Zwift, the online training platform for cyclists, and the Absa Cape Epic, have today announced the renewal of their relationship for a third year. With the unfortunate postponement of the real-life event this year, the spirit of the race will live on through Zwift in a festivity of open races, pro-am exhibition racing and podcast rides.   

Beginning on March 7th, Zwifters will have the opportunity to get a taste of the only ‘Hors Category’ UCI Mountain Bike Stage Race. Four Stages (three mass-start, one time trial) complete the race, each presented by Absa Cape Epic partners, Oakley, Dimension Data, ABUS and Assos. Full details of the Zwift Absa Cape Epic Stage Race can be found on the event pages here.

In addition to the mass participation races, Zwifters will be able to watch the pro’s battle it out in a special exhibition race that will be live broadcast via the Absa Cape Epic and Zwift social media channels. All Zwifters who complete all four stages will also be invited to race in the Pro-Am event and test their legs against the best in the business.

The pro’s will also be taking time to chat in a series of Absa Cape Epic Podcast Rides presented by Adventure Stache. Host Payson McElveen chats with past, present and future stars of the Absa Cape Epic as they share personal Absa Cape Epic stories, preparation, and more. Guests include Nino Schurter and Lars Forster of SCOTT-SRAM, Chris Blevins and Cameron Mason of Trinity Racing, Annika Langvad (Specialized Racing) and Kate Courtney (SCOTT-SRAM), and Lachlan Morton and Alex Howes of EF Education First Pro Cycling. Details of the podcast rides can be found here.

Zwifters taking part in any of the Absa Cape Epic events will unlock the official Absa Cape Epic Kit in game. For those who complete all four stages of the race, there will be the opportunity to win a special edition SCOTT Spark RC 900 Team Issue AXS Bike custom painted by Fat Creations.

[Image Credit: Geof Waugh]