Mountain bikers to battle for R1 million in Absa Cape Epic

The untamed African mountain bike stage race will have cyclists complete 698km of intense cycling and 15 650m of climbing, starting the Prologue at Meerendal Wine Estate, Durbanville and finishing at the traditional Lourensford Wine Estate.

The Prologue, a common feature in grand road cycling tours, will allow enthusiasts to see teams race against the clock and each other at the Meerendal Wine Estate on the first day of the race.

Spur Kids Zone

Lourensford Wine Estate will once again host the finish and the Grand Finale celebrations on 24 March. The Grand Finale will include the Liqui-Fruit Cape Times Vineyard Races (www.vineyard-races.co.za/vr), live entertainment, a farmer's market, delectable food and wine as well as glorious scenery. Absa Cape Epic vantage points will be accessible to the general public so that all can enjoy the mountain biking action. There will also be a Spur Kids Zone offering fun activities, such as a cycling race, jumping castles, games, face painting and more. Entrance is free.

Adventure enthusiasts not participating in the Absa Cape Epic are invited to enter the Liqui Fruit Cape Times Vineyard Races, which consist of the Vineyard Ride and Vineyard Run. The races promise participants breathtaking scenery and spectacular terrain. The Vineyard Run offers a fun run (6km) and a trail run (15km) and the Vineyard Ride offers a 28km and 55km race. Interested riders can register online at www.vineyardraces.co.za. The closing date for entries is 1 March or when entries sell out.

Go to www.cape-epic.om for more information.