Thousands of supporters gathered on the polo fields of Val de Vie Estate on Sunday 25 March to witness the Grand Finale of the 2018 Absa Cape Epic.
The last day of the grueling eight-day mountain bike stage race consisted of 69 kilometres of 2000 metre vertical gain, resulting in arguably the toughest Grand Finale in the 15-year history of the event.
Riders found refuge in the ‘Valley of Life’ following 658 kilometres of riding through untamed areas and natural splendour of the Western Cape, with the temperature cooling down significantly and clouds covering the harsh autumn sun on the last stage of the race.
Both the men’s and women’s Investec Songo Specialized teams were victorious with Jaroslav Kulhavy (Czech Republic) and Howard Grotts (USA) showing impressive shape. In the corresponding women’s team Annika Langvad (Denmark) and Kate Courtney (USA) made for a formidable combination.
Val de Vie Estate was the iconic landmark Grand Finale finishing venue for the second year and provided spectators and riders a taste of the Val de Vie lifestyle. Besides being known for its Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and pristine polo fields, Val de Vie Estate is ideally located in the heart of the Cape Winelands, offering easy access to some of the best and most technical mountain bike trails in South Africa. Val de Vie Estate is in the process of completing at 42 kilometre mountain bike and running track for the exclusive use of estate residents.
The 2019 Absa Cape Epic takes place 17 – 24 March, again concluding at Val de Vie Estate.