The preparations for the 2024 Absa Cape Epic are in full swing and this year, Absa is intensifying its efforts to promote women’s participation in the renowned mountain bike race through its enduring #SheUntamed initiative. Launched in 2019, #SheUntamed reflects Absa’s unwavering commitment to empowering and supporting women, fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers within the cycling realm.
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2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the iconic Absa Cape Epic, and in celebration of this milestone, Absa is taking the #SheUntamed initiative to new heights. The bank is setting a bold goal to assemble 20 all-women teams as part of Team Absa #SheUntamed 20for20. This commitment will ensure that 50% of the team comprises women of colour, constituting just over a third of the Team Absa peloton. This commitment extends to the Epic Trippers programme with an ongoing all-women Session 1.
Since the inception of the #SheUntamed initiative, the bank has seen a remarkable surge in female participation in the race. The number has increased from 36 in its inaugural year to an impressive 146 in 2023. This achievement is largely attributed to Absa’s purposeful initiatives, in collaboration with Cape Epic, which includes increased participation of women in the Team Absa line-up.
Tina Venter, Absa Executive for Marketing Operations, says, “Absa is dedicated to championing the empowerment of women in cycling. This commitment goes beyond mere inclusivity, positioning Absa as an intentional driver of change. Our goal is to empower women not only to be prepared at the start of the event, but also to revel in the accomplishment of completing the challenging eight-day journey of the Absa Cape Epic – the Untamed African mountain bike stage race that tests all limits. Through this initiative, we aim to create a foundation for all women and girls to forge their unique paths, ultimately leaving a lasting legacy.”
The Absa Cape Epic, a true test of endurance, demands up to 20 hours of weekly training to ensure that participants start the race in peak physical condition.
Every year, the selected #SheUntamed group of female mountain bikers are provided with substantial support before and during the event to take on the Absa Cape Epic. For those still preparing, the dedicated #SheUntamed Absa Cape Epic sampling experience offers a two-day adventure within the Epic Trippers programme. The community comprises women from diverse backgrounds, including both novice and seasoned riders, fostering knowledge-sharing and mentorship.
The #SheUntamed Class of 2024 is gearing up with training camps, skills clinics, nutrition guidance and build-up race support. The final selection of the 40 women embarking on the Absa Cape Epic, scheduled from 17 to 24 March, will be announced in early February.
While these 40 women collectively tackle the formidable challenge of starting and finishing the 20th edition of the Absa Cape Epic, each one will embark on a unique journey. Their inspiring stories will undoubtedly encourage other women to set and achieve their own mountain biking goals. Whether aspiring to complete an Absa Cape Epic or simply become a capable mountain biker, every woman has the potential to define and achieve her own path.
“Absa is excited to witness the continued growth and success of the #SheUntamed initiative as it paves the way for a more inclusive and diverse landscape in the world of mountain biking. We wish our 20 all-women teams all the best at the training camp scheduled to take place from 25 to 28 January in the Midlands,” Venter concludes.
