Absa Cape Epic: Where to view it from
The Absa Cape Epic – the world’s premier mountain bike stage race – is happening from 19 – 26 March and is sure to be an exciting affair. The route changes annually and sees leading aspiring amateur and professional mountain bikers from around the world step up to the challenge every year.
Ultimately, the race runs through roughly 700km of unspoilt scenery. In addition, it includes 15 000m of accumulated climbing over some of the most magnificent mountain passes in Western Cape in South Africa.
Here are the Absa Cape Epic view points
Since it’s such a popular race, there are numerous viewing spots for friends and fans, where one can get up close and personal with the riders. Of course, since you’re in the Cape, there will also be the opportunity of sampling some wine or a coffee while you’re at it.
THE PROLOGUE:
19 March
For the start of the race, head to Meerendal Wine Estate to cheer the teams on. There will be food and drinks, as well as various activations from event sponsors.
Click here for the Google pin.
STAGE 1:
20 March
For stage one, spectators have four choices:
Spectator Point A: Hasher Family Wines
Here you can take in the breathtakingly beautiful views of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley as the teams race through the estate’s grounds. Be sure to also book your wine tasting in advance. Click here for the Google pin.
Spectator Point B: Creation Wines
Boy, oh boy, to we lobe Creation Wines! They will be offering wine tastings and/or coffee. Click here for the Google pin.
Spectator Point C: The ONE
The ONE offers opportunities to cheer the teams on as they approach stage one’s halfway mark. Click here for the Google pin.
Spectator Point D: Spookfontein
If you’re looking for a view point with some grub in addition to the wine, head over to the Spookfontein restaurant, where you can wine and dine while watching the cyclists swoosh by. Click here for the Google pin.
STAGE 2:
21 March
Spectator Point A: Stanford Market Square
Stanford Market Square boasts yet another opportunity to catch a glimpse of teams as they refuel at the USN Hydro station. Click here for the Google pin.
Spectator Point B: Beloftebos
This Cape farm hosts a full water point during the Absa Cape Epic, and also spectator point 3. Here, spectators can access MTB trails and you can even book self-catering cottages.
Click here for the Google pin.
Spectator Point C: Stanford Valley Country Lodge
With its sweeping mountain views and lovely restaurant, you might just want to stay put even after the cyclists have passed by. Click here for the Google pin.
Spectator Point D: Sir Robert Stanford
The teams will refuel at Sir Robert Stanford Winery again, this time to tackle the last of the day’s demands. The winery also has a restaurant, catering for lunch and coffee. Click here for the Google pin.
STAGE 3:
22 March
Spectator Point A: Wildekrans
Here you’ll have a good opportunity to catch a glimpse of the teams as they ride from Hermanus to the new race village in Oak Valley Estate. Taste some of the lovely wines at Wilde Krans Wine Estate or book a picnic at the Tasting Room ahead of time. Click here for the Google pin.
Spectator Point B: Houw Hoek
If you’ve never been to Houw Hoek – voted as one of the best Farm Stalls in the Cape for 2022 – now’s your chance. It promises to have a relaxed feeling where young and old can grab a bite to eat. In addition, there will also be beverages and you are bound to have a rather good view of some riders as well. Click here for the Google pin.
Spectator Point C: Paul Clüver Amphitheatre
The final spot to see the riders finish their first moving day, is the Paul Clüver Amphitheatre. It is also the first spectator point for the next stage, which is a time trial. Click here for the Google pin.
STAGE 4:
23 March
Spectator Point: Paul Clüver Amphitheatre
Cheer on the leaders as they enter the second half of the Absa Cape Epic race week.
STAGE 5:
24 March
Spectator Point A: Elgin Grabow Country Club
Elgin’s most popular country club is the location for the first spectator point of Stage 5. Insider tip: Be sure to pick up a Peregrine pie on your way. Click here for the Google pin.
Spectator Point B: Idiom Wines
This is the perfect place to watch teams race into the final demands of Stage 5, the Queen Stage. Keep the tension at bay with some wine tasting. Also, the restaurant comes with amazing views. Click here for the Google pin.
STAGE 6:
25 March
Spectator Point: Lourensford Wine Estate
While there are several spectator points from which fans can enjoy the racing, no private vehicles will be allowed to enter Lourensford Wine Estate’s farm roads. There will be guided MTB tours to water and spectator points. Click here for the Google pin.
STAGE 7:
26 March
Spectator Point A: Waterford Wine Estate
This is the very first opportunity for fans to see their favourite teams race towards their finisher medals. Waterford Estate is also known for its exciting wine drive safaris, so be sure to tap into that while you’re there. Of course, there will also be wine tastings available, and there is a restaurant. Click here for the Google pin.
Spectator Point B: Dornier Wines
Last chance to watch the teams refuel. Dornier will be the base of the final water point and there will be a Dornier Wines activation on site. Click here for the Google Pin.
Grand Finale: Val de Vie Estate
Finally, join in on the celebrations at the final finish line from 10:30. Click here for the Google Pin.
