They cover the same route and encounter the same challenges as the men during the demanding eight-day race, but historically, women make up just under 10% of the Absa Cape Epic field. But from 2023, that’s changing and a record number of women will start the prestigious race on 19 March. CM.com invested in becoming the title sponsor of the Absa Cape Epic Women’s Category for 2022 an 2023. Here’s why…
Paid partnership with CM.com
There is no easy edition of the Absa Cape Epic. Every year the world’s most prestigious mountain bike stage race takes ambitious competitors from various countries and a range of backgrounds over a route that’s designed to challenge each participant’s stamina, skill, fitness, partner-management ability, mental strength and sheer determination.
It’s eight days of racing, but the preparation starts many months before. For women, the journey to finish the Absa Cape Epic is often easier (but not easy!) than getting to the start. It’s certainly simpler, especially if they have a family and a full-time job, and likely explains why historically, there’s a higher finisher rate in the women’s division than any other racing category at the event.
And while it may lack the depth of any of the other racing categories, the CM.com Women’s category is always highly contested by some of the best racers from around the world. It also receives a similar amount of media coverage as well as equal prize money to the men’s race.
CM.com’s commitment to the Absa Cape Epic women’s category represents brand synergies with the event both on and off the bike. CM.com’s objective is to grow the stature of the women’s category, increase participation numbers and inspire more young females to take up the sport by supporting and helping build women up.
There’s already been a significant increase in women’s participation between 2022 and 2023. Last year, there were a total of 90 women that started the Absa Cape Epic, broken down into 22 Women’s teams (44 riders) and 46 Mixed teams (46 riders). This year, there are 137 women on the Absa Cape Epic start list, split into 32 Women’s teams (64 riders) and 73 Mixed teams (73 riders). That’s a 55.55% increase in women’s participation in just one year and, at 32, the biggest all-women’s teams entry in the race’s history.
Women’s start numbers from 2022 to 2023
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| UCI teams | 12 (24 riders) | 15 (30 riders) |
| Amateur teams | 9 (18 riders) | – |
| Masters teams | 10 (20 riders) | – |
| Grand masters teams | 1 (2 riders) | – |
| Mixed teams | 76 riders | 46 riders |
| TOTAL WOMEN | 140 | 90 |
With CM.com’s partnership commencing last year, the Absa Cape Epic made a concerted effort to add more value to the women’s division, increasing the number of women’s racing categories after the 2022 edition. Absa, the event’s title sponsor, has also boosted its commitment to women, driving its #SheUntamed project that has empowered and supported 28 women over the past six months to ensure increased female participation for this year’s race.
The leaders of the CM.com Women’s Category are instantly recognisable in their bright orange CM.com leader jerseys, created by Ciovita. The orange jersey represents enthusiasm, determination, attraction to excellence and success. However, while it’s only the leaders that wear this distinctive jersey, these traits are evident throughout the entire women’s field.
Partnering with the Absa Cape Epic as the title sponsor of the women’s category also allows CM.com to further align its environmental social governance goals, which include:
- More attention for women’s participation in sports, stimulating accessibility and visibility of women in sport.
- An eye-catching example for Inclusivity and Diversity is now the cycle of 3 sessions Female Leadership CM.com HQ.
- com chooses to sponsor sports in the context of vitality and connection between people.
In addition to its title sponsorship of the women’s category, CM.com is also a headline sponsor of the Absa Cape Epic. Using it’s experience and expertise, CM.com ensured the improved efficiency of the journeys of participants and organisers last year, as outlined here. That will continue at the 2023 edition where a record 753 teams (1506 riders) will appreciate any simplification of their strenuous journey to become proud finishers of the 19th edition of the Absa Cape Epic.
SHARE YOUR JOURNEY AND STAND TO WIN A LIV MTB WORTH R124999!
Ladies, have you entered the CM.com competition to win a Liv Pique Advanced Pro 29 1 bike worth R124999? Share your own sporting journey before 26 March 2023 and stand to win this incredible prize. Enter now – here’s how!
