The Absa Cape Epic’s 2026 route promises a journey of equal parts pure joy and traditional endurance pain – just the way the riders like it.

“We’ve been planning and plotting this route since before the 2025 edition of the Absa Cape Epic,” says Hendrico Burger, Route Director. “What we really want to show riders this year is that just a few kilometres from a gorgeous small town, you can find incredible trails that will throw everything at you. I like to think our 2026 route blends the classic Absa Cape Epic elements of endurance mountain biking into something that will challenge and thrill every day.”

Participants will thread their way through four diverse Western Cape towns, each offering their own unique twist on Beauty and the Beast: Durbanville, Montagu, Greyton and Stellenbosch will play happy and hospitable hosts for the 1300-strong 2026 field from over 50 countries. Each stage is a pilgrimage in itself, with terrain that’s as unforgiving as it is unforgettable.

The adventure kicks off in Durbanville, where the Prologue returns to Meerendal Wine Estate, familiar territory for many past entrants.

Rolling vineyards, sculpted singletrack and fast, loose trails will test all riders, from elite to debutant. Meerendal has hosted many Absa Cape Epic opening salvos, and for good reason: it’s a setting where markers are laid down and where the aggressively short route alerts the field to what’s in store for the week ahead.

From there, the race heads east to the Klein Karoo in the shape of Montagu, marking the event’s first visit to the town in 19 years. Montagu, tucked between mountains and fruit orchards, is a geological wonderland that will test riders immediately at this Absa Cape Epic. If you arrive underprepared, prepare to pay the price.

Rugged jeep tracks and technical climbs will punish the legs, while bone-rattling descents will remind riders why they signed up in the first place – to push the limit. Montagu’s return isn’t just nostalgic. It’s a nod to the raw, remote character that made the early Absa Cape Epics so rewarding.

Next up is Greyton, a perennial favourite. With its oak-lined streets and small-town charm, the town itself is picture-postcard perfection. Sadly for the riders, they won’t be riding around town but rather in and out of the surrounding mountains, where rocky and ragged trails could end a race in the blink of an eye. Expect dust, sweat and possibly tears (of joy or agony, depending on tyre pressure).

Finally, the race winds towards Stellenbosch, the beating heart of South African mountain biking. Few places on earth boast such a blend of manicured singletrack, vertigo-inducing climbs and Insta-worthy views. Jonkershoek, Eden, G-Spot… names that make local riders grin and newcomers wonder where on earth they’re riding.

It’s fitting that the Grand Finale finishes here, where vineyards meet vertical metres and the cheers of the crowd mix with the smell of chain lube and champagne.

Sydney Nhlanhla Mbhele, Absa Group Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer says, “In 2026, we’ll proudly celebrate 20 years of partnership between Absa and the Absa Cape Epic, one of the longest-standing sponsorships in the industry. This milestone is about more than sport; it’s about purpose. Through initiatives like SheUntamed, we’ve transformed and opened the trail for more women of colour in cycling. Through our partnership with Qhubeka, we’ve donated nearly 5,900 bicycles to learners across South Africa, each one a symbol of progress and hope. And through the race itself, we’ve helped inject over R560 million into the Western Cape economy in just eight days. This partnership shows what’s possible when passion meets purpose, when we move together, we all move forward.”

MEERENDAL WINE ESTATE, Durbanville

Prologue

Past appearances: 9 – 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017(2), 2023, 2025

Just 30 minutes from Cape Town’s city centre, Durbanville is proof that you don’t need to drive far to find world-class trails. Known for its wine industry and mellow country charm mixed with bustling city energy, the region has quietly become one of the Cape’s most accessible mountain-biking playgrounds – thanks to the highly regarded Tygerberg Trail Network. The Absa Cape Epic will once again launch from Meerendal Wine Estate, a venue that boasts challenging singletrack and iconic views of Table Mountain.

Beyond the bikes, Durbanville is pure Cape comfort: boutique wineries, craft beer, small-town markets and vibrant restaurants. The surrounding Tygerberg trail network connects estates like Bloemendal, Contermanskloof and Hillcrest, making it possible to ride from one to the next.

For support crews or families of riders, the area is blissfully easy to navigate. Comfortable guesthouses and Cape Town’s beaches are a short drive away. For riders, it’s a false sense of security before the real work begins. But as Prologues go, there are few better ways to start an eight-day sufferfest than on the smooth dirt and Cape Town vistas of Durbanville.

MONTAGU

Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3 (Start)

Past appearances: 9 – 2005, 2007

For the first time in 19 years, the Absa Cape Epic returns to Montagu – and it’s about time. This small Karoo town sits where dramatic rock formations rise like ancient cathedrals, carved by wind, water, and ridden by Lycra-clad masochists. It’s famous for its hot springs, fruit orchards and sandstone cliffs that glow orange at sunset. But in mountain-biking circles, Montagu is remembered for its rugged, remote riding – the kind that made the early Absa Cape Epics the legendary riders they are.

The trails here are not polite. They’re rocky, dusty and in your face, rewarding fitness and punishing arrogance. Riders will snake through the Keisie and Koo valleys, grind up jeep tracks that feel endless, and bomb down descents that leave forearms quivering. It’s terrain with character – harsh but heart-stirring, framed by the kind of Karoo vastness that reminds you how small you are.

Off the bike, Montagu’s charm is pure South African country hospitality. The main street is lined with Cape Dutch cottages and coffee shops where time moves at half speed. There are hiking trails, climbing crags and thermal baths to soak away the lactic acid. For supporters, it’s a photographer’s dream – every corner a postcard, every vista an Instagram filter waiting to happen.

Montagu’s comeback is more than sentimental. It’s symbolic. It’s a return to the Absa Cape Epic’s roots: raw, remote and untamed.

GREYTON

Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5 (start)

Past appearances: 2004, 2006, 2009, 2014, 2017, 2022 (×6)

Few places embody the comfort and chaos of trail riding quite like Greyton. Nestled in a green valley at the foot of the Riviersonderend Mountains, this charming town – hamlet, really – feels like a time capsule. Gravel roads, stoep cafés and locals who wave like they’ve known you for years set the bucolic scene. It’s peaceful, but for mountain bikers, it can be a road to perdition.

Greyton’s network of trails combine flow and grit. The routes wind through fynbos fields, across rocky ridgelines and over rolling hills. The climbs are wicked, the descents exhilarating and the scenery distractingly beautiful. It’s a place that rewards rhythm and punishes hesitation – a true test of both legs and nerve.

The Absa Cape Epic has returned here often, for good reason. For supporters, it’s paradise: lazy river walks and quaint cafes offer a respite from racing drama.

Greyton isn’t just a stopover; it’s a reminder that the Absa Cape Epic, for all its brutality, is also about joy – the simple, perfect joy of mountain biking through beauty and enjoying quiet country charms.

STELLENBOSCH

Stage 5, Stage 6, Stage 7 (Grand Finale)

Past appearances: 8 – 2004, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2024

If South African mountain biking had a capital city, it would be Stellenbosch. Few places on the continent pack so much riding, history and style into one valley. The 2026 Cape Epic ends here – fittingly – amid vineyards, oak trees and the roar of fans who know their singletrack. They love their local riders too, so if you’re South African, be prepared for huge cheers.

Stellenbosch’s trails are legendary. Jonkershoek delivers lung-busting climbs and switchback descents that feel like rollercoasters built for adults. Banhoek Conservancy offers smooth, sculpted trails with sweeping views of the Drakenstein Mountains, while Botmaskop adds the technical spice that separates the merely fit from the truly skilled. It’s a playground for pros and mortals alike, maintained with obsessive care by a community that treats trail building as both art and religion.

But Stellenbosch isn’t only about bikes. It’s a feast for the senses boasting fine wine, world-class restaurants, art galleries and student energy from its university roots. The streets buzz with cyclists, baristas, sommeliers and students sharing space in perfect, happy harmony.

For supporters, it’s heaven: stylish guesthouses, mountain views, and enough attractions to fill a week. For riders, it’s the final test; the last climbs, the last cheers, the last gulp of Western Cape dust before champagne and relief.

Absa, in partnership with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA), invites the public to experience a day of art, culture, and family-friendly fun at the Absa L’Atelier Art & Lifestyle Fair, taking place at the NIROX Sculpture Park on Sunday, 11 October 2025, from 10:00 to 16:00.

Set in the scenic Cradle of Humankind, the Fair brings together the vibrancy of African creativity, local enterprise, and community spirit in one immersive experience. The event is open to the public and free for the whole family, offering something for everyone, from art lovers and collectors to foodies and families seeking an inspiring day outdoors.

Visitors can look forward to:

• An exclusive exhibition showcasing the works of the Top 12 Absa L’Atelier 2025 Finalists, representing some of the most exciting emerging artists from across Africa.
• An exhibition of recent artworks by young South African printmakers from Artist Proof Studio, highlighting the next generation of creative voices.
• SME and craft pop-ups, featuring unique handmade products and creative goods from local entrepreneurs.
• A Doodle Pop-Up Zone, where guests can unleash their creativity through interactive art activities.
• A Kids and Teens Corner, designed to spark imagination and creativity through guided art workshops, playful installations, and hands-on activities, making the Fair a space where every generation can explore and create together.
• A curated selection of gourmet food stalls and beverage bars, offering everything from artisanal eats to refreshing drinks.

“The Absa L’Atelier Art & Lifestyle Fair is about more than just viewing art, it’s about experiencing the creativity and innovation that drives Africa forward,” says Dr. Paul Bayliss, Absa’s Art and Museum Curator. “It’s a celebration of the stories, the people, and the communities that shape our continent’s creative future.”

Now in its 39th year, the Absa L’Atelier continues to be one of Africa’s most prestigious platforms for emerging visual artists. The Art & Lifestyle Fair expands that vision beyond the gallery connecting art, commerce, and culture in an inspiring outdoor setting.

Join us as we celebrate “A Story of Art”, a day where creativity meets community under the African sky.

For more information on the Absa L’Atelier and the Art & Lifestyle Fair, visit the Absa L’Atelier website or follow the conversation on social media using #AbsaLAtelier.

Following its financial literacy programme, the bank now focuses on equipping customers to spot and stop fraud, scams and cybercrimes.

Absa Group announced the launch of the second phase of its consumer education campaign, focused on protecting customers from the rising threats of cybercrime, fraud and data privacy breaches. Building on the success of its financial literacy drive in 2024, which focused on empowering South Africans with the knowledge of financial wellness, the new phase turns attention to protecting consumers against fraud, cybercrime and data privacy risks.

Manoj Puri, Head of Cybersecurity at Absa Group, explains: “Cybercrime is evolving every day, from phishing scams to deepfake technology. But the most powerful defence isn’t only in the systems we build; it’s in the awareness and vigilance of the people who use them. By acting together, we can make every device, every interaction and every transaction safer. When people are better equipped, they build a stronger defence against these forms of crime.”

The campaign underscores Absa’s commitment to helping customers take practical steps to safeguard their identity, data and financial transactions. It builds on the insights that while technology plays a critical role in protection, human behaviour remains the most vulnerable link. The majority of cyber incidents, often above 80%, involve a human element, including human error or falling victim to social engineering tactics like phishing and vishing.

The campaign addresses the most pressing digital risks facing South Africans and consumers across the African continent, including phishing, impersonation, mobile scams, social engineering and data leakage incidents. It also highlights the growing challenges posed by ransomware, deepfakes, artificial intelligence (AI) and fraud tactics targeting individuals and businesses.

Through engaging content, real-world examples and gamified learning, Absa will provide customers with accessible education on how to spot and report suspicious activity. The campaign also aligns with regulatory requirements under South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), the Cybercrimes Act and the Consumer Protection Act, all of which emphasise the importance of customer education and proactive prevention.

The integrated approach reflects Absa’s role as a trusted partner, not only in providing financial solutions but also in protecting the personal stories of its customers. From questioning a suspicious link to safeguarding login details, to reporting a potential scam; these everyday actions reduce risk for individuals while strengthening resilience across entire communities.

Absa’s campaign takes a practical, people-first approach. It’s designed not just to raise awareness, but to provide customers with clear, everyday actions that reduce risk.

Cybercriminals are constantly evolving, and it is more important than ever to protect your digital presence. To help consumers stay safe, Absa has published Top 10 tips to protect your money:

1. Use only official apps for transactions.
2. Avoid public Wi-Fi for financial activity.
3. Don’t click on suspicious links in emails or SMSs.
4. Never download files from unknown sources.
5. Beware of calls asking for personal or bank information.
6. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
7. Watch out for fake promotions requesting personal details.
8. Regularly scan devices with trusted antivirus software.
9. Use strong passwords and update them regularly.
10. Don’t share sensitive information online.

Puri concluded: “Cybersecurity isn’t an IT issue; it’s a people issue. Every careful choice we make online protects not just our own data, but also our families, colleagues and the wider financial system. When we take ownership of our digital safety, we all benefit from a stronger, more trusted environment.”