The 2026 Absa Cape Epic once again proved to be one of the toughest and most spectacular races on the world MTB calendar. Held in South Africa from March 15 to 22, the stage race tested the best bikers over 700 km through heat, dust, and extreme elevation changes.
The men's race remained uncertain until the final stage: South African duo Matt Beers and Tristan Nortje overturned the overall standings right at the end, taking a historic victory ahead of Italians Luca Braidot and Simone Avondetto. It was a shame for the Italian team of Wiler Vittoria, who had controlled the race very well until two stages from the end, when health problems forced Luca Braidot to slow down.
Stellenbosch on the 22nd of March 2026. Photo by Nick Muzik/Cape Epic
PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIATE CREDIT IS GIVEN TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER AND ABSA CAPE EPIC
The women's race was much clearer, dominated by Candice Lill and Alessandra Keller, capable of winning almost all the stages and inflicting huge gaps on their rivals.
The Cape Epic thus confirms itself as a challenge of total endurance, where strategy, continuity and team spirit make the difference more than any single performance.
MEN'S ELITE RANKING
| 1 | BEERS Matthew |  | 26: 55: 51: 2 |
| 1 | NORTJE Tristan | | 26: 55: 51: 2 |
| 2 | BRAIDOT Luke |  | 26: 56: 56: 0 |
| 2 | AVONDETTO Simone | | 26: 56: 56: 0 |
| 3 | SCHWARZBAUER Luke |  | 26: 59: 25: 1 |
| 3 | GAZE Samuel |  | 26: 59: 25: 1 |
| 4 | VALERO SERRANO David |  | 27: 07: 59: 2 |
| 4 | STUTZMANN Marc |  | 27: 07: 59: 2 |
| 5 | ALLEMAN Wout |  | 27: 14: 51: 9 |
| 5 | STOSHEK Martin |  | 27: 14: 51: 9 |
FEMALE ELITE RANKING
| 1 | LILL Candice | | 24: 32: 38: 0 |
| 1 | KELLER Alexandra | | 24: 32: 38: 0 |
| 2 | PREEN Hayley | | 25: 25: 36: 0 |
| 2 | SMITH Haley |  | 25: 25: 36: 0 |
| 3 | SOSNA-PINELE Katazina |  | 25: 41: 37: 4 |
| 3 | MARCHET Giorgia | | 25: 41: 37: 4 |
| 4 | MUSKETS Margot |  | 25: 46: 17: 6 |
| 4 | PERETTI Claudia | | 25: 46: 17: 6 |
| 5 | CALDERON MARTINEZ Monica Yuliana |  | 25: 55: 56: 1 |
| 5 | KORTEKAAS Tessa |  | 25: 55: 56: 1 |
SPECIAL JERSEYS GC
Toyota Mixed
1. TEAM 69: Jenny RISSVEDS & Simon ANDREASSEN (31:29.38)
Absa African Men
1. TOYOTA SPECIALIZED IMBUKO: Matthew BEERS & Tristan NORTJE (26:55.51)
Absa African Women
1. SANI2C EFFICIENT INFINITI: Samantha SANDERS & Bianca HAW (26:17.26)
Open Women
1. JOY RIDE: Jennifer BURTNER & Callah ROBINSON (44:48.47)
Open Men
1. SAFARI ESSENCE Mark van Zyl & William PIAT (30:32.53)
Great Grand Masters Men
1. OTB: Pieter MULLER & Corrie MULLER (40:14.19)
GIC Grand Masters Women
1. UAG EPIC: Martha KOEKEMOER & Jenny RÖNNGREN (41:22.17)
