The Absa Cape Epic, now in its 7th year and promising to be even more exciting than previous years, will take place from 21 to 28 March 2010.

Teams consisting of two cyclists each will cross 722km of some of the Western Cape’s most beautiful landscapes, including Diemersfontein, Ceres, Worcester and Oak Valley. One of the most visited tourist attractions in the southern hemisphere, the Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront, will host the opening celebrations and registration for this pioneering, tough and breathtaking mountain bike race. Stage 1 will start in Diemersfontein in the heart of the wine country and riders will finish eight days later at the well-known wine estate, Lourensford, in Somerset West.

Cyclists from around the world will complete eight stages, each with its own challenges and difficulties. The route changes considerably each year and will lead riders through some of the country’s most unspoilt terrain. Live entertainment for the entire family, including wine tasting, magnificent scenery and the finest food and wine will be on offer at the finish at Lourensford Wine Estate.

Mountain biking enthusiasts not participating in the Absa Cape Epic are invited to enter the MTN Cape Times Vigne-a-Vigne mountain bike race. The race, which takes place on the last day (28 March 2010), promises participants breathtaking scenery and spectacular mountain biking terrain, and cyclists will be given the opportunity to enter either the 50km or 22km one day mountain bike race.

The Cape Times Lourensford Vineyard Run is a unique 11 km trail running race. The Vineyard Run (also on 28 March 2010) will start at 08:30, providing participants with beautiful vistas and numerous climbs through the idyllic and picturesque Lourensford Wine Estate, giving runners the chance to test their trail-running skills.

The Junior Bike Challenge is for kids between the ages of 12 and 16. These young cycling enthusiasts can enter at the Lourensford Wine Estate on the day (28 March 2010). There will be a demarcated Kiddies area with fun activities such as face painting, a jump castle and much more.