The 11th Absa Cape Epic South African mountain bike marathon in 2014 took place from March 23 to March 30 in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. As a UCI-certified XCO-level stage race with substantial prize money, it attracted many top global riders from Olympic-winning cycling teams competing for championship honors. VAUDE-sponsored athletes participated in this event, achieving strong early results—finishing first in the first stage. After fierce competition, the VAUDE team ultimately secured an overall 9th place finish.
It is reported that the Cape Epic began in 2004 and has been successfully held for ten editions to date. Each year, the race route varies, with a dedicated route design team spending about two years planning an approximately 800 km course with 15,000 meters of elevation gain. The route ensures passage through rugged mountains, shrub-filled forests, deep ravines, and majestic coastlines. The terrain is highly diverse and ever-changing, featuring all imaginable types of XC surfaces such as gravel, sand, and rocks. The challenge for participants is extremely demanding. Of course, such a spectacular race also offers breathtaking scenery—the views are truly stunning. To win the overall title of this event, riders need not only strength and luck but also a great partner. The Cape Epic requires participants to compete in pairs, assisting each other throughout, with their finishing times not differing by more than two minutes to be officially recorded.
Introduction to VAUDE-sponsored athletes:
Name: Markus Kaufmann
Nationality: Germany Age: 32
Weight: 73 kg Height: 1.82 m
Races participated in:
2014 First Edition of the Vuelta a Andalucía Cycling Race stages
2013 First Edition of the ALP Bike Challenge stages
2013 First Edition of the Zolleralb Stage Race
2013 Second Edition of VAUDE Black Forest Traverse
2012 German Mountain Bike Marathon
2012 Second Edition of the ALP Bike Challenge stages
2012 Second Edition of VAUDE Black Forest Traverse
2011 Third Edition of Germany Traverse + New Jersey Hill Climb
2011 Sixth Edition of the ALP Race
First Edition of the Zillertal Bike Challenge
First Edition of the Neustadt Marathon
Name: Jochen Kaess
Nationality: Germany Age: 32
Weight: 66 Height: 178
Profession: Professional cyclist
Best achievements:
German Champion in 2007, 2009, 2010; German Champion at the 2011 Second Edition of the South African Mountain Bike Marathon