The 2026 Cape Epic is set to be a thrilling spectacle of endurance and skill, marking a significant shift in the event's structure and featuring a star-studded lineup of riders. This year, the elite men and women will compete on separate courses, aiming for time parity across the race days. The change is a strategic move to create a more competitive and dynamic racing experience, with the women's course being notably shorter at 545 kilometers compared to the men's 707 kilometers. This decision reflects a broader trend in cycling to promote inclusivity and provide equal opportunities for all genders in elite competitions.
One of the most exciting aspects of this year's event is the introduction of 32" wheels, with Felix Stehli of Team Honeycomb 226ers set to make history by putting the production-ready Stoll P32 against the clock. This innovation adds a new layer of complexity and strategy to the race, as riders adapt to the unique characteristics of these larger wheels. The Cape Epic has always been known for its challenging routes, and the addition of 32" wheels only serves to heighten the difficulty and intrigue of the event.
However, the build-up to the race has been marred by some unfortunate incidents. The withdrawal of 2025 XC Marathon World Champ Keegan Swenson due to a fractured iliac crest in a training crash is a stark reminder of the risks inherent in extreme sports. Similarly, the She Sends Foundation team faced a setback when Melisa Rollins suffered a broken elbow and a potential broken wrist while preparing for the race in South Africa. Despite these challenges, both teams were able to find replacement riders, ensuring that the race will proceed as planned.
The star-studded lineup of riders is a testament to the Cape Epic's reputation as one of the biggest events in XC racing. Top talent, including several top XC World Cup racers, will battle it out across the eight-day race. The pairings of Luca Schwarzbauer/Sam Gaze, Luca Braidot/Simone Avondetto, Kate Courtney/Greta Seiwald, and Candice Lill/Alessandra Keller are sure to provide some thrilling moments and close contests throughout the prologue and seven full stages. Outside of the elite racing, it's also worth watching Team 69, featuring Jenny Rissveds and Simon Andreassen, as they compete in the Mixed category.
The course itself is a true test of endurance and strength, with both the men's and women's routes covering significant distances and climbing challenges. The prologue and final stage remain the same for all racers, with remote start points for the elite women on stages one through six. The longest stage is Stage 3 for the men at 140 kilometers, while the women's longest stage is 108 kilometers. The biggest climbing day for the men is Stage 5 with 2,750 meters, while the women's biggest climbing day is split between Stage 5 and 7 at 2,150 meters.
The Cape Epic has a rich history, and the 2025 edition was no exception. Battling across 603 kilometers and enduring high temperatures, the race offered one of the toughest challenges yet. The Toyota Specialized team of Annika Langvad and Sofia Gomez Villafane emerged victorious in the UCI Women's racing, while Nino Schurter and Filippo Colombo of the Scott-SRAM MTB Racing team claimed the overall win in the UCI Men's category. The close battle at the start of the week, with seconds between the top two UCI Men's teams, showcased the high level of competition and the unpredictable nature of the race.
As the 2026 Cape Epic gets underway, the stage is set for another thrilling and memorable event. The introduction of time parity for the elite men and women, the addition of 32" wheels, and the star-studded lineup of riders all contribute to a race that promises to be both challenging and captivating. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or simply looking for an inspiring adventure, the Cape Epic is an event not to be missed. So, mark your calendars, tune in to Pinkbike for live broadcasts and results, and get ready to be amazed by the sheer determination and skill of these incredible athletes.
