Purgatory
The Hemel en Aarde trails have steeped themselves in Untamed history in recent years. This is in no small part due to the extreme heat which scorched 2019’s first marathon day into memories. The 98-kilometre-long Stage 1 includes 2 550 metres of climbing as it ascends through the best of the Hemel en Aarde Valley seemingly countless kilometres of singletracks and into the searing Overberg planes. The outbound loop trends relentlessly uphill; up Katkloof to The One before before bone-rattling descents point downward. Though the descent back to Hermanus sees an overall loss in elevation, teams should be warned, it is far from all downhill. The return loop is technical and challenging, filled with rugged limestone trails which bake in the March sun, making them treacherous to the tired. Gold medal winning wine estates provide spectacular spectator points for the fans and oasis of heaven in a race through hell for the riders.
Hermanus plays host to the 2023 Absa Cape Epic for two nights and the race village will be hosted by Hermanus High School.
The trails of Hermanus range from rough, rugged, and raw, to purpose built and sure to challenge all.
During the first two stages of the 2023 Absa Cape Epic, there will be precious few free kilometres.
No free miles in the Hemel en Aarde valley with punchy climbs and rough terrain requiring complete concentration.
The racing during Stages 1 and 2, in Hermanus, are set to be captivating as they take in old favourites, trails open only during the Absa Cape Epic, and routes never before explored during The Untamed African Mountain Bike Race.
If the mercury begins to rise, as it has in almost every edition to pass through Hermanus, the opening stages of the 2023 Absa Cape Epic will carve their way into memory.
Route Director's Tip
Don’t think you’ve done it all in Hermanus. We made the stage a little shorter but that’s so we could add more of the good stuff in the Hemel en Aarde valley – some superb singletrack awaits the riders. Some familiar, some fresh. They’re linked with some ‘Absa Cape Epic-specific’ trails that are unrideable outside of the event. Take note… steep climbs and long, technical descents.
