Epic Nation: A Breakthrough Year for SA Teams
The South African teams were on fire at this year's Cape Epic.
The 2025 Absa Cape Epic delivered another thrilling edition of the world’s toughest mountain bike stage race — and South African riders were right in the mix.
UCI Men’s Category: Flying the Flag High
Three all-South African teams finished in the top 10 overall, a testament to the country’s growing presence at the sharp end of the sport. Leading the local charge was the Imbuko ChemChamp A team of Tristan Nortje and Marco Joubert, who were in podium contention throughout the race and claimed a dramatic victory on Stage 6, ultimately finishing third on the GC. The duo won the Absa African Men’s Special Jersey for the top African team and became only the second all-South African combination (David George and Kevin Evans finished third in 2008 and second in 2012) to finish on the podium in the 21-year history of the race.
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The Toyota Specialized Team of Johan van Zyl and Travis Stedman finished ninth overall, with the Honeycomb 226ers team of Marc Pritzen and Wessel Botha rounding out the top 10.
“They’ve had a great year and have shown what South African riders can achieve on the biggest stage.”
“Marco and Tristan have been inspiring and frustrating this week!” says Botha. “Inspiring because they are doing well for South Africa, but frustrating because we were racing them. Haha. They have set the level so high this week and made us all chase them. They’ve had a great year and have shown what South African riders can achieve on the biggest stage.”
Insect Science Cycling’s Arno du Toit and Keagan Bontekoning finished just outside the top 10. Defending champion Matt Beers, racing alongside his US teammate Keegan Swenson – who struggled with back pain during the week – finished in 12th over an hour behind.
Click here for the full men’s results
UCI Women’s Category: Podium Power
South African riders made their mark in the women’s event too, with Bianca Haw and Hayley Preen delivering an exceptional ride to secure third place overall. Riding against seasoned international competition, the duo’s consistent teamwork and endurance earned them a well-deserved spot on the podium — a major achievement in a world-class field.
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Click here to see the full UCI Women’s Results
Mixed Category: Holding Their Own
In the mixed category, South Africans once again proved their competitive edge, with three local riders finishing in the top 10.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing pair of Riaan Weideman and Samantha Sanders finished an impressive second on the GC. NEO Energies – e-FORT’s, Elrika Harmzen-Pretorius and Alexander Lawrance were third, while Honeycomb Skynet Racing (Johann Trotzky and Karlise Scheepers) finished eighth.
Click here for the full Mixed results
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