25 March, 2025
Orbea Riders Dig Deep in the Cape Epic Dust
After battling other teams and the harsh environments of South Africa for 600 kilometres over eight days, our riders take stock of their 2025 Absa Cape Epic campaigns.
Epic in name and epic by nature, this race is as much a journey as it is against the clock. Only those close to the riders will have witnessed the sacrifice and effort just to get to the start line, let alone the resilience to dig deep when it mattered over eight days of racing. Whether a medal or simply surviving the week is the goal, this is no small undertaking.
The Absa Cape Epic is always tough, the distance, the terrain and unique African challenges, stage three of this year’s race would be shortened and started earlier as temperatures soared towards forty degrees.
No two rider’s experience of the event is the same, with massive highs and crushing lows a constant through the week. Perseverance, as well as trust in your teammate and equipment is key.
After a gruelling week that saw extreme heat to start switch to a wet and humid in the final days, the Cape Epic proved that the race isn’t over until the final day. Georg and Lukas would finish strong, proving their effort paid off by taking the stage win on the final day. This and the resilience of our other riders saw Orbea represented in three of the top ten general classification spots. Fate struck a cruel blow to Kaare Aagaard as ‘The Viking’ fell ill, leaving Ibon Zugasti without a partner in what looked otherwise a certain victory for Orbea Fox Factory Team.
“Call it a day. Really honest stage today – wind, steep climbs, rocky surface, no excuses. 3rd place for SCR” Georg Egger.
“Today, we tackled terrain that wasn’t in our favor, but the team held strong and managed to save the day without losing too much time.” Samuele Porro.
“I’m still freaking out… Rarely have I felt so strong on the bike. Stage victory consolidating the lead with my teammate Kaare Aagaard, the Viking. Thank you all very much for your unconditional support. Let’s go!” Ibon Zugasti.
“Today was a tough one for us, snapping a chain in the first kilometers of the race, the wind was also hectic. We go again tomorrow for stage 2 time trial” Tumelo Makae.
For us, the approach to the Cape Epic mirrors our ethos. An 8-day challenge that demands everything from riders, reflects our drive to create bikes that squeeze the last drops of performance from their rider.
The sacrifice made by teams to get to the start line replicates our meticulous and dedicated approach to our bike design. Cutting edge design allows riders to gain every second, this is embodied in our Oiz race bikes.
More than just a race, especially with Tumelo and Phetetso inspiring those around them and raising awareness for the power of the bicycle, is embedded in Orbea philosophy of fostering community.
The Orbea Oiz, with its lightweight design and responsiveness, becomes an extension of the rider, transforming exhaustion into smooth performance and enabling them to squeeze every last drop of energy in the race against the clock.
We have worked tirelessly to make the Oiz the best bike it can be. Featuring a potent recipe of OMX carbon fibre construction, modern geometry and race tuned suspension, it is simply the fastest.
Simply the fastest
Orbea Fox Factory Team custom Cape Epic race bikes, are feather light, race ready with 120mm of race-tuned suspension combined with modern geometry. The MyO personalisations in suspension, wheels and drivetrain will allow them to get the most from their bikes.
