4 stages of @_sani2c and 4 sprint finishes for @taylorchick and I.
It’s safe to say I have work to do on sprints and open roads 😂
But I had the best time and every race with Cherise is such a privilege. Her experience and strength are unmatched on the bike, and the laughs and good times are next level off of the bike.
We raced to our limits and even though the ladies field was smaller this year it was stronger and the ladies are all so encouraging and supportive of each other which is something special.
Sani provides such exciting close racing on some of the most beautiful trails in South Africa. And the community and family feel of the organisation makes it unforgettable.
But all of the racing would not be possible without the continued support of Fortress Real Estate Investments.
The Absa Cape Epic is a test of the human spirit, and if you look closely at our finish line you’ll find a strength there that surpasses all, the strength of a Mother.
Today, we celebrate the women who embody the grit, resilience, and heart required to navigate life’s biggest challenges.
To the Moms on the bike, you’ve balanced the gruelling training blocks with the chaos of parenthood. You’ve shown your children that “impossible” is just a starting point.
And to the Moms behind the scenes, you are the driving force behind so many of the incredible stories that get told after those 8 days. You’ve provided the emotional tailwind that carries our riders to the finish.
Happy Mother’s Day to the women who make the Cape Epic possible. Thank you for your strength, your sacrifice, and for being the heart of the Cape Epic community. ❤️
A special shoutout goes to The SuperMoms, @taylorchick and @ilastow . Racing amongst the Elite Women and earning themselves a podium in the @absa.southafrica African Jersey category! You have inspired so many others to reach for more than they ever dreamed of. 🏆
The @capeepic is a race like no other. It pushes you beyond what you think is possible.
Even with months of training and preparation there are so many factors outside of your control.
But having a partner like @taylorchick is everything. No matter the situation we make the most of it. And it’s such a privilege to be able to do this race and with her 🩷
Special thanks to Fortress Real Estate Investments and @bdosouthafrica
For all the support and making it all possible.
And to @darryn_stow for all the encouragement and everything you do.
Pics
1 @kuhnjani
3,7 @milan_debeer
6,16-19 @raymakestv
9-13 @michael.chiaretta
Stage 4 of @capeepic was a rough but rewarding route through the Greyton trail network. It all starts to feel hard at this point but we had a good day together.
Tomorrow we go again.
Thanks @milan_debeer for capturing it all 🙌🏼
@toyota_sa
Fortress Real Estate Investments
@bdosouthafrica@vibro_bricks
Throwback to the delivery of the Hilux that will be transporting the bikes, equipment and kiddos of @taylorchick and @ilastow for the 2026 Absa Cape Epic 🚴🏻♀️🏞️
We wish you ladies the best for the remainder of the race, we’ll see you at the finish line! 👏
#toyota #capeepic #cyclist
Stage 1 @capeepic not much went to plan.
But that’s part of racing and being able to adapt, stay calm, reset and refresh is everything. @taylorchick is the ultimate with just rolling with it. No one else I would rather be with, it’s always a good time even when it shouldn’t be✨
📷 @charlkemp_photography@toyota_sa
Fortress Real Estate Investments
@bdosouthafrica@rola.toyotasomersetwest
First thoughts after the Prologue route recce 👀
Hydration is going to be key out there.
There are plenty of steep climbs that sneak up on you and can catch you off guard.
Keep an eye out for a few tricky corners too.
Let’s just say… it’s definitely a “new max heart rate” kind of route.
Absa Cape Epic… take two! 😅
Back on the start line with the legend Ila Stow for 8 days of beautiful suffering. If you know, you know… the Cape Epic isn’t exactly a Sunday coffee ride.
Feeling incredibly privileged to line up again with the support of some amazing partners. It may sound cliché, but it’s true — without them this adventure simply wouldn’t be possible.
This race is also about showing up for ourselves. Between kids, work, life admin and everything else in between, the juggle is real. And with that comes the occasional “what on earth am I doing?” moment when pushing the limits mentally and physically.
But that feeling when you cross the finish line each day… the pride, the grit, the “we actually did that!” — totally worth it.
Huge thank you to the brands backing this crazy journey.
@Fortress@toyota_sa@bdosouthafrica@specializedsomersetwest@livcyclingrsa@vibro_bricks@rolamotorgroup@thulestoresouthafrica@bikepark_uitsig@oakleybike@vanh_za@salomon_sa
Let’s go… again.
📸 @milan_debeer
@songoinfo Ladies Champions Race.
Well done on a fantastic event.
Thank you to Kayamandi for welcoming some of the best riders in the world to your home and showing them the warm culture we have.
South Africa has something special 🇿🇦
