The Absa Cape Epic really needs no introduction. It’s described by many as one of the toughest mountain bike events in the world, and on paper ‘epic’ looks about as accurate a description as any.

An eight-day stage race between 21-28 March, the race follows a spectacular route through the South African landscape; open plains, majestic mountains, deep ravines, prehistoric rock formations, arid semi-deserts and indigenous forests forming a formidable backdrop to the racing. The distance is 722km in total with an incredible 14,635 metres of climbing; or to put it another way, nearly twice up Mount Everest!

It’s an event I’ve been following with interest for the past few years and it’s always made it onto my wish list of events drawn up at the beginning of every year. So far I’ve not turned that ambition into reality. The photos sent back every year are magnificent; riders strung out in pelotons, wide open dusty plains, emotions brought to the fore by the demanding nature of the terrain and distances. It has all the ingredients for an incredible mountain bike race.

So when Mule Bar called me up just a couple of weeks ago and asked if I would like to ride the event with them, I didn’t hesitate one second and quickly fired back a “YES!” The event stipulates you ride in pairs so I’ll be partnering with good friend and 2009 Team Mule Bar team mate, Ben Spurrier. We’ll be riding under the banner of Team Mulebar/Bikemagic.com.

Mule Bar have been involved with Cape Epic since 2009, after riding it for the first time in 2006. Asked why the event appeals to them, founder Alex Smith said: “Our idea to do the Epic started back in about 2004, and as far as I can remember, somebody mentioned it and like the fools we are, we knew it had to be done. We missed the inscription in our own true organised fashion in 2005 and then realised we’d got time to train for 2006.

“It is far and away the best thing we’ve ever done in cross country mountain biking. The scenery, the internationality and totally diverse field including world champions and all the big names you’re brushing shoulders with, and then there’s the organisation.

“It is probably that which most stands out with the Epic – it is faultless and yet you never really notice anything to do with it while you’re racing. Everything flows. Kevin Vermaak, Katie Czak and Richard McMartin and their whole team are consummate professionals. Kevin is on a lone crusade to make MTB sexy and with the Epic he is well on the way.

“We couldn’t believe it, but that’s the Epic, you meet your heroes – think Tom Ritchey, Tommy Frischknecht, Christoph Sauser, the list goes on – you get to race with the big league. It’s no wonder the race is totally sold out every year. So we started sponsoring the race officially last year and we haven’t looked back.”

Make no mistake, this is a race of a lifetime for me and I’m looking forward to it immensely. There’s about five weeks until it kicks off, and in that time I’ll be bringing you regular updates on our preparation, a look at our bikes and equipment, and some top tips from previous competitors. During the event you’ll be able to follow our progress as we compete with the high temperatures, dust and other riders. For now, here’s a little more info about the event if you’re wondering that it entails.

Background

The event was first held in 2004 and has grown in stature every since. It now attracts riders from all corners of the world and a fleet of top level professional XC racers such as Burry Stander, Christoph Sauser and Bart Brentjens. Last year, along with some 1200 competitors, seven of the top ten ranked UCI XCO riders took part. While we’ll be hoping to be competitive, but realistically our first goal will be to survive and finish high among the other Brits taking part.

2010 route

The event will take place between 21-28 March. Every year the route is changed a bit here and there and for 2010 it will take riders to areas previously untouched by the race.

The stage locations of Diemersfontein, Ceres and Worcester await the competitors, before the race returns to the well-known orchards and vineyards of Oak Valley and its traditional finish at the Lourensford Wine Estate.

Registration will take place on 20 March at the V&A Waterfront. Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain, in the heart of Cape Town’s working harbour, the V&A Waterfront has become South Africa’s most visited tourist destination, and the setting for the official 2010 Absa Cape Epic opening ceremony.

It’s rumoured Lance Armstrong will be attending the start, making his first trip to Cape Town in March 2010 to support one of the official charities of the Absa Cape Epic. The JAG Foundation has been involved with the event since October of 2008 and continues to do remarkable work in schools and underprivileged communities.

The stages

March 21: Stage 1 – Diemersfontein to Ceres, 117km (2,190m climbing)
March 22: Stage 2 – Ceres to Ceres, 90km (1,625m climbing)
March 23: Stage 3 – Ceres to Ceres, 115km (2,280m climbing)
March 24: Stage 4 – Ceres to Worcester, 86km (1,640m climbing)
March 25: Stage 5 – Worcester to Worcester (time trial), 27km (860m climbing)
March 26: Stage 6 – Worcester to Oak Valley, 123km (2,240m climbing)
March 27: Stage 7 – Oak Valley to Oak Valley, 99km (2,160m climbing)
March 28: Stage 8 – Oak Valley to Lourensford, 65km (1,640m climbing)

More information on the stages and profiles, and much more, in an upcoming article.

It’s been a while since I rode my first (and last) stage race, in the shape of the TransWales way back in 2006. You can recount that story here. I just hope it’s not as wet as a week in Wales turned out to be…

More info at www.cape-epic.com