12 March, 2026
Orbea Oiz: Ready for the 2026 Cape Epic
Every year, the Absa Cape Epic tests more than just the legs of those who take it on. For eight days, heat, dust, accumulated fatigue and demanding terrain push both teams and bikes to perform at their very best.
In a race like this, every detail matters: light weight to conquer long climbs, efficiency to maintain the pace for hours and control when the terrain turns technical.
That’s why our teams will take on the race aboard Oiz, a bike already proven at the Cape Epic. In 2022, Orbea Speed Company Racing claimed the overall men’s victory along with two stage wins. In 2023 they returned to the podium with a second place overall and two more stage victories, while Ibon Zugasti won the Mixed category alongside Alice Pirard. In 2025, Oiz added another top-5 overall result and a stage win.
Klimatiza Orbea
The Klimatiza Team arrives at the Cape Epic with a strong and experienced line-up: David Valero, Marc Stutzmann, Samuele Porro and Luis Martínez.
These riders are used to competing at the highest level and are capable of sustaining very high speeds during long and demanding stages.
For them, Oiz brings two key qualities to the Epic: pedaling efficiency for the long fast sections and low weight to tackle South Africa’s endless climbs.
Orbea FOX Factory Team
Ibon Zugasti returns to the Cape Epic representing the Orbea FOX Factory Team with the philosophy that defines him: adventure, endurance and a passion for stage racing.
In an event where hours and days accumulate, comfort, control and efficiency are essential.
This is where Oiz proves its versatility: its 120 mm of travel deliver control on technical descents, while its efficient pedaling platform helps maintain the pace over long days of racing.
Orbea Speed Company Racing
Orbea Speed Company Racing will rely on the pairing of Georg Egger and Lukas Baum, one of the strongest duos in the marathon peloton.
Their ability to manage the effort throughout the week means that every detail of the bike becomes crucial.
For them, Oiz stands out for its balance of weight, efficiency and control; essential qualities for tackling an eight-day race where consistency makes the difference.
Team 69
Danish rider Simon Andreassen is one of the most explosive and technically skilled riders in the international peloton and will take on the Epic with Team 69.
His aggressive riding style fits perfectly with the character of Oiz: a fast, responsive bike built to attack when the terrain becomes demanding.
The combination of stiffness, control and modern geometry allows riders to maintain speed even on the most technical sections—something crucial in a race where every second counts.
Pump For Peace
Beyond results, Pump for Peace represents one of the most inspiring projects in today’s MTB scene.
Their mission goes far beyond competition: creating opportunities for young talent through cycling, using sport as a tool for development, education and social change.
In a race as demanding as the Absa Cape Epic, Pump for Peace reminds us that mountain biking is also about community, sharing the trail and opening doors for the next generation of riders.
Ready for eight days of racing
The Cape Epic demands the very best from riders… and from their bikes.
For eight days, all these teams will compete on Oiz, a platform designed to go fast in modern XC and built to face the challenges of one of the toughest stage races in the world.
Simply the fastest
Many of the Orbea teams at this year’s Absa Cape Epic will be competing aboard their own personalised Oiz through the MyO configurator.
The Absa Cape Epic 2026 will be a demanding race, but these riders are ready to take it on with Oiz.
This time, the story doesn’t end in South Africa. When the race is over, you could take home your favorite rider’s Oiz.
Choose your rider, follow the race and discover how to take part for a chance to win one of the bikes that competed in the Cape Epic.