andydude

Interesting, thanks! Definitely a change from 2022, but also wondering how much more corporate entrants there are that gets free company entries and not taking it as seriously?

Sheesh that was hectic! 2008 2008 Absa Cape Epic: 28 March to 5 April. 966 km & 18 529m climbing, from Knysna to Lourensford

Your wish is my command! 2014: 1st 30:31:59 2nd +10:23 3rd +13:26 2025: 1st 23:12:39 2nd +1:31 3rd +12:58 That is quite a big difference in winning times! Edit: Just on that they went 24% less time in 2025. Would be a bit less if you add the shortened stages, time. But not much.

I think somebody mentioned how the Epic has changed to shorter but harder/more climbing, and I checked 2014 vs 2025 from official pre published routes. I know this doesn't take everything into account, e.g. type of climbs, techincal, etcetera, but still interesting. 2014: 729 km 14850 m elevation 2025: 591 km (-19%) 16350 m elevation (+10%)

Just saw this in my photo memories from 2014. Your remember this stage 1 / day 2 I think! I went through a new set of brake pads that day and everyone was scrambling for new ones 😄

Trail Angels also great and in the southern suburbs! https://trailangels.co.za/

Running a well organised event and still having a positive impact is not mutually exclusive?

Saw on Beers' instagram!

No problem. They do a massive annual review every year. This one includes those two you mention. But not sure into how much detail they go. https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2023/12/massive-sportswatch-review.html

It actually comes up before selecting category!

PPA Memberships for the 2025/2026 financial year have also opened at a discounted fee of R280 for a limited time only. 2025/2026 Paid-up Pedal Power Association (PPA) Members entry fee: R715 General early bird entry fee: R895 Africa entrants: R1100 International entrants : R1690 Renew your PPA Membership and enter the 2026 Cape Town Cycle Tour for only R995.

If you like reading then check out this review by DC Rainmaker https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2024/05/bike-bike-gps-2024-garmin-hammerhead-karoo-review.html Edit: and more for what you are looking for https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2021/11/cycling-computers-recommendations.html

16 Blue Board Rider 16.1 Definition. A rider who has failed to complete any stage within the Maximum Stage Time but is allowed to continue the Race. They will be classified as a Blue Board Rider (BR). Not applicable at FNB Wines2Whales. 16.2 First Shortfall. Any rider who does not complete a stage within the Maximum Stage Time for the first time will be classified as a Blue Board Rider. Blue Board Riders may continue the Race (i.e., they may start the following stage) but will not be classified as official Race finishers. 16.3 Second Shortfall. If any Blue Board Rider again fails to finish a stage within the Maximum Stage Time, they will not be allowed to continue the Race (i.e., they will not be allowed to start the next stage or any subsequent stage). 16.4 Effect on the Team Member. Any rider whose team member is a Blue Board Rider (or who exits the Race under Rule 16.2) will (provided that such rider has completed all stages within the Maximum Stage Times) be entitled to continue riding in the Race and may qualify as an Individual Finisher, but will not qualify for any rankings

Random question, but is there any chance they could have kept the normal distance for the UCI Elite men and women? I understand completely why it was shortened for the mid and back riders, but not sure why the "fun" part wags the tail for the pro's?

No