Paarl and Wellington will be host towns when the Absa Cape Epic is staged for the 17th time, this month.
Wellington will host participants and supporters from Thursday March 19 to Sunday March 22 for stages four to seven, while Paarl will host the grand finale at Val de Vie on Sunday March 22. Entries are capped at 650 two-person teams, which means approximately 1 300 riders will take part.
According to Annelize Stroebel, chief executive officer of the Drakenstein Local Tourism Association, the Cape Epic is a significant event on their annual calendar. “It is an incredibly exciting platform to showcase
the amazing beauty of Paarl and Wellington and to introduce a new audience to the diverse offerings of our areas.
“We would like to welcome all Cape Epic visitors to our beautiful region, wish them happy cycling and hope to welcome them back soon.”
Mountian bike fans, supporters and spectators can watch all the action at the race village at the Wellington campus of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
There are also spectator points along the route where mountain bike enthusiasts can watch all the action on big screens and experience each venue’s ambience and offerings.
Visit Imbuko Wines from 7.45am to 10.45am on Friday March 20 for stage 5, while stage 6 action will take place at Welbedacht wine estate from 7.45am to 9.45am, Linton Park wines from 9.30am to 1.30pm, and Doolhof wines from 10.30am to 3.30pm.
Spectators who dress in yellow, the official race colour, could stand a chance to win spot prizes at the spectator points or race village on Friday March 20 and Saturday March 21.
The Bainskloof Pass will be closed on Thursday March 19, from 8am to 3pm to accommodate the race. Provincial traffic officials will be present to manage the closure.
The area surrounding the Wellington Visitors Centre in the middle of the village will accommodate race participants and supporters.
For more information, contact the Wellington Visitors Centre on 021 864 1378 or follow the race live at https://www.cape-epic.com
