Absa Cape Epic Postpones 2021 Event To October

The 2021 edition of the Absa Cape Epic, the highest-profile mountain bike stage race in the world, will take place in October, not March.


The Bicycling Editors |

The pride of South African mountain bike events, the Absa Cape Epic, has decided to move from its regular March slot to October in 2021, as the Covid pandemic continues to impact mass-participation events.

In an email communication on 9 December, the organisers confirmed what seemed likely after the postponement of the 2021  Ironman Africa, Ironman is part of the same holding company: “After careful consideration  and  continued  conversations with local authorities, we regret to announce  that the 2021 Absa Cape Epic  has been  postponed to 17-24 October 2021.”

“The decision to postpone the event has been made due to an upsurge of international and local Covid-19 cases, and the ever-changing restrictions relating to mass participation events in South Africa. As always, the safety of riders, staff, crew,  and stakeholders remains paramount to every decision made by the  organisation  and we will continue to  follow guidelines and recommendations in a manner consistent with local community objectives and within the expectations set by public health entities.”

The 2020 was the first major casualty of the pandemic, called off less than 36 hours before it was due to start in Cape Town.

“We at the Absa Cape Epic appreciate that this may not be the news that our riders were hoping to receive as we approach the Festive Season break – a time where riders usually spend countless hours in preparation of what’s to come in The Race That Measures All – but we want to ensure you have the maximum notice and opportunity to plan for the rescheduled event date.”

“Our team, sponsors, crew, and local communities have been working tirelessly to adapt to the challenges posed in these uncertain times, but it has become clear that in order to deliver an event to the standard the Absa Cape Epic is renowned for, it is best to postpone to 17-24 October 2021.”  

I would like to thank all of our riders as well as our sponsors and stakeholders for their understanding and unwavering support in what has been an extremely demanding year,” explained Michael Flinn, Managing Director of the Absa Cape Epic. 

READ MORE ON: absa cape epic Cape Epic event news

Copyright © 2024 Hearst
..