Land Rover goes above and beyond to scout route for 2018 Cape Epic
Pretoria, 19 September 2017 – The riders at the 2018 Absa Cape Epic will have to conquer South Africa’s toughest terrain when they participate in the world-famous mountain bike race next year. Land Rover vehicles were instrumental in scouting the scenic, mountainous Western Cape to find the most technically challenging terrain for this iconic mountain bike race.
Lisa Mallett, Marketing Director, Jaguar Land Rover South Africa said:
“We’re thrilled to continue our involvement in the Absa Cape Epic, an event that remains a perfect fit for Land Rover. The riders embody capability and composure – traits shared with every Land Rover – and they have a passion for pushing their limits while exploring the untamed wilderness of our beautiful country. Our Team Land Rover riders will also be participating, to demonstrate the spirit of Above and Beyond.”
The 2018 edition of this unique African mountain bike race will kick off on 18 March, with a 20km Prologue stage up the Mother City’s finest asset: Table Mountain. From there, the route will wind its way through the beautiful, untouched scenery of Robertson, Worcester and Wellington. Stages will also include an extremely challenging section dubbed Land Rover Technical Terrain – with challenging surfaces ranging from steep gradients and descents to large rocks and loose shale.
Eight days after the Epic kicks off – after a total of 658 kilometers covered and 13 530 metres climbed – riders will finish one of the world’s toughest mountain bike races at the award-winning Val de Vie wine estate in Paarl.
Each year, thousands of professional and amateur competitors from all over the world arrive in the Western Cape to tackle this spectacular event. In 2018, Team Land Rover will be back in full force at the Absa Cape Epic, with well-known South Africans using the event as an opportunity to go above and beyond, testing the limits of their capability and composure.
Team Land Rover will once again be headed up by Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok captain and seasoned mountain biker John Smit, partnered by school friend and Absa Cape Epic veteran Shane Chorley. Joining them are former Springbok Jeremy Thompson and world-renowned sportsman Martin Dreyer, of the Change-A-Life Foundation; former Protea cricket player and coach Gary Kirsten and Roddy van Breda of adidas South Africa; marathon runner and cyclist Letshego Zulu, who will be joined by Maurice Ndlolo, long-time cycling partner of the late Gugu Zulu; and finally, the pairing of Mike Nixon, one of the Epic’s Last Lions – competitors who have finished every single Absa Cape Epic, and his Dutch teammate Jasper van Dijk.
Globally, Land Rover aligns itself with a number of sports sponsorships, including equestrian, sailing and rugby. The partnership with the Absa Cape Epic forms part of its Adventure Travel portfolio, which includes a partnership with Land Rover ambassador and renowned adventurer Bear Grylls.
Mountain biking remains one of the most popular participative sports in South Africa, with many taking it up as a form of exercise and opportunity to see the lesser-explored parts of South Africa. With unparalleled off-road capability and composure, Land Rover vehicles are the perfect mountain-biking partner, for the toughest terrains and trails. Land Rover also offers a comprehensive line of accessories that complement the mountain bike lifestyle, without sacrificing the comfort, luxury and latest technology.
Via: Jaguar Land Rover South Africa