Hermanus has once again been selected as one of the towns to host the internationally renowned Absa Cape Epic cycling race.
This will be the fifth time the town hosts stages of the Cape Epic race – Hermanus was first selected to host Stage 7 of the 2006 and 2008 Absa Cape Epic Race. It hosted Stage 1 in 2017 and 2019.
Overstrand Executive Mayor, Dr Annelie Rabie, said this is indeed a wonderful opportunity to showcase the area to the world and stated it is a huge feather in the cap for Overstrand.
“We look forward to welcoming the riders, supporters and crew,” she added.
Sarah Harrop, Senior Marketing Manager for the Epic Race, says when deciding on the routes and villages organisers consider several factors, such as whether the town has a flat area big enough to host the race village. Another important factor is exciting MTB trails that link up to neighbouring towns.
“In recent years Hermanus has become something of a mountain biking mecca with trails springing up on the nearby hills and valleys, ready to give our riders an unforgettable experience and challenge,” Harrop said. “Not only does Hermanus lend itself as a perfect stage location town it is a beautiful seaside town with magical vistas and a destination that is sure to wow our out-of-town riders.”
Race Village
The Cape Epic starts on Sunday 19 March with a Prologue Race at Meerendal Estate. Afterwards, the roughly 1 200 riders will arrive in Hermanus, bringing with them a large support crew, scores of supporters and media crews. Most riders and support crew members will stay at the race village which will once again be set up on the Hermanus High School grounds.
Organisers say they need at least 5 ha to accommodate the race village consisting of the rider village, crew village, media village as well as a supporters camp. It consists of tents, start/finish area, food vendors, dining marquee, hospitality, a mobile home camp, and activation areas.
A number of riders, however, choose to book private accommodation. In addition to this, organisers also book about 250 beds in each town for the sponsors.
Ready! Set! Go!
Monday 20 March will see the riders setting off on the 98 km long Stage 1. This leg includes 2 550 m of climbing along single tracks. Organisers describe the return loop as technical and challenging, filled with rugged limestone trails which are treacherous to the tired.
Cyclists will set off on Stage 2 on Tuesday 21 March. This stage covers a distance of 116 km and has an elevation of 1 850 m.
Organisers had the following to say about Stage 2: “With opportunities for attacking racing combined with a relentless route, Stage 2 is sure to be one of the most captivating days of the 2023 race.”
Stage 3 sees the riders setting off from Hermanus to Oak Valley Estate on Wednesday 22 March. This stage has a difficulty rating of 4,5 stars and covers a distance of 108 km with a climb of 2 600 m. The challenges begin from the gun, with a climb out of Hermanus and into the wild; then trails deep in the fynbos lead into Wildekrans where tight and twisty trails make gaining momentum difficult. Onwards and uphill the Honingklip trails lead to a brand-new challenge, a hitherto unused climb into the Hottentots Holland Mountains and onto the Elgin plateau. Valley Road Farms and Paul Cluver provide final climbs before a high-speed, high-risk, high-reward run into Oak Valley ensures the stage ends on a high, ahead of the time trial on Stage 4.
The race has seven stages, the last stage is Sunday 26 March from Lourensford to Val de Vie.
Harrop says residents are welcome to visit the race villages.
She added: “We will share the official spectator points, and there will be a chill zone as well as food vendors available in the race village. Entry is free of charge. Those who want to get involved can contact us at registration@cape-epic.com.”
