from March 17 to 23.

The camp offered the riders a final chance to test their endurance on routes ranging from 17 to 91 km, with steep climbs set to have been designed to 'cater to both seasoned and first-time riders'.

The race is considered one the biggest mountain bike races in South Africa and is open to 'professional and amateur mountain bikers alike and has seen amateurs from all walks of life compete alongside experienced professional mountain bikers, including both Olympic medalists and World Champions'.

One of the key features of this years camp was the SheUntamed initiative, which promotes womens participation in mountain biking. This year, 12 all-women teams and 40 riders in the Epic Trippers programme participated and received expert coaching on fitness, nutrition, and race strategy.