The road to the 2025 ABSA Cape Epic, taking place from 16 to 23 March, has officially begun. Preparations for this iconic mountain bike race are well underway, with sponsors jumping on board to ensure the smooth execution of this eight-day, nearly 700km endurance challenge. One key partner, the Gap Infrastructure Corporation (GIC), has recently committed to a three-year partnership agreement.

“We’re no stranger to the world of sports, having sponsored several cycling and running events and teams in the past. Our in-house team has even participated in the Cape Epic, and the event has become a favourite for its unmatched landscapes and spirit of adventure,” says Roelof van den Berg, CEO of GIC.

“But we understand that the race is easily one of the largest and most challenging mountain biking events in the world, making it a highly complex venture to organise and execute. As a partner, we’re confident that our expertise will significantly benefit its logistics for a flawless execution.”

As an added benefit, GIC’s association with the prestigious Blaauwklippen Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, where GIC is developing the Blaauwklip-aan-Rivier luxury estate, has seen the winery likewise come onboard as an event sponsor. Founded in 1682, Blaauwklippen is the oldest wine estate in the Stellenbosch viticultural region and has forged a strong bond with cycling and mountain biking enthusiasts who enjoy the scenic ride through its vineyards.

Speaking to the partnerships with GIC and Blaauwklippen, Jonathan Meintjes, Head of Mountain Biking EMEA at The IRONMAN Group, the organiser of the ABSA Cape Epic event, says: “Working with and alongside such passionate, capable, and innovative partners has allowed us to draw inspiration and harness a diverse array of skills to improve the rider’s experience in the build-up to and during the Absa Cape Epic.

“GIC’s project management and digital information modelling expertise in particular will help us streamline operations and anticipate where resources will be best deployed. Plus, beyond the logistics, we are very excited by the potential of the partnership with Blaauwklippen.”

GIC is a leading infrastructure developer dedicated to bridging the gap between existing infrastructure and the needs of communities across Africa. Specialising in the design, build, and financing of projects, it focuses on creating sustainable value for communities through innovative solutions. Its expertise spans various sectors, including town planning, civil services, structural development, health infrastructure, property management, mining, and roadworks, ensuring comprehensive and impactful development initiatives.

“As a company, GIC has always focused on changing lives through innovative infrastructure development. Partnering with the Absa Cape Epic will allow us to extend that impact into the world of mountain biking. Ultimately, both GIC and the Absa Cape Epic share a commitment to creating lasting, positive change – whether it’s through building essential infrastructure or inspiring people to push their limits on the world’s toughest trails,” notes van den Berg.

This year’s Absa Cape Epic will see reigning champions Hanlie Booyens and Michelle Lombardi from Stellenbosch defend their titles in the women’s category, along with Oliver Imfeld and Thomas Jauner from Switzerland in the men’s category. Early indications further suggest that Olympic Gold Medallist Bart Brentjens may return in 2025, potentially adding another GIC Grand Masters jersey to his haul of four purple jerseys and nine category victories. GIC will also provide a direct sponsorship to racing duos Craig Uria and Charlie McFall, Adrienne Moolman and Lesleigh Beukes, John Smith and Butch James (Cape Epic) as well as Rayno Van Vuuren and Morné Steyn (Cape Epic).