Absa Cape Epic 2017

Sand, Salt and Spirit

The Topeak-Ergon Racing Team in the toughest race in the world

A trip to hell and back!

The Absa Cape Epic from March 19th to 26th is the toughest mountain bike stage race in the world and is being held for the 14th time this year. Eight days of dust – eight days of pain – eight days of absolute exhaustion – that is what the 1300 participants can expect on their ride through the untamed wilderness of South Africa. For even our experienced athletes at Topeak-Ergon, the race poses a huge challenge time and time again and can only be tackled with the necessary team spirit – always true to our motto: „Sand, Salt and Spirit!“

Even the route is different every time – this year it leads over eight stages for around 700 kilometers from the Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville to the Val de Vie Estate close to Paarl. Here, the riders need to conquer the toughest conditions over 15,000 meters in altitude changes. The route profile offers everything that mountain biking constitutes in the border area: merciless gravel road, crisp inclines, technical downhills, flowing single trails and adventures river crossings.

Alban Lakata, Kristian Hynek, Erik Kleinhans und Jeremiah Bishop
  • Topeak-Ergon Racing Team Ⅰ

    Alban Lakata und Kristian Hynek

    The Topeak-Ergon Racing Team Ⅰ, comprised of the 2015 Marathon World Champion, Alban Lakata (AUT) and the reigning Marathon World Championship bronze medalist, Kristian Hynek (CZE), are more motivated than ever after recovering from their injuries. For these two exceptional athletes, only victory counts. That's why they are one of the top favorites. Time will tell, as the Cape Epic has its own laws ...

  • Topeak-Ergon Racing Team Ⅱ

    Erik Kleinhans und Jeremiah Bishop

    Topeak-Ergon Racing Team Ⅱ, with Jeremiah Bishop (USA) and Erik Kleinhans (ZAF), play an extremely important part in the race for Alban and Kristian. They can aid the two lead riders during the race in the unfortunate case of a mechanical. For this team tactic to work, Jeremiah and Erik must not be too far from Alban and Kristian.

Canyon Hardtail Exceed CF SLX

The bike became the Marathon World Champion before it was even on the market. This lightweight machine is characterized by its uncompromising desire to be ridden swiftly and aggressively.

Seitenansicht des Canyon Hardtail Exceed CF SLX

Eqiupment

Frame
Canyon Exceed CF SL
Frame
RockShox RS1
Gear
SRAM XX1 Eagle
Brakes
SRAM Level Ultimate
Wheels
DT SWISS XR 1200 Spline
Tires
Maxxis Ikon 2.2
Cranks
SRAM XX1 Eagle
Grips
Ergon GS1
Saddle
Ergon SMR3 Pro Carbon
Pedals
Crankbrothers Candy 11
Weight
9,4 kg

Canyon Full Suspension LUX CF

When the trails get bumpy, the rider’s choice is always the proven Lux CF.

Seitenansicht des Canyon Hardtail Exceed CF SLX

Eqiupment

Frame
Canyon Lux CF 29
Fork
RockShox RS1
Rear Shock
Monarch XX
Gear
SRAM XX1 Eagle
Brakes
SRAM Level Ultimate
Wheels
DT SWISS XR 1200 SPLINE
Tires
MAXXIS IKON 2.2
Cranks
SRAM XX1 Eagle
Grips
Ergon GS1
Saddle
Ergon SMR3 Pro Carbon
Pedals
Crankbrothers Candy 11
Weight
10,1 kg