The Absa Cape Epic, often referred to as the “Tour de France of Mountain Biking,” is coming to Paarl for the first time in 2025. This prestigious mountain biking stage race, renowned for its challenging courses and elite riders, will bring an extraordinary level of excitement and global attention to Paarl, one of South Africa’s most picturesque regions.
A Dream Realised for Paarl Trails
For Darren Herbst, the visionary behind Paarl Trails, the arrival of the Cape Epic is the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. Since moving to Paarl in 2017, Darren and his team have transformed the area into a leading destination for adventure seekers. Today, Paarl Trails boasts nearly 200 kilometres of expertly crafted trails, made possible through strong partnerships with local landowners, the community, and the Drakenstein Municipality.
Reflecting on this achievement, Darren shared, “We started with just a few trails on Rhebokskloof and Spice Route, and we’ve now expanded to include 46 properties. It’s been an incredible journey, making such a positive impact on the region.”
The 2025 Cape Epic Route
The 2025 Cape Epic will commence at Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville on 16 March, with the Prologue and Stage 1. The excitement builds as the race moves towards Paarl:
- Stage 2 (18 March): Riders will journey from Durbanville to Fairview Farm in Paarl.
- Stage 3 (19 March): A challenging 90km stage with a 2,600m elevation gain around Paarl Mountain, starting and finishing at Fairview.
- Stage 4 (20 March): Another tough 74km stage with over 1,750m of elevation, again starting and ending at Fairview.
- Stage 5 (21 March): Riders will depart Paarl for Somerset West to continue their epic journey.
The race village will be located at Fairview and Spice Route Destination, giving participants and spectators the chance to experience Paarl’s unique trails, natural beauty, and local attractions. The routes will showcase the very best of Paarl Trails, ensuring an unforgettable event for all involved.
A Community-Wide Celebration
The Absa Cape Epic 2025 is not just about the riders; it’s an event for the entire community. A series of pre-race activities and events will be announced in the coming weeks, offering something for everyone, from locals to visitors. During the race, various water points, supporter stations, and viewing areas will be set up along the route, allowing everyone to be part of the action.
Stay tuned for more updates as Paarl prepares to welcome the world in 2025, transforming the town into EPIC Country!
