From the 15th to the 22nd of March 2026, the Absa Cape Epic will take teams contesting the 22nd edition from Meerendal, on the outskirts of Durbanville, into the Klein Karoo surrounding Montagu and back to Stellenbosch in the Winelands via Greyton in the Overberg. In total, the course takes in 692 kilometres and 15 900 metres of climbing. This equates to 22.98 metres of climbing per kilometre, which is significantly steeper than the sub-20 m/km of the pre-2015 era, but lacks the terror-inspiring gradients of 27.13 m/km which the race saw in 2025. Riders can expect a mix of longer, ultra-endurance days with the punchy, but hardly short, XC-style stages which have dominated the recent editions. Perhaps this is a better balance, a more epic Epic. Only time, the weather, and how it is raced will truly tell.
“We’ve been planning and plotting this route since before the 2025 edition of the Absa Cape Epic, what we really want to show riders this year is that just a few kilometres from a gorgeous small town, you can find incredible trails that will throw everything at you. I like to think our 2026 route blends the classic Absa Cape Epic elements of endurance mountain biking into something that will challenge and thrill every day.” – Hendrico Burger, Route Director.
2026 Cape Epic Route
The 2026 route harkens back to 2005 and 2007 when Montagu in the Klein Karoo last hosted stages.
Prologue
Sunday, 15 March 2026 | Distance: 20km | Climbing: 650m | Location: Meerendal Wine Estate, Durbanville
ACE Description:
Nerves are, more often than not, the biggest hurdle of the Absa Cape Epic Prologue. However, at Meerendal, the pace will be fierce after a calm start allows for the rapid finding of rhythm. The Stairway to Heaven Climb leads to the unforgiving pitches of Dorstberg, where fans and supporters will line the trails, their cheers echoing across the lands. It will be easy to get carried away on the Prologue and venture into the red. But remember, no team has ever won the Absa Cape Epic on Prologue day. If smarts are applied, the opening 20 kilometers of the race can kickstart the momentum that will be so necessary for success in what is set to be an Absa Cape Epic for the ages.
Diverge Analysis:
7km shorter, with the full ascent of the Dorstberg at the tail end of the time trial rather than the start, the 2026 Prologue has a similar feel if a different layout to the 2025 race start. Expect dry and dusty trails, a smattering of rocks, and lots of fans cheering you on. It is a day to tick off, to settle the nerves, and to navigate safely rather than a stage which demands individual attention. For the teams racing for category honours the 20km distance means a 45 minute to 1 hour all-out effort. Finishing off the stage podium to avoid extra admin before the 166km/2 hour drive to Montagu could be handy too.
The Meerendal Prologue is a well-worn theme of the Cape Epic with the farm hosting the race on 8 previous occasions. Photo by the Cape Epic.
Stage 1
Monday, 16 March 2026 | Distance: 90km | Climbing: 2 150m | Location: Montagu
ACE Description:
It has been nearly two decades since the Absa Cape Epic last ventured into the dry lands of Montagu. Inhospitable but beautiful, Montagu is set to reignite traditions of yesteryear and spark memories of glories past. Stage 1 will be a roller coaster through the Klein Karoo that trends upward just as much as it does down. The main protagonists of the race will likely find themselves together until the Dead Man’s descent separates those who are willing to risk short term gain with long term success. An arduous set of climbs and descents follow, driving home the fatigue under the burning African sun. On an opening stage like this, anyone who arrived sans form will be left wanting and with an extremely long week ahead.
Diverge Analysis:
The Montagu mountain bikers have built a remarkable amount of singletrack in recent years, though hardly enough to host trail packed Cape Epic stages in the style of Stellenbosch, Paarl, or Wellington. Expect, rather, a mix of rocky Klein Karoo dual track and unmanicured trails. It will be rocky, it will be rough. And if the weather is hot it will be brutal on the bike.
The Cape Epic last visited Montagu during the 2007 race, when bicycles looked rather different. Photo by the Cape Epic.
Stage 2
Tuesday, 17 March 2026 | Distance: 102km | Climbing: 2 250m | Location: Montagu
ACE Description:
Long an unrelenting, Stage 2 asks questions that build on those asked in Stage 1. The climbing begins immediately, and cold legs will ache all the way to the summit of Ouberg Pass. At the top, a long ridgeline stretches out as far as the eye can see, though if the wheel ahead is dropped, the teams ahead may disappear out of sight, out of mind, and out of reach. The descent of Slagkloof is tough but leads to the welcome respite of African Game Lodge. But still, the Karoo is unforgiving, unpredictable and a moment too long spent enjoying the views could prove race ending. The final third of the stage offers little relief, especially if the sun blazes and the winds rip. Stage 2 is a test of patience, endurance, and resolve.
Diverge Analysis:
More rocky dual tracks and a gravel assent of the mighty Ouberg Pass, Stage 2 is a tough one. Traditionally the second marathon day is a little easier than the first. Though that seems not to be the case in 2026. It is the middle of three big days at the start of the race, and though it looks to get easier from the Toyota Tough onwards expect the Montagu Trails in the final 5 kilometres to include a sting in their tail.
A mix of gravel and dual tracks will test endurance and tactics, as well as power and skill. Photo by the Cape Epic.
Stage 3
Wednesday, 18 March 2026 | Distance: 134km | Climbing: 1 750m | Location: Montagu to Greyton
ACE Description:
Stage 3 of the Absa Cape Epic will be an ode to the past. A long day across open roads. A stage that will have the Amabubesi members who last raced here smiling. The racing will start fast, bidding farewell to Montagu and heading through the iconic Cogmanskloof Pass. Here, partnerships will be key, between teammates and teams, working together in an embodiment of the ethos of this magical race. The small town of Bonnievale will welcome the courageous as they cross the Breerivier, before the test of Drecaso threatens to break the day apart. Teams will need grit, focus and determination with more than half the journey still ahead. Open roads stretch ahead with unsurpassed views of vineyards and orchards, and the Langeberg Mountains on the horizon. A brief, ironic pass through Riviersonderend reminds riders how long this stage really is, before a gradual trek leads to Greyton.
Diverge Analysis:
The longest stage since the 2017 Cape Epic when the route from Arabella Wines, near Ashton, to the Oaks Estate outside Greyton took in 134 kilometres, Stage 3 of the 2026 race will be a challenge mentally. Simply in terms of the duration and distance covered. Terrain wise the steep climbs come in the first half of the day, but the gradual ascent from the Sonderend River crossing at Stormsvlei to the Middleplaas finish line will be energy sapping. Expect dual tracks mixed in with district gravel roads, and for the wind to potentially play a role in the day too. It is a stage which could easily see a sprint finish after 5 hours of racing.
Crossing the Sonderend River was an adventure in 2014 on a similar length stage. Photo by Nick Muzik/Cape Epic.
Stage 4
Thursday, 19 March 2026 | Distance : 84km | Climbing: 1 950m | Location: Greyton
ACE Description:
Though short on distance, Stage 4 will by no means be short of demand. The battleworn trails surrounding Greyton and Genadendal are characterised by energy sapping climbs and rolling descents that offer no real respite. After a relatively flat first quarter, the action begins and every turn will offer a choice: risk and reward, or safe and steady. A line taken too boldly over a moment of caution may result in immediate consequence. The final quarter of the stage looms heavy in the distance as the UFO climb and its infamous ramps are part and parcel of MTB legend in the region. Teams who overcome burning lungs and legs will have no time to rejoice as the Toyota Tough section arrives immediately after on the descent to Middelplaas. With the end in sight, will this be the time to roll the dice and hope for glory — or not? Choose wisely.
Diverge Analysis:
After 90, 102, and 134 kilometre stages 84 kilometres seems short and punchy. But it will still be tough. The terrain around Greyton does not lend itself to easy riding and flowing trails. Slate rock makes for an uncertain surface and punctures will be a concern. For the top teams it will be a day to attack between to longer, more tactical days. For the amateur riders it might be seen as a recovery day of sorts, but only if teams tick it off quickly without any issues. If things go wrong it could turn the back end of the race into a complete sufferfest.
Greyton’s trails are rocky and require constant focus because the landscape denies the singletracks of flow. Photo by Oakpics.
Stage 5
Friday, 20 March 2026 | Distance: 128km | Climbing: 2 700m | Location: Greyton to Stellenbosch
ACE Description:
Stage 5 rules over the Absa Cape Epic with an iron fist. It is, without doubt, one of the biggest, meanest stages that the race has seen in years and the numbers alone tell a story of extreme distance, massive elevation, and relentless trials from Greyton to Stellenbosch. The race leaves Greyton with its sights set on Botrivier. Once reached, KatPas stands guard of the Cape Floral Kingdom in Grabouw. Here, trails abound before the portage down the historic Gantouw Pass tests minds and legs alike. The descent will lull teams into a false sense of security, but all they need to do to remind themselves that they’re in the Absa Cape Epic is to cast their eyes across the Helderberg basin to the wall that is the Lourensford Nek. And then begin the grind to the top. When over the Nek, a taste of what’s to come in the final two stages will cap off an epic day and guarantee a good night’s sleep for those who make it to the new race village intact.
Diverge Analysis:
The toughest stage of the 2026 Cape Epic. Unquestionably. It adds climbing to distance to abuse bodies which will be exhausted by that point in the race. A climb from the gun to split the field and then rolling roads to Botrivier to allow groups to reform are followed by relentless ascents and descents. In the elite race a break on a kicker in Elgin could go all the way to the line, as Speed Company Racing did in the rain on the 2023 Queen Stage, or feature a two-team co-working arrangement as PYGA Euro Steel and SCOTT SRAM devised on the last ultra-long day into Stellenbosch in 2019. The last climb from Mont Marie to Eden is going to hurt the slowest teams, right at the back of the field, tremendously.
A long transition stage, with 2 700m of climbing brings back memories of the 2023 Queen Stage over Groenlandberg and the 2019 Queen Stage from Oak Valley to Stellenbosch. Photo by the Cape Epic.
Stage 6
Saturday, 21 March 2026 | Distance: 76km | Climbing: 2 450m | Location: Stellenbosch
ACE Description:
The penultimate stage of the Absa Cape Epic will be day where the start line feels like a lifetime ago and the finish line feels within reach – this is, arguably, the biggest mental hurdle of the week. Stellenbosch, the home of mountain biking in South Africa, presents a route that is tailored to the strengths of the cross-country specialists; offering them the opportunity to claw back time on marathon specialists, or drive home their lead. Strong legs will be vital from the gun as the climbing begins almost immediately up Botmaskop. Banhoek Berms, Nick Naks, Klipwerf and Old Rocky follow. The sawtooth profile relents lightly for a few kilometres near halfway before relaunching itself up and down through famed trails like Porcupine, Inferno and through Idas Valley before a check-in with The Doctor and a descent back to Coetzenburg. This is the stage for the racers and the trail lovers.
Diverge Analysis:
In an area spoilt for choice the Banhoek and the Boschendal Trails are highlights of Stellenbosch riding. Less iconic or as well visited as Jonkershoek, and less accessible from town than G-Spot, Eden, and Mont Marie they have hosted parts of Cape Epic stages in recent years, but not a full stage in a while. Riders who have taken on the Ford Trailseeker from Plaisir Wine Estate into the Banhoek Trails will know this is no easy day out. Sharp climbs and lots of singletracks make it a tough day for tired legs. While the billing is for XCO specialists to thrive over the XCM races, we expect the strongest to gain the most, irrespective of their prefered discipline.
Singletracks await in Stellenbosch. Photo by Nick Muzik/Cape Epic.
Stage 7
Sunday, 22 March 2026 | Distance: 58km | Climbing: 2 000m | Location: Stellenbosch
ACE Description:
By this stage, teams will be begging for an easy day. But at the Absa Cape Epic, nothing comes easy. The Grand Finale will be no pleasure cruise to the finish line, rather it’s a concluding demand for fatigued minds and aching bodies. But hand in hand with the demands come the pleasures of the Jonkershoek trail network, where the trail builders wear the dirt on their shirts like badges of honour. The trails will be lined with hundreds of spectators chanting teams onwards, from the very front of the field to the very back. For the racers, the trail-laden route will make it tough to pull away. If the title is up for grabs this late in the day, there’s no telling what will happen. If the Jersey wearers start the Grand Finale with a healthy gap, then the title is theirs to lose. Either way, a thrilling Finale waits for the teams hailing from over 50 countries.
Diverge Analysis:
The final stage of the 2026 race takes in the Stellenbosch favourites of Jonkershoek, Eden, and G-Spot. It looks remarkably similar to the 2024 Stage 7, which saw Team Bulls notch up a consolation win and Ghost Factory Racing complete their clean sweep of Cape Epic stages. 58 kilometres might not be many, but 2 000 metres of climbing is nothing to be scoffed at, especially on day 8 of 8. This is the most readily pre-ridable stage of the 2026 route, so go out and test ride it.
Jonkershoek remains iconic Photo by Dom Barnardt/Cape Epic.
