In its ongoing quest to remain at the forefront of event innovation and to cater to an evolving market, the Absa Cape Epic has announced the addition of an eBike category, set to debut in the 2027 edition.
By Sean Badenhorst
Following the global surge in popularity of eBikes in recent years, the International Cycling Union (UCI) introduced World Championship categories for eBikes in its premier discipline, Cross-Country Olympic (XCO), in 2019. The success of this move has been widely documented.
More recently, the UCI has also permitted eBike categories at UCI Marathon World Series events. This has led to increased participation and played a key role in influencing the Absa Cape Epic organisers’ decision.
“We are proud of the Absa Cape Epic’s track record as the world’s leading mountain bike stage race,” said a spokesperson. “Over the past 22 years, the race has consistently led the way with innovations such as UCI status for stage races, equal prize money for women, and full-race livestream coverage.”
“This year, we introduced time-parity racing for the UCI Elite Women, which proved to be another major success. Now, we are excited to expand further by adding an eBike category from 2027. eBikes represent the fastest-growing segment in mountain biking, and not embracing this burgeoning market would be short-sighted. We are future-proofing the Absa Cape Epic,” the spokesperson added.
While full details on how the eBike category will be integrated are still being finalised, several key stipulations have already been outlined:
- Riders will be required to complete each stage on a single battery
- Chipped eBikes will not be permitted
- All eBikes must be equipped with a bell
“We are working closely with the UCI to finalise the regulations for the new category, and we expect to have everything confirmed by 1 April 2026,” the spokesperson said.
Of course, that is April Fool’s Day… so yes – this is an early April Fool’s joke.
