CONTENTS
MOUNTAIN BIKE MAGAZINE • SPECIAL EDITION • MARCH 2026
70
THE ROUTE IN STAGE-BY-STAGE DETAIL
Maps & profiles, in-depth coaching advice from a 15x finisher, insights from the route director and more!
EPIC STOKE
14 The Ed has his say
16 A rad gallery of images from Africa’ s premier stage race
146 Gerald de Kock reflects on the sporting hall of fame that descends on the event
2026 ABSA CAPE EPIC
50 Welcomes: from the race director and title sponsor 52 Top teams: the Elite Men and Women gunning for glory 59 Leader Jerseys: all to play for across eight days 62 Roll of honour: all the winners, from 2004 to 2025 136 2026 riders: the full list tackling this year’ s Untamed
12 | MTB | the untamed african mtb race