Team Absa: Journey of discovery and reward

With the first day kicking off at the Absa Cape Epic, the riders on Team Absa reflect back on what drove them to tackle the world's toughest mountain bike stage race.

Born in Uitenhage in the Eastern Cape, Hlubi Mboya has become an inspiration to woman across the country. She will be taking on the challenge of the Epic not only because of her own adventurous spirit but because she wants to show all South African youth that anything is possible. This follows her Mt Kilimanjaro journey in 2013, and will surely spur her on to tackle another 'mountain' in years to come.

Gugu Zulu ('The Fastest Brother in Africa') is Mzansi's most celebrated black racing driver. He's also shone off the track as a presenter of Car Torque and a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. His Absa Cape Epic teammate is Hlubi Mboya - actress, activist, humanitarian and motivational speaker - and probably most well-known for her former role as "Nandipa" in Isidingo. This will be Hlubi's first Absa Cape Epic.