Absa Cape Epic extended with Absa title sponsorship until 2032

The road ahead for the Absa Cape Epic now has another five years of certainty, with Absa extending its title sponsorship of the iconic South African mountain-bike stage race until 2032.

The agreement was signed in Cape Town on 2 October 2026, ahead of the unveiling of the route for the 2027 race. It continues a partnership that has already stretched across more than two decades and puts a renewed focus on what happens beyond the racing itself.

Picture: Supplied

For the riders, the Absa Cape Epic remains one of mountain biking’s toughest challenges. For the communities along its route, however, the event has become much more than a week of racing.

More than a race

The economic footprint of the Absa Cape Epic reaches well beyond the start and finish lines.

Riders, spectators and support crews travelling to the Western Cape create demand for accommodation, tourism operators, local businesses and other services. In 2024, the event contributed more than R560 million to the provincial economy.

That impact helps explain why the partnership remains important to Absa Business Banking, which has positioned the event as part of its broader interest in supporting businesses and the communities around them.

Picture: Supplied

Leon Barnard, Chief Executive of Absa Business Banking Pan-Africa, said the race represents more than the challenge faced by competitors on the course.

For Absa, the continued partnership is also about supporting tourism, local enterprise and economic activity across the region.

The 2027 race will cover more than 700 kilometres

The next chapter begins with the 23rd edition of the Absa Cape Epic, scheduled for 21 to 28 March 2027.

More than 1 500 local and international riders are expected to take part, covering over 700 kilometres through some of South Africa’s most demanding terrain.

The scale of the event has helped establish the Absa Cape Epic as an international mountain-biking event while keeping its connection to the Western Cape firmly at its centre.

That combination – global competition alongside local economic activity – is a key part of the race’s appeal.

A bigger push for women in cycling

Another important part of the renewed partnership is Absa’s continued effort to increase women’s participation in cycling.

The bank launched #SheUntamed in 2019 in partnership with the Cape Epic, with the aim of encouraging more women to take on the race and become part of the cycling community.

Barnard said the growth in female participation has been one of the most rewarding elements of the partnership, pointing to the stories of women challenging themselves and encouraging others to follow.

The next phase of the partnership will continue that focus, with Absa aiming to build on the momentum created through #SheUntamed.

Picture: Supplied

The impact beyond the Western Cape

The partnership’s social impact also extends beyond the race route.

Through Absa Business Banking’s partnership with Qhubeka, more than 7 000 bicycles have been distributed to Grade 9 to 12 learners since 2019.

The bicycles are intended to help address transport barriers to education and create greater opportunities for young people in underserved communities.

It is another example of how the organisations involved see cycling as having a role that goes beyond competition – connecting people with education, opportunity and their communities.

Looking towards 2032

The renewed agreement gives the Absa Cape Epic and Absa another five years to build on a relationship that has become one of the event’s defining partnerships.

The focus will remain on growing participation, supporting economic activity, expanding opportunities for women in cycling and maintaining the event’s broader community and environmental commitments.

For an event known for testing riders against some of South Africa’s toughest terrain, the next challenge is arguably just as significant: ensuring that the value created by the race continues long after the riders cross the finish line.

With Absa now committed through 2032, that next chapter is firmly underway.

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