ABSA Cape Epic 2025

Some Races Test Endurance. Others Test Willpower.

The Absa Cape Epic does both... and then some. From March 16 to 23, 2025, riders will face 608 kilometers of untamed trails and 16,500 meters of relentless climbing through South Africa’s Western Cape. This isn’t just a race; it’s survival on two wheels.

And this year, Keegan Swenson isn’t going it alone. He’s teaming up with none other than three-time Cape Epic champion Matt Beers to take on the beast together.

A Race That Devours the Weak

The Cape Epic isn’t just tough, it’s mythological. Loose dirt turns to sand traps, climbs that stretch to the horizon, and the sun burns away any illusion of comfort. Riders start each morning with their bodies already wrecked from the day before, legs screaming, minds teetering on the edge of surrender. But there’s no room for weakness.

To make things even more brutal, the course changes every year. No two editions are the same, meaning every rider, rookie or veteran, steps onto an even playing field of suffering.

This isn’t a solo mission. Teams of two take on the course together, bound by a rule as brutal as the terrain itself: if your partner cracks, your race is over. Swenson’s success isn’t just about watts or VO2 max, it’s about trust, strategy, and knowing that the person next to you can suffer just as beautifully as you can.

The Ultimate Team-Up: Swenson & Beers

Keegan Swenson and Matt Beers are riding under the team name Outride-Toyota-Songo. It’s a dream partnership that brings together two of the strongest forces in off-road racing. Beers, a South African powerhouse, has won the Cape Epic three times. He knows the terrain, the suffering, and exactly what it takes to win. Swenson? He’s an XC and gravel juggernaut, a three-time Lifetime Grand Prix champion, king of Leadville, ruler of Unbound Gravel, destroyer of the White Rim FKT, and a master of pushing limits.

Swenson and Beers are also racing in partnership with Outride, a nonprofit dedicated to getting more kids on bikes. "I'm stoked to represent Outride and the work they do to get more kids on bikes," says Swenson. "Cycling has been such a huge part of my life, so being able to race for a cause that shares that passion is an honor. We’re here to win, but it's awesome to know we're riding for something bigger than ourselves."

The Tannus Advantage

One big aspect of Swenson’s setup is Tannus Tubeless inserts. The invisible advantage that keeps him charging full-speed into the unknown. More control, fewer flats, and the confidence to hammer descents without fear.

Swenson called Tannus his "secret weapon" long before we knew he was even riding them. He’s a fan of our Gravel Insert and views Tannus as a partner, collaborating to develop the best inserts on the market. In an eight-day war like the Cape Epic, that edge can mean everything. Because this race is about suffering smarter.

Where to Watch the Madness Unfold

The Cape Epic is an Odyssey. A trial by fire, a reckoning of will, a stage where legends either rise or crumble into dust. And for Swenson and Beers, it’s a chance to etch their names into history together.

Want to witness the chaos? The 2025 ABSA Cape Epic will be broadcast live on the Epic Series website, YouTube, and the Epic Series app. Track riders in real time, feel the heartbreak of mechanicals, and watch the final sprints that define careers. This is pain, glory, and history in the making.

Want to see the course? Watch this video to see how Epic it really is!

Additional Posts...

Best Winter Rides in Arizona: Why Winter Is The Season To Hit The Trails

Winter riding in Arizona gives cyclists a real advantage. While most states freeze up, Arizona rolls out warm dirt, long trail systems, and wide open gravel routes that stay rideable all season. From Sedona’s red rock flow to Phoenix’s endless desert singletrack and Tucson’s big gravel days, the state delivers some of the best winter mountain biking and e-biking in the country. Riders using Tannus Armour or Tannus Tubeless Inserts get even more freedom with flat protection built for sharp rock and cactus terrain. If you want dry conditions, steady sun, and miles that keep coming, Arizona is the place to ride through winter.
Riding Through the Holidays: Keeping Your Bike Time Alive When Life Gets Busy

Riding through the holidays is never about perfect training plans or long windows of free time. It is about finding small moments that keep you grounded. This guide breaks down simple ways to stay on the bike during the busiest season of the year, from early morning spins to winter friendly bike setups that prevent flats and make cold rides easier. When your bike is ready and your expectations stay flexible, holiday riding becomes something you look forward to instead of something you struggle to fit in.
Winter Riding Myths Busted: What Cold Weather Cycling Is Really Like

Winter riding looks intimidating, but most of the fears around cold-weather cycling come from myths that simply aren’t true. This guide breaks down the most common misunderstandings about winter biking, from flat tire concerns to safety, bike durability, and motivation. Learn how proper tire pressure, flat-prevention gear like Tannus Armour or tubeless inserts, and simple winter prep can make cold-weather riding safer, smoother, and surprisingly enjoyable. Whether you ride a commuter bike, an e-bike, or a gravel setup, these insights help you ride confidently all season.
Holiday Gift Guide for Cyclists: Practical Gifts Riders Actually Want

Holiday shopping for cyclists can feel impossible, but the best gifts are the ones riders actually use. This guide highlights real, dependable cycling gear like helmets, lights, multi-tools, tire protection, and winter essentials from trusted brands. From flat-prevention upgrades like Tannus Armour and tubeless inserts to everyday items like bike tire repair tools, lights, and winter gloves, this list keeps things simple, practical, and perfect for road riders, mountain bikers, commuters, and e-bike owners. If you want a gift that truly improves a rider’s experience, this guide has you covered.
Winter Bike Prep Guide: Keep Your Ride Rolling All Season

Winter riding gets easier when your bike is dialed in. This guide breaks down how to prep your drivetrain, bike tires, inner tubes, and flat-prevention setup for cold weather. Learn how to avoid winter flats, improve traction, check brake pads, and keep your bike safe with tire liners, inserts, and protection systems like Tannus Armour. A simple winter tune-up helps every rider stay confident on snowy roads and enjoy the season without constant bicycle tire repair.