Africa's toughest mountain bike race kicks-off in South Africa

The 13th edition of the Absa Cape Epic race kicked-off on Sunday. Local and international mountain bikers are expected to tackle the demanding eight-day adventure through the Western Cape region in South Africa.

Wishing Safe Cycling to all in Absa Cape Epic! Pic via Anton Bosman CapeEpic Absa pic.twitter.com/RwXcCBMFxk

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) March 14, 2016

This year’s route covers a total of 647km, 14,950m of vertical climbing, 110km of single track and five venues over eight days of racing.

According to organisers, the race must be completed by both members of a two-person team.

The #ConquerAsOne Moment of the ABSACapeEpic prologue stage has been named:https://t.co/Fv6CNycxcH

— The Pundits (thePunditsSA) March 14, 2016

The route changes every year, enabling aspiring amateur and professional mountain bikers from around the world go through roughly 800km of unspoilt scenery and 15000m of accumulated climbing, over some of the most magnificent mountain passes in South Africa.

The race is the most televised mountain bike stage race in the world and the only eight-day mountain bike stage race classed as off category by the Union Cyclist Internationale (UCI).

This official UCI status makes it a highlight on the professional racer’s calendar. The Absa Cape Epic also attracts aspiring amateur riders wanting to test themselves against the best.

It is a full-service race, meaning that everything is taken care of from the start – all riders need to think about is riding. Billed as the “Unlimited African Mountain Bike Race” the race is nothing short of what its name suggests, epic.

This year the event will pedal off from the University of Cape Town and come to an end on Sunday, 20 March 2016 at the Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville, after travelling through Tulbagh, Wellington and Stellenbosch.