When it comes to stage races and MTB, there is no more iconic and coveted event than the Cape Epic. 8 incredibly tough racing days, up and down through unspoiled nature and the mountains of South Africa, with the world's best athletes ready to battle without holding back. Wilier-Vittoria MTB Factory Team has obviously never missed the world's most important off-road stage race and will be present again in 2025, from March 16 to 23.

Although they have opted this year for a team entirely focused on cross-country, participation in the Cape Epic was never in question, and so Simone Avondetto and Luca Braidot will launch themselves into the South African challenge for the first time ever.

"When they proposed racing the Cape Epic with Luca, I was almost paralyzed - said Simone Avondetto -. I immediately wondered if I would be able to face such a difficult challenge. However, my concern quickly gave way to the excitement of measuring myself against something new and never attempted before. I thought that the value of the experience this race would give me was essential for my career. The initial fear transformed into a desire to be at the start line. I don't exactly know what to expect or how my body will react to such a race. How many competitions in the world put a rider through such a hard test? The Cape Epic is truly unique, from every perspective".

"The Cape Epic is, without doubt, one of the most extreme challenges a mountain biker can face - added Luca Braidot -. There are many factors that can influence the race. Climatic unpredictability is a determining factor that makes it both iconic and ruthless. In South Africa, conditions change with stunning rapidity. Scorching sun can transform into a violent thunderstorm in the blink of an eye, with torrential rain and wind gusts that test not only the body but also mental endurance. This is my first Cape Epic, a leap into the unknown in some ways, but my excitement is sky-high. I don't know what awaits me, but the idea of being at the start fills me with adrenaline. The Cape Epic is a legend, a unique experience in its kind. It would have been a real shame not to have raced it at least once in my mountain bike journey".

The Cape Epic will put on the table a total of 605 km with 16,500 meters of elevation gain. It will start with a prologue of 26 km and 750 m of elevation at the Meerendal Wine Estate, where athletes will get a first taste of what awaits them in the following week. The next day, always starting and finishing at the Meerendal Wine Estate, there will be the first stage of 96 km and 2,750 meters of elevation gain. The second stage represents a novelty, as team tactics will be put to the test with a 63 km time trial and 950 meters of elevation that will take them to Fairview, Paarl. The same location will host the third stage, 90 km long with an elevation of 2,600 km around Paarl Mountain, characterized by granite blocks that absorb heat and will force athletes into an early summer.

At the halfway point, the race will still be in Fairview, with another loop stage of 80 km and 1,950 meters of elevation gain. The fifth stage is the one the organizers have defined as the Queen Stage, as from Fairview they will arrive at Lourensford Wine Estate after 98 km and 2,850 meters of elevation gain where anyone with classification ambitions will need to be ready. The Lourensford Wine Estate will also be the headquarters for the last two stages. In the sixth stage, athletes will discover Helderberg Mountain, with an 88 km loop and 2,550 meters of elevation gain destined to cause more pain to riders' legs. Shorter but still very intense will be the final stage, which in 64 km includes 2,100 meters of elevation gain.

"This is my eighth Cape Epic as General Manager - explained Wilier-Vittoria's General Manager, Marco Trentin -. In a race like this, it is necessary that every element is in the right place so that everything works. Although the staff is up to the task and the riders are prepared for any eventuality, there is always something ready to surprise you. For us, it will be a new challenge: we are coming with two riders who are debuting as a pair and in such a complex race. Luca's experience will be fundamental for Simone, and we will try to give them all the support they need".

ABSA CAPE EPIC 2025 - THE ROUTE

Prologue. Meerendal Wine Estate - Meerendal Wine Estate, 26 km and 750 m elevation gain
Stage 1. Meerendal Wine Estate - Meerendal Wine Estate, 96 km and 2,750 m elevation gain
Stage 2. Meerendal Wine Estate - Fairview, Paarl, TT, 63 km and 950 m elevation gain
Stage 3. Fairview, Paarl - Fairview, Paarl, 90 km and 2,600 m elevation gain
Stage 4. Fairview, Paarl - Fairview, Paarl, 80 km and 1,950 m elevation gain
Stage 5. Fairview, Paarl - Lourensford Wine Estate, 98 km and 2,850 m elevation gain
Stage 6. Lourensford Wine Estate - Lourensford Wine Estate, 88 km and 2,550 m elevation gain
Stage 7. Lourensford Wine Estate - Lourensford Wine Estate, 64 km and 2,100 m elevation gain