The Absa Cape Epic route changes every year. The dedicated route team takes two years to plan where in South Africa's rugged Western Cape province riders will test themselves with a distance of around 800km and 15 000m climbing. What is guaranteed each year is a challenging traverse of the area's iconic fynbos valleys, majestic mountains, deep ravines, indigenous forests, spectacular coastlines and flourishing vineyards.

The terrain is as varied as it is harsh - dusty and demanding gravel roads, strenuous rocky climbs, thrilling technical descents, refreshing river crossings and fast forest single tracks. The Absa Cape Epic route gives riders and fans the opportunity to experience the historic and scenic towns in the Western Cape - many of them off the beaten tourist track. Over the past decade the race has visited more than 40 towns.