“I am not Epic material. Not everyone is made to ride and complete an Absa Cape Epic,” I told a changing room full of women training for the 2023 event – at the training camp in Karkloof. Even though a few times a year, I have a stirring in my soul to tackle the untamed race, the feeling soon passes, and I snap back to reality. That reality is I know it takes massive amounts of time, energy, commitment, selfishness, training, money, support and focus. In my world it is difficult to get them all to align.
By Joanne Badenhorst
Photo Credits: AC Media & TreadFemme
We love that there is a big drive to get more women to the start of the race, and nobody supports that more than us at TREAD Femme. We do have to ask the question though, even though these women want to line up for the race that measures all, are they fully prepared? It’s always going to be a tough call, because creating opportunity is what it is about. It also needs to be about you being honest with yourself, and coaches/mentors being brutally honest with their athletes. So, to a point we agree, give the athlete the benefit of the doubt, give them the opportunity to start. The prepared will make each stage within the maximum permitted time, without the Hyaenas (sweepers) keeping them company.
There has most certainly been an increase in women participation over the past few years, with two main contributing factors:
- Absa’s commitment to the #SheUntamed Programme
- The addition of more categories that create opportunities for women to be recognised.
The introduction of the Open/Amateur Women, Master Women, Grand Master Women, African Women’s and Exxaro Women has really enticed more women to take on the event. Especially those with a more competitive nature. It gives them a real goal, besides the challenge of just completing an Absa Cape Epic.
This year, there were 18 UCI Women’s teams, 17 Open Women’s Teams, 17 Masters Women’s Teams & 5 Grand Masters Women’s teams. With 73 Mixed Teams, that takes the total women lined up for Stage 1 to an impressive 187 (numbers taken after the Prologue from the results), making up just over 13% of the field. The 2024 split was 12.5% women, and 2023 only 10.4%. We can only hope that this growth trajectory continues.
The Absa Cape Epic has changed so much over the years, see our recent article https://www.treadmtb.co.za/absa-cape-epic-its-no-longer-the-race-it-used-to-be/, making completing the event even more challenging. With this in mind, it is impressive to see the growth in women’s participation.
So, providing a women can get all the above to align, what makes her want to actually take on an Absa Cape Epic? We asked some of this year’s #SheUntamed participants for their views.
Sarah Hill
Number of Cape Epics started: 6
Number of official Cape Epics completed: 5
It is my ultimate place of self-discovery. I stand on the start line of Epic one version of myself and cross the finish line another. Not always a “new and improved” version of myself, but ALWAYS a wiser one.
No matter how much we can prepare for the Absa Cape Epic, the challenges we face over the eight days of riding are often far beyond what we expected. Nothing can truly prepare you for “the extreme”. Over the 5.5 Epics I have completed (yes, the half one counts!), I believe I have grown and been molded into the best version of myself. My journey includes: Redefining “hard” (2019 with Theresa Ralph); Unconditional Self-Belief (2021 with Vera Loser); Overcoming Defeat (2022 with Kaysee Armstrong); Adaptability & Perseverance (2023 with Elrika Harmzen-Pretorious); Which Story Matters (2024 with Hayley Smith); and Going Further, Together (2025 with Aurelie Halbwachs Lincoln).
Epic is getting harder, and so are the psychological lessons. It is far beyond “mental toughness/GRIT/or commitment” at this point for me. It’s about that deep connection to discovering who we in the most vulnerable spaces
Janine Muller
Number of Cape Epics started: 4
Number of official Cape Epics completed: 4
So, at this stage, there’s not much in me that wants to take it on anytime soon again! But, ask me again in a few weeks’ time, and my answer will be absolutely yes!
For me, it is all about the journey. Together with your partner, all the countless hours of training is so much better together! The harder the conditions and terrain, the more I love it. Ok, maybe not the muddy and rainy conditions, but give me heat any day!
And then, what I love most about this race, is the opportunity to form a partnership, and make it as strong as you possibly can. To bring out the best in each other. To use both riders’ strengths wherever possible, and to try limit any weaknesses as best you can. That makes you faster together!
Phatho Zondi
Number of Cape Epics started: 2
Number of official Cape Epics completed: 2
The prospect of taking on a momentous challenge, committing to a process and way of life that will empower you to navigate the challenge. Also, the relationships forged on the journey that build you up on and off the bike, the daily (and hourly during the race) battles fought and won, and that feeling of accomplishment/relief/joy when you cross the finish line. It’s delightfully brutal. And It’s transformative.
Zintle Gantsho
Number of Cape Epics started: 2
Number of official Cape Epics completed: 1
The Absa Cape Epic is more than just a race. I feel like it’s one of the ultimate tests of life. Everything endured there is an interpretation to real life. Resilience, perseverance, grit, discipline, teamwork, mental fortitude, camaraderie… the list is endless. That’s where you learn it and then in life, you apply it. But of course, the biggest reason of all, is for the young black girl child who, today, thinks that she has to dream within limits. We are here to break that glass ceiling, so they don’t have to.
Julia Westoby
Number of Cape Epics started: 2
Number of official Cape Epics completed: 2
The Absa Cape Epic always seemed like an unattainable goal for me. In my mind, the trails were too technical, the terrain too demanding. However, I’ve always had a love for climbing, so the elevation was never a concern. For a long time, I viewed the event as something reserved for the most elite athletes, particularly young, elite riders – athletes I felt I had missed the chance to become.
But everything changed when I received a phone call from a #SheUntamed mentor 18 months ago, asking if I would consider riding in the event. Without hesitation, I said yes. What motivated me to take on the Absa Cape Epic was the sheer challenge it presented. I’ve participated in numerous multi-stage races across South Africa, and while I’ve enjoyed each of them, none come close to the level of challenge that the Absa Cape Epic offers.
The team aspect of the race also appealed to me. I find the Absa Cape Epic’s two-person format exciting – it fosters collaboration, strategy, and the thrill of overcoming challenges together. It’s the perfect combination of endurance and camaraderie. Unlike many other stage races, which follow the same route year after year, the Absa Cape Epic changes its route annually, offering a fresh and unique challenge with every edition.
For me, pushing beyond my comfort zone and setting ambitious goals is key, and the Absa Cape Epic certainly delivers on that front. It forces me to confront discomfort and grow in ways I never imagined. Lastly, there’s the undeniable thrill of competing alongside some of the world’s best athletes. To be part of such an esteemed event is truly both a privilege and an honour.
Matshediso Ebudilwe (Baks)
Number of Cape Epics started: 3
Number of official Cape Epics completed: 3
The Absa Cape Epic is a huge challenge, but it’s also a chance to push my limits and see what I’m really capable of. I’m drawn to the adventure and the camaraderie of the race, and the excitement of experiencing the beauty of Western Cape on a bike. And as mother, I’m trying to show my daughter that anything is possible through hard work.
The major take-away is that with the right opportunities, mindset and preparation, women from all walks of life and life stages can do anything they put their mind to. They thrive with the challenge of an event like the Absa Cape Epic and for the most part after surviving this journey emerge the other side enlightened about themselves in ways they could never predict. It truly is a journey of self-discovery, but you really have to want it. You have to want to take yourself to some dark and uncomfortable places, and in all honesty, not all women want to tackle a Cape Epic, and that is fine too. There are many other mountain biking challenges. They may not be as formidable, but they are achievable and more accessible, and that is fine too.
