New ownership for Absa Cape Epic

[King_Crispy]

FFS, we already can't afford it

[nickc]

At an informal pre-announcement media briefing earlier today Kevin Vermaak indicated that this is very much the goal.

The Cape Epic is to become what Kona is to Ironman within an international mtb series of sorts.

What was made very clear is that Kevin will be a key influencer in the mountain biking component of the group, including the Cape Epic, even though no longer as involved in the day to day operations.

So I'd imagine much of the essence of what has made the Epic a success will be retained, plugging into the expertise and resources within the WTC "mothership" where it makes sense.

 

Wanda sports who own Ironman are the biggest sports group in the world so they have the capabilities.

[olffie1]

most overrated mtb race  event  in the world...

and the most wanted to be seen at event to participate at

[olffie1]

OK, so now the race will be priced in USD, at a level us local Saffas will not be able to afford.

 

Well done Kevin, brilliant business exit right there. Can't wait to see the new rulebook, non drafting pair category going to need lots of policemen

They can afford plenty of policeman now!

[r0adrunner]

OK, so now the race will be priced in USD, at a level us local Saffas will not be able to afford.

As if we could afford it in ZAR?

[Matt]

So many haters here. I think it is good for the sport.

I wonder how ABSA are going to take it. They must have pumped millions of dollars inott that race.

Be interesting to see what the new name will be!

Agreed, great for the sport. It just so happens that one of the companies owned by the Wanda group is Infront Sports -  a media rights & distribution company. More TV and other media coverage = better value for pro riders and their sponsors... hopefully that will soon translate into an even healthier pro contingent at the event.

 

Although nothing can be confirmed at this stage, from the discussion yesterday it doesn't sound like the Cape Epic name is going anywhere. There's huge value in the Cape Epic brand and I'm sure the new owners will want to capitalise on that rather than tossing it.

[GrahamS2]

Wanda sports who own Ironman are the biggest sports group in the world so they have the capabilities.

So this makes the Cape Epic Chinese owned.

[Napalm]

So this makes the Cape Epic Chinese owned.

 

The winnners gets a trophy, then have to come back next year cause it broke after 15 minutes. It's brilliant actually.

[Pure Savage]

Agreed, great for the sport. It just so happens that one of the companies owned by the Wanda group is Infront Sports -  a media rights & distribution company. More TV and other media coverage = better value for pro riders and their sponsors... hopefully that will soon translate into an even healthier pro contingent at the event.

 

Although nothing can be confirmed at this stage, from the discussion yesterday it doesn't sound like the Cape Epic name is going anywhere. There's huge value in the Cape Epic brand and I'm sure the new owners will want to capitalise on that rather than tossing it.

Most know it as the ABSA Cape Epic, I think thats what he was getting at. (Also the name of the thread mentions Absa)

 

ABSA are probably happy, as Barclays has done a little side step.

Edited August 19, 2016 by Pure Savage

[Gen]

Most know it as the ABSA Cape Epic, I think thats what he was getting at. (Also the name of the thread mentions Absa)

 

ABSA are probably happy, as Barclays has done a little side step.

Didn't they drop the ABSA bit this year?

[Pure Savage]

Didn't they drop the ABSA bit this year?

Nope, they added the Barclays tents. 

 

It very much was the Absa Cape Epic this year.

 

(The poor marketing manager for Absa and the Cape Epic is crying, according to you the main sponsor did not sponsor the event this year Does not bode well for new owners )

Edited August 19, 2016 by Pure Savage

[Gen]

Nope, they added the Barclays tents.

 

It very much was the Absa Cape Epic this year.

Aah thx.[emoji106]

[rock]

So this makes the Cape Epic Chinese owned.

 

Soon to be "aliexpress-deng fu-cape epic"

[Meezo]

Soon to be "aliexpress-deng fu-cape epic"

 

hopefully then i don't mind paying much much much cheaper and waiting 6-8weeks for it arrive

[GrahamS2]

The winnners gets a trophy, then have to come back next year cause it broke after 15 minutes. It's brilliant actually.

Well they already run Lesotho, so the Cape is the next step I guess 

[Rudi Pollard]

From what I know and have heard. New ownership, but same title sponsor, so it will remain the ABSA Cape Epic. Well at least for 2017 it will...