 | ‘Tour de France of mountain biking’ making its debut at Paarl Mountain
26 September 2024 | Press Releases |
26 September 2024
Next year, Drakenstein Municipality will once again be a host destination for one of the most exhilarating and internationally sought-after multi-stage mountain bike races in existence, the Absa Cape Epic. There is nothing tame about it and this time the action is coming to Paarl - for no less than four stages!
Celebrating its 21st year, the 2025 Absa Cape Epic is set to take place from 16 to 23 March, drawing courageous participants from all over the world to savour Drakenstein's clever, competitive and captivating mountain bike trails which traverse the majestic Paarl Mountain. Over the course of eight days, riders will tackle roughly 700 unforgiving kilometres and ascend to 16 000 metres, pushing their limits of physical and mental endurance and resilience.
“We could not be more excited and honoured that Stages 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the 2025 Absa Cape Epic will take riders through the cycling mecca of Africa, called Paarl," said Councillor Stephen Korabie, Executive Mayor of Drakenstein Municipality. “Crisscrossing working wine farms, the Paarl Trails have become a real drawcard for cycling enthusiasts, and we are thrilled to share this treasure with international and national riders, organisers, sponsors, media crews and supporters next year. The 2025 event marks a historic moment, as the Epic has never cleaved Paarl Mountain."
Stage 2 of the race will finish at Fairview Wine and Cheese Farm outside Paarl, with Stages 3 and 4 starting and finishing at Fairview and looping around Paarl Mountain. Stage 3 will stretch over a merciless 90 kilometres with an elevation gain of 2 600 metres, while Stage 4 will test riders' mettle with another 74 kilometres and 1 750 metres' elevation. On the morning of Stage 5, riders will hit the pedals at Fairview and make their way to Somerset West.
Fairview and the Spice Route Destination outside Paarl will be home to the Absa Cape Epic's characteristic red-tented race village, giving riders, organisers and supporters a taste of what adventure sport tourism destination, Paarl-Wellington, has to offer.
“As the world's most televised mountain bike race, the Absa Cape Epic will not only highlight our area's stunning natural beauty and rich cycling heritage, but it will also showcase our exceptional events infrastructure and events organising skills to a global audience," said Councillor Korabie.
Over the last seven years, Drakenstein Municipality and Paarl Trails - with the support from landowners - have invested substantially into Paarl's visionary mountain biking trails, spearheaded by the mastermind behind them, Darren Herbst from Paarl Trails. Transforming the area into a coveted adventure sport destination, he and his team have meticulously crafted trails winding over 200 kilometres and ensured that they are once again in tip-top shape following this year's devastating floods and fires.
“For us, this is simply a dream come true. We started with just a few trails on the Rhebokskloof Wine Estate and Spice Route Destination, and we have grown to include 46 properties. It has been a special journey making such as positive difference in the area," said Herbst.
According to statistics, the Absa Cape Epic brings an impressive economic impact of R569 million to the Western Cape. For Drakenstein this means that for three nights, local accommodation will be in demand, which is a huge economic injection and marketing opportunity for local guesthouses, hotels and accommodation establishments. Paarl's inclusion in the race will also generate significant income for local restaurants, wine estates, fuel stations, sports and cycling businesses, supermarkets, convenience stores and other businesses.
“Being recognised as a go-to destination for such a prestigious event brings sport-loving tourists to Paarl-Wellington, both in person and through online broadcasts. This will provide a solid boost to our local economy as well as priceless international media exposure for our area. Hosting the riders, sponsors and supporters will further solidify Paarl-Wellington's reputation as one of South Africa's premier adventure sport destinations," said the Executive Mayor.
The Absa Cape Epic is open to professional and amateur mountain bikers and attracts riders from 62 countries. The race involves the whole community, offering pre-race events and other engaging activities, and making it possible for everyone to become part of the action – whether it is manning a waterpoint, cheering as a supporter, or setting up camp at a viewing area along the route.
“I extend a warm welcome to the whole Epic family. I am sure our area's jaw-dropping scenery will make your challenge sweeter and your adventure more cherished. I know that Paarl-Wellington will leave a lasting impression," concluded Councillor Korabie.
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About Drakenstein Municipality
Located an hour's drive from Cape Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, Drakenstein Municipality is not only the country's top-rated secondary city for good governance, but also boasts the largest economy in the Cape Winelands. Spanning 1 538 km², it includes the historic Winelands towns of Paarl and Wellington as well as 2 380 farms and it is home to 305 281 residents.
Awarded one of South Africa's most financially sound, well-governed, stable and sustainable municipalities, Drakenstein Municipality has since 2011 achieved 16 consecutive unqualified audit opinions from the Auditor-General of South Africa, of which nine were clean audits.
Embodying its vision of “a city of excellence", the Municipality prides itself on providing its residents, businesses, investors and visitors with excellent services and well-maintained, advanced infrastructure. It has a proud record of consistently delivering clean potable water and stable electricity services. The Municipality is one of only 22 wastewater systems out of 850 in South Africa to be awarded Green Drop status.
Drakenstein, recognised for having one of the highest growth potentials in the province, is perfectly situated for investment, development, and business expansion. The Municipality has been investing substantially in infrastructure to make new business happen. Today it is a thriving manufacturing hub with a well-developed road network and a skilled workforce. As a progressive business and investment region and a city geared for growth, it constantly attracts new development. As South Africa's first self-declared Fair Trade City, Drakenstein Municipality is serious about building a sustainable future, and has garnered recognition and various awards for its commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious practices.
Finally, Drakenstein guarantees a quality lifestyle and an attractive, authentic tourism offering – from its beautiful natural scenery, rich cultural and architectural heritage, top achiever schools, esteemed lifestyle estates, pristine golf courses, and assortment of cycling, running, and hiking trails, to its acclaimed wines and inspired farm-to-table cuisine, and friendly, welcoming people.
For more information on Drakenstein Municipality, view this video or visit https://www.drakenstein.gov.za/. Follow the Municipality on Facebook at @DrakensteinMunicipality, Instagram at @drakensteinmunicipality, LinkedIn at Drakenstein Municipality and YouTube at @DrakensteinMunicipality1.
Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
