An Untamed Odyssey 

Stage 2 of the 2022 Absa Cape Epic heads due east, taking the teams on an African Odyssey from the luxury of Lourensford Wine Estate into the heart of the hinterland. The route crosses the Helderberg basin, sweeping through Vergelegen, and ascends the Gantouw Link and the Gantouw Pass portage. Once on the Elgin plateau, the forge east continues, but takes in the Waterfall, Witklippies and Pofadder trails. Kat Pas and the new JK’s Switchbacks singletrack leads into the Overberg and onto Van der Stel Pass. From here the route rolls onwards towards a climb that will carve its way into Absa Cape Epic lore in one single encounter. But from the summit, spectacular views await before undulating dual tracks sap the final reserves from the legs on the way to Elandskloof.

FAST FACT

The Gantouw Pass is a world heritage site and the scars from early settlers’ ox wagons can still be seen in the stone surface.

Route Director's Tip

Stage 2 is one of the longest stages in recent history and includes the first uphill portage of the Gantouw Pass in the Absa Cape Epic. Once over the pass and through the flowing trails that follow, don’t be tempted to empty the tank on the district roads as there’s a route-defining climb that soon follows. Prepare yourself not only for the longest stage of the event, but also for the longest compulsory uphill portage of the 2022 edition, and for the stage where the longest and steepest climb only arrives after 80km.

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