Coffee table book pursues Absa Cape Epic ride

In this book, the allure of the Untamed African Mountain Bike Race has been captured by a handful of talented individuals who are widely regarded as the best in the business.

Written by journalist and television commentator Neil Gardiner, former cycling magazine editor and part-time adventurer Nic Lamond and editor, travel writer and novelist Justin Fox, it promises to encapsulate all the epic moments in the race since its inception in 2004.

Talented photographers, who have sweated their way through the race over the years, captured the beauty, drama and scale of the event through their lenses. They include world-renowned photographer Gary Perkin, well-known South African Karin Schermbrucker and world cup downhill racer Sven Martin. Sports and lifestyle photographer Nick Muzik and Tour de France photographer Greg Beadle complete the team.

Says Kevin Vermaak, founder and director of the Absa Cape Epic, "Their images, over the years, are in no small way responsible for attracting thousands of riders from round the world. Every year, the event produces great stories of personal triumph, inspiration, honour, the settling of old scores and rising above adversity. I hope readers are inspired to join us on our journey, whether it's blazing the trail at this year's race or watching from the comfort of their armchair, witnessing as this great tale unfolds."

The book is available from the race website, at its events, from Kalahari.net and through Amazon, UK at a local retail price of between R480 and R500.

For more information, go to www.cape-epic.com/content.php?page_id=232&title=/African_Epic/.