A dramatic new route will again offer participants from around the world an awesome trail that showcases the best MTB opportunities the Western Cape has to offer in what will be the eleventh edition of the Absa Cape Epic, taking place from 23 to 30 March 2014.

Local and international mountain biking enthusiasts will be taken on a demanding eight day adventure of 718km, including 14 850m of climbing. For the first time The Cape Leopard Trust has been confirmed as an official associate charity for the 2014 event, which will see 1 200 cyclists traversing vast distances of virgin territory previously untouched by the race, and all within the areas our Cape leopards call home.

Riders and leopards will for eight days be sharing the most challenging and exhilarating landscapes, with locations such as Robertson, Greyton and Oak Valley Wine Estate amongst some of the set stages in what is now the most prestigious mountain bike race in the world.

The race will begin at Meerendal wine estate and once again finish at the Lourensford Wine Estate as has been tradition since 2007.

The Cape Leopard Trust still has one team entry available for anyone brave enough to take on the challenge. If you would like to know more please email Helen on [email protected]